Frequently Asked Questions
- What is our Philosophy about Wedding Photography?
- Do you bring an assistant?
- Can we get photographs in Black & White in addition to color?
- How soon after the wedding can we see our wedding images?
- What about our Personal Web Page?
- We don't want photographic coverage for the entire day. Can we reserve your services for just a few hours, to cover the highlights?
- We have appointments to see several photographers before making a decision. Will you hold the date for us until we get back to you?
- What do we need to do to make sure our wedding photographs are the best they can be?
- Should we do our formal portraits before or after the ceremony?
- What happens if you are sick, or you have an accident, and can't be there for our wedding?
- What is your payment schedule?
- What are your studio hours?
- Can you recommend a DJ (or live band, caterer, bakery, florist, etc.)?
- Do you have any other advice for us?
Q - What is our Philosophy about Wedding Photography?
A. You'll want to spend your wedding day celebrating with your family and friends, not spending all your time posing for pictures! Your wedding day will be exciting, emotional and romantic - we're there to capture all these moments for you, with enthusiasm and sensitivity.
A. Yes. We work together as a team to make sure we capture all the excitement, emotion and romance of your wedding day. Sometimes the assistant is there to hold a reflector or a second light, sometimes to take photographs from a different camera angle.
Q. Can we get photographs in Black & White in addition to color?
A. Black & white images have become very popular because they enhance the photojournalistic effect of images. We will have a second camera just for black and white and candid images. We can also create many artistic effects using color and black and white images.
Q. How soon after the wedding can we see our wedding images?
A. We will schedule an appointment two to three weeks after your wedding for you to come to the studio and view your wedding images. We suggest sharing this wonderful experience with your family. At this appointment, we’ll design your album using our digital system. It will take approximately eight to ten weeks to have your finished album.
Q. What about our Personal Web Page?
A. Your wedding images will be posted to our web site within three weeks of your wedding. You and your friends and family can access your Personal Web Page from our site under Recent Events. A password is required. Photographs can be ordered directly from your Personal Web Page.
Q. We don't want photographic coverage for the entire day. Can we reserve your services for just a few hours, to cover the highlights?
A. While we prefer to document your wedding day from beginning to end, we can provide hourly photographic services for your formal portraits and ceremony. Our availability for this type of coverage is limited, and can be reserved no earlier than 90 days before your wedding.
Q. We have appointments to see several photographers before making a decision. Will you hold the date for us until we get back to you?
A. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold your date without a retainer. Our studio is very busy, with most couples booking their weddings six to eight months in advance. We hope you love our work and decided to reserve your wedding with us. We don’t want to pressure you to make a decision until your ready. If you decide you would like us to provide your photographic services, please call us back right away. We can charge your retainer to your credit card.
Q. What do we need to do to make sure our wedding photographs are the best they can be?
A. Good question! The most important thing is to be ready on time. We usually start our photographic coverage two hours before the ceremony. When everyone is ready and on time we have enough time to pose the formal portraits carefully so that everyone looks their best. Starting late means we have to rush, and that's more stressful for you. So make sure you have a realistic idea of how long it will take for the ladies to have their hair and makeup done, and allow more time than you think you need. Make sure your family members and wedding party know where they need to be for the formal portraits, and that they know it's important to be on time. Everyone will appreciate it if you allow some extra time in your schedule for the unexpected. And even when everything goes smoothly you'll enjoy having that extra time just to catch your breath!
Q. Should we do our formal portraits before or after the ceremony?
A. It usually takes twenty to thirty minutes to do the formal portraits of the bride and groom, the wedding party and families on both sides. Most wedding couples decide to do all the formal portraits before the ceremony because the flowers are fresh and beautiful, and everyone looks their best when their hair and makeup is fresh and clothing is freshly pressed. We've seen many nervous brides and grooms completely relax once they were in each other's arms. Most of all, you'll be able to leave for the reception immediately after the ceremony so your guests are not kept waiting. However, if you prefer to do the formal portraits after the ceremony, we can do them quickly if everyone stays nearby. And we will arrange to do all the family groups first so they can leave for the reception to greet the guests.
Q. What happens if you are sick, or you have an accident, and can't be there for our wedding?
A. This is one of the most important reasons to choose a photographer who is a member of a professional association. We belong to Northern California Professional Photographers. We have many members who are professional wedding photographers, and we have agreed to help each other out in an emergency. You can relax knowing that no matter what may happen, you won't have to worry about photographic services for your wedding.
Q. What is your payment schedule?
A. A retainer is required to reserve the date for your wedding. We will get together ten days before your wedding to finalize your schedule and other details. Final payment of your package is due at that appointment.
When additional photographs are purchased, at least 50% of the total is due when the order is placed with the balance due on delivery.
Q. What are your studio hours?
A. Our studio is open by appointment, and we are available for wedding consultations Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Q. Can you recommend a DJ (or live band, caterer, bakery, florist, etc.)?
A. Whenever we meet someone at a wedding who is providing exceptional service, we ask for a business card. We are happy to recommend these people to you. In fact, you can find links to many of these businesses on our site. Recommended Vendors List
Q. Do you have any other advice for us?
A. You've spent months planning your wedding, choosing the very best people you could find to provide your wedding services. They are professionals and you can trust them to take care of the details. So relax and enjoy your wedding day!
