WHO’S TAKING THE PICTURES?
Q – Are you the wedding photographer who will actually be at our wedding? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
Unlike some of the larger studios who employ a multitude of freelance photographers, I am always the primary photographer for any event. All the photos you see on my website and blog were shot and edited by me and that is the same style of photography that you will get on your wedding day.
Q – Can we meet any assistants who will also be taking pictures?
All my standard wedding photography packages include the services of a 2nd photographer. I work mainly with the same two photographers, depending on their availability, and it would be my pleasure to introduce you to whomever will be shooting your wedding with me if you’d like to meet them before the big day.
Q – What is your background and experience as a photographer?
I have been photographing people since I was the “Candids” editor of the yearbook at MacDonald High School more than 20 years ago. In the years since high school, I have continued to upgrade my equipment, develop my skill and shoot a variety of subjects. My images have appeared in newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, corporate brochures and even on the side of two mini-vans for the Ecomuseum Zoo! I have won several awards for my photography from the SPPQ (Society for the Promotion of Photography in Quebec), BetterPhoto.com and Photo District News, among others.
I believe that the art of photography is a constant evolution and an ongoing learning process. To continue to expand my creative vision, I seek out learning opportunities and attend workshops on a regular basis. Most recently, I have taken workshops with world-renowned photographer Freeman Patterson, award-winning photographer & author Jim Zuckerman, Jasmine Star – one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the US and noted photojournalist Steve Simon.
Q – Are you a member of any professional associations?
Definitely! As a professional, being part of a photography community is an important way for me to stay on top of new trends and technologies, network with my peers, get inspiration for future projects and ultimately continue to grow and evolve my craft. I am an accredited member of the following professional associations:
PWPC (Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada)
WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International)
NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals)
I am also on the board of the Lakeshore Camera Club, where I have been an active member since 2006.
Q – Can you provide references?
Of course! I have several testimonials from past clients on my website and would be happy to provide you with contact information for couples I have worked with in the past who can give you a first-hand account of what it’s like to work with me.
SHOOTING STYLE
Q – What’s your primary style of shooting?
The three words I would use to describe my style are Bold, Bright and Beautiful. I like to capture candid moments as they happen naturally and try to be unobtrusive while I work. I’m a romantic at heart, so my favorite shots are the ones that show true emotion. I prefer to shoot in locations with beautiful natural light, but have an entire portable studio setup which I use when supplemental lighting is needed. Most importantly, I like to have FUN while I work and I bring that attitude to every shoot so that the experience can be positive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Q – Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?
I shoot 100% digital and photograph all the images in color to capture the maximum amount of digital information for each shot. From there, I can convert photos to black & white, sepia, duotone or pretty much anything you’d like.
Q – What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
I LOVE input from my clients and welcome your ideas and suggestions. Ultimately I want to create images that you will cherish and I find the best way to do that is by working together. If you have a shot list that you’d like me to work from – great. If you don’t, that’s fine too. I pre-scout all the locations I work at, so I will come prepared with lots of ideas of my own
EQUIPMENT
Q – What kind of equipment will you bring with you?
I use only top quality Nikon professional cameras and lenses. I use a Nikon D3S as my primary body, but also carry a back-up camera to be sure that if I do experience any equipment failure that I can continue shooting without compromising your wedding photos.
Q – How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?
I always make my best efforts to be as unobtrusive as possible while shooting. Depending on the lighting conditions at the venue, I will shoot with available light if possible and if not, will use either diffused on-camera flash, or off-camera lights that are mounted on tripods and placed out of the way. My goal is for your guests to see you, NOT my equipment!
WEDDING DAY
Q – How many other events will you also photograph the weekend of our wedding?
I want to be at my best for my clients, so I never shoot more than one wedding or major event per weekend.
Q – What time will the photographer arrive and how long will he or she stay?
I typically stay a minimum of 8 hours and my 2nd photographer stays for a minimum of 3 hours, but depending on the specific wedding package you choose, I can stay until the last guest leaves if that’s what you want
Q – What will the photographer and assistant wear?
We always try to blend in with the other guests at your wedding and will dress according to the style and venue that you choose. In most cases, I wear comfortable black pants with a blouse and/or jacket and my 2nd photographer also wears business casual pants with a dress shirt.
Q – My venue requires my photographer to carry liability insurance. Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
Absolutely! I carry $1 Million in professional liability insurance and would be happy to provide a certificate of insurance to your banquet manager.
MY PICTURES
Q – Will my photos be retouched? If so, is there an additional fee for that?
All of the final images that I provide to you will be fully retouched at no additional charge. This includes color correction and white balance on all images as well as whitening teeth, brightening eyes and removing blemishes for the bride and groom. I will do black & white conversions and some creative editing on a selection of photos as well.
Q – How many pictures will I get?
The number of fully-retouched photos you will receive depends on which wedding package you choose, how many hours I am shooting for and whether or not there is a second photographer. My most basic package (“Digital Delight”) includes a minimum of 300 photos – but I don’t think I’ve ever delivered just the minimum to any client…
Q – How long will it take to get my proofs?
Within two days of shooting your wedding, I will have a few sneak peeks available for you on Facebook and to share with your friends and family. Your complete collection of wedding images will be available within 30 to 60 days of your wedding.
Q – Can I get a copy of all the images?
All my wedding packages include a CD of low-resolution digital files for sharing on the internet as well as a DVD of high-resolution digital files for printing.
Q – Will you mark the digital files?
The low-resolutions digital files that I provide for sharing on the internet will include a watermark that is in a white border that frames each photo. The high-resolution digital files that I provide for printing will not be marked in any way.
PRICING
Q – What is your rate?
Please e-mail me at victoria@creativeperspectives.ca and I would be happy to send you a PDF of my wedding photography brochure, which includes the pricing and details for all my most popular wedding packages. I am also happy to work with you to customize a package that meets your specific needs.
Q – Is there an overtime fee?
Additional hours of coverage are $375 for me and $187.50 for the second photographer.
Q – Are there any travel fees?
Travel costs are billed only if the total mileage travelled is greater than 100 km round-trip from Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue (Qc). Round-trip travel between 100 km and 250 km is billed at a flat rate of $150. Domestic travel greater than 250 km is billed at a rate of $300 per day, plus airfare, hotel accommodations and other travel expenses if applicable. Please contact me directly to discuss travel fees for destination weddings.
Q – Do you charge tax?
Creative Perspectives is an incorporated company and as such is required to collect both GST and PST, regardless of your payment method.
Q – When do I have to pay you?
A $500 non-refundable retainer is required at the time of booking to reserve your date. 50% of the remaining balance is due 30 days before the wedding and the balance is due when I deliver your proofs.
Q – What forms of payment do you accept?
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, personal cheques, interac e-mail money transfers, PayPal, Visa and Master Card. A $25 fee will be charged for any returned cheques.
ALBUMS
Q – Is my wedding album included in the fee? Are parents’ albums included?
Both the “Entirely Elegant” and “Complete Luxury” wedding packages include at least one wedding album. The “Complete Luxury” package includes two parents’ albums as well. I also carry a selection of albums that can be ordered à la carte in a variety of sizes and styles.
Q – How many photos are included in an album, and what layout will be used?
All of my albums are designed by me and then are press-printed at a professional photo lab. I design each page individually in Photoshop to tell the whole story of your wedding day, from the time you start getting ready in the morning until the party is in full swing at the reception. These digital albums are more versatile than the old-fashioned flush-mount or matted albums that only allow for one photo per page. I can incorporate several photos onto one page, allowing you to include many more photos in your album – so you don’t have to agonize over which ones to leave out! Both the “Entirely Elegant” and “Complete Luxury” wedding packages include a 20-side digital album and I recommend including 30-40 photos to have a lovely album that is not overcrowded. You can also add up to 50 additional pages if you find that 20 is just not enough
Q – Can I look at a complete wedding album the photographer has shot?
Absolutely! I have a number of sample albums that I would be happy to review with you during a personal consultation, or if you just can’t wait, you can view a digital copy of Tom & Jordana’s wonderful winter wedding on my website here.
Have a question that you don’t see here? E-mail me at Victoria@CreativePerspectives.ca and I’d be happy to help
