Q: What are your packages?
A: I don’t really do packages. Full day coverage with two photographers is $1,750.  You will have an online gallery of all your images for 90 days.  It’s a $200 deposit to hold the date and the rest is due two weeks before your wedding. Once you have reviewed your pictures, then you can pick what album or book you want, what size, how many pages, and any prints. Books go from $260-$700 and Albums go from $470-$1370. It’s all up to you.

Q: How much experience do you have shooting weddings?
A: I spent 5 years working as a 2nd photographer (and digital retoucher) for two different studios, on around 100 weddings. I started my wedding business for myself in January 2009. My husband did the same (Crushed Box Photo). He is my second photographer, and I am his. I assumed that I would get a part time job to fill in the gaps, but I haven’t needed to. This is my full time job, and between Ray’s business and mine, 2010 is booked solid, and 2011 is filling up quickly. Yay!

Q: Will I get a disc with all of my images?
A: I will give you a disc of all your high resolution images, after, the purchase of an album or book. I do this because I spent 5 years working as a retoucher to make images look their very best. I really want you to have a professionally finished product from me. I understand you want to have all your images safe in your hands forever, and be able to make your own prints at your convenience, and so this is the compromise that I make.

Q: Will the images on the disc be retouched?
A: No. They will be color corrected though. When I retouch images I spend a significant amount of time on them to make them look their best. If I were to retouch all of your images (sometimes up to 1,000 images) you wouldn’t get your pictures for a year. However, I will include any retouched images that you ordered on the disc. Below is an example of what the different stages of images look like.

Q: Who retains copyright to the pictures?
A: I do. After the purchase of an album or book, you will get a disc of all your images, along with a license release giving you permission to use the images for any personal use such as facebook, or making your own prints. The only thing you can’t do, is sell the images. That means if the store you bought your dress from wants pictures from your wedding, they would have to go to me for that. Please note that different photographers have different feelings about copyright and may handle this differently.

Q: So we can post the pictures on facebook?
A: Absolutely. I see it as both a compliment and free advertising. I do very much appreciate it though if you could put all photos taken by KGM Expressions in their own photo album with a credit to KGM Expressions.

Q: So how long do you stay at the reception?
A: We will be there until you tell us to go home. Usually after cake cutting, we have the reception more than covered, but if you’d like us to stay until the end, we will. I’ll approach you about 5-10 minutes from the very end to say goodnight, just to miss the crowd.

Q: How many pictures do you take?
A: We will take anywhere from 2-4 thousand pictures. I will edit them down to 700-900 pictures.

Q: Do you have back up equipment?
A: Ray and I both shoot with two cameras each, and an abundance of lenses and flashes.

Q: My “Uncle Bob” is an amature photographer and will be bringing his camera. Is that okay?
A: “Guest photographers” are perfectly welcome. Ray and I have even been known to take a shot of you and “Uncle Bob” with his own camera. I just ask that they respect our presence and give us elbow room.

Q: Do we have to give you a “hot meal?”
A: Ray and I spend a lot of time with you, and get just as hungry as you do. Unless you want us lugging around a cooler all day, or running out in the middle of your reception, we do need to eat. However, I understand you have already spent a lot of money on your vendors, and so paying for our meals adds more money you weren’t expecting to spend. And so, I have no problem if you opt to give us sandwiches. Also, the best time for us to eat, is when you’re eating. Some venues like to “feed the help last” which would be fine, except when your party starts up again, and we’re no where to be found because we’re off in some side room shoveling down our food.

Q: How much time do I need to allow for pictures?
A: After you have allowed time for travel, and a receiving line, (if you have one), then ideally we’d like to have an hour and a half to do family/bridal party/and of corse the bride and groom pictures. If you want to give us more time than that, well than, YAY! If you’re doing an “all in one location”, you may want to consider doing pictures before hand. We can set up a private setting for the bride and groom to share a special moment together and capture both of your expressions from a distance. Jasmine Star wrote up a great post about “first looks” you can see here. If you have your heart set against that, we will make it work, but it is very important that your family and bridal party are very aware of where they need to be and when.

Q: Can we make requests for certain photos?
A: Please do! While no pose can be guaranteed, I will make every effort to make sure you get the things you want. I will always get a picture of the bride and groom with their parents, but I may not know to get a picture of you with your cousin, a friend from college, or a shot of you in front of a certain staircase. Don’t be afraid to speak up, we are here for you.

Q: How long until we see our pictures?
A: Your wedding proofs will be online 2-3 weeks after your wedding. Print orders heavily depend on what else I have in front of me at the time. Sometimes I’ll be able to have your order to the lab the same day you place your order, but if you happen to place an order the same time as 10 other people, or around Christmas time, it may take up to 6 weeks. Normal turn around is 2-4 weeks. If you have anything you need by a certain date, give me a call and I can give you a good estimate of how long it will take.

Q: Since I have read this Q&A and you have answered all my questions, do I still have to meet you?
A: YES!! What if you meet me and my personality rubs you the wrong way? I’m sure you don’t want a really annoying and/or obnoxious person following you around all day long. Of course I think I’m great, but you should really feel comfortable with the photographer that you choose.

Q: Why should I book you over anyone else?
A: You should book me because you like my work, you are comfortable with me, and I am within your budget. If these things are not true for you, you should not book me. I am not interested in making you stretch your photography budget because I THINK I’m worth it. I’m not interested in telling you what you need and what should be important to you. It’s YOUR WEDDING. I’m interested in satisfying YOUR NEEDS. I encourage you to shop around, and I wish you the best of luck with whomever you choose, and I mean that sincerely.