Calgary Wedding Photographers
Shinelane Digital Wedding Photography, in Calgary
Wedding Q and A
Q: I don’t want an album. Do I have to buy a package or can I buy only the items I want?
A: Absolutely, my price list is al a carte. Other then my basic booking fee you pick the items you want and create your own package.
Q: What do most people spend on photography?
A: The average bride will spend about 15% of her total wedding budget on photography.
Q: What is your photography style?
A: It sounds very trendy to say you have a “style” as if there is one “perfect” style. I prefer to let the situation and the bride dictate what and how I photograph a wedding. I admire the classic portraits of Yousuf Karsh so if you don’t have a preference then I will go with a more traditional style. However if you want edgy photojournalist photos then that is what you will get. Some of my brides want me to help them create unique photos and we can work together to achieve what you want.
Q: How long have you been photographing weddings?
A: I started playing around with photography when I was 14 and I did my first wedding eight years ago.
Q: Why do you include an engagement photo session?
A: I started including an engagement session four years ago and I have found it is great way for me to get to know the couple. You have the option of either a studio or outdoor session. I have a couple of favorite outdoor locations that I can suggest.
Q: How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
A: I will photograph up to 30 weddings per year. I limit the number of weddings I do and I also don’t do more then one wedding on the same date. This means you are free to plan your wedding day without having to work around another bride’s schedule.
Q: How do I book you?
A: Come in for a consultation during which time you will pay your booking fee and we will sign a contract. I accept cash, all major credit cards and personal checks. The contract will detail my obligations to you.
Q: Are you available to travel?
A: Most emphatically yes. I have done weddings all over the province and I’m available for destination weddings to any location of your choosing.
Q: What type of equipment do you use?
A: I use professional Canon cameras and accessories all purchased brand new and maintained with meticulous care. I have three cameras that I bring to every wedding along with multiple flashes, lens and sundry other backup equipment. I know if I was hiring a wedding photographer I would make sure that he or she had at least two cameras. If you hire someone with only one camera and it dies, you don’t get any photos. Your wedding photos are too precious to trust to an amateur one-camera-photographer.
Q: How do I see my photos after the wedding?
A: You have two main options for proofs. The first is on-line. Your photos will be on my web site and you can password protect them or not, your choice. The second is on a CD. I create a slide show of all your photos which you can share with family or friends. All your photos are numbered for ease of ordering. Optional printed proofs are also available.
Q: How do I order prints?
A: You can phone me with your order, mail it to me, but most brides prefer to use e-mail. I also provide on-line ordering directly from my web site. This is a great option for out of town family and guests.
Q: Can I buy the digital files to make my own prints?
Q: A: Absolutely, you have the option of buying a CD with electronic copies of individual photos. The CD is a great option if you only want a limited number of photos or if you are on a budget. You can also buy a DVD with all the “Digital Negatives”. The DVD is a perfect option if you want all your wedding photos. Small digital files are also a no-cost option with every print. These small electronic copies are ideal for use on web sites.
Q: What if I have to cancel my wedding?
A: If you have to cancel your wedding for any reason then part of your booking fee is a print voucher which you can use anytime in the future. The rest of the booking fee is a non-refundable deposit that is used to pay for reserving the date. In the eight years I have been photographing wedding I only had one cancellation. It turns out the bride and her fiancé decided to buy a house and they simply postponed the wedding.
Q: Do I have to order my photos all at the same time?
A: No you have 90 days from the date of your wedding to order your photos. Some brides want to send out a thank you card as soon as they return from their honeymoon so they order that photos right away. Some order all a once and some have given me a many as eight separate orders.
Q: How do you store my photos?
A: I make three copies of every photo from every wedding. One copy is stored on a separate hard drive on my main computer two more copies are stored on separate DVDs which are stored in two different locations.
Q: Do you provide albums?
A: Yes I have a complete line of wedding albums. I also provide a unique album that is custom designed. You will be able to see samples during your consultation.
Q: Do you take Black and White photos?
A: Yes, with today’s digital cameras and advanced computer programs I can produce beautiful Black and White photos as well as Sepia or any other special treatment you might want. I have samples that I can show you of the same photo treated in a variety of different ways.
Q: How soon after my wedding will I be able to see my photos?
A: Your photos will be on line within three days and the printed proofs or the CD will be available within one week.
Q: Can I see a compete wedding?
A: Yes some of my most recent weddings are on-line and most are not password protected. Just browse thru the events page on my web site..
Q: How soon should I book you?
A: I book up to two years in advance so I recommend that you book me as soon as you have fixed a date and secured a venue for the wedding. I require a signed contract and the payment of the booking fee to hold a date.
Q: What if I have other questions?
A: You can phone me at my office at 212-1314 or e-mail at bob [at] shinelanephoto.com
