This is a compilation of questions we get asked all the time when we meet with new clients + it’s a list you might ask all photographers you interview. It covers almost every-thing from budget to planning + we hope it is helpful in your selection process. Please feel free to shout if you’ve anything we’ve not covered here we’ll be happy to help in any way.
*CONNECT HERE* for availability + detailed pricing information, we’d love to hear from you!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My clients typically are those that value artistic, creative, emotional images – couple’s who want something a little different, classic images yet stylish and glamourous. I’ve a fashion magazine background so I’m always on the hunt to make that fabulous “double page spread” image that will end up on your wall as art. I try to be inconspicuous in capturing the details and look for the spontaneous and unexpected.
When I arrive on location I bring my art, my heart, my instinct, intuition, resourcefulness, spontaneity, determination, professionalism + passion to the set.
My job is to deliver to my client not only what she wants, but also what she doesn’t even know she want’s + needs. My vision for the image I want to create is always in my mind but I can adapt + judge when it’s not working, where I need to persist and when I need to move on. I’ve learned well when + how to share feedback + direction to subjects + when to keep quiet + just let things happen.
I hope you can tell from my portfolio, I really love what I do and commit to offer every client the highest level of service. A wedding is not a fashion shoot, it’s not about me or my talent/creative process. I share my talent + passion but am always respectful that it is a very private/intimate event I am capturing, a once in a lifetime event!! We undertake an exclusive number of commissions each year and I hope that YOURS may be one!
DO YOU SHOOT DIGITAL OR FILM?
All my professional work is shot digitally with Canon equipment. I love the instant gratification of knowing you’ve “got the shot” that digital provides. I’m a purist with my processing though. I strive to create a clean, timeless image + I don’t believe your images should look swallowed by the latest photoshop technique, in fact often i’ll tweak to give the images a “film/vintage” feel.
I “grew up” shooting film in my native Australia + developed my journalistic eye on the streets of China/Hong Kong where I lived for 4 years. I switched to Digital during the Sydney Olympics + was completely wowed by the speed + accuracy.
DO YOU HAVE A SECOND SHOOTER?
Yes for every event I have an associate with me who will second-shoot and assists with lighting and equipment as needed but I am the primary photographer.
CAN WE VIEW A COMPLETE WEDDING?
Sure ….. check out our proofing/client section HERE. Most of our weddings are public however we can password protect your’s if you wish.
WILL YOU TAKE POSED/FAMILY PICTURES THAT MOM NEEDS?
We’ll definately capture all necessary formal group photos as efficiently as possible. They’re essential records of your family and document your history together. Our coverage is real-time however + long lists of posed images will hinder our ability to cover the event in a documentary manner + produce images consistent with the portfolio you have viewed + they will detract from our one on one time producing the really awesome portraits
Reminding parents that it is your wedding day + not a family re-union opp usually helps.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED + WILL YOU TRAVEL?
Currently I am based in Atlanta, GA and live with my two children and enormous dog, however I travel Worldwide to shoot weddings. In 2011 forty percent of my commissions are not local + I’m Australian so i’m always scouting weddings back home + California is a half way point LOVE shooting out there too. Travel expenses are additional + vary per location.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE OUR IMAGES?
Online galleries are posted within 6 weeks of the wedding date. Printed proofs and digital files are available within 9 weeks of the wedding date. The number of photographs taken depends on many things – the number of guests, hours of coverage, types of events. Our minimum is 400
WHAT ABOUT PRINTS + DO WE GET A DVD OF IMAGES?
A DVD of high resolution images is included with the purchase of collections that contain qualifying wedding products in excess of $500 ie. wedding album, canvases, or print products. This will be delivered with the album/final product order or 6 months after the event. Should we be hired to shoot your wedding and provide a DVD of images the fee is $600 and this is considered a standalone product. You will receive a written release 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 in low-res format with credit given to Tina Rowden Photographer via the tagging process. No adjustments or further editing of images is allowed that would make me sad ;(
Our Printroom service offers prints that are archival quality that will last forever + not fade. These can be purchased via the online gallery site + a 20% discount is offered to our couples which is a very competitive rate.
You may use your DVD to print images wherever you prefer however we don’t recommend Walgreens or CVS!
WHAT IS THE ONLINE GALLERY/PRINTROOM?
The online gallery is a private, password protected section on our website where all of your 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 and cards and allows image selection for album inclusion. Our prices are very competitive with a much higher archival quality than consumer labs.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
The latest professional Canon equipment and extensive backups. Apple hardware + Adobe Software for editing.
DETERMINING MY PHOTO BUDGET?
As with everything in life with wedding photog’s you “get what you pay for”
I respect my time + my talent + my pricing reflects 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 PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT
A non-refundable booking fee/retainer of 40% is due to reserve your date. 30% of your balance is due 90 days before your event with the final amount due the week of the wedding. When booking within 30 days of the wedding the entire contract amount is due at the time of signing. Full payment 10 days before the event. We accept Visa/Mastercard, Checks + Cash ♥
WHAT IF YOU BECOME ILL + CAN’T ATTEND?
This would be highly unlikely although should this occur we will provide coverage from our contracted assistant or second shooter (based on your contract). I am also a member of many national and local organizations and networking groups upon which we could call to find you a replacement photographer.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS + CAN YOU HOLD MY DATE?
Occassionally discounts are available but are based on time of year, travel schedule + availability. Please contact us to discuss your event. We accept bookings completely on a first come/first served basis and we can’t hold wedding dates without a signed contract + retainer. Until the contract is signed other’s may book your date.
Still have more questions ……….
** VIEW PLANNING + HOW THE DAY FLOWS FAQ’s** HERE