Questions for Your Wedding Photographer

I came across a wedding photographer check list through Project Wedding. You can view it here http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/meeting-with-photographer-checklist I thought I'd go ahead and answer the questions they propose.

Packages & Cost


Q: What do your packages cost?
A: Packages range from $1,000 to $3,500. However all packages are customizable and I'll work within your budget.

Q: What is included in each package?
A: Each package varies, please visit www.capturedromance.com for this information.

Q: Can you work with us to make a package that fits within our budget?
A: All packages are customizable and I'm always willing to work with a client's budget.

Q: How much of a deposit do you require?
A: A 25% depost is required upfront, with payments at various stages.

Q: Is the deposit refundable?
A: The deposit is applied to the total contract and is refundable if the contract is cancelled within 30 days of the event. Any cost for work started will be taken from the deposit, unless otherwise specified.

Q: Will you take payments towards the deposit, or do you require it all up front?
A: If necessary I'd be happy to take payments toward the deposit. I also accept credit cards, which often times makes payment easier.

Q: When would the balance be due?
A: For a typical contract, 25% is due upon signing the contract, 50% of the balance is due the day of the wedding, with the remainder due when final items have been delivered. Large contracts will have additional payments to help break things up.

Q: Do you do engagement, boudoir, anniversary, bridal, or trash the dress shoots?
A: Yes I do!

Q: How much extra would something like that add to our current package?
A: Each of these sessions cost between $200-$300, some of these are included in my packages.

Q: How soon do you usually book weddings before the date?
A: If I'm available, I'll book the same week as the wedding. However the sooner you contact me the more likely it is that I am available.

Q: Can/will you hold our requested date while we consider our options?
A: I will hold a date even before the contract is signed, however, if someone else contacts me for that date I will inform you that you may lose that day. However, the first person to contact me always has priority and once a contract is signed that day is yours.



Contracts and Obligations


Q: Once the contract is signed, what happens if we break it for any reason?
A: If the contract is broken 30 days before the event the deposit will be refunded in full, minus any cost for work started or expenses incurred. If the contract is broken less that 30 days before the event, deductions are made from the deposit for any work started or expenses incurred and include at least 10% of the deposit.

Q: What happens if you break the contract for any reason?
A: It's highly unliked I would break the contract and it does allow for substitution of another qualified photographer in the event I can not photograph for you. However, if the contract had to be broken and another photographer was unavailable I would refund your deposit minus the cost of any work started. (Work started typically includes engagement session and sign-in books. Often these are listed as seperate items on your payment schedule.)

Q: If you are unable to attend our event, how is that situation handled?
A: If I am unable to attend your event I will find another qualified photographer for you.

Q: Are you part of a network of photographers that can jump in and take over your obligation if something unexpected were to happen?
A: No, but I do work with a number of other photographers and do have those can substitute for me and that work as second shooters.

Q: What happens in the case of an equipment or accessory failure?
A: I typically carry secondary equipment with me so that I can continue to cover your day.

Q: What if that equipment failure also causes a significant loss of the images from our wedding day?
A: I photograph with a number of memory cards, so any loss would be minimal. Any large loss would depend on the individual situation and the images lost, if they effect overall coverage I would refund a portion of your contract.

Photography and Equipment


Q: Do you do film and/or digital photography?
A: I photograph with all digital equipment.

Q: Please tell us about your equipment.
A: I photograph mainly with Canon equipment with the exception of some lenses and secondary equipment. All equipment is professional level and quality is of the utmost importance.

Q: How often is your equipment serviced?
A: My equipment is serviced as need, but equipment is used and checked on a regular basis.

Q: How, when, and where do you back up your digital images?
A: Images are backed up immediately after the event, sometimes during. All images are backed up on external harddrives that are safely stored at my office. Unlike many photographers, I never delete images from backup. Your photos are kept forever.

Q: Are you comfortable with flash photography?
A: Yes. As much as I like using natural light, flash photography is a necessity and I'm skilled in a number of ways to use it.

Q: Do you have and use a variety of lenses to achieve different composition and artistic aspects in your photography, and can you show us some examples?
A: Yes, I typically shoot with a 70-200mm and 24-700mm (which also functions as a macro lens, for those detail close ups). I also use other wide angle and fish eye lenses as well. There are samples of this on my website at www.capturedromance.com

Q: Do you use flash? Can you show us some examples?
A: Yes. As much as I like using natural light, flash photography is a necessity and I'm skilled in a number of ways to use it. There are samples of this on my website at www.capturedromance.com


Experience

Q: Is your primary focus on wedding photography or is it simply part of your overall work as a photographer?
A: I'm skilled in a variety of types of photography, but wedding and engagement photography is my specialty.

Q: How many weddings do you shoot per year?
A: This varies year to year and the number continues to grow.

Q: How long have you been a photographer?
A: I've been a photographer my entire life.

Q: How long have you considered yourself a professional?
A: I've been operating my business since 2007, but have been a journalistic photographer for many years before that.

Q: Did/do you take classes for photography and participate in conventions and forums for new techniques?
A: I hold a bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis on print and photography. I'm a memeber of the Professional Photographers of America and I study photography and new techniques on a regular basis. I also do the same for the business aspects in order to provide better products and services.

Q: Can you show us examples of your work?
A: My website, www.capturedromance.com , contains a number of samples and I'd be happy to show you further samples when we meet.

Q: Can you show us one entire weddings worth of photography, instead of just the 'best of' so that we may evaluate what we would be getting?
A: I'd be happy to. I provide each of my clients with an on-line gallery of their photos and can give you access to one from a previous wedding.

Q: Can you show us examples of your engagement, boudoir, anniversary, bridal, or trash the dress shots?
A: Yes.

Q: Can you show us examples of your work when the lighting situation was tough (indoors, churches that don't allow flash, candlelit dinners, bright sunlight, dusk, etc.)
A: I've encountered all of these situations and can show you ways I have worked around each and still created amazing images.

Q: How long have you been working with digital photography (if recently switched from film)
A: I switched from film to digital in 2003.

Q: Do you do your own editing?
A: I do all my own editing. Including various special effects.


Style and Form


Q: What would you say your photographic emphasis and strong points are? (Journalistic, posed, artistic, landscapes, details, etc.)
A: Since my background is journalism I shoot with a photojournalistic style, but I incorporate and use all styles. The photojournalistic style allows me to capture true moments and true emotion. I'm also big on details shots that show what really went into making your day special.

Q: When shooting at a wedding, do you direct people into poses or work in a stealthy, quiet manner?
A: I typically work in a stealthy, quite manner, but will pose people when necessary. For the most part I don't want anyone to realize I'm there, so that all moments are natural.

Q: What do you typically wear to shoot a wedding?
A: I come wearing a 3 piece suit, minus the jacket, though I do have it with me. Many photographers forego the professional look for something more comfortable. But I'm quite comfortable in a suit and believe in professionalism throughout (while still having fun while shooting for you).

Q: Are you open to inspiration photos from other weddings that we like, or do you prefer to draw inspiration from our day without outside influence?
A: It's your day and I'm open to whatever you want. I'm there for you.


Rights and Inclusions

Q: Will our engagement, boudoir, anniversary, bridal, or trash the dress photos include rights to the images in digital form, or will we need to purchase them separately from our package?
A: Often the digital photos are included with the package, for those that do not include it, it is available as an option.

Q: Will our wedding day photos include rights to the images in digital form, or will we need to purchase them separately from our package??
A: See above.

Q: What digital media do you use to distribute photos that we will receive the rights too? (CD, thumb drive, etc.)
A: Photographs are provided on a CD/DVD

Q: Will that media contain RAW or JPEG files?
A: Image are taken in RAW format and delivered to you in JPEG format. RAW photos require special programs to view them. JPEGs are a standard photo format that can easily be viewed, the file size is also smaller, but the quality remains.

Q: Will the images be culled and edited, or will we receive every photo taken in it's original form?
A: I go through all images and remove anything that "didn't work", those that remain receive a basic edit and select photos receive special effects. I'm always will to apply special effects to any other photos you would like.

Q: How long can we expect to wait for the images?
A: Images are typically ready within 3 weeks and I always try for sooner.


Q: Will the images on the digital media contain watermarks?
A: Images in the on-line gallery will have watermarks, those provide via CD/DVD will not.

Q: Will the images be in high or low resolution, and what can we expect as far as printing capabilities?
A: Images are high resolution and can be printed quite large and clearly.

Q: If no rights are included, can we purchase the printing rights to individual images?

A: N/A

Q: Will there be an online gallery for friends and family to see?
A: Yes. Each couple receives an on-line gallery with their own address that they can share. Photos can be view and purchased. Password protection is also available.

Q: Will friends and family be able to purchase prints of images from the online gallery?
A: Prints and gift items are available for purchase through the on-line gallery.

Q: What website do you use for your online galleries?
A: My website is used for on-line galleries. The address of your gallery will be similar to the following www.capturedromance.com/steveandsarah

Q: How long can we expect to wait for teasers?
A: I typically try to post a couple photos on my blog or on Facebook within a couple of days.

Q: How many images total can we expect from our wedding day?
A: I have no minimum or maximum for photos taken. Numbers can range from 600-2,000, depending on the length of the event. I prefer to pick and choose my shots rather than simply hold down the shutter because I have the file space to do so. This results in higher quality images.

Q: How many images total can we expect from our engagement, boudoir, anniversary, bridal, or trash the dress shoot?
A: Typically 100-300 photos depending on the type of shoot.

Logistics


Q: Will you be the one behind the camera, or will an assistant, intern, or other hired help be shooting?
A: I will be the one photographing, but a second shooter can be provided.

Q: Do you bring an assistant?
A: Many times I do, but not always. My assistant approaches everything in the same professional manner I do.

Q: Does the assistant also shoot or do they just provide lighting & technical support?
A: My assistant typically provides support, but will shoot when necessary.

Q: Do you shoot destination weddings?
A: Yes! Where are we going?

Q: In foreign countries, do you have all the paperwork to work legally?
A: Any necessary paperwork will be acquired as necessary.

Q: Are you willing to check out our venue/location before the event to get ideas?
A: I prefer to. I love working on the spot, but any information I can have before the wedding day helps me plan my shots and helps things run smoother. I will also be present at your rehearsal so I have an idea of how everything is going to work.

Q: Do you shoot more than one event in a day?
A: Unless you only need my services for a couple of hours, my day and my focus is dedicated to you.


Q: Will you and/or your assistant require a meal on our wedding day?
A: That's up to you. It's always appreciated, but often times I'm so wrapped up in covering your day, I don't even think about eating.


Q: Do you require a timeline of our wedding day?
A: A timeline is helpful if available. I prefer to meet with you a few weeks before the wedding to discuss a timeline and any shots you know you want.

Q: What happens in the case of inclement weather?
A: We get some interesting shots. I adapt easily.

Q: Are there specific situations where you will not take photos?
A: None that I can think of, within reason. If you're planning on a bungie jump while saying I do, I may not jump with you, although most likely I would.



Albums and Printing


Q: Will an album be included in our package?
A: Depends on the package you choose. If you choose a package without an album, it can always be added to it. Everything is customizable.

Q: Will prints be included in our package?
A: With digital media becoming more and more prevelant I have found that prints are not always necessary and therefore don't included them in packages. They are however available and if you'd like some included I'd be happy to discuss that.

Q: What kind of albums do you make (flush mount, magazine, etc.)
A: All my albums are flush mount albums and use true photograph prints to create the pages. Every album is custom designed by me, with no templates. Your album will appear different that any album I've done before. Sign-In books are also custom designed, but are press printed lay-flat books.

Q: Where do you get your albums and prints made?
A: I use a couple of fantastic print shops. Quality is extremely important to me.

Q: Do you design every album by hand, or do you use album templates?
A: Every album is custom designed by me, with no templates. Your album will appear different that any album I've done before.

Q: Can you show us some examples of albums you have created in the past?
A: I'd be happy to.

Q: Can you show us some examples of large prints you have created in the past?
A: Yes.

Q: If our package does not include prints or an album, how much can we expect to pay for them out of pocket?
A: Since you've already paid for my services, print costs are fairly minimal. However, items such as gallery wraps and metal prints cost more since they have a high production cost.

And the winner is.....!

One of the headshots done for Brandi Ford has just won the Accuphoto Newsletter Contest!

Before and after photos were submitted. The before photo being one the client was already using and the after photo being the one I took.

Accuphoto will connect photographers with dating site members in order to improve their profile photo and increase their chance of finding that special someone. Contact me if interested!

Baby & Child Portrait Contest - 2010

Let me help document your child's ever-changing stages with priceless portraits that will last you a lifetime! Schedule an appointment now until June 21st, and your child's portrait will be entered into the Miller's Professional Imaging Baby and Child Contest. A range of prizes will be awarded from $500 – $5,000 in cash!

Time is limited so please call today to reserve your child's appointment.

Children, infant to age twelve, are eligible.
Images must be taken between January 1st and June 21st, 2010.

All photographs will be taken on location (in home or outdoors) with as much natural light as possible. This gives the photos a very warm, real feeling, other options are available.