About & FAQ

Ryst Collective is a photography studio serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Here are straight answers to the questions clients ask most.

At a glance

Rate
$150–$400 per hour
Minimum
1 hour
Photos ready
2–3 days after your session
Includes
Full edit, Google Drive delivery
To book
20% deposit reserves your date
Service area
DC, Maryland & Virginia; US travel
Video
Events & brands hourly; edited in 1–2 weeks

Prices and details last updated .

Check your date

Frequently asked questions

How much does photography cost?

Sessions are $150–$400 per hour, with a one-hour minimum. That covers maternity, portraits, events, real estate, sports, and lifestyle photography. Where a session falls in the range depends on the lighting and equipment it needs, the size and complexity of the event, and the type of event. Weddings are quoted separately.

What is included in the price?

Every session includes the photographer on site for the hours you book, a full edit of every delivered photo (color, exposure, cropping, and light skin retouching), and delivery in a Google Drive folder. Photos are usually ready 2–3 days after your session.

How many photos will I receive?

Usually about 50 to 100 per hour, but there is no fixed number. The count depends on the type of event, your requirements, and your budget. Our focus is capturing the moments that matter, not hitting a quota.

When will I get my photos?

Photos are usually ready 2–3 days after your session.

How do I reserve a date?

A deposit of 20% of the total cost secures your date. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session.

Do you also shoot video?

Yes. We shoot video for events and corporate clients, weddings, and brand and social content. Event and brand video uses the same hourly range as photography; wedding video is custom-quoted.

Do you travel outside the DMV?

Yes, anywhere within the United States. Travel expenses are added for locations outside the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

Who owns the photos?

You do. The photos are yours outright, including for business and marketing use. We may feature a few images in our portfolio or on Instagram; just tell us if you would prefer we did not.

What decides where my session falls in the price range?

Three things: the lighting and equipment setup it needs, the size and complexity of the event (guest count, number of rooms or venues, moving between locations), and the type of event. You receive a full quote before you sign the contract.

Is there a minimum booking?

Yes, one hour.

What payment methods do you accept?

Zelle, Venmo, cash, and bank transfer.

What is your cancellation policy?

The 20% deposit is non-refundable. If you need to move your date, we will work out rescheduling with you case by case.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking one to two weeks in advance.

Do you offer full-day or multi-day rates?

Yes. For conferences and other long or multi-day events, ask about a full-day or multi-day rate.

Do you charge more for evenings, weekends, or holidays?

No. Evenings, weekends, and holidays are booked at the same rates.

Do weddings cost more?

Weddings are custom-quoted because every celebration is different. Contact us with your date, venue, and vision for an accurate quote.

How do I book?

Email us at rystcollective@gmail.com or call us at 240-645-2733.

What types of photography do you offer?

Maternity, portraits, events and corporate coverage, real estate, sports, and lifestyle photography. We also photograph weddings and offer full video coverage.

How long does a session take?

Sessions are booked by the hour with a one-hour minimum. Most run one to two hours.

Do you help with posing?

Yes. Portrait and maternity sessions are directed, so you are never left guessing what to do. Event and lifestyle coverage stays candid, with direction for group photos when you want them.

What should I wear?

Solid colors and soft neutrals photograph best and keep the attention on you. Avoid large logos and busy patterns, coordinate rather than match if you are in the photos with others, and choose something you can move and sit in comfortably.

How should I prepare for my session?

Tell us about any must-have shots or people when you book, plan to arrive a few minutes early, and check the forecast if the session is outdoors. For events, share the schedule so the key moments are covered.

Who chooses the location?

You do. If you would like ideas, we are happy to suggest spots that suit the look you want.

What happens if the weather is bad?

For outdoor sessions, we move indoors or reschedule.

Can my partner, children, or pets join?

Yes. Everyone is welcome, pets included.

Do you bring a second photographer?

For large events, a second photographer is available on request at an additional cost.

What does editing include?

Every delivered photo is edited for color, exposure, and cropping, with light skin retouching.

How are photos delivered?

In a Google Drive folder that is easy to view, download, and share. The folder stays available for 90 days, or longer on request.

Can I get the RAW files?

Yes, for an additional fee.

Do you offer prints or albums?

Yes. Prints and albums can be ordered on request at an additional price.

What kinds of video do you shoot?

Events and corporate coverage, weddings, and brand and social content.

How much does video cost?

$150–$400 per hour, the same range as photography. Where a project falls in the range depends on its setup, size, and type. Wedding video is custom-quoted.

What do I receive with video coverage?

An edited highlight film of two to five minutes and a full-length edit. Raw footage is also available; ask when you book.

How long does video editing take?

Edited video is usually delivered within one to two weeks.

Where are you based?

We are based in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) and travel for shoots anywhere in the United States.

How are travel expenses calculated?

They depend on the distance and location. You receive a full quote, travel included, before you sign the contract.

The Photographer

Robert

Photographer, Ryst Collective

Robert is the photographer behind Ryst Collective, directing maternity, portrait, event, real estate, sports, and lifestyle sessions across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Instagram

Our Philosophy

We believe in the power of visual storytelling—each frame a brushstroke, each moment a canvas. Our work is driven by a fashion-forward sensibility and a commitment to preserving the essence of fleeting moments, transforming them into timeless art.

Founded in 2024, Ryst Collective has quickly established itself as a premier creative studio in the DMV area, specializing in high-end photography for maternity, portraits, and events.