Questions for the Photographer

1.      How many hours does the package include?

Usually, couples will select the full package which includes full coverage of all parts of the pre-wedding, wedding, formals, and reception through the garter& bouquet toss and dances up to 10 hours total.

2.      How many photographers will be there?

I do all the photography myself. The work you see on my website is all mine. There are no questionable staff photographers, like at some large studios.

3.      What type of film, cameras, do you use-digital, etc?

I use Canon professional digital as the advantages of digital photos far outweigh film.

4.        Do you have equipment back ups?

I always carry equipment back-ups. Usually I bring 2 cameras, as well as extra batteries, extra memory cards, lenses and flashes. You can’t take chances at a once in a lifetime event.

5.      Are bridal or engagements photos included-if not, what are the prices for these sessions and photos?

I do not have a studio location. I specialize in on location photography, thus I am not able to take studio portraits with backgrounds. However, I have taken senior pictures and engagement photographs at outdoor locations. The price for bridal/engagement photographs is $100, which includes 75-100 photographs in color and/ or black and white, and digital photos on CD.

6.      Do you use black and white as well as color?  Is this extra?  Is it possible to combine color and black and white film if there is only one photographer?

Any digital color photographs can be changed to black and white or sepia tone at no extra charge.

7.      Are extra locations included - i.e. stopping at a park between ceremony and reception?

Extra locations are included at no extra charge.

8.      What is your ratio of posed versus candid shots - i.e. photojournalism?

I would estimate that about 1/3-1/2 of the photographs are posed. (Partially because I take duplicate photographs of the posed formals) However, I would characterize my style as more photojournalistic. I try to capture those special candid moments that tell the story of the wedding day.

9.      How many pictures are included?

It depends on many factors (size of the wedding, number of events, etc.), but a typical wedding will include 250-450 photographs . Actual coverage is unlimited, which means I take whatever photographs are required to cover all the events of the wedding.

10.  Do we get to keep negatives and proofs?  If not, can they be purchased-for how much?

All of the proofs are included in the packages. The negatives (high resolution digital files)on DVD are included with all packages!

11.   Is an album included-how many, what size and how many photos?

The Full Package includes all of your proofs in a proof book style album with cameo The proof book resembles an album but only holds 4 by 6 prints. If you purchase the Complete Package, then you will receive the proof book, 12-5 by 7, 8-8 by 10 enlargements, and 80 - 4 by 6 prints in a full size leather album of your choice, OR a custom designed 20 page digital fine art or leather album.

12.  What is the cost for reprints or additional albums?

You may purchase the reprint package of 12 - 57 prints and   8 - 810 prints for $100, or individual reprints may be purchased for $9 per 8 by 10 print, $6 per 5 by 7 print and $4 per 4 by 6 print.  Full size album prices vary by style. If purchased separately, the prices range from $250-$400 for 18 pages.

 13.   When will the proofs and prints be ready?

You will receive your proofs about 2-3 weeks after the wedding. Reprints usually take 10 days for online orders.

14.   How can our guests order photos-do you have online viewing?

 I do have online viewing and ordering available on my website: http://www.specialmemoriesphotography.com. Click the "Find your photos" button to get to the proofing page.   Friends and family may also order traditionally - I include order forms with the proof book album.

15.   What are your package prices?

$750 if there is no reception coverage, or $1100 with reception coverage. Full coverage with the reception, enlargements, negatives on CD, and a full size album (digital or traditional) is $1600.

16.  Can I look at proof books and albums from other weddings?

In addition to samples on my website, I have two sample albums including photographs from many weddings taken over the past 10 years. They give a good indication of my style and quality of photography. If you click the "Find Your Photos" button, you can view many complete weddings online.

17.  Are your prices different if the wedding is not on a Saturday?

Package prices do not vary by the day of the week or the time of year.

18.  How much is the deposit?

A low $150 deposit is required to reserve a photographer for your wedding.  If you cancel, your deposit will be refunded if we are able to fill your date with another wedding. 

19.  I’ve heard horror stories about photographers who messed up photographs of a wedding or part of a wedding, or rolls of film lost by a lab. Do you do anything to insure that pictures are not missed, lost, or damaged?

This is very important. I always use two separate cameras at the same time when photographing the service and the formals. This way you are protected if one camera were to malfunction, or any of various other accidents that could happen. Just bringing backup equipment is not enough. It is the way you use it that counts. I don’t take chances on a once in a lifetime event. I know one photographer that used only one camera for the service photographs and accidentally bumped one of the settings. None of the service photographs turned out. The couple had no photographs of their ceremony at all. What a nightmare! And that’s a nightmare that doesn’t happen when you use two cameras at the same time. I also make backups of digital files at the reception and use a reputable digital lab that specifically offers wedding proofing services. I upload copies of files to their website for printing so there is no chance of anything getting lost in the mail.