frequently asked questions for a ontario wedding photographer

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS + ANSWERS

01

How long until we see our photos?

The estimated turnaround time for wedding photos is 6 – 8 weeks. The estimated turnaround time for engagement photos is 3 weeks. These time frames are not guaranteed and can vary based on seasonal workload.

02

How many images will I recieve?

You will receive an average of about 60 photos per 60 minutes of coverage. Therefore, you can expect about 500 – 600 photos from a 9-hour wedding day.

03

What's the payment schedule?

To secure your wedding date a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer of $1000 plus taxes are due. The second payment of 30% of the remaining balance is due 5 months before your date. The final payment is due 2 weeks before your day for the full remaining amount.

04

How long have you been doing this?

I have been a full-time Toronto wedding photographer for 6.5 years. I have been studying and practising photography for 14 years. I have photographed approximately 120 weddings. I photographed my first wedding when I was just 18!

05

Are there travel fees?

There are only travel fees if travelling farther than 75 km one way outside of Oshawa. Beyond this amount a $0.60 per km fee is due. For weddings that exceed a combined travel and coverage time of 15 hours may require accommodations.

06

What happens if you're sick?

It is extremely rare to become so sick that you cannot physically attend a wedding but unfortunately, it can happen. When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime days if it could happen we plan for it. If I was unable to photograph your wedding I have a group of trusted, competent peers that have the same shooting style and approach as me. They would shoot the wedding but I would pick back up for the editing process.

07

How do you send our photos?

When your images are complete you will receive them via a one-year online gallery from which you download them. You can share this gallery with family and friends but not vendors. Download the original-sized photos and use them for printing. Web-sized images should only be used for posting online.

08

Do you have back up gear?

Yes! I never want to miss a moment because I drop and break something. Therefore, I come to your wedding with 2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, 2 flashes and lots of batteries and memory cards. This ensures that I can pull different gear out if something goes wrong. My camera also shoots to 2 memory cards which means that for every image I take there are 2 copies. I do because there is a possibility of memory card corruption.

09

Can we see a full gallery?

Of course! I love to share full galleries so that you get a sense of how the wedding day is covered. I send multiple galleries in my first response after you inquire.

10

Can we create a custom wedding package?

Of course! Everyone’s needs are different. Email me to discuss the rate for how many hours you desire. Keep in mind, that weddings less than 6 hours are not booked out more than 3 months in advance.

11

Am I allowed to print our photos?

You have full printing rights on your photos so you can print them wherever you like. You can purchase a wide range of high-quality photo products directly from your online gallery. If you decide to print elsewhere keep in mind that printing quality or errors are to be taken up with the print shop.

12

Can we get the RAW files?

Big no, no. Raws are the unedited digital negatives that can only be opened or edited on select programs. You will receive polished and edited JPEG files of your photography, not an incomplete product. Under no circumstances is a client allowed to edit or manipulate copyrighted images.

13

Can we give you a photo list of the images we can to recreate?

I accept lists of photos in regards to family and wedding party photos only. I understand that a Pinterest board may help you in communicating your vision. However, I do not venture to recreate any image you may find there. While I can use prompts that encourage similar emotion it is ultimately in your hands. As a documentary photographer, I capture true actions and reactions as they happen. If we are staging an image from the internet we will not be able to achieve authenticity and spontaneity. Seek out a photographer whose creativity you trust.

14

Do you retouch our photos?

No, I don’t retouch my photos but I do edit them. Editing means that contrast, colour, cropping, and exposure adjustments will be made. Retouching, meaning the addition of eye brightening, skin softening, and blemish removal is not included. If you would like retouching on specific images, it is an additional fee of $75 an hour plus taxes.

15

Do you have insurance?

Yes, it is so important that the wedding photographer that you choose is insured! If you would like proof of this just let me know and I can send it over.

16

Can we put Instagram filters on our photos?

I ask that you completely refrain from adding any sort of additional social media filters to your images. I have worked very hard to edit your images in the style you hired me for. If you feel like you would want to add more editing to your images this may be a sign that you do not like my work. I suggest finding a wedding photographer whose photographs you do not wish to alter.

17

Do we get black and white edits?

You will receive approximately 10% of your gallery in black and white.

18

Can I get more photos?

No. I choose the best, most moving images from your day. I include all images that tell the story and capture the emotion. If a photo wasn’t included that’s because it was not a great image.

19

How far in advance should I book my wedding photographer?

I accept a limited amount of weddings per month to ensure I have enough time to dedicate to each client. I usually fill my calendar a year in advance but I would love to hear from you anytime after you get engaged!

20

Do you offer wedding videography?

Unfortunately, at this time I am not offering wedding videography as part of my services. Videography and photography may use similar gear but they actually require different thought processes and techniques. There are many independent videographers that you can hire and I would love to work with.

21

Do you allow your second shooter to go to a different location?

Yes, if you decide that hiring a second photographer makes sense for your day they are able to go to a different location. I only work with experienced, professional second shooters who are more than capable to handle themselves and the task at hand on their own. I hire seconds that could take over the entire wedding day if it was absolutely necessary. If a photographer does not allow their secondary to leave their side this means that they are not experienced.

22

Can we hire your second photographer for two hours?

Again, I hire only fully experienced, professional wedding photographers. If a second shooter was to commit to capturing only a couple hours of your day they most likely wouldn’t be able to fit in another wedding. Unfortunately, it does not make sense for these business owners to release a sought after Saturday for only one or two hours.

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WEDDING GUIDE

planning your best day shouldn't be the worst

royal ashburn wedding photos

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264 Elizabeth St
Oshawa ON

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