Q: What packages do you offer?

Partial Day (4hrs) - $700
Full Day (8hrs) - $1100

Both packages include the following:
-Hi-res digital files
-Meticulous and consistent editing to ensure a perfect image (color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, and any additional specific requests given by the bride/groom.
-Images stored on custom wooden flash drive & bamboo keepsake box
-Print release (unlimited)

 

Q: Approximately how many photos will I get from the full-day package and the half-day package?

A: Approximately 300 for the full day, and 150 for the partial day. 

Granted, this varies and an exact number is not specified in the contract. 

 

Q: Do you touch up all the images in our image download?

A: Yes I do. Taking the photos on your wedding day is only about 1/2 of the work.  Every image I deliver is post produced with a unique signature style of post production. This involves color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, and other corrections. Many photographers will not post produce any images, or will only post produce “select” images from your wedding. This means that you may have pictures that are too dark, have strange skin tones or other common photography flaws.  Because I deliver the majority of your images, not just a selection, it is imperative that they all be edited cohesively.

 

Q: How many hours do you suggest we set aside for posed wedding day photos?  What does the photo schedule usually look like?

A: Approximately five hours.  This is divided up into sections between bride & groom (3hrs), wedding party (2hrs), and families (1hr).  It could very well take less time, but the key to getting truly great photos is having time to work with.  Many of my weddings have run about 2hrs behind schedule (including my own), it just tends to happen.  However, it is best to prevent this from happening because it is at the expense of your photos.  A sample schedule is below for a 6pm wedding.

*If you would like to have events photographed after your package time has exceeded, arrange to have me arrive later in the day, or I can be hired for an additional  $100/hr.  

*If you are purchasing the partial coverage package (4hrs), please note that it is impossible to fit all events into that amount of time.  Keep in mind this sample time sheet and choose your package accordingly.  Planning and scheduling is even more important when less time is involved.

 

All-Inclusive Package (8hrs) 12-8pm

12-12:30- Groom/Groomsmen (while the girls are still getting ready)

1-4- Bride & Groom/First Look

4-4:30- Bride/Bridesmaids

4:30-5:30- Wedding Party

5:30-6- Seating guests/wedding party prepares for ceremony

6-6:30- Ceremony

6:30-7- Families (beginning with the largest group shot down to individual families, etc)

7-8- Cake cutting/dinner

 

Partial Coverage Package (4hrs) 3-7pm

3-5- Bride & Groom/First Look 

5-5:30- Wedding Party

5:30-6- Seating guests/wedding party prepares for ceremony

6-6:30- Ceremony

6:30-7- Family Photos

 

Q: Is it best to do the majority of the photos before (first look) or after the ceremony?

A: Before.  As a wedding photographer and also a recent bride, utilizing the first look is the way to go.  The key to great photos is having plenty of time to work with - I prefer to have 3 hours with the bride and groom alone, and an extra two hours for families & the wedding party.  Imagine doing all of that after the ceremony...when guests are hungry, and you're ready to finally enjoy this event you've spent months planning.  It is stressful for everyone involved.  Now imagine this -  we find a beautiful private spot, away from all the flurry of preparation and set your groom up with his back turned to you. This is a moment that is just between you and your (almost!) husband. I am shooting from afar with a zoom lens to allow you both to take the moment in, to see each other for the first time on your wedding day, to feel the emotion and joy of what you are about to do- together. Being able to have this moment, just between each other, instead of in front of every one during the ceremony allows for a different kind of intimacy, allowing it to truly sink in and enjoy what is just yours as a couple. And from that moment on, the day is spent together! 

 

Q: What if it rains?

A:  No big deal. After 4 years living in Seattle where I underwent the majority of my schooling, and now currently residing in North Idaho, I am no stranger to unfavorable weather.  As your photographer, I am prepared to photograph outside in wet/cold weather.  I would recommend always having a "Plan B" in place - even if your wedding is in the middle of August.  Some of the most dynamic images come from stormy weather, as long as you're willing to get out in it!

 

Q: How many  years experience do you have?  

A:  Professionally, 8 years. 

 

Q: Do you deliver every image you shoot?

A: No, I do not.  I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with unappealing expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery.  For example, because I shoot with low apertures, sometimes I take a few extra shots to ensure a perfect focus. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend hours doing that on my end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. We might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure we have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. With my expertise of processing thousands of images each year, I may eliminate ones that I feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one.

 

Q: Do you do destination weddings, if so, what are your fees?

A:   They are my favorite!  As long as my travel fees are paid for, the original package cost is the same.  

 

Q: What kind of equipment do you use?

A:   My theory is quality over quantity...I shoot with the basics, but high-quality basics.

-Canon 5D Mark II

-Canon 28-300mm f/3.5 L-series wide range zoom

-Canon 24-105mm f/1.4 L-series wide angle 

-Canon 50mm 1.8

-320EX speedlight flash

-Vortex tripod

-Three 64G 800x flash cards

 

Q:  Do you use a second shooter?

A: I don’t normally use a second shooter, however if you feel that having an additional photographer is something you would like I’d be happy to hire one. There will be a $500 minimum adjustment to my fee for a second shooter.  

 

Q: How many weddings do you take on each year?

A: Because I am a solo wedding photographer, I typically do not take on more than 4 weddings per year.  Every wedding is so unique, and I strive to reflect this in my work.  No two weddings will be edited the same, or photographed the same.  Because of this, I prefer a lighter work-load so I can dedicate the individual attention needed to each bride and groom.

 

Have a new question? Contact me and I'll get right back to you.

megan@photosbyartemis.com      208.610.3710