Archive for the ‘FAQs’ Category
Create Your Own Package | Birmingham Wedding Photographer
Brides sometimes ask why I don’t offer packages. There are certain minimums that I think all brides deserve. An engagement session so I can get to know the couple and capture them in non-wedding day clothes. A full day’s coverage with two photographers. A custom album designed with the bride’s input. Other than that, different people have different needs, so I have worked to price things competitively and allow each couple to build a personal, perfect-for-them package from my offerings.
Here’s an example of what someone could do with a budget of about $3000 for photography and prints. Most of the cost is being absorbed by the bride’s parents, so she would like to be sure to thank them with a small album of their own. The groom’s parents, their grandparents and others are welcome to order their own “mom’s albums.”
for $3050
An engagement shoot. Wedding day coverage (up to 10 hours, by two experienced photographers). Online proofing, an online slideshow and a facebook gallery.
UPGRADE album of the softest leather and thick, mounted pages. 1 mom album (with the same design, at 8×8) for the bride’s parents.
a set of 100 5×7 prints. Some of these will be duplicates to be given as gifts.
3 medium wall prints (11×14 – 14×14) to be hung in their new home.
3 small wall prints (8×10 – 10×10) to be given to the parents of the bride and groom.
a DVD of all pictures at their highest resolution and a DVD of the slideshow (Gifts from me because the order has over $500 worth of prints and $750 worth of prints and album orders combined.)
What Should We Wear?
One of the biggest dilemmas for many people about photo sessions is what to wear. In the most technical sense, here are some guidelines. I would not choose white, or very pale colors, unless it is necessary. Wedding dresses, christening gowns, etc. are necessary whites. Otherwise, wear something darker, those colors photograph better. Texture adds visual interest in subtle ways, patterns are bolder but can also work well as long as the pattern suits you and isn’t too dominating (A little dress, for example.) When you are coordinating for an engagement or family shoot, wearing things that coordinate, without uniformity, tends to look best. I went ahead and picked outfits for a family to show you some of these principles in action in colors that look good on a variety of skin tones.
You’ve Still Got Time!
The Sale and Giveaway doesn’t end until 12:01am CST on January 6th. A few people have emailed to ask, do you get two giveaway entries if you are on the listserv and a facebook fan? Yes, one entry for each. So sign up for either or both to enter the giveaway for a free session. Also, drop me an email or leave a comment to start coordinating your 2009 shoot if you’d like a $20 print credit.
When Should I Schedule My Photoshoot?
As soon as you can! Right now the three mini-session days are the last availabilities of the year, we are otherwise booking January 2009 and beyond. When you decide “I want photos from Kristen in this season or to commemorate that” go ahead and talk to me about it and get your deposit in. That deposit is transferrable if you need to move your date around a few times in the month before your shoot. If you are pregnant and know you would like maternity and/or newborn photos, let me know early and I will pencil you in on the calendar for that month. I have a certain number of shoots I can take per month, and the time slots are flexible, so it is to your advantage to go ahead and get your spot! As far as this year is concerned, there are a few spots left for each mini-session day, so if you need photos in 2008 and you are willing to be flexible about your location we might still be able to make it happen!
Are your girls coming, too?
This is probably the single most frequently asked question I receive. I love my girls, and I love to spend time with them, but your photoshoot is your time and I prefer not to have anyone around that would distract my focus or my subjects!
What’s a “mini session?”
A mini or half session is a shoot of 30 minutes, back to back with one or more other sessions, at a reduced rate. These are perfect to capture one or two kids in just one outfit. I schedule mini sessions a few times a year but you can book one anytime if you can gather two or more interested families and decide on a day and location.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes! You need to pay for at least a session, but you can add print value as well. The gift certificates are custom printed and can be mailed to the recipient or sent to you to give away in person.
What is an “on location photographer?”
As an on location photographer, I come to you. We can meet at your home, a park or anywhere else you like! I don’t have or desire a studio. I think the best photos of children happen in their own environments and I prefer natural light.
What is included in your session fee?
Great question! A session includes an hour or two of photography and many hours of digital editing. There are no extra fees for many people or even different locations within reason.
What is your referral program?
If you refer a new customer, you receive 15% off your next session fee. The more customers you refer, the more savings you get as you can combine them up to 75% off!
