Are you wondering how soon you should reserve your photography session, how far I travel to photograph weddings (hint. there’s no limit!), how experienced I am shooting in low-light conditions or specific, multi-cultural wedding traditions, or maybe you’re a techy and are curious about my gear, or my photographic style? Well, you’re not alone! Below is a list of my most Frequently Asked Questions. I hope this helps answer some of your questions, and I hope you’ll reach out to me so we can talk more!
WEDDING FAQS
(please scroll down for BABIES & NEWBORNS and GENERAL FAQs)
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE RESERVE YOU AS OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
As soon as possible. I typically book dates 9-12 months in advance. Generally, a popular Saturday date in the Fall will be filled much earlier than a Sunday date in April, but the sooner you start looking the more likely I’ll have your date available!
WE WANT TO WORK WITH YOU! HOW CAN WE HIRE YOU AND ENSURE OUR DATE IS RESERVED?
All I need to make things official and reserve your date is a signed contract and retainer (half of your total amount).
WE’RE PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING. ARE YOU ABLE TO TRAVEL TO PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING?
Yes. Yes. and Yes! I adore traveling (as mentioned in the About Cyn section!), and am available to photograph weddings throughout New England (MA, CT, NH, RI, VT), nationally (often photographing in CO where I’m from), and internationally (you name the place and I’m there!). Local weddings include travel expenses up to 80 miles from Northampton, MA. Additional miles are rated at the standard IRS mileage rate of .51/mile. For further destination or out-of-state weddings, please contact me for a specific price quote.
WE LOVE YOUR PHOTOJOURNALISTIC STYLE! WILL YOU ALSO PHOTOGRAPH DETAILS AND GROUP SHOTS OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?
Of course! Environmental photos, stunning details, and casual group formals help tell the story of your day. We’ll spend some time talking prior to your wedding day (and I’ll ask you to fill out an online questionnaire) regarding any special details that are important to you both that you want preserved through photography; such as, your grandfather’s cuff links, your grandmother’s airloom jewelry, your DIY name cards that your friends slaved over making during the weeks leading up to your wedding, the beach where you’re getting married that you’ve enjoyed so many holidays there together when you were falling in love, etc. I’ll also ask for a list of the group photos you’d love to have captured. Being a photographer who focuses on storytelling, I consider all of those small details of your day part of your story, and even if we didn’t talk before your wedding day regarding what details are important to you, I would photograph them anyways (but, I love open communication and hearing why they’re important to you!).
WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES?
Please see the Investment page for details and submit an inquiry through the Contact page to receive a specific quote and so we can connect!
DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Absolutely! I’m happy to provide a copy to your venue upon request.
DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL TECHNIQUES SUCH AS HAND-COLORING OR TONING?
All photographs are exposure balanced and color corrected. I want you to become engaged with each image and your story. My work is clean, fresh, and contemporary. I also include complimentary Signature Collections in every package (highlighting 50-150 of your best images from your wedding day which include custom hand-toned artistic editing).
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE SHOOTING IN VARIOUS LIGHTING SITUATIONS?
Yes! I believe a good photographer is aware of light, and can effectively use natural and ambient lighting, as well as creating and using their own light sources to create the best image. I have a lot of experience photographing in low-lit environments as well as during 12-noon harsh sunlight. I have photographed Bar Mitzvah’s lit only by candlelight, evening wedding ceremonies outdoors at night, and portrait sessions on the beach in open, harsh sunlight.
DO YOU WORK WITH AN ASSISTANT OR SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
On average, I photograph 90% of my weddings as the main photographer (without an assistant or second photographer joining me). I generally photograph weddings alone as I like to be as unobtrusive as possible. I’m a ‘two-camera shooter,’ so I can capture the same scene with a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens virtually within seconds of each other. Approximately 10% of my wedding couples opt to include a second photographer, and I usually recommend this only when your wedding guest list is more than 200. If you’re hoping to have both of you documented during the beginning of the day ‘getting ready’ this is something I can definitely do as well, even if you’re getting ready at different locations! We can talk about the scheduling of your day, and I can help with this piece during the planning stages.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH MORE THAN ONE EVENT IN A DAY? WEEKEND?
I dedicate my time to photograph only one Wedding or Event per day. I do offer Portrait Days several times a year which includes mini-photo sessions for multiple clients in one day.
DO YOU HAVE A REPLACEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER IN CASE YOU BECOME UNAVAILABLE ON THE DAY OF OUR EVENT?
Yes. In the very unlikely event that I’m not able to photograph your event, I have a strong network of photographers and colleagues who I would trust to photograph my own wedding. They have similar styles and philosophies to me, and I would provide you with a list of photographers available including their portfolios to review. Once you’ve expressed who you’d like to work with, we can set up a meeting to ensure you feel comfortable with them! I’m proud to say in the 5 years I’ve been photographing weddings, I’ve photographed 100% of them!
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU TYPICALLY BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY-OF?
I use all professional quality Canon equipment (including a minimum of two camera bodies, an array of lenses, flashes, memory cards, etc). Currently, my setup includes: Canon 5D and 7D, 35mm 2.0, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.4, 135mm 2.0, 70-200mm 2.8, 430EXII and 550EXII strobes, LED video lights, CF memory cards, and rechargeable batteries.
DO YOU BRING BACK-UP EQUIPMENT TO THE EVENT IN CASE OF A MALFUNCTION?
Always!
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON TAKING BREAKS? DO YOU REQUIRE THAT WE ARRANGE A MEAL BE PROVIDED BY THE VENUE?
I do ask that the couple includes a vendor meal for me. I quickly eat in between events, usually when you’re eating, so I don’t miss photographing anything important (and I won’t catch you with a fork in your mouth!). I do also ask for a vegetarian-friendly meal if possible, as I don’t eat meat. If this isn’t possible, I understand, but always like to ask so food doesn’t go to waste!
LIFESTYLE (BABY & NEWBORN) FAQS
(please scroll down for GENERAL FAQs)
WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR MY FAMILY?
Baby and newborn portraits are generally created in surroundings you’re familiar with (such as your home, your baby’s nursery, your studio, etc) with the focus of highlighting your life. Environmental portraits are largely influenced by integrating your world into the images. I believe photographing you in your own space allows for pieces of your personality (and your relationship or family) to shine through more clearly in the photograph. Many of my couples and families express they feel more at ease being photographed in their own home, and it feels more personal having your baby photographed in his/her first nursery vs. a photographer’s studio with props. Depending on weather, and the age of your baby, we can also photograph at a nearby park or other venue. Lifestyle portraiture focuses on documenting real-life moments with some stylizing and suggestions offered (think of magazine or editorial photographs). My bright, endearing baby and newborn portraits aim to depict you naturally interacting with your family, and serve to document and remember your family history for generations to come.
WHAT KIND OF SESSIONS DO YOU OFFER?
I offer three different Lifestyle portrait sessions: Newborn sessions (photographed within the first 10 days after your baby is born), Mini-session Days available several times a year, and a Year in the Life series (documenting your growing family and little one at birth, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH NEWBORN PORTRAITS? WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST TO PHOTOGRAPH MY NEWBORN?
Newborns are sleepiest and stay curled up best during the first 10 days after they’re born. Newborn sessions are available from birth until day 14, allowing for those adorable, sleeping baby photos. Baby sessions are available up to 1 year of age. It is strongly recommended to schedule your newborn session in the morning, since often times they are less fussy compared to later in the day. It also works best if your newborn is fed immediately prior to your session (a full baby is a happier baby!). If mornings are not possible with your schedule, we can talk about some other alternatives that can be good options.
WHAT SHOULD MY BABY AND FAMILY WEAR FOR THE SESSION?
I’m a strong believer that your portraits should reflect you, your personalities and love for each other. I discourage the urge to dress too “matchy matchy,” and recommend avoiding strong patterns, brands or logos, or anything that will distract or age your image. Ultimately, if you feel comfortable in your clothes, you’ll feel more comfortable in front of my camera (and that is most important!).
I’M STILL RECOVERING FROM BIRTH, CAN THE PHOTOS ONLY INCLUDE MY BABY?
Absolutely. I will photograph, or not photograph, you based on your comfort level. I also know of some fantastic ways where we can highlight the areas you do feel comfortable with, so you can look back and still enjoy photos of you with your little one!
IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO TO PREPARE FOR THE PHOTO SESSION?
It would be helpful to tidy up the nursery prior to the photo session, and set aside any outfits you want your baby to wear, so everything is ready and available when the time is right.
WE WANT YOU TO DOCUMENT OUR FAMILY HISTORY! HOW DO WE BOOK YOU AS OUR PHOTOGRAPHER?
To reserve your photo session, I need a signed contract and retainer (half of the total session fee). The remaining balance of your session is due before or on the day of your scheduled session.
AM I ABLE TO RESCHEDULE IF AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS?
Of course. I understand that emergencies arise. Please contact me as soon as you know of any scheduling conflicts, and we’ll find a new time that works with everyone’s schedules. When possible, please allow at least 24 hours notice.
HOW SOON SHOULD WE BOOK AND SCHEDULE OUR SESSION?
As soon as possible. For newborn sessions, I strongly suggest to book a session prior to your baby’s arrival. I ask for a general time frame of your due date, and then once the baby arrives, we schedule a time to get together within the first 14 days; having the paperwork and retainer taken care of in advance helps make the process run more smoothly, so you can focus all of your energy on your newly expanding family!
HOW MUCH SHOULD WE PLAN TO INVEST IN PRESERVING OUR FAMILY MEMORIES THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS?
Please see the Investment page for details and submit an inquiry through the Contact page to receive a specific quote and so we can connect!
GENERAL FAQs:
HOW WILL WE SEE OUR PROOFS? HOW SOON AFTER THE EVENT ARE THE PROOFS READY FOR VIEWING?
Your images will be posted on a password-protected online proofing gallery. For weddings, please allow up to between 3-6 weeks for the care and processing of your images. For lifestyle portraits, proofs will be available online within 2 weeks following your session.
HOW LONG WILL OUR PROOFING GALLERY BE AVAILABLE ONLINE?
Wedding proofing galleries will be available online for 90 days. Lifestyle sessions will be available for 2 weeks. You do have the option to extend the time your online gallery is available, if you need more time to decide on images for prints or albums.
DO YOU RETAIN THE COPYRIGHT FOR THE PHOTOS?
I do retain the copyright of the images, but offer printing releases and limited-use releases for personal web sharing.
DO YOU PROVIDE US WITH THE DIGITAL FILES?
Yes, optional digital files are available through digital download or a personalized USB drive.
ARE YOU A LGBT-FRIENDLY WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?
Absolutely! I have experience photographing same-sex wedding ceremonies, commitment ceremonies and celebrations. I enjoy working with all couples who are in love!
WHAT KIND OF ALBUMS DO YOU OFFER?
All albums are custom designed. I offer Book Bound, Lay Flat, and Fine Art albums. Please see the CYN PHOTO’s Investment and Pricing page for more information and examples. I also offer various print sizes, fine art canvases, and thank you cards, etc.
WHEN WILL WE RECEIVE OUR FINAL ALBUM?
Approximately 6-12 weeks after the custom design is approved.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Cash, Check, Paypal, Credit Card