There are just some questions that it seems most everyone has when it comes to hiring a photographer. We decided to answer them here for you! If you have a question that isn't covered, please send us an email, call, or ask us in your consultation. We love doing our best to help you feel that you are making the best decision in choosing your photographer!
1. How long have you been taking photographs?
Most of my life. Like most everyone, I started taking photographs at a young age. In my late teens, it became a serious hobby. As an adult, I toted my camera everywhere taking photos of my sons and often received comments on my ability to capture fun and candid moments. I took a few photography courses several years ago to begin developing the skills necessary to be a professional photographer.
2. How long have you been in business?
I opened my business in 2008. I shot alongside successful and seasoned professional wedding photographers in Jacksonville. It wasn't long before I was told I was well prepared to shoot alone and then I opened my business. I haven't looked back since. Jon still maintains his career during the week in IT.
3. Do you run a full time business or is this a part time hobby?
My entire career has been behind a desk as an accountant. In January 2010, I left my career as a financial director to run my photography business full time.
4. What type of equipment do you shoot with?
I personally shoot with the following professional equipment:
Camera body: Canon 5d Mk II
Camera lenses: Canon 50mm; Canon 24-105mm; Canon 70-200mm; and Canon 100mm. More lenses are on my "wishlist" and will be coming soon!
Lighting: Canon Speedlite 580ex II flash
Jon prefers to shoot with the Canon 7d.
5. Do you have a backup camera? Thankfully, we haven't had to use backup equipment yet but yes, we do have it. We bring an additional bag to each event that includes additional professional grade equipment.
6. Will you bring an entourage with you to my event?
Unless the event is very large, it will be just my husband and I. If the event is very large, we will bring an assistant.
7. Will you be directing my day or constantly asking me to pose?
We do ask for a time line of your day prior to the event. This helps us anticipate milestones throughout the day. It also helps us keep you on schedule. Group photos (formals) do tend to be posed but they are such a small percentage of the day. Otherwise, we are just off to the side documenting your day as it unfolds naturally.
8. Do we need to feed you?
We do appreciate a regular meal and dessert during the event. It is also important to let your reception venue know. There are several venues that put the "vendors" in another area of the building. We do ask that we remain seated adjacent to the party so we can capture any candid moments that we would otherwise miss if we were in another room.
9. Are you a licensed business?
Yes. We are licensed as Ginger Dupre Photography, LLC in Camden County, Georgia.
10. Do you belong to any associations? Yes. We are members of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International).
11. What is your primary style?
Our style is definitely evident throughout our website and blog. We approach each wedding as photojournalists. We post-process in crisp vibrant tones and our signature modern vintage tones.
12. Can you process in black and white? Yes. As an artist, I tend to select favorite images from your session/event for black and white conversion. They are usually the more emotional images. However, we can convert any image you choose into black and white.
13. Do you provide us a "shot list"?
Yes. Prior to the event, we will ask for you to complete an online shot list. One of the reasons you are seeking to hire a professional photographer is for their expertise. We do not use your list as a checklist but rather a list for guidance. We study the list in the weeks prior to your event so we have a very good understanding of your wants and needs.
14. Are you the wedding photographer that will actually take our photos?
Yes! I will be the primary photographer. My husband will be there also providing a different view of your day.
15. Why would I need two photographers? Well, we provide the additional photographer at no cost to you! Also, no two photographers see things the same so you will get a second viewpoint and this can really make for wonderful images to complete your collection.
16. Can we meet both you and your husband prior to the wedding?
Absolutely! We ask to meet with couples at least once prior to the wedding. When scheduling the consultation appointment, please mention you would like a time when both of us can be there.
17. Do you photograph more than one event a weekend?
Not normally. We only schedule one wedding per day without exception. It is rare that we even schedule a wedding on Saturday and a wedding on Sunday. Our goal is to provide our clients outstanding service. If we are overwhelmed with several events, this starts to become VERY difficult.
18. How intrusive will lighting, tripods, and/or assistants be?
We tend to set-up one stand with a light adjacent to the dance floor where traffic is not flowing. If a tripod is necessary, it will be in a Church and we usually set them up on a balcony or the very back aisle of the Church. The photographers and assistants work very hard to be unobtrusive.
19. Can we buy the disk of images from you?
Yes. The disk of images is available for purchase.
20. I just want a few hours coverage and the disk. Cheap and easy, right?
No. There are many hours of work that goes into a wedding for the photographer. We are far from done when we leave the wedding. In fact, our work has really just begun! When you are purchasing the disk of images, the workload increases dramatically. You will also be purchasing the rights to print the images when and where you decide. You will also be receiving all of the images from the day. This number can be as high as 1000 images depending on the hours of coverage. This means our studio cannot see a profit from print sales.
21. How long will it take to see the proofs? We generally have the proofs available 4-6 weeks after the wedding. During our peak season, this time frame may shift from 4-6 weeks to 6-8 weeks. However, we do create a custom website for you and tend to make that available to you with some "teaser" images within 2-3 weeks of your event date.
22. Why should I have an engagement session?
We highly recommend an engagement session with any photographer you choose. In fact, we are seriously considering adding them to our coverage as a courtesy! The reason is because it is a GREAT way to get to know your photographers and for them to get to know you. You will see how well you all get along and interact. An engagement session tends to involve more posing than a wedding day so you will get a feel for how you will be posed during the formal portion of your wedding also.
23. Can I look at a complete wedding that you have done or an album?
Yes. We will bring samples from our portfolio to our meeting.
24. Do you charge a travel fee?
As long as the event is taking place in Jacksonville or it's immediate surrounding areas then we do not charge a fee. Outside that area will likely require an additional fee. Please contact us for details.
25. Why is photography so expensive? I'm thinking of having my Uncle who takes pictures as a hobby photograph our wedding!
There are several factors to consider when choosing a photographer and experience is one of them. Wedding photographers have the experience to anticipate moments which results in great candid photos that are often the most memorable to the couple. They work with professional grade equipment that ensures the quality of your images are outstanding and can be enlarged easily. They understand lighting and use it to keep your images well lit and sharp. They have the software and experience to retouch images for any flaws and further add a professional touch. It is very time consuming. We often spend 8+ hours at the wedding primarily on our feet. After the wedding, the processing of the images begins. We generally spend at a minimum of 30 hours on a wedding. Finally, there are costs. The equipment is expensive and must be upgraded periodically, there are association fees, travel fees, taxes, licensing, insurance, continuing education, marketing, software, etc. If they are working as a full time photographer, they usually need to make a profit to justify being in business and to support their families. Aside from all of that, we love photography and weddings and we put our heart and soul into both! The Knot states that the highest budget item are the reception costs (which includes drinks, food, and venue) and the second highest budget item is photography. They further state that photography should make up 10-12% of your budget.
Thank you!!