{ WEDDING FAQ }
Q. We want you to shoot our wedding...now what?
A. Awesome! Thanks for choosing us. Give us a call or an email, and we'll set up an initial "cup of coffee" meeting with you. Ideally this would happen at least 3 months before the date of the wedding. By this time, most of your plans are made and that gives us plenty of time to prepare. We'll discuss ideas, expectations, contracts and any other pertinent information. Please feel free at this meeting to bring photos, sketches, ideas, whatever would be helpful for us to understand how to best capture your day. After that, leave the driving to us!
Q. We like the work of this one photographer...can you shoot our wedding like that?
A. In a nutshell, not really. This doesn't mean that we can't bounce ideas back and forth and get inspiration from images you admire. We have our own style and unique way of capturing the day and aside from not wanting to outright steal someones ideas, we'd like to think you chose us because you like how we shoot.
Q. What kind of equipment do you use?
A. We shoot with Canon professional SLR cameras and lenses and we keep backups on hand to make it smooth sailing on the day of your wedding. We utilize the latest techniques to capture interesting and innovative images that will really document your day to the fullest.
Q. Do you only shoot digital? Or do you shoot film too?
A. For the most part we digital shooters. Digital technology has made it easier for us to get you more shots and creative touches without all the hassle and cost of film development, and it's better for archiving. We do offer some Hasselblad film shots if you wish, ask about this when you have your first wedding consultation.
Q. Do we have to order prints through you?
A. We want our clients to have the most flexibility possible, which is why we give you a final CD/DVD of images and a copyright release form. Perhaps you live a ways away from us and your relatives want prints...now! Having a release form for you to use when printing means that it's on your time line and at your discretion. Starting in early 2011, we will be offering printing services through Moments Shared, from smaller reprints to larger archival and canvas prints. We do retain copies of both the originals and final images, so that in the unfortunate case of misplacement, we got you covered.
Q. What if I don't want everything you offer in your packages? Can I get a discount? What if I want to add a service that you don't have listed?
A. We offer a pretty comprehensive packages and yes, we can tailor a package to your needs within reason. Compare our prices to other photographers in our area and you'll see that we're really quite reasonable. We put a lot of heart and soul into what we do, and we take our work very seriously. Please feel free to email us with your request and we'll see what we can do. We can also refer you to other vendors we know if you're still looking for other wedding services.
Q. What if we don't want to see each other before the wedding? Can we do photos after the ceremony?
A. You can, however, this really only works if you have ample time between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception (ex: 2 pm ceremony, 6 pm reception). If you have only an hour or so between, that isn't enough time to do formal photos. We encourage you to entertain the thought of seeing each other before the wedding, that way we can capture the face of the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time. It also allows for a relaxed couple at the time of the ceremony. If you simply cannot see each other before the ceremony, we suggest taking a more photo-journalistic approach to the photographs, without many formal portraits.
Q. How long after the wedding will I receive my photos?
A. Usually within 3-4 weeks. We take great care during the post process to ensure your wedding photos are sparklingly perfect; each photo is hand color-corrected, ensuring it accurately portrays your big day. Often we will prepare 2-3 of the best shots from the day if the couple wishes to use one for thank you notes before the entire wedding is finished.
{ PORTRAIT FAQ }
Q. Oh no! I have a pimple/woke up late/my car broke down/something came up/my kids are sick! Can I reschedule or cancel my shoot?
A. Sure. If you call us at least 24 hours before your shoot, there is no fee for rescheduling and you get your deposit back. If you have to cancel the day off, your deposit is forfeit and we will try to get you on the schedule on the next available appointment that works for you.
Q. What should I wear?
A. It depends on what type of shoot you're doing. Here are some suggestions:
*Seniors: we usually recommend at least two outfits, one more casual and one more formal. If the background is complicated, the clothes should be simple. You don't want to wear anything that will draw attention away from you. Bring several options if you are unsure and we can always choose when you get to your shoot.
*Headshots: something unobtrusive, without wording or logos. If you are having shots done for a specific role, perhaps think about an outfit that would show your character or position. For more general shoots, a black or white shirt is always a good staple.
*Families/Children: you have the most creative options in this type of shoot but make sure you always have a backup plan. Without a doubt, someone will spill/throw up/fall and another outfit may need to be chosen. If you're going to match outfits, choose a neutral color, perhaps black/white, grey or brown where they won't take too much attention away from your beautiful faces. For kids, anything with a logo or wording is not suggested unless it is used as a "prop" for the photo (ex: "Grandmas/Grandpas are the best" type of t-shirts can be integrated quite well into kids portraits!)
Q. Do you have a specific place that you shoot or can we do another location?
A. We do have a studio space, for indoor shots, and we can use outdoor locations as well. Circumstances such as weather may prohibit the use of outdoor settings, but we're flexible about where we shoot and we like to find interesting new places. If you have a spot you want, please let us know! We like to scope out locations before the shoot.
Q. What about retouching...I have a pimple I want gone, gone, gone but I don't want to look like a manequin either!
A. Yup, we do that too. We try to retouch as little as possible, focusing mainly on blemishes, enhancing eyes, stray hairs and reducing facial lines. Special requests can be made as well. We have a wide range of clients with various needs so our experience ranges from the simplest blemish to all-out fixes like closed eyes and insertion of missing family members from group photos.