how does soona work?
book

plan your shoot in just minutes! build your own photo or video shoot or select a pre-priced pack.
prep

finalize your shot list and select your models! ship us your products in order to get on the schedule.
attend

every shoot starts with a kickoff call. see content appear in real-time and give feedback through our live chat!
shop

only pay for what you love: $39 photos & $93 video clips. select edits during check out. get your content back in 24 hrs.
frequently asked questions about soona
do I need to join my virtual shoot with a hand model?
yes! virtual shoot attendance is required so you can give live feedback and we can capture your content just the way you need it.
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if you do not attend we do our best to capture your goals. if you'd like more content with the hand model after we wrap: you must create another booking and pay for the hand model service.
do hand models arrive with manicures?
the hand model service includes clean and unpolished nails that are cared for by the model themselves at home.Â
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your model's hands will be moisturized and cuticles trimmed. nails will be free of dirt and no longer than 1 cm in length above the fingertip.
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- if a color or a standard nail look + length is desired -use our press on manicure service for $39 per model.
- if you need your products applied to a modelâs nails - use our custom manicure service for $109 per model.
what kind of models are available?
our models are everyday people local to our studios - and our directory is constantly changing! log into your soona account to browse our directory at book.soona.co/directory to see what kinds of people we may have available for your shoot.
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after booking, youâll filter and select your top preferred models.
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if you canât find who youâre looking for, email us at hey@soona.co with the details of your preferred model + we will let you know what options are available.
how do soona prices compare to a modeling agency?
prices at modeling agencies can be variable and booking fees can differ from model to model. there are also usage + renewal fees to use the content after the shoot and there may be extra fees added due to contract negotiations.
at soona you pay a one-time fee that is the same for every soona model. and thatâs it! there are no usage or renewal fees - so you never have to worry about where or when you can use your content!
do I need to join my shoot if I book a model?
yes! attendance is mandatory for all shoots with models. this is to ensure that you can give live feedback to the model(s) and we can capture your content just the way you need it.
how much experience do your models have?
we pride ourselves on bringing everyday people local to our studios into our model directory! this allows us to celebrate diversity + accessibility + inclusivity.Â
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our models have a wide variety of experience in production. all models have one test shoot with soona and all operate under the same soona standards and expectations.
can I talk with my stylist before a shoot?
you can communicate live with stylists during shoot kick-off calls at the start of a shoot and using the chat feature during the shoot. please provide clear shot lists and shoot goals before your shoot so our stylists can review and execute on your expectations.
if you're looking to talk to a soona team member before a shoot for production and shot list support you can use our producer service starting at $999.
are stylists creative directors?
during your shoot our stylists efficiently recreate the shot list and shoot goals you provide. our stylists follow your creative direction to setup scenes and capture your vision. stylists add an extra set of hands to your shoot + helps bring your vision to life. stylists do not define your brand's creative vision or managing your creative project. you must provide a shot list and shoot goals before your shoot for our stylists to review and follow.
what's the price of a stylist?
the price of a stylist ranges from $249-$499.
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$249 = 1 - 5 price (1 hour) Â Â Â Â
$299 = 5 - 10 price (2 hours)
$349 = 10 - 15 price (3 hours)
$499 = 15 - 25 price (4 hours) Â Â Â Â
$499 = video (4 hours)
whatâs included?
inside our Etsy starter pack youâll receive 5 photos and 1 hand model. what we recommend: utilize our white and colored backgrounds to capture multiple angles. insert your brand elements. bring your product to life with your included hand model in two lifestyle settings to really give your customers a feel for what your products might look and feel like in their hands.
what does fashion styling include?
our fashion stylists can:
- steam up to 5 items
- pin + fit apparel on models
- create garment + accessory flatlays
shoots that have 6 or more wrinkle prone items will require adding our $99 steaming service. if you're looking to include a mannequin in your shoot you can book our ghost mannequin service starting at $249 for seamless floating shots of your apparel.
how many items can you steam during my shoot?
we can steam up to 20 items. more than 20 items will require multiple steaming upgrades.
how many press on colors can we book in one shoot?
as many as your shoot duration allows! expect around 15 minutes per nail change for the model to remove and reapply a new color.
how was soona started?
soona was founded by Liz Giorgi and Hayley Anderson after realizing how hard and expensive it is to create professional photo & video. Liz and Hayley are a dynamic founding creative team with a shared vision of using tech to enhance the work of creatives and improve access to high-quality custom content.
what if I don't need a model for the entire shoot?
we suggest you make a booking dedicated to just model shots. this may mean you create two bookings - one for model photos and another for non-model photos.Â
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for example: if you need 16 photos with no model and 12 photos with a hand model we suggest you book one hand model shoot in the 10-15 photo range. and book another shoot without a model in the 16-25 photo range.Â
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if you have special shoot needs or need help with booking reach out to hey@soona.co for suggestions!
do I need to join my shoot if I book a model?
yes! attendance is mandatory for all shoots with models. this is to ensure that you can give live feedback to the model(s) and we can capture your content just the way you need it.
how much experience do your models have?
we pride ourselves on bringing everyday people local to our studios into our model directory. this allows us to celebrate diversity. accessibility & inclusivity. we offer a wide range of relatable models who have different levels of experience in production. all soona models undergo a test shoot and all operate under the same soona standards and expectations.
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whatâs included?
our fashion starter pack includes 9 photos + a ghost mannequin and our professional fashion stylists to perfectly convey the details and dynamism of your clothing. these assets are perfect for any application. ecommerce shop. social channels. print. catalogs. and more!
what if I donât see the color or nail shape I need?
email hey@soona.co with reference photos of your desired look. we may be able to work some soona magic and provide your request! if your desired nail look is unavailable as a press on - book with our custom manicure service to achieve your shoot goals.
is product assembly included in styling?
stylists can unpack and spruce up your assembled products for shoot readiness. products or props that arrive in unassembled pieces will require our $79+ non-furniture assembly or $149+ furniture assembly service.
what if I need shots above the elbow? or want to feature other body parts?
for content that features anything more than hands (such as face. upper arms. torso. legs or feet) please book a full body model.
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hand model shots can also be achieved with a full body model.
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how many looks can the hair + makeup artist style during the shoot?
soona hair and makeup artists can accomplish up to two natural hair + makeup looks within one hour. (we can style + photograph one look about every 30 minutes.)
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if your shoot goals require changing hair or makeup styles during the session be prepared to account for the extra styling time the artist needs to change the look.
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if you have questions about your specific shoot needs + need duration suggestions email hey@soona.co.
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what is A+ content?
any brand registered in the Amazon Brand Registry can now upgrade its product details page to include A+ content - formerly known as Enhanced Brand Content. this rich set of tools can improve sales by 5.6% as it allows you to supercharge your appearance in Amazon search and improve the overall conversion rate of each product details page on Amazon.Â
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learn more on Amazon.com
do I need to join my shoot if I book a model?
yes! attendance is mandatory for all shoots with models. this is to ensure that you can give live feedback to the model(s) and we can capture your content just the way you need it.
Iâm a nail product brand. how can I showcase my product on models?
to get your nail brand or product looking its best on a model - book with our custom manicure service. the model(s) will take your product to a local salon and have a professional nail tech apply your product before the shoot.
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please prepare to send an extra set or two of your product. one for photographing. and another for our models to take to the nail salon.
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how do packs work?
packs are pre-defined shot lists curated by our team to meet both the creative and technical best practices of various marketplaces and industries. weâve defined the number of assets and bundled in discounts based on platform recommendations.
how much experience do your models have?
we pride ourselves on bringing everyday people local to our studios into our model directory. this allows us to celebrate diversity. accessibility & inclusivity. we offer a wide range of relatable models who have different levels of experience in production. all soona models undergo a test shoot and all operate under the same soona standards and expectations.
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what if I don't need a model for the entire shoot?
we suggest you make a booking dedicated to just model shots. this may mean you create two bookings - one for model photos and another for non-model photos. for example: if you need 16 photos with no model and 12 photos with a hand model - we suggest you book one hand model shoot in the 10-15 photo range. and book another shoot without a model in the 16-25 photo range. if you have special shoot needs or need help with booking reach out to hey@soona.co for suggestions!
do I need to join my shoot if I book a model?
yes! attendance is mandatory for all shoots with models. this is to ensure that you can give live feedback to the model(s) and we can capture your content just the way you need it.
what's the process of booking and scheduling a model?
1. create a booking on book.soona.co
â2. select the number of images you are looking to purchase
3. select your models and any upgrades
4. pay the model booking fee and book your shoot
5. select your top model preferences + model details in your created booking's pro services tab
6. sit back and relax as we book your most preferred available model
7. join your shoot + watch the magic happen!
where can I browse the models that soona offers?
log into your soona account to preview our model directory at book.soona.co/directory. you will be able to select your top choice models for your shoot after you book.
how do soona prices compare to a modeling agency?
prices at modeling agencies can be variable and booking fees can differ from model to model. there are also usage + renewal fees to use the content after the shoot and there may be extra fees added due to contract negotiations.
at soona you pay a one-time fee that is the same for every soona model. and thatâs it! there are no usage or renewal fees - so you never have to worry about where or when you can use your content!
what do I need to do after I book?
ship your products and share what you want to create. not sure what shots you need? soona has packs that make it SUPER easy for you. check them out here!
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what to expect during your shoot:
your creative team will closely follow the predetermined shot list. but wait. thereâs more! our team will take as many photos as we can in our allotted time slot allowing you to always come back and re-shop your gallery for the standard $39 a la carte pricing.
how was soona started?
soona was founded by Liz Giorgi and Hayley Anderson after realizing how hard and expensive it is to create professional photo & video. Liz and Hayley are a dynamic founding creative team with a shared vision of using tech to enhance the work of creatives and improve access to high-quality custom content.
where are my photos?
your photos live in your gallery! scroll down on your account until you see the âgallery tabâ.
do I get to choose my date and time for my shoot?
our schedulers pick a date and time that works best for our schedule to make sure you will get the best experience based on your shoot goals. you will receive an email with the date and time. have a conflict with the time? please let us know asap and we will do our best to get you rescheduled for a time that works better. in the event that you need to reschedule, we require 2 business days notice.
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can I reschedule or cancel my headshots for all booking?
there is no canceling or rescheduling of the free headshots for all bookings.
what is fast pass?
with the fast pass you can:
- store your package at the soona studio
- get fast pass access to schedulingÂ
- early access to new features
fast pass allows up to two 20 x 20 x 20 boxes. oversized items are subject to additional fees. the $39 recurring fee is billed monthly on the day you signed up to the last card on file. should you cancel storage prior to the end of the month there is no proration in billing.
note: when making your next booking: select the âmy product is already at soonaâ option.
after you create your booking: under the âship your productsâ tab please click âoptionsâ and then âuse stored productsâ to let us know which of your stored products weâll be using on that shoot. your shoot cannot be scheduled without this!
I am outside of the US - do I still get a free shipping label?Â
at this time the free shipping label is only good for shipments within the US.
Iâm not shipping a product because itâs already at your studio - how do I proceed?
visit the details tab of your booking and scroll down to âship your productsâ + âoptionsâ. then select âuse stored productsâ and add the products youâd like us to capture on that booking. this will notify us that your products are already in studio đ
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I shipped my product! where do I add tracking?Â
visit the details tab of your booking and scroll down to âship your productsâ. click options + add a tracking number. this lets us know your product is on the way so we can keep an eye out for it!Â
can I bring my own model?
yes, you may source and bring in your own model to soona shoots. in these cases, soona will not be responsible or a part of any sourcing efforts, shoot coordination, and contract negotiations.
if you book with a soona model - coordination and full usage rights are included in the cost.
will we have a call to plan before the shoot?
your kickoff call will take place at the start of your scheduled shoot. you will be able to go over the creative details + shot list and the goals for your shoot. add a producer to your shoot if you would like to have a designated point of contact prior to your scheduled shoot time. learn more about this additional service here.
can I edit or cancel my order?
if you need to make changes to your order: please email hey@soona.co asap. we cannot make changes to your order after your edits have been delivered. soona does not provide refunds.
what is the turn-around time?
your edited order will be delivered within 24 hours after you check out from your shoot.
can my team members join the shoot too?
absolutely! sign into your account and select "view account profile". scroll down. there is a "contributors" section where you can add teammates they will need to accept the invite and create a profile with the email address you added.
what is the usage policy?
when you purchase content you purchase the license to use the photos in perpetuity. in other words: anywhere for any amount of time! this includes our models as well!
to dig into this more, it's in section 5 of our terms đ¤
how do I join my live shoot?
join your live shoot via the little blue chat bubble on your dashboard. your crew will be there waiting for you!
how do I add a promo code?
enter the promo code on the downpayment screen where it says âpromo codeâ. make sure to enter this code when booking (NOT when checking out after a shoot). you can apply one promo per build your own booking and cannot apply a promo to an existing booking or to recommended packs.
how many headshots can I get?
we are offering everyone one free headshot! you can buy additional photos for $39 each.
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can I bring a friend or team or pet for a group shot?
headshots for all is about YOU! create a regular headshot booking with us and weâll have fun with everyone.
can I bring different outfits?
we ask that you show up wearing the outfit you feel most confident and comfortable in! weâll make sure youâre looking good so you can leave feeling good.
can I pick a different background color?
each month we will choose a different backdrop color. check the website or follow us on social to find out what color is next.
what's the difference between headshots for all and a regular headshot booking?
headshots for all shoots are on the backdrop color of the month and are 15 minutes. want to have multiple wardrobe options? pick your own backdrop color? bring a friend? book a regular photo booking with us to customize your shoot.
contact info
we offer email and chat support.Â
email: hey@soona.co. we respond to all emails within 24 hours.Â
chat: little orange bubble on the bottom right! we respond to all chats within 15 minutes. Monday-Friday 8am-4pm MST.Â
the live shoot includes built-in time for kickoff call with your crew to review details!Â
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quick links to resources:
- pro services - soona offers models + styling + producer services + more
- âpacks- explore our options for Shopify + Amazon + Instagram
- soona props - see what props are available in studio. send additional props youâd like with your product.
- soona surfaces - see what surfaces are available in studio to add dimension + texture to your product
- backdrops colors - see the colors we have available for your shoot
- inspiration pages - explore whatâs possible at soona and sort by industry
rescheduling + cancellations + refunds
rescheduling:Â
rescheduling: you may reschedule your shoot one time by emailing hey@soona.co no later than 2 business days before your booking. weâll do our best to accommodate a better time.
cancellations:Â
your booking is good for a full year from the date of purchase. your booking deposit is non-refundable. if you'd like to cancel your booking: you will forfeit your deposit. please reach out to hey@soona.co to cancel your booking. you can review our full terms here: soona.co/termsÂ
refunds:Â
soona does not provide refunds. if you are not thrilled with your content we will make it right! please reach out at hey@soona.co and weâll work together to create content you love.
is it required for me to join my shoot?
we ask for participation on your shoot to ensure you can give real-time feedback to the crew. keep an eye out for an email with your scheduled shoot time. reach out to hey@soona.co asap if the time does not work. you may reschedule up to 2 business days before your shoot time.
how do I know if I need the styling pro service?
your soona shoot includes one photographer. a stylist provides an extra pair of hands to assist with things like:Â
- 5+ items in a single shot
- swatches or cosmetic textures
- food or ingredientsÂ
- apparel that needs to be steamed + styled + folded + pinned
- you want to recreate the style of a shot you saw somewhere else
after you book we review your goals and shot list. some shoots may require the styling pro service to be executed successfully.

does soona provide models?
yes! soona offers full body models + hand models + pet models. learn more about soonaâs models here. you will select your preferences via the pro services tab after you complete your booking.
you received my product - how long until we can shoot?
we aim to schedule your shoot at the next available time within 1 week after we receive you product. this time can vary. shoots with pro services require additional coordination which may extend the time to schedule your shoot. please double check that youâve filled out any & all forms on the pro services tab of your booking. you will receive an email confirmation once we have you on the calendar.Â
how does shipping work?
soona provides your first USPS label free! click on the details tab of your booking and scroll down to the âship your productâ section. click options + âcreate shipping labelâ.

what about return shipping?
during booking youâll share your preference for what to do with your product post-shoot.
store: soonaâs fast pass program stores your product and props in studio until your next shoot. $39 per month.Â
return: weâll send it right back for the cost of the label and a $20 return handling fee.
discard: weâll safely discard your product in a way that protects your brand.
what editing is included in the $39 photo cost? what are the $9 premium edits?
what editing is included in the $39 photo cost?
each purchased $39 photo includes touch ups like exposure correction. color correction. and one crop. these touch ups bring your photos to life from their raw state! photos are delivered in 2 versions: a full-resolution JPEG and a web-ready JPEG.
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what are the $9 premium edits?Â
we offer premium edits for $9 per edit:
- change background color / pure white
- product touch-up
- transparent background
- buy the raw
- smooth skin
- create pattern
- photoshop it
I need a quote. how does pricing work?
build a free photo shoot quote here!
at soona you book what you need and buy what you love. â
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$39/photo & $93/video clips. chat with sales to learn more about how to save big with our preferred plans.
Iâm not sure what to book! can soona recommend a booking?
here to help! we offer 2 types of shoots:
select âbuild your ownâ to choose each detail of your shoot + pay a la carte. want a pre-built pack? select a pack! these shoots are prepaid. discounted. and created with ecomm and social media best practices in mind.Â
still have questions? email our team at hey@soona.co and we will create a customized booking for you based on your goals.
what is soona? how do I get started?
soona is the first virtual studio for product photography. our platform makes it possible for brands to create affordable content from anywhere. our mission is to provide quality content for all.
1. book and share your content goalsÂ
2. ship us your goods (your first label is on us! select âhelp me shipâ on the details tab of your booking to generate your label)
3. join your shoot via the blue chat bubble on your dashboard
4. collab with your photographer and give real-time feedbackÂ
5. shop your content a la carte immediately after your shoot + get edits back in 24 hours
we canât WAIT to create together. book here to get started. learn more via soonaâs live demo.
if I choose grocery shopping: can soona just pick out things for my shoot?
we want to get exactly what you want for your shoot! weâll send a form for you to fill out and make a shopping list for us. need some ideas? check out our inspo page to see whatâs possible at soona!
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please note: fresh ingredients are sourced at local grocery stores near each studio. seasons can affect which fruits, vegetables, plants, or flowers are available.
what if i want to show more than just hands during the shoot?
the hand model pro service is just for hands. please choose a full body model instead if youâd like to show a full body, face, or feet.
does styling include props?
stylists have access to our standard studio props! any props outside this list can be shipped to our studio. book our grocery shopping services for any fresh ingredients you may need.
FAQs
you've got questions.
we've got the answers.
not seeing your question above? please email us at hey@soona.co and we will respond within 24 hours!
