Frequently Asked Questions

What’s your style?

Our style is most often described as “creative documentary.” 

 

Do you photograph details and family group photos?

Yes! A wedding photography collection would not be complete without good details and family photos, and we take all the photographs you would expect out of any wedding photographer. But our goal is to also go past those expectations and give you photographs that you never even imagined.

 

My fiancé is uncomfortable having his picture taken. How can you help him on the wedding day? 

We are very calm, mellow people who tend to blend into the scene rather than bring attention to ourselves and our cameras. That, combined with our documentary style, will have you both used to us within the first half-hour of your getting-ready time. Most couples tell us it felt like we were just one of the gang, hanging out with everyone. The only time you’ll really be aware of the cameras is during the family group photo and the creative portraits, and during this time we will guide you through everything. You can just be yourselves, and we will take care of the rest.

 

 

What do you do if we have an outdoor venue and it rains on our wedding day?

Most venues will offer you a rain plan with a backup indoor location. We easily adapt to any situation. Our favorite wedding photos have a lot more to do with your personalities and your chemistry as a couple, than what kind of background you’re standing in front of. If you are happy and in love, that will show in your photos. But if you’re curious how we handle rainy wedding days, check out our Rainy Wedding gallery under Settings. We see rain as a fun, adventurous twist that usually brings laughter and spontaneity.

 

 

Should I give you a shot list?

When you contact us about shooting your wedding, we will send you a full gallery of a real wedding to look through. You will see that we are very thorough with our coverage, including photos of your dress, jewelry, shoes, flowers, food and reception décor. There is no need to give us a shot list. The only list we will ask for is your list of family group shots.

 

 

How many photographers will be at my wedding?

We always have at least two photographers at each wedding. The second photographer is chosen from a short list of very talented people we are used to working with. The second photographer is responsible for shooting the groom getting ready, all details, providing a second angle on the ceremony and reception, and assisting the lead photographer with off-camera lighting for creative portraits. The same applies for our videographer Vlad.

 

 

When will we see our photographs? 

Because we take such care in making sure all your edited photographs will look great for years to come, completion takes about eight to 12 weeks. At that time, your online gallery will be made available for you and all your friends and family to see.

 

 

How do we hire you?

Use the contact tab at the top of each page to reach us with questions about pricing, products and availability. Once we have talked about your wedding, we’ll send you a password-protected site where you can sign your contract and pay the retainer. Everything can be done online. It takes five minutes, and after that, you can count on us to be there with our cameras for the most anticipated day of your life.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR BASE PRICING AND HOW COME I DON'T SEE A FULL LIST OF COLLECTIONS?

Collections are what make the selection easy.  Here at CSM Photography I want you to go home with something special.  Each and every couple has a different outlook on their day so I try and make the selection process as easy as possible by including certain take-homes like albums or parent albums in different collections.  Whatever your timeline, I want this to be a lasting heirloom for your family to cherish for a lifetime.

DO I RECEIVE A ENGAGEMENT SESSION?

Engagement Sessions come with every collection!  This session is meant to be a nice ice-breaker with you and the camera and also myself.  We get to know each other a little bit and to have a blast.

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

I am fully insured and would be happy to provide your venue with an insurance certificate upon request.

 

WILL THERE BE A 2ND PHOTOGRAPHER?

A second photographer will come with every collection!  Many times prep, specific moments in time are pivotal to having someone around to help get the moments so I can help stay concentrated on you guys :).

Not only does it help alleviate any of the stressors of trying to be in two locations at once, it always helps to have a 2nd set of eyes, ideas & hands. 🙂

 

WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF IMAGES I RECEIVE?

Typically you will receive 50-75 images per hour of shoot time.  Factors like the length of coverage and if you have a additional photographer play large parts in this.

 

ARE THE IMAGES WE RECEIVE EDITED?

Yes.  I go through by hand and correct the color balance, exposure as well as contrast.  It’s immensely important to keep a realistic approach to processing through your big day.  Accuracy in depicting your special moments makes for a much more memorable outcome.

They come completely ready to print up to the size of 8×10(1200px by 1800px 240ppi).  I highly suggest using mpix.com for many professional reasons.

*printing at any convenient store or online website not suggested and may yield poor results, for professional reproductions please come to us*

 

WILL I RECEIVE THE RIGHTS TO MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

You will receive full printing rights to your images!  This way you can print for any family and friends in a snap.

 

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED FOR PHOTOGRAPHS?

Every wedding has a different plan. Wedding schedules & at different times of years require many ways to approach documenting a wedding.  Two months before the date, we will open conversation and figure out a devised schedule where we will find addresses, parent lists, etc.

 

DO YOU USE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT?

I use the most current up to date professional Nikon photographic equipment.  It covers a range of lenses and additional equipment that will carry your wedding to ultimate creativity.  Don’t forget those backups too, I have an assortment of professional grade equipment to ensure that we capture your day regardless!

 

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?

My standard delivery time is 6 weeks.  At that time your organized online gallery will be emailed to you.

 

DO YOU OFFER WEDDING ALBUMS?

Abso-positively!  I love to deliver artwork and being that this is a family heirloom it is even more important to deliver that piece of the your life back to you.  You have a huge part in not only selecting the photographs but also the design. Once we have gone through the design process together and you give the okay the finalized wedding album delivered within two weeks.

 

HOW DO YOU PROTECT OUR IMAGES FOR THE FUTURE?

Insuring that your images will be kept for a lifetime is very important and my system is simple.  Back-up, back-up, back-up.  I have a series of RAID systems that backup your documentation 3 times.  I even have a off-site solution so in the event of a life changing event, they will be safe.

 

HOW CAN I LOCK YOU IN?

To lock in your date requires a $1000 Retainer Fee and a signed contract.  Unfortunately we cannot hold a date until we have both of these and it is first come first serve as we only shoot a limited number of weddings per year.

*Both signed contract & retainer fee are due within 3-5 days of your confirmation.

 

 

 

Do you travel? 

 

Do you accept Credit Cards?

 

I hate having my picture taken but I need to have my picture taken. Can you help me?

Do You Accept Credit Cards?

Yes, You can pay with Cash, Check, Credit Card, or PayPal.

 

I Am Interested in Booking You For Our Wedding. What is Required to Book The Day?

All we need is a $200 Deposit to hold the day, with the signed contract. Email me for more info:

 

What is Your Payment Schedule?

As a convenience to our clients, we break the payments up into 3 to make it easier on your finances.  The initial deposit is due at the time you sign your contract.  The second payment would be due one month prior to your wedding date.  The third payment must be paid on your wedding date.

How long does it take to get our images back?

It takes us anywhere from 3-5 weeks for us to edit and deliver your images.

 

How many images will we receive for our wedding?

While every wedding is different, a typical wedding client receives anywhere between 900-1200 images for their wedding day coverage.

 

Do You Travel?

Yes, I will travel anywhere in the US or to your destination of choice. 

 

Are You Insured?

Yes, I have a $1 million liability policy that we can provide to your wedding venue.