This is a page dedicated to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and to give you information to consider when selecting a photographer.
Equipment and Gear
Since your wedding day is a serious occasion… your photographer should take their equipment seriously as well!!! It’s an investment for both parties. The camera that your photographer uses, it is but an extension of their talent. You want to invest in someone who is “invested” in their profession… and your photographer should have invested in quality gear to insure the moments of your special day are captured – perfectly. I personally have used many types of cameras in my line of work… large and medium format film cameras, different types of 35mm cameras, and specially designed aerial cameras. During the early stages of digital imaging, I learned with Nikon equipment, so naturally it is my preferred camera of choice today. I shoot with a 24 megapixel “Full Frame” system as my primary, and always have a second camera as a back up (just in case). I use an assortment of lenses from ultra wide to extreme telephoto, several individual flashes that can be synced into a multi unit system, and a multitude of accessories to get the job done right. Visual Masterworks offers quality equipment and experience on how to use it!
“All Day” vs. “Three or Four Hours”
A very small wedding, or civil ceremony could last only a few hours… and because of their intimate size and length of time, I would have to consider client cost on the same scale as a Portrait Session. Why pay more? However, typical “Event Size” weddings are much more intricate. When factoring in the size of the wedding party, number of family members and guests, and all the details… it most certainly involves a lot more to consider. To properly cover all the Pre-Wedding activities easily requires up to two hours… actual wedding ceremony times vary from 20 minutes to 90 minutes… the formal portrait session can last anywhere from 40 to 75 minutes (depending on how large the wedding party is and how many family members are included)… and finally, wedding receptions can last several hours in themselves. Consider events that have multiple locations, family traditions and other special opportunities that can take place – such as the Bride and Groom “ZIP-Lining” (yes, I covered that too). These are some factors to keep in mind when deciding how long you will need your photographer. Most wedding events I have covered have lasted much longer than 4 hours. In fact, the shortest event lasted 5 hours, and the longest event lasted just over 17 hours. So much can be missed with just a 4 hour window of time, and if more time is required, the additional hourly rates can add up quick. Don’t stress about how long your photographer is available… with Visual Masterworks and “All Day” coverage, TIME is something you don’t have to worry about.
USB vs. DVD
The DVD was once the pinnacle of data storage and a terrific method for photographers to deliver wedding images. However, as professional cameras increase megapixels, image file size also increases… and a DVD just can’t hold the amount of pictures compared to a USB Drive. The reason I now offer a USB Drive is simply because of the amount of high resolution images that can be stored and delivered to you. Quite simply… a DVD can only hold approximately 4 Gigabytes of information. Wedding events I have covered usually require 32 Gigabytes or more (very large events with two photographers have required a 64 Gig drive). Consider two major factors if a photographer offers a DVD of images: 1. How many images will you receive? 2. What is the quality of the image resolution? With Visual Masterworks, you get the most images… of the highest quality.
Prints vs. No Prints
I am often asked how I can keep my prices so reasonable. One of those factors is based on “Printing”. Even though I do offer printing services for your images… I also offer the opportunity for you to print your own wedding images at your favorite photo printing center. This is done by offering “Reproduction Rights” with your images. Even though copyright laws say that the images taken are property of the photographer, the photographer can authorize permission for their clients to reproduce those pictures as they wish… printing, enlarging, and electronic duplication. Most facilities require verification before they allow you to take your pictures out the door, so all you have to do is show the permission file included with your images. Visual Masterworks offers “Reproduction Rights” to all clients… it saves you money – plain and simple.
Natural Light vs. Flash
In all honesty… both are equally important! The key is how to balance the two types of light to get “IDEAL” images. Natural lighting (especially “sunshine”) will always have the look unlike any other light source. I especially love the afternoon and evening light… the pictures turn out beautifully. Other types of lighting however, require knowledge of camera settings to match for the type of light source. Tungsten bulbs give off a yellowish cast and florescent bulbs can make your images look green. In some situations, a well lit room may even have both kinds of lights. Your photographer must know their camera’s “Manual” settings intimately, because just using the “Auto” balance settings on a camera is like playing Russian roulette with your pictures. Knowing when to use a flash is also important. Too much flash can wash out a picture and too little can make your pictures dull and dark; then there is always the issue of harsh shadows behind your subjects. However, when used correctly… flash photography can make a really good picture look FANTASTIC! With light, there are so many things to consider. Be sure the photographer you hire has extensive knowledge of lighting and can make the proper adjustments to their camera equipment at a moments notice. Insure that they have more then just a single on camera flash, but that they have a multi-flash set-up or offer “Location” Studio Lighting. With over thirty years experience, Visual Masterworks can be counted on for beautifully lit, stunning pictures!!! When we get together for a consult – let’s talk “Lighting”.
Post Production
After the wedding day is done, the next phase of work should just begin for the photographer with Post Production. Capturing the pictures is indeed the most important step. However, don’t just settle on the pictures straight off the camera. The real quality images come from the additional work done with special imaging software to turn your average pictures into something really special. Even the best pictures may need a little adjustment… to lighten the shadows, correct color balance, or even improve cropping. Then there are those special pictures that deserve the extra attention to make them really unique. All the images taken go through a vigorous process of cataloging, captioning and editing so you receive a finished product that is as special as your wedding day! The images are then loaded on to a USB Drive (Up to 64GB), that will include three folders of image styles…
1. Original Image Folder – Pictures straight off the camera, perfect for those who love to work with an unaltered image and take advantage of their own creative skills with Photo Software.
2. Selected Image Folder – These are the pictures that are carefully selected from the originals. They are all cropped for optimum look, color corrected and density corrected. Some images are selected for extra special attention with special effects such as black & white, soft focus, colorization, etc.
– Color & Density Correction – To lighten a picture that’s too dark, or adjust the color tone to give your images the most natural look. If your wedding dress is white… it should look white. These adjustments will give your pictures that PERFECT look!
– Special Effects – Using Adobe Photoshop, the creativity levels are endless. That ability to tap into that creative aspect means that you can bet on some truly unique… One-of-a-kind pictures!
3. Reduced Resolution Folder – These are the pictures from the “Selections Folder”, reduced in file size for the purpose of email and social media, to share with family and friends.
All original pictures are taken with 24 mega-pixel equipment, and all selected images retain the same original file size. All pictures also come with reproduction release to make prints where ever you wish. I invite you to compare.
More Information Coming Soon!!! Next… Unsurpassed Level of Experience
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