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FAQ
How many photographers make up Studio Orange?
Easy answer: ME! Robert, that is. I shoot every session Studio Orange books. But if your package calls for a second photographer, I maintain a pool of ridiculously talented people I can call upon.
How do I book a portrait session/wedding with you?
Simplest way is to fill out the form. I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can (usually the same day – unless I’m shooting a wedding, or on a secret spy mission that I can’t really talk much about).
When I reply to you, I like to set up a meeting. I like meeting people. It’s way better than e-mail. We’ll talk about your day and all that good stuff and then it’s as simple as reserving the date!
What does “reserve the date” mean?
Studio Orange services require a retainer to reserve the date. This lets you “own” that day. The amount of the retainer varies depending on the type of booking and it is due when we sign the contract.
So you don’t double-book dates?
I never double book weddings. Like I said in the first answer, I shoot every session. Trying to photograph more than one wedding a day is just completely impossible. At least until I perfect my cloning device. But so far the experiments have been… well, the less said, the better.
I also don’t double-book engagement sessions. I prefer not to do more than a single portrait, band session or any other type of session a day (although exceptions are sometimes made for special circumstances).
Do we have to pay for a session/package all at once?
Nope! But you can if you want. Otherwise, I split up all due payments. Weddings are split in thirds – with one third the total cost being the retainer. All other sessions are split into two payments, with the first half being the retainer.
How long will my session last?
The whole time.
Ok, seriously, weddings depend on the package or the number of hours you hire me for. So that’s kind of up to you.
For other sessions, plan on at least a couple of hours. Maybe 3 or 4.
Will you capture all the events of my wedding (getting ready, formal portraits, ceremony, time in the limo, reception, send-off, etc.)?
This answer really covers two things.
First, how much of the day I photograph depends on the package you book. Smaller packages may need a bit of compromise about which events I’m available for. All day packages have more flexibility.
The second part of this answer is about the specific photos. The thing is, weddings are dynamic and have a lot of stuff going on. I strive to get all of the important moments of the day. Problem is, it might just be impossible to capture every single thing. I do my best, but I can’t make guarantees about specific photos.
What about all of the people? There are some relatives that I want to make sure you get photos of.
Don’t freak out by the lack of guarantee in the previous answer. I really do want to give you every image I possibly can. This is especially true if you have some guests you’d like photographed. But! It’s a safe bet that I don’t know your friends and family. So you might need to help out a bit.
If there are some people are must have photos of, the best way to make sure this happens is to have someone available to point them out, or send them over to me (or the second photographer if there is one).
Will I own the photographs you take?
Well, yes and no.
Those Federal Copyright laws are pretty clear in saying that Studio Orange owns all of the photos. However, I give you a disc of images with every package. So that you’re able to share some of those images on Facebook or wherever, I also give you a “personal use” release.
I like to think that I’m pretty fair. This release will let you do virtually anything you want with the images. The only thing I require is that if you edit any images, you’ll need to mention that if you post it anywhere. See the next question…
So I can edit my own images the way I want and post them to Facebook?
You know, I’m a tinkerer. Sometimes I like to go back and play with photos again. Photoshop is like a black hole that can suck me in for hours. So I get it. Maybe you don’t own software like Photoshop, but with stuff like Instagram and the like, you’re as addicted to playing with photos as I am.
Legally, I could tell you “NO!” But where’s the fun in that?
Look, if you want to mess around with your photos, I’m cool with that.
But here’s the thing. The caveat, if you will: If you choose to make changes/edits to any of the images and post the images online, you must clearly state that you have created an alteration different from what Studio Orange provided, and provide a link to the original.
Ok, so why do I require this? Well, even if you happen to be a Photoshop ninja and create some phenomenal edit that makes me insanely jealous and want to assimilate your brain knowledge, I don’t want to run the risk of your edits being misinterpreted as something Studio Orange offers.
Simple as that.
We love the work of (insert name here) photographer. Can you replicate that style?
No. Absolutely not. Aside from copyright/legal issues, trying to copy another photographer is just seriously uncool and would probably throw bad karma on your whole wedding.
We can do inspiration, though. If there are other photos you like, using those as inspiration to create something unique for you is completely cool.
I’ve found a cheaper photographer, but I like your images. Can you negotiate your price?
Funny thing about other photographers is that I have no idea how they run their business. I don’t know how they work, or what their expenses are. So I don’t know why they price the way they do. To match what they do, I’d have to work like they do. Which kind of defeats the purpose of what I do.
What I can tell you is this: I’ve worked hard to create a pricing structure that I believe is fair and represents the high standard of quality I maintain for my work. Also, I’ve created packages for weddings that combine the most popular options at pretty heavily discounted prices versus ordering those options separately.
What sort of equipment do you use?
The current lineup of gear includes a Canon 5D Mark II as the primary Digital SLR. This is a professional quality, 21 megapixel beast of a camera that often makes lesser cameras whimper and cry. The backup camera is a Canon 40D, which is no slouch, either. These are paired with a number of professional quality lenses that would make any paparazzi photographer jealous. I also have a fully portable lighting set-up that I can bring to locations.
Our friend got married and in her wedding album the photographer got this amazing and funny shot of the flower girl sitting down in the middle of the aisle, playing with all of the flower petals. It was adorable. Can you get shots like this for us?
This sounds like an incredibly candid moment that their photographer was lucky to capture. As with all candid moments, it was unpredictable and spontaneous.
Attempting to be too specific with requesting shots like these can create a nightmare situation where your entire day is spent trying to adopt scripted poses. Please read this article about the dangers of an overly detailed shot request.