Monday, January 18, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of this is posted on our WeddingWire Storefront, but I thought I'd share it with our blog readers as well and maybe add a few more.  
These are generalized questions and we can change things to accommodate special situations.  Please ask if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Photography


What primary photographic style do you identify with?
Contemporary, Photojournalism


What do your packages include?
Albums, Custom Graphic Design, Digital Files, High Resolution Images, Prints


Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?
We can do any special technique that is requested.


How many color vs. black & white images?
We generally let the image inspire our color choice as black & white can give a different feeling to an image than color would. The majority of the event will be in color and we don't have a set number of black & white vs. color images. If there is a color image you would like in b&w it is no problem to provide that, or vise-versa.


Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?
We have experience in all lighting situations.


Do you visit ceremony and/or reception sites before?
We usually do like to visit the sites beforehand if possible.


Who is responsible for obtaining the photographer guidelines from the church or receptions site?
The couple is responsible for letting us know the guidelines or rules for their church or event facility.


Is your media preference film or digital?
We use digital for all weddings.


How many photographers do you work with?
Longwerks is Jacob & Rachel Long. Both photographers go to each wedding and they are the only photographers in the company.


Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
Yes, we will be at your event. No substitutes.


Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?
We never book more than one a day and we will only do more than one a weekend in an extreme case. We want to be refreshed and energized for each event.


Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
Only in an extreme case would we not be available.  The client will be notified as soon as possible and a replacement may be suggested, but client is responsible for replacement.


What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
A number of cameras, lenses, flashes & other light manipulators, plus a set of studio lights.


Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yes.


Do you charge hourly or full day?
We charge for the full day. Most of our collections include 8 full hours and additional hours are always available.


Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?
Yes additional hours are available. $200 per hour and that includes both photographers remaining at your event.


What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
We usually get so into it we don't stop much. We do appreciate a meal being provided for us and we will usually take some kind of break at the reception.


Do you take table shots? (photos of the guests at their tables, generally asking half the table to get up and stand behind the other half of the table)
We do not take table shots.  They must be special requested.  We opt to get a more natural photos of guests dancing, talking or laughing with each other candidly rather than an awkward, posed table shot. [related article.]


Are you willing to follow a shot list?
Since we shoot in a photojournalistic style, generally we do not need a shot list unless something special is requested. We do suggest our brides make a list of who they want in the group photos just to make it go a little faster. We are also open to suggestions of any photo couples have seen and would like to recreate.


Do you charge for travel?
We do have a small travel fee for over 100 miles roundtrip.


How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
4-8 weeks depending on the season. We do post processing and retouching by hand with every image that is presented to the couple.


In what format are the initial proofs offered?
We offer an online gallery for our couples and their families to view. 4x6 print proof sets are available as an addition to any package.


How long can the client keep the proofs?
The online gallery is up for 270 days and can always be posted again if necessary. The couple also has the option to buy the html gallery (or a flash gallery) to host on their own website. Proof print sets are property of the couple after purchase.


How many images will the couple receive?
We usually shoot between 1000-2000 images per wedding.  We then edit that down to the very best 500 or so photos and post-process/retouch that selection for the couple's online gallery.  We've learned that with any more than that the couple is overwhelmed and the selection process becomes very difficult when it comes time to choose prints and album photos.  Print sets and digital files of all 500 photos may also be purchased.


Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
Longwerks retains copyrights to all imagery, but the couple will receive a print release to be able to print the images on their own if they opt to purchase the digital files.


Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Longwerks retains the right to publish any imagery.


Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?
Digital files are available as an addition to any package.


Will images be available for viewing online?
Yes.  On our website under Weddings - Client Images/Purchase Prints


Can guests/family order prints directly from the photographer?
Yes.  Anyone can order photos on our website under Weddings - Client Images/Purchase Prints


Are prints on archival paper?
When you order a print from us (excluding 4x6 size and canvas prints) it will be printed using the LightJet process onto Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper that has an outstanding lifespan of 60+ years before fading.


What kind of albums do you offer?
All albums are custom designed in-house.  We offer Asukabook albums for engagement sessions and beautiful Graphistudio albums for weddings. Plenty of cover, size, and page options available.


When will the client get the final album?
After the couple chooses the photos for their album, we hand-design the layout (no templates) which takes 1-3 weeks, then and after the couple's approval, it is sent to be printed. Printing takes 4-8 weeks and the couple will receive their album after it is delivered to our office.


What is the deposit amount?
50% deposit with the contract is due at the time of booking. We accept cash, check, and PayPal (credit card available through PayPal).  We also have payment plans and options available.


When is the balance due?
The remaining balance is due on the day of the wedding.  Some couples like to send it a week or 2 before just to make sure and have one less thing to worry about. 

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