Frequently Asked Questions for Free Chicago Group Photoshoot - Perfect for Bachelorette, Birthday, Reunions & more!

Question 1

Is Shoott legit and is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Shoott is a legitimate professional photography service and your 30-minute session is genuinely free to book. You do not pay anything until after the shoot, when you choose which photos (if any) to purchase from your gallery.

Shoott has a 4.9-star rating from 2,800+ Google reviews, has been featured in major national publications, and has completed over 300,000 sessions. The pay-by-the-pic model is the company's business: aggregating demand for photographers lets Shoott keep prices low and the booking process risk-free.

Question 2

Is there a minimum I have to purchase?

Accepted Answer

No, you are not required to buy any photos from your Shoott gallery. There is no minimum order and no obligation to purchase.

If you spend less than $100 on your gallery (or buy nothing), you will be asked to make a small prepayment on your next session, which gets applied as credit toward future photo purchases.

Question 3

Why is there a pending charge on my card after booking?

Accepted Answer

The $75 charge you see is a temporary pre-authorization hold, not an actual charge. It exists to make sure funds are available to cover potential late fees or no-show fees, and it is released automatically.

Shoott never collects this hold unless a fee is incurred. The pre-authorization is disclosed on the booking form when you enter your card details.

Question 4

Can I choose my own date, time, and/or location?

Accepted Answer

Shoott's standard free / pay-by-the-pic sessions are only available at Shoott's published dates, times, and locations. If you want to choose a specific date, time, or location that is not on the public schedule, book a custom session, which requires an upfront payment.

Custom sessions are ideal for engagements, milestone events, or specific lighting windows like sunrise or sunset.

Question 5

How do I cancel or reschedule my Shoott session?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel or reschedule any standard Shoott session free of charge up to 10:00 a.m. two days before your session. Use the link in your booking confirmation email to make changes yourself or email info@shoott.com.

Cancellations or reschedules after that cutoff incur a minimum $50 fee. Cancellations after 8:00 p.m. the day before your shoot, or no-shows, trigger an automatic $75 no-show fee.

For custom sessions, you must notify Shoott by 10:00 a.m. three days before the shoot for a full refund. Late changes forfeit the deposit.

Question 6

Can I book multiple Shoott sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can book back-to-back or multiple Shoott sessions, but each 30-minute session generates its own gallery and is treated separately at checkout. Package discounts apply per gallery, not across multiple galleries.

If you already have one upcoming session and book another, a $100 prepayment is required. With 2+ existing bookings, the prepayment is $150. Prepayments are non-refundable and apply only to the gallery they are attached to.

Question 7

Where exactly do Shoott's photoshoots take place?

Accepted Answer

Shoott photoshoots take place at 600+ scouted outdoor locations across the U.S., typically beautiful public parks, beaches, gardens, plazas, and iconic city landmarks. Shoott obtains permits where required and selects spots with strong natural light and varied backdrops.

Your exact meeting point is included in your booking confirmation email and is also texted to you by your photographer the day before your session.

Question 8

Does Shoott offer indoor or studio photoshoots?

Accepted Answer

Shoott primarily offers outdoor photoshoots. Studio or indoor sessions are not part of the standard pay-by-the-pic offering, but are available in select cities. You can also request an indoor or specialty location through a custom session at shoott.com/custom.

Question 9

What should I bring to a Shoott photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Bring water, sunblock, a light snack, and any props or accessories that make the shoot feel personal. The only prop that we would not recommend is glitter due to how difficult it is to clean up and it's often prohibited in public spaces!

For sessions with infants or young children, bring favorite toys, blankets, and items that grab their attention.

For sessions including pets, bring treats, water, and a favorite toy to help the photographer capture their best angles. Check the booking confirmation to see whether pets are permitted at your specific location.

Question 10

Does Shoott provide hair and makeup?

Accepted Answer

No, Shoott does not provide hair and makeup services at this time. Arrive camera-ready with hair and makeup done how you like. Most clients self-style and look fantastic, but professional styling is welcome if you prefer.

Question 11

What if I am late to my Shoott session?

Accepted Answer

If you are running late, text or call your photographer immediately so they can adjust. Arriving more than 10 minutes late incurs a late fee based on when your first photo is taken, plus a required prepayment for your next session.

Your arrival time is defined as the moment you are at the meeting point and ready to start shooting, not the moment you park or are en route.

Question 12

What if the weather is bad on my Shoott day?

Accepted Answer

Shoott operates rain or shine, so light rain or overcast skies are not grounds for cancellation. If you are not comfortable shooting in the elements, cancel before 10:00 a.m. two days prior to avoid the cancellation fee.

In severe weather (lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards), Shoott proactively cancels for the safety of clients and photographers and will help you reschedule at no charge.

Question 13

Are Shoott photographers professional?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every Shoott photographer is a vetted professional. Shoott accepts only the top 2 to 5% of applicants after a multi-step interview and training process, and all photographers are background-checked.

The network includes 900+ active photographers experienced in lifestyle, family, maternity, newborn, engagement, fitness, headshot, and pet portraiture.

Question 14

Who will my Shoott photographer be?

Accepted Answer

Shoott assigns photographers based on availability and skill match for your session type. Your assigned photographer will text you by 6:00 p.m. the day before your session to introduce themselves and confirm details. Alternatively, you can also browse our site by Top Photographers and view their portfolios in order to select a photographer you like!

You can continue the conversation with them in advance to share inspiration photos, special requests, or relevant context about your group.

Question 15

How many photos will I get from my Shoott session?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a private digital gallery of 40 or more lightly edited photos within 3 to 5 business days after your session. The exact count varies by session, but 40+ is the minimum as long as you arrive on time.

Photos are edited for lighting, color, and cropping. Heavier retouching (skin smoothing, blemish removal, body adjustments) is available as an add-on.

Question 16

When will I receive my Shoott photos?

Accepted Answer

Your digital gallery is delivered to your booking email within 3 to 5 business days after your session. You will receive an email notification when the gallery is ready to view.

Question 17

Are Shoott photos edited?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every photo in your gallery is lightly edited for lighting, color, and cropping before delivery. Heavier retouching (blemish removal, skin smoothing, body adjustments) is available as a paid add-on, and retouching credits are bundled into the 10-photo and full-gallery packages.

Question 18

Do I own the photos I purchase from Shoott?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase a Shoott photo, you receive full non-commercial usage rights. You can print, share, and use the photo for personal purposes indefinitely.

Commercial use (stock photography, advertising, e-commerce, book or album covers) is not included and requires a separate licensing agreement.

Question 19

Will my photos be kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have full control over your photo privacy and Shoott galleries are automatically marked private. When you receive your gallery you will have the option to change this setting and allow Shoott and your photographer to use the images for marketing and portfolio purposes.

Your photos are never sold to third parties or used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models, and Shoott does not use facial recognition or biometric tracking on your images

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