Just a few FAQ's about Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions {wedding style}And LOA Studios answers
What is your primary style?This should be your first and foremost question as you search for a photographer. Does this photographer’s style interest me? For most weddings, we enjoy utilizing natural light. We find the best background and lighting for your images and ask you to interact with each other. We will coach you to move a little bit or guide you on things to do, but we do not “pose” you. We enjoy capturing your personalities and love for each other naturally.At a wedding, many “styles” of photography are required. I approach each wedding as a unique event. I want each bride to see their wedding through the eyes of their guests. Most parents are looking for some traditional images of the family. For the reception it is more of a photo-journalistic style {capturing the moments as they happen without my interruption}. We will also take candid pictures. Who doesn't love candid pictures? You will also want more of a still life photographer to capture all of the details on the wedding day. My brides and grooms are typically looking for a romantic style for the pictures of them.If I had to choose, I would say my style is authentic and natural.
Do you have insurance?Professional photographers should have the proper insurance for their business. Insurance protects the photographer against equipment theft, but more importantly it provides liability protection in case a child or Great Aunt Sophie trips over the photographer’s bag and breaks her leg. If a photographer does not have insurance, chances are they are new to the industry and are unaware of the need. Many wedding locations will refuse to allow me (or any other wedding photographer) to photograph the wedding without the proper liability insurance.Love One Another Photography carries general business, equipment and liability insurance.
Do we need an engagement session?Other than receiving great engagement photos, an engagement session acts as bonding between the photographer and the couple. The photographer gets a chance to see the couple’s personality and how they react in front of the camera. The couple can experience how it will be to be photographed together, get comfortable with it and get to know the photographer. Think of engagement sessions as practice for the wedding day.
Does the package include a second photographer and why do we need one?Second photographers are common in wedding photography, which is why all but one of our packages include a second photographer. Our second photographer is an asset for your wedding because they are great for grabbing candid shots and capture completely different angles than the primary photographer. The primary photographer is focused on the “must have” images, while the second photographer is utilized for candids, details and artistic angles.Do we have to do a Have a ‘First Look’?We love First Looks because they’re incredibly intimate and special, allowing the couple a few moments alone with each other in an otherwise crowded and busy day. First Looks typically happen in a quiet area, away from guests, bridal party members, and family. We set the groom up facing away from the bride, then have the bride approach him from behind and tap him on the shoulder. This point, he will turn and see her for the first time. It always provides a great moment between the couple. With two photographers, we are sure to capture the emotions overflowing from both the bride and groom.The First Look is by far the best way to leverage time for your wedding day. Scheduling one earlier in the day will allow for freedom for you and your photographer to grab many of the portrait shots that traditionally occur after the ceremony. The last big plus for a First Look is that you’ll be able to transition from the ceremony to reception quickly. After the ceremony, we will take the family pictures and a few of the wedding party with the kids. Then, because the sun is typically glowing with the warm romantic light, I will take advantage of the situation and spend another 15-20 minutes with the bride and groom. With the advantage of time on our side, you have the option to take 15 or so minutes to be alone or you can join your guests in the cocktail hour.All that being said, if you want to hold to tradition and wait until you walk down the aisle for your groom to see you, it’s no problem. I am not trying to make you have a First Look, but wanted to show you the advantages of it.
Do we need to make you a "shot" list for the wedding day?A shot list is usually very restricting. I once had a client give me a four page list of things to shoot that I normally would have shot here and there throughout the day. However, I was so nervous about the list that I felt like I needed to make it a priority over the moments which were taking place right in front of me.Here’s what I suggest clients to do before the wedding – I explain that I’m going to get the standard shots. You don’t have to print a list from which says dress, ring, cake shots, etc. That’s my job to know. What I do want to know, is if there are special people at the wedding that I should focus on in particular. I want to know if that piece of cloth wrapped around your bouquet is a piece of your mom’s wedding dress. Tell me about the things that have personal significance to you that a stranger at your wedding wouldn’t know about unless you told them.I also want to remind you that wedding days are unpredictable. We may have our formal time cut short. If this occurs, let me know a handful of MUST have photos so I can prioritize them. For example if there are four generations at the wedding and that is a must have, then I need to know. Or if your aunt has been your closest relative, I need to know that before the wedding.
How soon after will our images be available?Your wedding sneak peek will be up on my blog within a week and a half. I will be posting more of my favorites on my social media site in just over two weeks and finally all your images will be up on my website for you, your friends and family to view, and order from if they choose, with in 3-4 weeks of the wedding date. Once you look through the images and approve them, I will get the disk or USB to you within the week.
How many images will we get?As a bride, you should be considering quality over quantity. Especially, when it comes to the memories you will be looking at for the rest of your life.Taking 900-2000 images is not what I’m after. I want to give you great images. I truly care about my work and want to give you my best images. Not just snapshots to meet a specified number. What I promise to supply for your wedding is enough images to tell the story of the day, Also, providing every other usable image of something that I think you would love to see. This could range from 375-525 images when there are two photographers for a six-hour period of time.Every wedding is unique. It’s not about numbers. There are many factors that play into how many images will be taken on the wedding day. For example, how many hours of coverage will there be? How much time will I have to photograph the couple and wedding party? Are you doing all the traditions on the wedding day or will there be a lot of activities going on? Do you have a lot of details for the reception or is it more simple? And a big one, how you are feeling on the wedding day? Are you stressed and more concerned about what is going on at the cocktail hour or are you relaxed and focused on your husband after just saying your vows? All of these items will factor into how many images you will walk away with.One of the things you are paying me for, is my ability to recognize great shots and to cull the less meaningful ones, I try not to add in repeats anywhere. With my own work, you are also paying for my ability to create your day’s story from photographs. As they say, less is often more.Obviously we’re new to this whole wedding thing…do you have any advice from a photography standpoint?Light is a photographer’s best friend. If you possibly can, try to schedule your ceremony during daylight hours and leave a time afterwards for bride and groom photos before the sun disappears behind the horizon. It’s common photography knowledge that the last hour of light is the most flattering for portraits. If for some reason you can’t help this situation, I have professional lighting equipment that can help us out. Still, there is no substitute for the dreamy romantic light that shines at the end of the day.
What forms of payment are accepted?Cash, check or we can send you an invoice through Square, in which you are able to use a credit card.Enjoy your day!This seems obvious, however…it may seem that laughing and smiling would be natural but stress and tight schedules can make the day not as enjoyable as it’s dreamed of.Having everyone in high spirits will yield more images and better images. Laughter is contagious, and simultaneously creates the best smiles. Keep your wedding day as lighthearted and carefree as possible. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, those who make you laugh, and those who you can be yourself around. Also, try not to stress on the day of your wedding! I know that there is a lot going on, but at the end of the day, you will be married and that is what you want to stay focused on.