'The Knot' Photographer Questions, ANSWERED: Part I
I thought I'd answer the questions that The Knot suggests you ask your potential wedding photographer! I often stick my nose up at this list of Q's, when really I shouldn't. Odds are, you've never hired a wedding photographer before. How else would you know what to ask me? I wanted to cut the crap and give you the answers up front!
This post (and the one that follows) is based off of THIS POST featured on The Knot.
What style(s) do you specialize in?
I'm a wedding, engagement and anniversary photographer! My goal is to create images that are authentic, real and tell the story of your wedding. Obviously there are times throughout a wedding where posed images are necessary - but other than the nonnegotiable posed portraits, a lot of my delivered images are candid! Even bride and groom portraits tend to feel more "real" than the typical portrait!
My editing style has really shifted over the past year from light & airy colors to a more realistic and bolder color pattern. I love deep, rich shades and images that pop with a bit of brightness in the highlights!
Will the photos be retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?
Yes and no - Every single image you receive in your wedding gallery will be edited consistent with the style on my website. Retouching is a different process entirely, and I don't actually do much of that. If the bride or groom had a temporary blemish and was self-conscious about it, I will definitely do my best to retouch. Other than that, my images stay true to the story they're telling!
a. How many weddings have you shot, and how many do you do in a year? b. Also, what's your favorite part of a wedding day, and c. time of year to shoot?
a. Hmm, this is actually a good question - I've been in the wedding industry for 2.5 years and have currently shot over 30 weddings. (And I've second shot a bunch more!) I don't have a set number of weddings I take every year - but it tends to be between 15 and 20.
b. My favorite part of the wedding day would without a doubt be portraits with the bride and groom! This time is so relaxing, especially if we get to sneak out at sunset! These are the photos you will hang on your walls and hold near and dear to your heart. I just love it!
c. I definitely love to shoot in the spring, summer and fall - but winter can be beautiful as well! Honestly, I love that the seasons are so different and your photos will definitely reflect whatever season we're shooting in!
Do you shoot both digital and film?
Nope! Just digital! Which you can probably tell by my style! A film style is typically much more bright & airy!
What exactly is included in your packages?
I have three packages, so it depends! But my middle package (and the most popular) includes an engagement session, 2 photographers for 8 hours of wedding day coverage, an online gallery and a USB with a print release!
How many hours of coverage do we get? What is the charge for overtime?
Again, it depends! You choose a package that best fits the needs of your day! Typically it's between 6-9 hours
What is the deposit and total fee?
There is a $1,000 non-refundable retainer due at the signing of your contract to reserve your date. The rest of the payment is broken up into 2 - and it obviously depends on the package you choose!
Will you be my actual photographer, or will it be one of your associates?
Yup, you get me! I don't currently have an associate, although I've thought about it! Maybe in the next few years!
Do you have backup photographers who will shoot the wedding if you're sick?
Let me start by saying, this has NEVER happened before! But if it did, I'm thankful that the wedding industry has changed SO MUCH and I jumped in at the right time! There are so many groups of photographers who support each other, work with each other and help out when they can! If something were to happen, I have a network of photographers who would jump in at a moments notice!
So here's what would happen if I couldn't make your wedding --> I would hire two photographers to shoot your wedding - have them give me the RAW files and then I would edit the photos to my style. That way you still get the style of wedding photos you were hoping for! :)
Will there be a second shooter or any assistants? Is there an additional fee for each (if applicable)?
Yes - a second shooter is included in EVERY package I have. You can read why HERE!
How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?
My contract say 6 weeks. Although it's typically earlier! I don't just sit on photos - I'm working tirelessly to get them back to you in a timely manner! :)
I hope this was helpful! If you're a potential bride and have more questions, comment below and I'll either answer them here or write a post! :) Keep an eye out for Part II!