Wedding FAQ’s

As my website is currently under some updates I thought that I would write a FAQ on my blog until its up on my website.

If there is any questions I haven’t answered feel free to send me an e mail and defiantly add more to the FAQ’s!

Booking

How do I book my session?

When you have decided on the date of your wedding read over the packages to choose the amount of coverage you are looking for. After that everything is easy as pie. All you need to do is fire me an e-mail or give me a ring on the phone to set up a time to meet – at the meeting we will discuss what you are looking for exactly (hours of coverage, location of your wedding, specifics on formal photos & locations, the style of your wedding, & any other questions you might have for me). After the contract is filled out I require a retainer to preserve your day.

What is required to book my session?

I require 50% down along with your signed contract to book your date. The final 50% is due on a post-dated check for the day of your session. If you like you can pay the remainder prior to the session.

How far in advance should we book you for our wedding?

Depending on the specifics of your wedding I suggest booking as soon as have set the date & know the amount of coverage you will need. Due to the nature of wedding season I book on a first come first book basis. Although I would love to shoot your wedding I can’t guarantee your day unless the retainer has been received.

Payment

What method of Payment options is there?

I accept cash, check, & e-mail money transfer. In the case of checks there is a holding period – no material will be given out until the check has been cleared.

*All bounced checks are subject to a $50 fee*

Do we get a discount on our engagement session?

Yes you certainly do! The large wedding package includes an engagement session free of charge! If you book your engagement package at the same time as your Wedding package you get $100 off.

Locations & travel

Where do you recommend taking the photos?

Depending on your individual style the location will be fit to match.

We will discuss your locations when you book your coverage. Because I have been shooting in Calgary for over 10 years I know a variety of different locations both indoors and outdoors that I would be more then happy to provide you with to help you decide what best suits your style. I do both on location and studio sessions. Depending on your individual needs the location will be fit to match.

Where do the formals take place?

Depending on your individual style the location will be fit to match.

We will discuss your formal locations when you book your coverage. Because I have been shooting in Calgary for over 10 years I know a variety of different locations both indoors and outdoors that I would be more then happy to provide you with to help you decide what best suits your style.

Can we have more then one location for our photos?

Yes! If time allows you can have as many as you want (within the city limits) Outside the city limits there is an additional charge for mileage.

Do you travel?

Yes!! I love to travel. I have been all over the world! Feel free to inquire on the specifics of international/destination wedding investment.

Do you ever do destination sessions? If so then is there anyway you would do a marathon with friends of ours?

I love to do destination sessions. If you want to split the travel cost with another couple that is totally fine! Make arrangements with the couple and then contact me to arrange the scheduling of your sessions.

Purpose of Engagement Session

What is the purpose of an engagement shoot?

I defiantly recommend booking an engagement session. A. It is a blast to walk around with your partner and have images that capture who you are together. B. You get to feel how it is to be in front of a camera in a professional way – it will help you be more comfterable in front of the camera also. These sessions also allow us to get to know each other – after all we will be spending a full day together. I really get the essence of who you are together and it allows me to see how you move and flow together so on your wedding day I might suggest different shots that will work best for you and your partner.

Bring

What should we bring props?

Totally! I have had a few couples that brought vintage suitcases or fancy umbrellas along to use in their formal photos. Anything goes this is your session.

Proofs

How long will my proofs be online for?

You have 2 weeks to make your final choices from your proofs – after that your proof gallery will remain online for 1 month incase you feel like ordering more photos – after 30 days a additional charge will be applied to keep your session online.

When are the images ready for viewing?

Engagement photos are ready for viewing 2-5 days after your session. Wedding images take a little longer due to the amount of images taken. They can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. A teaser will be posted on my blog a few days after your wedding.

Prints & Albums

We are looking for a guest sign in album with our engagement photos in it do you do that?

I love making sign in albums! How it works is after your engagement session we go over what photos you want in your book and I lay it out with negative space on the pages – this allows your guests to have areas of white or black to write their messages on.

(Other color’s available but white and black look the best).

Do we get to see the final photos before they are printed?

You will proof all photos that make it into your albums and are printed through Sarah Pukin Photography before printing. That way anything you might want can be done before your products are ordered.

How do I order prints & albums???

Your session will be on an online proofing system (1-2 days after your session) where you will be able to see all the photos from your session in a low resolution for fast viewing.

From there you will be able to see the file number (located below each photo) all you have to do is fire me off an e-mail with your photo selections.

(A list of print pricing is available by request)

Can we send the link to our friends and family so they can look and order prints if they want?

Certainly, feel free to share it with who ever you like!

Can we have the link to where our photos will be before our wedding so we can hand out cards at the wedding with the link on it for all the guests?

Yes, your link is available after your contract and retainer are received.

How long will my proofs be online for?

You have 2 weeks to make your final choices from your engagement proofs and 2 months for your wedding – after that your proof gallery will remain online for 1 month incase you feel like ordering more photos – after 30 days a additional charge will be applied to keep your session online. (Please inquire)

Other

Do we get the high-resolution files?

Yes, depending on the package you choose your photos will be completely edited and released to you on a digital DVD with printing rights. I only release the highest quality as a standard for my company.

Do you bring back-up equipment?

Yes, to every event I bring backups of ever type of equipment

What kind of equipment do you use?

I shoot with all Professional equipment. I shoot with 2-camera bodies and multiple lenses, flashes, memory cards, & studio lighting. I am a Canon girl! My principle camera is a 5D MK11 – 21.2 mega pixel, full frame.

What are artistic effects and are they on all of my photos? I do both artistic and basic effects.

All photos are retouched for colour and clarity and key images are edited artistically.

Formals are typically all artistically edited as they are fine art pieces and have more pizzazz. You will be provided with a copy of the basic edited photos + the artistic edited photos so you have the choice.

Why are investments different for each photographer?

When you select your photographer it is important to remember that a professional photographer is more than someone who takes pictures. They capture your memories & tell your individual story that lasts a lifetime. You are investing in photographic art.  Each photographer has a different investment to reflect what they feel is appropriate for the type of work they provide you with in the end. I say let the work speak for its self. Its better to make a decision based on the work then the $ amount.

Do you require a meal?

Yes, because a wedding is a very long event and unpredictable in some sence as much as I would love to bring my own meal it is much easier if one is provided. If you have less then 5 hours of coverage one is not needed. In my experience people don’t like to be photographed while they are eating so I take the opportunity to eat while you are eating to make sure I don’t miss any key shots.

& because every blog post should have a photo in it!

(Don’t you just love wind storms?)