Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question for me send it HERE.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE WEDDING DAY?
On the wedding day the photographer and assistant will arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. This will allow time for set up and initial viewing of the grounds and building. The timeline will continue as discussed coordinating with the wedding planner throughout the day. Formals with family members and the wedding party are generally done before the ceremony to allow for optimal time for photographs. After the ceremony there is sometimes an opportunity to go to another location with just the wedding party or bride and groom for additional informal photographs. The reception follows with a grand entrance, cake cutting, dinner, toasts, and dancing. If the opportunity presents itself, taking 5 minutes out of the reception to be outside when the sun sets, can make a great ending to the day.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I use top of the line Canon digital equipment and lenses. I also carry back-ups of standard items ready to go in case I need them.
DO YOU BACKUP YOUR IMAGES?
Yes, all the images are backed up multiple times on external hard drive media as soon as I arrive home after a wedding. While in transit they never leave my side. Once the wedding is edited and the digital media is delivered to the client, Amy Rae Photography will archive the files for one year.
HOW DO I BOOK YOU FOR MY WEDDING DAY?
It is important to schedule a meeting prior to booking. This meeting can be held in person or over the phone. This will give me a chance to learn about what is most important to you on your wedding day and to see if I am a good fit for you. I will be able to answer any questions you have, go over your budget, and create a custom package for your needs. After the meeting you will need to submit a signed contract with a non-refundable retainer (15% of your custom package). This will reserve your wedding day and keep anyone else from booking that date.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE SIGN THE CONTRACT?
Once you have decided to book Amy Rae Photography for your wedding day the next step will be to schedule the engagement session. These sessions are generally 4-6 months before the wedding. You will also want to schedule any other a la carte sessions that were booked. Prior to your wedding day a consultation appointment is set up to plan for the event. Before the consultation, an information sheet will be sent out and should be filled in as best as possible. At the meeting we will discuss necessary items such as the timeline, names of family members for formals, photography style, and must takes. This meeting is typically held one month to two weeks before the wedding and is done either in person or over the phone. It is also helpful to coordinate this meeting with the wedding planner if there is one.
HOW DO I PAY?
The preferred method of payment is by check or money order. If you would like to use your credit card an invoice can be made and e-mailed to you. You will be able to use your credit card using a secure online payment system.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
I like to keep things light, fun, and relaxed. There are already enough things going on during the wedding day that can stress you out and I try not to be one of them. We make time to thoroughly plan your timeline so that we have time to get the shots you want. I like the look of candid images showing real love and emotion. I try to make you laugh, but the best moments are when my couples are sharing real moments together. That is what I encourage and what turns out to make great pictures.
WHEN WILL MY IMAGES BE READY?
Your images will be made available online in your personal gallery six weeks after the event. At this time if you have purchased a digital cd this will be sent out to you after confirmation of your address has been made.
DO I GET FULL PRINTING RIGHTS IF I PURCHASE THE DIGITAL CD?
Yes, client may use files for any reasonable personal purpose, including but not limited to, reproduction of images, unlimited number of prints and posting on social networking sites. Client may not use or reproduce the digital image files for any commercial purpose, resale or any other means that result in financial gain.
By purchasing digital media you are making an investment in the life of your photographs. It is highly recommended to make a back-up copy immediately and to do so every year. The longevity of digital media is unknown. Amy Rae Photography is not responsible for the loss of images or damage to disks.
Amy Rae Photography recommends White House Custom Color lab for reprints. However, Amy Rae Photography cannot guarantee proper quality of any products or prints that are not printed by Amy Rae Photography.
HOW MUCH EDITING IS DONE TO THE IMAGES I WILL RECEIVE?
The images found on the digital cd that comes with your custom package are at the proofing stage of editing. The stages of editing are 1) straight out of camera (SOOC), 2) proofing, and 3) gallery. Gallery quality images are for print orders and album orders only. Gallery images require more time to edit, enhance, retouch, and apply our signature look. These images deserve to be displayed on your walls, in your home, and in a beautiful handmade album. To be very clear, there is nothing wrong or of lesser quality in your proof images that you receive on your disk, there is just not enough hours in a day to spend editing every single image for it to sit on a disk. Amy Rae Photography is proud to give the extra attention to any print or album order.
HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE GET?
The number of images from a wedding will depend upon the number of coverage hours. On average, you will get 75-100 images per hour of coverage.
WHEN DO YOU EAT ON THE WEDDING DAY?
Myself and my assistant will eat with the guests during dinner. This time is not a break and we will continue shooting when it is necessary. We ask that we both be seated near the head table so we are able to be there when the moments are happening and that we are served when the head table is served so that we are done eating when you are. If the meal is a buffet we ask that two plates are made to serve the photographers. We wouldn’t want to be in line when something important is happening that we need to be around for.
WHY SHOULD WE DO AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
The engagement session is the first time that you get to be in front of the camera. It helps you work out all the nerves and get comfortable for the big day. Not only that but it allows you to have photographs that are all about you. We have fun and I encourage everyone to make time to have this session. If you choose not to, your final balance will not be adjusted.
DO YOU TRAVEL?
I am always interested in the possibilities of travel and destination weddings. Since my husband is in the air force many of my weddings are never held where I am based. Traveling is one of my passions and I will take advantage of it whenever I can. I highly recommend hiring an experienced professional for your destination wedding since there may not be much to offer as far as the local photography market goes where your wedding will be taking place. If you are interested in destination wedding photography please contact me. I would be happy to try to work around your budget to make sure you can get the style of photography that is important to you for your day.
