Wedding FAQ's
1) How long will it take to view my pictures and videos after my wedding?
Because we edit all images for you and you can receive anywhere from 300 to 800 images, we ask that you allow 8-10 weeks for photo, and 12-14 weeks for video. Also, please keep in mind that if your wedding is in the busier time of year, your video may actually take longer.
2) When can I expect to receive my products in hand?
After the initial 8-10 weeks of editing time, as listed above, you will be allowed to view your images. If you have ordered any products, we will ask you to choose your favorite images for your products. Once we receive your list of images from you, we will start the design process. Please allow UP TO 4 WEEKS from the final date we receive all of your image selections to design your products and deliver.
3) How many images will I need to select for my album?
If you are ordering the 8x8 leather album, you will need to select up to 75 images.
If you are ordering the 10x10 acrylic album, you will need to select up to 100 images.
If you are ordering the 12x12 acrylic/leather album, you will need to select up to 125 images.
If you are ordering the 10x14 acrylic/leather album, you will need to select up to 150 images.
4) I ordered a mini album. How many images should I choose for this?
We ask that you choose up to 10 images. We do our best to fit all 10. If for some reason they don't all fit, we will advise you of it. But typically, 20 images will work perfectly for the layout and design.
5) Will the photos be retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?
All photos will be fully edited. That's one of the things our clients love about us. We don't just give you 75 edited and the rest unedited, we polish it all up!
6) What sets you apart from other photographers and videographers?
We are told we have this amazing energy among us! If you haven't met us, you totally should, because that is usually the first thing that draws people in :)
7) How many pictures will you take?
The package you choose, and how many photographers you choose will determine the number of pictures you get. Our packages range from 300 images up to 800 in a package. We can assure you, there's enough pics. Sometimes while choosing the images for products, our brides can even get a bit overwhelmed with the number of images they have to go through.
8) Is my wedding date available?
We can shoot up to 3 weddings on any given day, with notice. So, most likely, it is!
9) How would you describe your wedding-photography style?
We have several styles, both photographer and videographer alike. Most people say we have an edgy, and fun style. We are very vivid and sharp, both when shooting as well as in editing. Our colors are bright, and our images always show personality and fun. However, every couple has the opportunity to tell us their ideal style, whether it's more photojournalistic, candid, or formal!
10) How many weddings have you done?
Our company averages close to 60+ weddings per year. You are in good hands knowing that we have shot in many different types of lighting, and at several different venues.
11) Have you shot at our venue before?
This is not as important as 'have you worked with this type of lighting before'. There are hundreds and hundreds of venues in and around Georgia and the surrounding states. While there are quite a few that we shoot at on a regular basis, there is always a good chance we haven't shot at your venue. However, this is not a bad thing! This just means we will get to experience some new creativity and be able to do something different! So, give us a call!
12) What exactly is included in your packages?
Please click on the 'Request a Quote' tab at the top of the page to find out! We have several packages which can be customized based on your needs.
13) Do you include engagement photos in your packages?
Some have them, some do not. If your package doesn't have it, however, you can always add it on. We have a very convenient a la-carte list.
14) Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session to show during cocktail hour?
We sure can! This is also an item that can be found in our a la-carte list.
15) What type of album designs do you offer?
We have experienced graphic designers on staff. If you order from the online website once you receive your images, then the albums you purchase will be done by the printers.
16) Do you have a portfolio or recent weddings I can look through?
Absolutely! We have a great selection of photography, here on our website. However, if you want to set up a meeting, we can give you access to a full wedding to give you an idea of an entire completed wedding. For video, lots to look at on the website as well. We have a example for every film we offer. We also can show you more when you schedule a meeting with us!
17) May I have a list of references?
Absolutely! This is something we can definitely go over in the meeting.
18) Is there a charge for overtime?
Yes, there is. Please contact us to get this rate.
19) Is there a security deposit?
Yes, We require 30% down and then we break your additional payments up monthly. Usually, the wedding is completely paid off the month before the wedding
20) What is the ordering process for photos and albums?
When your images are ready to view, you will get an email with instructions on how to pick your product photos. IF you didn't get anything in your package, you can always add on items. Once you choose your items, and your images for the items, please allow up to 4 weeks for us to design and print.
21) Do you have liability insurance?
Oh yeah! We have insurance. Most venues actually ask for a certificate of liability insurance prior to the wedding date. This is done through our agent direct to the venue for you.
22) Will you follow a shot list or do you prefer free range?
Both actually! While we can provide you with a general shot list to fill out, we also like to be a bit free in our photography. Our clients like us because we are unique in our photography. We are very outside the box. We LOVE pinterest, but only for inspiration. If you have a board and you want to share it with us, we would love to get that. However, we won't copy images to a T, we will only get inspiration, and the result is making something even better than the source.
23) What type of paper will you use for the prints and albums?
Acid-free, archival-quality paper is best b/c it stands the test of time. Unless you have a wood print, then of course...well, it's wood.
24) What are your restrictions for sharing photos online or for publication?
If you share our images online, we ask that you always tag us so that others also know who shot your wedding and engagement. If you alter your images in any way, i.e. sepia tone, special effects, we prefer you do not post them. However, if you must, we ask that you do not tag us, as we feel edits such as these do not represent what SP&V is about.
25) Do you own the copyrights to the photos?
We actually share the rights to your images. So, we both have rights! What does this mean? It means that you can print, and so can we. We can advertise with them as well. However here's a rule bender. We NEVER post your images without your contract approval. We respect your privacy.
26) Do you bring your own lighting?
We have all sorts of cool lighting tricks up our sleeves. This is also what makes us different from the rest. We can do things with lighting that most other photographers cannot.
27) What will you wear?
We are extremely professional. We usually dress in all black. From time to time, we will accent, but only with a muted color or dark color. I mean, we are artists...what can we say? ;)
28) Do you have backup equipment?
Most definitely. We always come with at least 2 cameras and a host of lenses. We also come with multiple sets of batteries and memory cards.
29) Is there a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
We always communicate with the photographer or videographer the day before and day of to make sure everyone is on time and ready for shooting. If for some reason a photographer or videographer is unable to follow through, we have a big enough team for a backup. If so some reason we are unable to provide a backup, as stated in the contract, we will supply a full refund of your entire balance you have paid.
30) Is it okay if other people take photos while you're taking photos?
No we do not allow another paid professional at the same wedding we are being paid to cover. There's always going to be friends and family members that take pictures. We just kindly ask that you keep them out of the aisle during the ceremony (This might be something to address during the rehearsal). After All, we think our fancy equipment will get much better pictures than a phone or tablet. ;)
31) What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?
We go through extensive planning with you. There will be consultations during the time you have booked us. We will know going into your wedding when we show up, and how late we stay, all the details of your day. We will never miss a beat, as long as timing and coordination is relayed fully to us prior to the wedding.
32) If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
Absolutely! But this is something that you will need to come to the wedding prepared for. Always carry cash or a check(s) easily accessible in the event your team needs to stay longer. Overtime is charged at a higher rate than regular fees (We have this price available for you to view on our a la-carte and we can discuss in detail during your meeting). We also ask that you pay the overtime fee directly to your team the night of the wedding.
33) How far in advance do I need to book you?
Depends. Ideally, we would like our brides and grooms to book us at least a year in advance. This guarantees your wedding date. If it's a prime month for weddings, such as May, June, Oct and Nov, we suggest more than a year in advance. We typically have brides booking May of the next year the January of the current year.
34) What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
If you schedule a meeting with us, we will go over all of this. If you book us, we will be with you every step of the way. Don't you worry!
35) Can I customize a package based on my needs?
Well, the greatest thing about us is we have a package that can fit nearly every clients needs. Also, you can definitely add on any item to a package to make it accommodate what you need on your day! We promise, you will like our packages and we can assure you that there is something for everyone :)
36) Will every image be a 'money shot' image?
While we do everything we can, to capture your day perfectly, not every wedding goes on without a hitch. Many things can affect your wedding day, such as the weather, lost wedding members (Yes, this has happened), misplaced rings, etc. Out of up to 800 images, About 100 are going to be out of this world amazing, while the rest are simply going to be to just simply to capture your day. What you see in our albums and in our studio are representation of our best of our best of our best work. Nearly every wedding we shoot has "The Money Shot" that ends up in our albums, on social media and in our studio.
37) Are nighttime weddings more difficult to shoot?
This all depends on the venue. If it is indoors, this is not going to matter as much as there are walls and ceilings to bounce light off of. If it is outdoors, all we have to rely on are our light stands, that can cause a distraction to the guests, as well as any lighting you may use, such as candles. The rest is mostly flash from our camera directly off of the subject. This can typically create shadows behind the subject as well as harsh lighting on the subject. While nighttime outdoor weddings are very intimate, please keep in mind it may not always be the best option when it comes to photography and videography.