I love all of the genuine, emotional moments on your website, but I want to make sure we get great portraits and details too; do you shoot those as well?
Yes. :) I make it a point to emphasize my photojournalism throughout my portfolio because I feel like it is something that I do very well and arguably, better than most. But taking relaxed, beautiful portraits and capturing the little details - your decor, your floral arrangements, and more ... that's very important to me too!
Be sure to check out both my blog and the proofing area for a more in-depth look at all of the different things you can expect when you elect to hire me as your wedding photographer.
What should we wear to our engagement session?
There is no "right" answer here, but typically, many of the couples I have worked with prefer one or more outfit changes - some formal, some casual. Often I will suggest that you'll want to wear something that is comfortable and that feels like "you" both, even if that's the slightly dressier version of "you." :)
Where should we go to shoot for our engagement session?
Again, there is no "right" answer, but I'll make a few suggestions. What qualities of you both and your relationship would you like your pictures to reflect? Some locations may be more conducive to creating those images. Are there any settings that are special to you both? (a favorite park, coffee shop, restaurant, etc.) No matter the backdrop(s) you'd like to work with, I'll offer suggestions and together we'll come up with a plan.
Will I receive a disc of all the edited, full-resolution images?
Yes! My approach is that you are paying me for time and skill, both behind the camera and in processing your images. So it's important to me that I give you the freedom to print your pictures when, where and how you please (at no additional cost.)
Please allow 2-4 weeks after the completion of your wedding event for your pictures to be posted online – once you've approved the proofs, please allow another week to receive the disc(s).
Where should we shoot wedding portraits?
This will depend significantly on how much time you'd like to allot to shooting portraits. :) I have worked with couples who have contracted with a limo to drive themselves and their bridal party all over the city at a relaxed, fun pace with multiple portrait stops for hours ... and I have worked with couples who have scheduled fifteen minutes at the altar. So while I wouldn't recommend the latter ;) as an ideal solution, please know that I will work with you and your timeline to make the most of any arrangements.
Assuming we have time to drive and weather permits, I would recommend one or more stops and again, whether the settings are simply beautiful or have significant personal meaning (or both) we'll talk ahead of time to finalize these and other details. I do have a fairly extensive list of ideas I'd be happy to offer if you're interested.
Where and when will I be able to view my photos after the wedding?
Please allow 2-4 weeks after the completion of your wedding event for the full gallery of all wedding pictures to be posted. Once finished (I'll contact you promptly) simply go to prints.chrisaram.com and select your gallery(ies). You can proof your photos and also share this link with family and friends for ordering. All orders are processed through the professional labs that I partner with; in addition to incredible products of the highest quality, I have also chosen to partner with them for their excellent customer service.
Do I need a second photographer?
I am obviously only in one place at any one time. Though I move quickly and attempt to anticipate everything as it unfolds, electing a second photographer simply provides another experienced camera to capture the many moments of your special day. For those that love pictures and want as many to choose from as possible, this can prove a worthwhile investment and I do recommend it!
When we hire you, are we actually hiring you?
Yes, you're hiring me – not an assistant, intern or my cousin who just bought a Rebel and likes photography. If you opt to hire a second photographer, you're hiring an additional photographer whose work I feel is up to my professional standards and who I work well with.
How would you describe your style?
What is your retouch policy?
Let's face it; zit happens. While Photoshop has its limits, I am generally able to retouch blemishes and the like for up to 10% of your final images of your choosing at no cost. Should you elect to purchase an album(s), any photos printed in the album will likewise be retouched to the extent reasonably possible.
What differentiates your work?
Photographic style is an important starting point and one you want to be sure you're thrilled with. However, having been married myself and now having worked with dozens of couples, I believe strongly that "style" is only part of the overall experience.
I pride myself on prompt and reliable customer service. This attitude is core to the way I do business (“treat others as you want to be treated ...”) and I will truly approach your wedding as if it was as important as my own. I communicate with you throughout planning stages to ensure that you will receive exactly the pictures and services you want and am always a phone call, email or text message away. Really. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, at any time.
I am personable and easy to work with, offer a no-pressure, “a la carte” approach to pricing, am insured (in the very unlikely event, say, my cameras explode) and I carry plenty of backup equipment to help minimze the chance of any unpleasant surprises!
Finally, I'm passionate about wedding photography and dedicated to being the best that I can possibly be. I hope it's obvious that I love what I do and that I am enthusiastically committed to providing you with outstanding photography that you will be proud of for generations to come.
How many pictures can I expect to receive?
I prefer quality to quantity, but I shoot for both. Though quantity can vary based on a couple of things, I generally average about 100-200 pictures an hour.
Can I post my photos to Facebook?
Absolutely! A small link/credit is appreciated but not required.
How did you get into wedding photography?
Some of the best things in life seem to happen to me “accidentally” and sort of without my noticing it. When my wife and I got engaged, the topic of a wedding photographer naturally came up and as we began to check out prospective photographers, I was blown away by some of what we saw; I had no idea that wedding photography had evolved beyond the 2-3 rolls of clunky, often poorly shot film our parents kept in faded album.
As we spent more time agonizing over the choice, I found that I gravitated most toward the photographers who could truly "retell" the story of the wedding, both artistically and with the real, raw emotion. I was lucky to have two good friends, Adam Nyholt and Danny Heinlein, both successful wedding photographers who were willing to teach me so much of the craft. Seriously ... learning in a no-risk environment, on the job, is the best.
When ordering prints, what's the difference between glossy, lustre and metallic?
This is probably the single most common question I receive. No, really! Fortunately, the answer is simple; these are three common finishes and the choice is usually easy.
Glossy is just what it sounds like - a glossy finish that can enhance color saturation and contrast. The downside, in my opinion, is that it is reflective of light and so can bounce unwanted glare off the photo when you're looking at.
Lustre is the alternative - a matte finish that is not reflective. It is my personal preference most of the time, for most frames and uses (though my wife and I are suckers for canvas, personally.)
Metallic is also just what it sounds like - printed on a metallic substrate that can give the print a cool, almost 3D effect. While awesome for some prints, the effect can be underwhelming for others. If you're interested in a metallic print, please ask - I'd love to help you choose.