Wow, we get asked a lot of questions! Here is a list of the most common!
What is your style?
- I would best describe our style as contemporary portraiture, but having said that we do pose individuals. Our goal is to make a mix but also capture the emotion and personality of the day/couple.
Do you prefer formal portraits, candid, or a combination?
- Definitely a combination.
Do you shoot weddings primarily?
- Although we are willing to shoot any type of event, weddings are the primary. We had 58 weddings last year, just to give you an idea.
What other types of photography have you done?
- I started with children/maternity, which graduated into weddings. I, along with eight of my photographers have a bachelor’s degree in photography, and often shoot film, landscapes, etc.
What kind of camera do you use?
- Primarily the Canon 5D, Mark II.
Can we see an album of one entire wedding?
- Of course, you could see several. Just ask.
Can we see indoor and outdoor shoots, as well as ones taken during the same time of day as our wedding?
- Sure.
What is your basic fee?
- Packages start at $2,400, and can be customized to suit your needs/desires.
For how many hours?
- There is no hourly limit, this is where the photojournalist comes in. How can you call yourself a photojournalist …but for only 4 hours?? We start when the bride is getting ready and go through the big events at the reception (i.e. cake, toasts, dances, bouquet and garter), and enough of the dancing to know you had a reception.
How many shots will be taken?
- We do not limit the shots, we are there to cover the event.
How many proofs will we see? In what format do you provide them?
- For an average wedding, it is typical to have about 75 proofs for every hour that we shoot (over the course of the day) so a 10 hour wedding will easily be around 750 images. They are provided on high resolution DVD’s, as well as online for family and guests to view.
Do you provide images on CD? If so, is this included in the fee, or is there an additional cost?
- Yes, they are provided on high resolution DVD’s, which is included in your package. If you choose to have the engagement session on DVD, it is an additional $300.
Will our guest be able to view images online and order prints themselves?
- The files you receive are they same files I upload for family and guests to view/purchase.
Do we get to keep the proofs as part of the package? If not, can we purchase them?
- We do not print hard copy proofs; however, if you want this service, just ask.
Do we get to keep the original digital files (or negatives) as part of the package? If not, can we buy them or do you always own them? If the latter, for how long do you save them?
- The digital files are included in most of the packages, and are available for purchase when not already included. The Studio will always own the copyright to the files; however you are granted the rights to reprint images. If/when People Magazine comes knocking on your door, the studio is the one that will receive the credit/payment. As soon as the images have been processed, you receive the digital files.
Is your lighting equipment wireless? If not, how do you ensure that guests don’t trip over cords?
- Yes, we do have wireless lighting. Although, if something needs to be secured, we carry gaffers tape.
What quality and brand of film/paper do you use?
- We do not print images for clients, it is all done through a professional lab. And as we are shooting digitally, there is no film.
What is the cost for having a wedding portrait shot in advance of the wedding day, or is this part of the overall fee?
- The fee would be $320 to do a separate session.
Do you develop/process the images or send them out?
- I process all the images personally, even if I was not at the wedding.
Do you retouch images?
- Yes. Blemish removal, etc. is part of the normal process. Although changing the integrity of an image, i.e. removing cars/boats/people, is not retouching and does come with a fee.
Do you bring back-up equipment?
- Yes.
If you are unfamiliar with our site, are you willing to visit it and scout for shot locations?
- Yes, however, we shoot in new locations on a weekly basis and it is not necessary to visit beforehand. Inevitably the light or weather will be different on the day of an event anyway.
Will you come early on the day of the wedding to take shots of us getting ready? Is this included in the fee for the wedding, or is this extra?
- Yes, we are there for the getting ready, no extra charge.
How long should formal pictures take?
- Family 15 minutes, Bridal Party 15 minutes, Bride/Groom 30+ minutes. The romantic pictures are the most important and is where the time is most often cut when the ceremony starts late. Keeping that in mind or seeing each other prior to the ceremony for pictures is always an option.
Will you work off a prepared shot list?
- We prefer not to shoot from a shot list. We have all been doing wedding for a while and when your head is buried in the list, there is a good chance you are missing something. We ask for the requests outside the normal, i.e. childhood friend, sorority sisters, important friends, etc.
Will you shoot in black-and-white as well as color?
- We shoot in RAW format, meaning it records everything in color. The files can be converted to black and white in processing.
How many photographers and assistants will be there?
- There will be two professional photographers at each wedding.
If you’re ill, who will photograph our wedding?
- As we currently have 10 photographers, and will only shoot up to two weddings per day, leaves the remaining photographers as backup for illness/injury. In addition, my fiancé is a wedding photographer Photography by Labrot
How long after the wedding will we see proofs?
- Typically, you will have your images within 6-8 weeks of your wedding.
How long after we make our proof selections will we receive the prints and/or albums?
- Albums can take 2-4 months after final approval of the album design. However, it can take longer during peak rush seasons (holidays). Individual prints can take 2-4 weeks depending on upon the amount of retouching required.
How much of a deposit is required?
- To hold a date, the retainer is $750, which is then applied to the package.
When is the balance due?
- Balance is due 30 prior to the wedding, but a payment schedule can be arranged. We take Visa-MasterCard-American Express-Discover and personal checks.
What is your cancellation policy?
- The retainer is not refundable if you cancel your wedding; however, if you are just moving the date, we do our best to move with you to the new date.
Do you have liability insurance?
- Yes.
Do you offer a photography gift registry?
- Yes, this is an amazing way to give your family and friends the opportunity to assist you in getting the most out of your photography package. The photography is the trigger to your memories, it is all you have when all is said and done; …well, with the exception of our husband/wife, that is!
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