Contracts & Files
How do photographers determine print prices and how much are your print rates?
You will usually find photographers charge much more than a retail store for prints. The print rates include a
* Partial fee for the session which helps keep the session rate low in hopes of you purchasing prints.
* Sorting, editing, and adjusting images
* Equipment use, wear, and tear
Of course it also includes the standard printing things like order time, print size, coating, shipping, and so forth.
Please note we print on LUSTRE paper through a direct printing partnership, which most retail stores do not offer. We can print also on metallic paper, or add textures such as linen, pebble, or embassy
Rates: (Lustre or Glossy paper)
4x6: $2.00
5x7: $3.50
8x10: $7.50
8x12: $9.00
16x20: $60.00
Metallic rates add 20%, Textures add: 15%
Papers or texturescan NOT be mixed within an order. Other sizes are avaliable upon request
Please note. Rates do change from time to time.
** Order 6 or more of the same print of the same size and receive it at a discount!**
How long does an engagement session last?
An engagement session usually lasts around an hour. It might be more or less and really depends on the conditions such as are we waiting for people to move or cars to get out of the way, etc. So it varies, but typically it lasts about an hour.
What should I wear to my Engagement Session?
First things first. Decide if you want to keep it casual or more formal portrait
For formal style: Stay with dark solid colors. Feel free to bring multiple outfits. Try to avoid large areas of light pastels, bold stripes, strong patterns, or anything too distracting. Also try to avoid short sleeves as the upper arms tend to photograph wider than they are in real life. Remember that darker colors have a slimmer effect.
Hands are quite important especially if your doing an engagement session because often times the ring will be photographed. The hands bring out the femininity and elegance so having your nails done to some degree is always a good idea.
Some makeup should be brought for touchup such as lipstick and power. Remember - you usually will be kissing at some point of the shoot so make sure to have something you can easily apply or wont smear.
Other tips: remember to get a good nights sleep. Also people with contact lenses tend to blink more so it might be a good idea to wear glasses and just take them off before the photo shoot.
What should I wear to my Family Portrait photo session?
It varies from session to session. I never force anyone to wear anything they don't want to wear. It is after all your photo session. Some guidelines though are as follows:
Clothing, colors, and shoes: Dress everyone in a similar color or close colors. Try to avoid light pastels, bold stripes, bold patterns, or anything that is too distracting to the eye or different from everyone else. Small and subtle patterns are okay. This type of attire helps your pictures from being too distracting. If possible, try to avoid shot sleeves. Upper arms sometimes tend to photograph wider than they are in real life. (Kind of like the mirror thing). Don't stress much about shoes. Keep the jewelry simple and conservative.
Lay the clothes out the night before. It usually helps the little ones and lets you see if they all match.
Bring some makeup such as lipstick and powder for touch ups. Of course don't over due it.
Other tips: remember to get a good nights sleep. Also people with contact lenses tend to blink more so it might be a good idea to wear glasses and just take them off before the photo shoot.
Whats the deal with the DVD's, CD's, and Royalty Rights?
If a photographer gives you a disc this is like handing out profit. About 50% of photographers include it even with smaller packages, some include it only with large packages (such as over $800). SO BE WARE IF YOU WANT A DISC (ASK IF THEY INCLUDE ONE). If they dont, they will post pictures online and require you to order prints. Or you can buy the CD/DVD seperately for around $1,000 bucks.
If you have a disc you can make your own prints. (Of course a lot of times the prints you will make will never be the same quality and you can read the next question on why below....). My Advice: Get a disc for backup - and always ask if one is included. If not ask how much it is. Get the large prints or important prints with the photographer, get small prints at your local store. I always include the disc with wedding packages.
Photographer prints are more expensive... why?
Each time you order prints from photographers they make additional money from that. This is in essence to try and have a lower hourly rate in hopes of making more profit from the prints. Usually the print rates are more than the standard store rate of 20 cents a print because the photos are edited, equipment costs, production in a color-corrected and color calibrated lab, and usually printed on higher grade (lustre) paper. Some photographers charge less per hour in hopes of you buying more prints - this is why many do NOT release the DVD for you. This is also why sometimes the hourly rates are low, but you get print credit (allowing you to spend money buying prints from them - more about print credit below) However, beware that if you get prints at a local store and they come out bad, but look good on your computer chances are the machines at the store arent color-calibrated or some other degree they arent checking the file type.
What in the world is print credit?
Print credit is like monopoly money given to you. You can use your money after the wedding to buy prints from a photographer. Usually the print rates are standard photographer rates such as $2 for a 4x6 and $15 for a 8x10 or so. Its an easy way of forcing you to spend more money on purchasing prints and making the "package" more expensive but make you feel like your getting more for your dollar. Just as a note: remember to check the print rates before getting your print credit and make sure the print rates are fixed for your contract (meaning they dont shift after your wedding). I never include print credit or monopoly money. I feel like im forcing people to buy stuff or handing out obligations like an insurance company. Just buy what you want from my online ordering system at the regular rate... Of course like other photographers, I can give you a discount on coverage rates if you agree to get a certain amount of prints from me, but I wont force you.
Some photographers charge tax, others dont.. Im stumped
If the wedding is in the same state the photographer resides, the photographer has to pay tax. It's illegal not to. Some photographers give you a package and then ADD tax to that. $1,000 + 7% for example. (photographer makes $1000) This is the best and safest route to take legality wise for the photographer and yourself. Others will take a $1,000 package and make a total value of it $935 + 7% tax. (You pay $1000 still - photographer makes only $935). Whatever way your photographer does it, be aware that there are taxes and it comes out of someones pocket (so don't be shocked if you get tax added on to your package and always ask if you have doubts because for larger packages taxes can be very expensive.)
1, 2, 3 or how many photographers?
1 Photographer usually will be just fine for most weddings if the photographer is competent enough and understands they need to do short and long distance shots. If you have an amazingly large wedding with many guests, or want plenty of coverage, or have multiple locations to cover I would recommend a second or third photographer. A second photographer can also help knock out formals a bit faster doing other groups at the same time. Usually there is always a primary and then a secondary photographer (or shooter), but depends on the team. Of course more photographers means high cost for your pocket. If you are debating and can't figure this one out, a question to ask is do I want a lot of coverage on other guests and not just the wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen). It never hurts to ask the photographer for their recommendation as well.
Do I really need a pre-wedding photographers consultation at my wedding location?
No you don't need one. All photographers will consult with you via phone or email these days. If they wont, go to someone else. Not all photographers though include a on-location consultation. Because driving to the location, chatting, and so forth takes time and has transportation costs, most photographers include this in a package deal.
But the question is do you need one? I recommend one if you don't trust the photographer (but with that in-mind why did you book them). I would also get one if you aren't feeling secure, ancy, just want a consultation, or just want to meet the photographer and discuss some visions and ideas in person. It's not a bad idea to get them to scope the location first and get some initial ideas. However a good photographer can usually spot visions upon coming to the location a first time. This is an important trait since weddings are sporatically placed and uncontrolled (meaning you take more action shots then posed shots).
Just be aware it does cost money to meet people due to transportation costs, scheduling time, and so forth. I don't include a consultation ON LOCATION (so an extra fee is involved). But I always have my cell phone handy if you have questions or need to reach me. Its pasted all over the website. (941) 345-5239.
How to get FREE coverage from photographers!
Photographers are people too. If you have a nice after party, invite your photographer to come as a guest. You might just end up getting some free professional photo coverage. Be sure to mention that you are inviting them as a guest and you arent expecting any coverage (otherwise you might just get a HUGE bill). So be open, honest, and up-front, sometimes they might feel like they would be intruding on your party so reassurance and friendliness is key.
