What’s your service area?
The entire state of Washington, Oregon, Idaho & California though I’m willing to travel much much further.
What do I need to book you?
I need a signed contract and a small deposit in order to block off a date for you.
How many weddings do you cover in a given year?
28+ each year. A majority of the weddings I cover are full fledged ones where I stick around the entire day from prep time through reception but I have been known to cover very, very small intimate wedding ceremonies where I am only needed for a couple hours.
Will the pictures I receive on the USB drive be watermarked?
NO! Images will not be watermarked but I may provide a few water-marked ones so you can easily post on social networking sites like FB.
Do you bring a spare camera in case something goes wrong?
Yes! I do, I always bring 2 cameras both of which are identical professional models.
How long do you usually stick around for a wedding day?
If you purchase my full package I will stick around for 8-10 hours typically…sometimes 12
Can you draw up a rough timeline for me because I don’t know how long a wedding day usually lasts?
Absolutely! Email me: christine @ olyphotography.com
Do you bring spare lenses?
Yes! I do, I usually bring 3 prime lenses, 2 zooms and a macro typically. I also bring spare flashes, batteries, memory cards, etc.
Do you need a meal during the reception?
Yes, sorry to be a bugger but it’s hard to work a full day on trail mix and granola bars! It’s a good idea to feed me so I don’t faint & end up under a table!! I eat anything (minus raw fish) so honestly anything will work. I usually grab a plate in the buffet line or accept vendor meals. I have no food allergies/diet restrictions. Please do not substitute my meal with fast food.
Can my guest come up to you and say, ‘hey can you get a picture of us?’
Yes! As long as I’m not in the middle of something I will be more than happy to get a random pic.
How direct are you?
I can be very direct. I direct all the portraits sessions and work off of lists I have memorized. During the ceremony and reception I act more of a photojournalist and there is no direction during ceremony and minimal during reception. Since I have seen so much from past weddings, many couples ask me how certain parts of the wedding are spun and I can provide my opinion.
Well, what if we absolutely do not want direction & no formal portraits? We just want to you be a photojournalist floating around, is that ok?
Yes! Just let me know!
Do you allow guests to shoot while you’re shooting the bridal/family portraits
No. Sorry. Distractions like this interfere with my work and ultimately the quality of the outcome. The answer is still no even the guest has a little camera phone or point and shoot. Main reason: someone in my group shot will look at one of the other cameras going off instead of mine….and it’s even easier for someone in the group to look away if a family member is holding the camera. If time allows I will allow your family member to grab a quick shot after my shot is done. I wouldn’t want to upset your grandma with her little camera!
What is ‘shoot and burn’ and do you do it?
Nope. Nada. Nilch. Shoot and burn refers to basically taking the pictures then burning them straight to CD without editing. I take all my images in RAW format & edit each one prior to turning them into a JPEG & burning them to disc. When a photographer ‘shoots and burns’ they do not correct bad lighting/white balance, remove blemishes, turn the image into something more creative, etc.
How many pictures do you usually take during a wedding?
In a full 9 or so hour wedding I can fill up a few of my cards, which translates to around 2000-4000 files. Once I edit them, you’ll end up with 800-1500 on average. The more “events” during the wedding day the higher the number of photographs (by events I mean: first look, reading of letters to one another prior to ceremony, gift exchanges prior to ceremony, cake cutting, toasts, etc.)
Do you shoot in RAW?
Yes always, and I look at every single image before choose the ones to edit.
Can I receive all the files you take, even if they’re un-edited?
No, because you need a special program to open up the RAW file and most of the files I do not edit are just plain duplicates of the same shot, un-interesting shots, test shots, maybe a person’s facial expression changed quickly when shutter went off, etc…..it’s plainly all the pictures you wouldn’t want to see. Please read this VERY informative article: http://petapixel.com/2014/10/27/let-wedding-photographers-do-their-jobs-or-why-you-cant-expect-a-disc-of-unedited-images-on-the-cheap/
How do I get my images?
Once I’m done editing them, you’ll receive a USB drive or DVD of the edited files.
How long does it typically take to get pictures back?
I can typically turn pictures from engagement pictures over within 2 weeks but weddings may take between 8 and 12 weeks on average, though I can rush (1-2 weeks) a couple pics to you if you need them for a ‘thank-you’ card.
After the wedding, should I email you to check status?
Please don’t 🙂 It takes a lot of time away from editing when I reply to every email. When I’m ready to mail out I’ll let you know the tracking #. I ship priority mail so once I mail, you’ll receive in 3 days. Art = patience 🙂
I’m a worry-wart….how do I know you’re still alive?
Friend me on Facebook 🙂
What if I want to order prints?
I’ll have a private link for you to order from.
What if my parents, who live in Florida, want to order some prints or digital files?
I’ll have a private link for them to order from!
What if I lost my usb drive?
You may order another for $50. I store all your images in my home & online.
Can you design an album for me?
Yes, pricing varies so ask!
Are you dog friendly?
Yes!
Do you like what you do?
Yes!