AN INTRODUCTION
So you're getting married - congratulations! While it's definitely one of the most joyous occasions in any person's life, I understand that it can also be incredibly stressful trying to plan and coordinate everything.
The point of this post is not to stress you out even more - I hope! I just want to provide as much information about my services, including actual prices, and answer frequently asked questions preemptively. If it helps you, yay! If it does not, please do get in touch to get clarification.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, HOW DOES ONE HIRE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?"
- Make sure the photographer you want to hire is available on your wedding date. Tell them your wedding date.
- If they are available, and you come to agreement with prices and products, then you would sign an agreement and pay the deposit to secure their service.
- Before the wedding date, be sure to settle and confirm all payments, wedding information and details.
- After your wedding, your photographer will provide you with the photos.
Yes, as easy as 1, 2, 3... 4!
PRICING
Your photography investment really depends on the length of coverage you need and which amazing products you'd like to commemorate your special day with. Coverage includes me as your photographer and afterwards, an online gallery to easily share your photos with friends and family as well as a DVD of all edited, full-resolution files. Everything you need in a nutshell, and that is the baseline.
For 2012, my coverage rate is $300 per hour with a two-hour minimum. So, for example, if you need coverage for 6 hours, it's $1,800.
QUESTIONS? ANSWERS!
When did you start shooting weddings?
I got my start in wedding photography by second-shooting for more established photographers. I started second-shooting for Chung Photo and Ziba Studio in July 2007. I shot my first solo wedding in April 2008.
Do you have a second shooter?
No, I do not. I can definitely have a second shooter tag along with me on the day of your wedding if that's important to you for a nominal fee. However, I prefer to shoot by myself. I've been told I'm a cerebral person and I am in my head a lot, so I'm very comfortable working alone.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I shoot using Canon DSLR equipment and edit using Adobe Lightroom. I've been to weddings where guests have equally-impressive, if not even more bad-ass equipment than I do! It's quite a sight to behold! But at the end of the day, as you probably already know, it's the quality of the photographs that really matters and not how big your lens is.
Can I see an entire collection of images from a wedding?
Heck yeah! Any photographer can show you his or her best 10 shots. You should always check out an entire wedding to make sure they know their stuff. You can see one here, along with my various album designs.
How would you describe your style?
My photos are natural with a dash of warmth. I want to show you images that reflect the world just as it appears but filtered through my eyes, which means there will be extra light and extra love. My shooting style is totally laid-back and covert; you'll hardly know I'm there, until you see the images.
Do people actually like the stuff you produce? Do you have any client testimonials to share?
Yes, and yes! I have a Yelp page that you can check out
Do you have a list of vendors that you would recommend?
How many photos can I expect to see in my online gallery?
The final number of photos you'll be presented with varies, but I would estimate a final count of between 300 to 500 edited images for an average 6-hour wedding.
What does your wedding agreement look like?
Here's the legal verbiage (verbatim) from the wedding agreement:
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATION. The Client is entitled to professional photographic service provided by Chung Nguyen with digital camera equipment. In the event of equipment failure, a backup camera will be on hand. MODEL RELEASE. The Client permits the Photographer the rights to use and publish photographs of the Client for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose, in print and online. LIMIT OF LIABILITY. In the very unlikely event that the photographer is injured or becomes too ill to photograph the event, the Photographer will make every effort to secure a replacement photographer. If the situation should occur and a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package. The Photographer takes the utmost care with respect to exposure, transportation, and processing the photographs. However, in the unlikely event photographs have been lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons within or beyond the Photographer's control, the Photographer liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package. CANCELLATION POLICY. If, for any reason, the event needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, the Photographer requests at least a 72-hour notice of cancellation via phone (408-532-5880) or email (chung@chungnguyen.com). In the case of cancellation, all payment already received (minus the deposit and any travel expenses already incurred) will be refunded in within one week.
Why should I pick you?
Three main reasons: (1) You like the photos that I produce and want a similar style for your wedding. (2) I'm within your price range. And (3) you wouldn't mind having me hanging around you all day on your wedding day.
At the end of the day, I can't profess that I'm widely published or a well-decorated photographer. All I can say is that I care about producing the best work that I can for my clients. If I can make you and your family and friends smile along the way, I'll consider my job complete.
Happy planning!
