This is a compilation of questions I get asked frequently when I meet with new clients. These FAQs may also aide you in your search for a Wedding Photographer by knowing what you should ask during an initial consultation. I have tried to cover everything from budgets to planning and I truly hope it is helpful. Please feel free to let me know if I’ve missed something or there is a topic you need any clarification on. I would be happy to help you in any possible way.
Contact me for availability, detailed pricing information or for answers to any questions not covered here.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Every couple looks for something different when searching for a photographer. I try my best to accommodate my couples on their ideal perspective of their Wedding Day. I usually tend to photographic in an artistic, timeless manner with a modern twist. I love to shoot portraits – especially unique ones! I always search out the most aesthetically pleasing background, place you in it and capture the moment. I do photographic in a journalistic style when necessary (during the ceremony, reception, preps, etc) and also make sure I include the ‘mom’ shots! I try to cover all my bases and focus on what is most important to the couple — whether that be images with a best friend or cake cutting, etc. I have photographed everything from themes (Zombies, Dinosaurs & Circuses!!) to the straight and narrow traditional and religious or culturally strong wedding. I am here to work for YOU.
DO YOU SHOOT DIGITAL OR FILM?
I typically shoot digitally with professional Nikon equipment. I like knowing I can look at my image the moment I take it and be able to tweak it if necessary. I tend to shoot 90% ‘in-camera’ which basically means I’m not a Photoshop manipulation junkie. I love the way that film looks but can recreate that digitally. I feel digital is more cost-effective although I do have a background in Film and would be happy to undertake a full or partial film Wedding.
DO YOU HAVE A SECOND-SHOOTER?
I am ALWAYS the primary photographer and my husband usually is my right-hand man :). If he happens to be unavailable I usually keep a few assistants on call that are able to shoot and/or assist with lighting or carrying equipment as needed. It is NOT an extra charge. All of my Wedding Collections include 2 photographers.
WILL YOU TAKE POSED/FAMILY PICTURES THAT MOM NEEDS?
I will definitely capture all of the necessary formal portrait and group images as efficiently as possible. They’re essential records of your family and document your history together. The photo coverage is real-time however and long lists of posed images will hinder our ability to cover the event in a documentary manner and produce images consistent with the portfolio you have viewed. Reminding parents that it is your wedding day and not a family re-union usually helps :).
CAN WE VIEW A COMPLETE WEDDING?
Absolutely! Check out any of the unlocked galleries in the CLIENT area. We offer protected and non-protected galleries at no additional cost to you.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED & WILL YOU TRAVEL?
Currently I am based in Saint Louis / Oakville, Missouri and live with my husband, daughter, step-daughter & our pit bull and crazy kitty, however I travel Worldwide to shoot weddings and sometimes even smaller events and families. Destination weddings are always welcome. Travel expenses are additional and vary per location.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE OUR IMAGES?
I always post a sneak peek within 24 hours on social media sites (unless permission is not given) and online galleries are usually posted within 6-8 weeks from the date of the wedding. Printed proofs or digital files are available within 9 weeks of the wedding date. Albums can take up to 12-15 weeks from the date of ordering depending on the lab’s production & delivery time. The number of photographs taken depends on many things – the number of guests, hours of coverage, types of events, etc. The minimum would range from 250-400.
WHAT ABOUT PRINTS? DO WE GET A HARD-COPY OF OUR IMAGES?
A hard-copy of high resolution edited images is included with any Wedding Collection. This will be delivered with the album/final print order OR within 9 weeks following the wedding date. I offer a hard-copy at an additional cost with any smaller Wedding Collection. You will also receive a written release with your images that will allow you to make unlimited personal reproductions and copies for personal use. This shared copyright means that you may post them to your Facebook page or social media website with credit given to Aloha Kelly Photography via the tagging process. No further editing of images is allowed. Use the images in any other manner aside from personal use is strictly prohibited.
We offer the ability to order prints from our Professional Photography Labs which are exceptional quality. These can be purchased directly through our proofing gallery or at your post-event consultation. You may use your hard-copy to print images wherever you prefer, however we can’t guarantee the quality if printed at Walgreens or Target/Walmart, instead I would recommend Shutterfly or Mpix if you choose to order outside of our lab.
WHAT IS THE ONLINE GALLERY?
The online gallery is a website link where all of you wedding photographs will be placed online for you and your family and friends to view. It is also a secure shopping cart – which allows prints as well as downloadable files to be purchased/redeemed. Our prices are extremely competitive with a much higher archival quality than consumer labs.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I use professional Nikon equipment and extensive backups. I use a windows based computer with a current version of Photoshop for processing and editing images. I keep an external hard drive with copies of all the images I shoot plus an online archival system that backs up my entire computer hourly and a copy in my safety deposit box just for good measure :).
DETERMINING MY PHOTO BUDGET?
As with everything in life, and with Wedding photographers, you ‘get what you pay for’.
I respect my time; my talent and pricing reflect this. After all you will spend on making your day unforgettable; probably the best investment you can make is to hire a trusted photographer to preserve those memories forever. There’s no second chance or dress rehearsal here.
WHAT TYPE(S) OF PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?
A non-refundable booking/retainer fee of 40% is due to reserve your Wedding date with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to the wedding. Special arrangements can be made, please don’t hesitate to ask! I accept cash, check, Paypal & all major credit cards.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS & CAN YOU HOLD MY DATE?
Occasionally discounts are offered near the end of the current booking year and are based on schedule and availability. Please contact me to discuss your event. I accept bookings completely on a first come/first serve basis and I can’t hold wedding dates without an accepted Wedding Agreement plus retainer fee. Until this contract is signed, others may book your date.
MORE QUESTIONS?? CONTACT ME!! 🙂