Here are some frequently asked questions about my style, weddings and portrait sessions, my equipment and more.
Style
What is your style of photography? How do you like to shoot?
I am all about the little moments, the in between moments. I love being able to capture a smile, an embrace, a look, all these little things that describe an emotion or feeling. These moments, to me, tell a story, your story. I am, at my core a story teller, and use my camera to tell those special and unique stories. I typically shoot what I see with little posing. I am not afraid however, to give my clients direction to make them feel comfortable and get the best images possible. For me, documenting a wedding day or a portrait session is a mix of journalistic storytelling and relaxed, timeless imagery.
Do you shoot posed family portraits and formals?
Yes! While my style is journalistic in nature, I will always set aside time for family portraits on the wedding day. It is important to document those who are in attendance as the wedding day is often an important milestone in a family. I provide all wedding clients with a questionnaire that goes over the details for the day. Within that questionnaire is space to write in five to ten must have family combinations
from the day. I suggest keeping the number of family combinations under 15 as any more will begin to hinder coverage of other areas of your day. I try to keep family portrait time, fun, relaxed and quick so that everyone can get back to enjoy the rest of the wedding day!
Do you shoot from a list? Do you take suggestions of must have shots?
Within the questionnaire provided to wedding clients, there is space to write in five to ten must have wedding shots from your day. This is area is a place to specify if there are any special details that are most important to you. I will also, again, work from a list when shooting family portraits. Other than that, however, I do not work from a list. I find that working directly from a shot list of must have photographs can hinder coverage of your day. Instead I will document your day as it unfolds, capturing the special moments and details of your wedding day.
Coverage
Is Deborah the main photographer of Deborah Zoe Photo
Yes, I am the sole photographer for Deborah Zoe Photo. Often I will also bring along another photographer to second shoot with me, but I still remain the main photographer on your day.
Do you include a DVD of images from our wedding day or a portrait session? How many photos are included on the DVD?
All of my packages include a DVD of high resolution images from your wedding day or portrait session. Since this number varies from session to session the number of images may not be exactly the same. You will receive the best images from your wedding day or portrait session. I take out images with blinks or movement or other distracting elements and give you the absolute best. I don’t give you a set number, say 300-400 images, but rather your most beautiful images.
Can I purchase the copyright to the images?
The copyright to the images remains that of Deborah Zoe Photo. When you receive your DVD, you may print your images directly from the disc if you desire and make as many personal copies of the disc as you’d like, such as, for archival purposes. I hold the copyright to the images as they are my original work. I may use them for promotional use or on my portfolio or blog or submit them for publication online or in magazines.
How long will it take to see my images after a wedding or portrait session?
I try to blog several images as soon as possible after a wedding or portrait session. That way you get to see your images right away. These images will also go on the Deborah Zoe Photo Facebook fan page where you can tag yourself, your friends and family in the photos. After all your images are edited and ready to go, I will post them onto my online proofing gallery in a password protected gallery where you can view your photos and buy prints. You can also share this link with family and friends so they can also view your event. At this point, I create your DVD and send it on it’s way! This part will usually happen several weeks to a month after your event.
Where will our portrait session or formals take place? Can you recommend locations?
I do my best to get to know you and your personality before I get you behind the camera. I want to know what types of things you like and don’t like so that we can pick a place where you will be most comfortable. I find that picking a location for a session or for portraits on a wedding day is collaboration between me and the client to find that perfect location. Sometimes, if possible, I like to meet with clients at their reception site or where they’d like to have a portrait session so that we can walk through it together and I can hear their thoughts and they can hear mine. Remember, it’s not necessarily all about location and a beautiful backdrop. Light plays an extremely important role! We can take pictures at the beach, in the woods, in a field, in your home, in the city, in the country, at your favorite bookstore. The options are endless.
What do you suggest we wear for a portrait session? Should we get our hair or make up done?
While everyone is different and has their own unique style there are a few key ideas to keep in mind while planning to dress and get ready for your portrait session. Try to avoid wearing white and looking to matchy matchy with the people you are being photographed with. Also, dress for your location. For example, if you are at the beach, a black cocktail dress and heals might look out of place, where a cute summer dress, flip flops or shorts would be very appropriate. When it comes to hair and makeup, it’s always a good idea to go above what you might do everyday. For more information, please check out this Wedding Pearls posting on engagement sessions where I talk more about this very thing.
Album and Design
Why should I create a wedding or portrait album with you?
The simple answer is quality, quality, quality. I use KISS Wedding Books to created your wedding album. They use top of the line products to create your final album. Please check out the album page, for more information.
How does the design process work?
A draft of your wedding album takes about one to two months to be completed following your wedding. After a draft of your wedding album is designed, you will be given the chance to view the design online and can make up to three change requests. After your changes have been finalized and you approve the design it will be sent off to print. The printing process takes about a month. The typical album process takes about four to six months from start to finish.
Miscellaneous Questions and Details
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I do.
What’s in your camera bag?
Lot’s of awesome stuff:) I have a Canon 5d Mark II as my main camera and carry two other bodies with me as back up cameras. I have an array of Canon lenses including: 16-35mm 2.8L II, 70-200mm 2.8L, 24-70mm 2.8L and the 50mm 1.2L (the last two being my absolute favorite to shoot with!) I also carry with me 50 gigs worth of memory cards, Canon 580exII flashes, flash modifiers, pocket wizards, umbrellas, light stands and a battery pack. I use all Mac computers, and edit your images using Photo Mechanic, Lightroom and Photoshop.
What is the payment schedule? Can we pay before and after the event?
To book me for a wedding, a $500 retainer fee is required along with a signed contract. I do not “hold” a wedding date, so if you know that you’d like to book me as your photographer please get in touch as soon as possible as dates fill up fast. After receiving your retainer fee and contract, your date will be booked and I will not take any other commissions for that date. You will have until 30 days before your wedding date to pay the remainder of your contract amount. Please keep in mind that the retainer fee is non-refundable.
What about emergencies? What happens is something happens to you and you cannot shoot our wedding?
If an emergency or another outstanding reason keeps me from being unable to document your day, I will work with my network of wedding photographer friends to find someone for you to document your day for your contracted amount.
Will you stay at our wedding longer than the contracted time?
If you would like me to stay longer than the contracted time I do offer hourly rates. This rate will only go into effect when agreed upon with the couple at the end of the contracted time. You will be billed for this extra following your honeymoon.
** If you have any fun unique questions or have any photography related questions for me, please feel free to ask them at: http://www.formspring.me/deborahzoe **
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