Engagement Photography FAQ

If you have more questions, please contact Sarah.

Bookings

How do I book my session?
When you have decided on what session you want to book fire me an e-mail or give me a ring on the phone and we can discuss what you are looking for exactly and what date/time the shoot will be held on. After receiving your retainer to hold your session we will go into specifics in regards to locations and what to bring.
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 session I suggest 3-4 weeks minimum if you have a tight schedule – if you are fairly flexible 2-3 weeks. I book on a first come first book basis. I can't guarantee your day unless the retainer has been received.

Payment

What forms of payment options are there?
I accept cash, cheque & e-mail money transfer. If a cheque is provided there will be a holding period and 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 if we book our session with our Wedding package?
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.

Clothing

What should I wear for my session?
You should wear what ever makes you feel like a rock star. If you are more into simple and clean then bring simple clothing - if you are a fashionista then bring your most rocking out party dress and high heals.

Your photos are all about you and your personality - the essence of you as an individual. If you are doing your session with your partner in crime then a little quordination might be necessary but never lose who you are.

Feel free to take a snapshot of your outfit and send it over - I love to give feedback & help you decide!
How many outfits should I bring?
Depending on the package you choose I suggest bringing 2–4 different outfits & as many accessories as you want – because you never know you might change your mind last Minuit and its best to have options!

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.
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

What is the purpose of an engagement shoot?
I definately 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 comfortable 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.

Personal Items

What should we bring? Do couples use their own 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. A teaser will be posted on my blog a few days after your wedding.

Usage

Can we use the photos on our wedding invites?
Certainly, that's a great idea. You can also use them on a personal wedding planning website, your own blog, the thank you gift at your wedding, anything goes.

Prints & Albums

We are looking for a guest sign-in album with our engagement photos, 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 colours 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?
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, every event I bring backups for each piece of equipment
Please explain 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 style. You will be provided with a copy of the basic edited photos and the artistic edited photos so you have the choice.
Why are investments different for each photographer?
When you select your photographer it's important to remember that a professional photographer is more than someone who takes pictures. They capture your mevmories & 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 itself. It's better to make a decision based on the work then looking at the price tag.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I shoot with all Professional equipment. I shoot with 2 camera bodies and multiple lenses, flashes, & studio lighting. I am a canon girl! My principle camera is a 5D MKII - 21.2 mega pixel, full frame.