Frequent Questions
How much investment would be needed to avail your services?
I like to work with couples that truly value and appreciate good photography. If you’re looking for someone to replace your uncle Bob who happens to own a fancy camera, i’m probably not the one for you. If you’re looking for an artist, someone with a solid reputation and years of experience who is constantly investing time and resources into learning and enhancing their craft, and constantly evolving as a result, then you’ve come to the right place. Though I understand each couple has a budget to work with, I strongly feel that price should not be the only deciding factor when hiring someone to document one of the most important days of your life. I often hear horror stories of how poorly someone’s wedding images turned out when price was the only deciding factor. Leslie Milk, lifestyle editor from the Washingtonian, sums up my feelings perfectly:
“Here’s the most important thing you need to know about wedding pictures: Book the best photographer you can afford as soon as you set the date. The wedding music will fade, the flowers will die, and you won’t even remember if you ate, let alone what you ate, at the reception. But the wedding pictures last forever.”
With this being said, since each wedding is unique in it’s own way, I like to meet with every client to learn more about their wedding day and go over different options. Investment can vary greatly depending on the number of days (for multiple day weddings), # of photographers, location, total hourly coverage, number, type, and size of album, number of pages in the album, album options such as cover, page finish, lining, imprinting, number of parent albums, number and size of canvas prints, etc. As you can see, there are many different factors quoting a price. I get too many phone calls where the first thing people ask is "What is your charge?" I can not quote a price until I have all relevant information about your wedding. When contacting me, please provide me with the locations, number of hours of photography coverage, how much travel is involved in between locations, and date(s) of your wedding so that I can provide accurate quotes.
We love your work, but can we get a discount?
No. The price is as quoted. I encourage you to shop around and come to me last. I can assure you my prices are very competitive. Am I the cheapest person on the block-no, not at all, but I'm also far from the most costly. Remember, you get what you pay for. As I mentioned before, price should not be your only deciding factor for one of the biggest days in your life. There are no repeats for your wedding. I encourage you to hire the best you can afford. A "no" on the discount is especially true for multiple day weddings. Imagine going to the doctor 3 different times, does the doctor expect to be paid less for working more? Of course not. My multiple day packages are very competitively priced, and while I definitely appreciate your business, at the same time I do not under value myself as an artist. Again, my focus is more on those who appreciate and value good photography. There is a lot more work involved in a multiple day wedding. Working a 2 or 3 day wedding means it will take 2 or 3 times LONGER to process your images to make them look their best. Each and every image is processed, which can add up to many thousands of images when we are talking about multiple weddings in any given month. There is a misconception that our work is done after your event is done. The truth is, as a photographer (and a business owner), the real work begins after the event, and is much more time consuming then the actual event. The post work is not just processing, there are many other tasks involved, such as marketing, social media, working with other vendors as a follow up, blogging, scheduling appointments, website updates and SEO, emails, album design, etc.
OK, BUT MY GUEST LIST IS VERY SMALL, CAN I PLEASE GET A DISCOUNT?
Unfortunately price is not dependent on the number of guests at your wedding. I frequently get emails stating that "we only have xx number of guests at a wedding, what is your price....". Whether you have 10 guests or 500, you can expect the same quality work. If your wedding only has a few guests, that does not mean that we only bring half of our equipment or that we deliver pictures that are anything short of amazing. I shoot each wedding as if it's a million dollar wedding. All equipment, lighthing, backups, assistants, everything is included whether your wedding is big or small.
We had a bad experience with another photographer, the images were not color corrected and we never received the album, how will you be any different?
I hate to even add this question on my FAQ, but I hear this at least twice a year from would be clients. Look, I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience in the past, but in all honesty that has nothing to do with me or how I run my business. Please take a good look at my galleries, there are hundreds of images on my home page. That is the type of work you can expect. All images are color corrected to look true to life and vibrant. I take great pride in my work and would never want any image tied to my brand if I handed over anything anything sub par. Please also take a good look at my reviews on google. Not a single bad reveiw, because I take pride in my work and want to ensure all my clients are satisfied with the end product. Why on earth would I not want to deliver an album? Those types of photographers might not take pride in their work or care for their brand, in all honesty, I have no idea how that type of photographer could even stay in business. One viral post on social media these days, and the business is no more. In addition, the contract will also define all terms and states the album delivery timeline. If you still have doubts, I can provide references with scores of happy clients that I have worked with in the past.
Are you Insured?
Absolutely!! I am fully insured to shoot at any venue. As a professional photographer, it would be silly of me not to. Most venues require insurance and I would be happy to provide proof of insurance. The only thing I require is a few weeks notice so that the insurance company can forward the certificate of insurance to the venue.
Did you take all the images I see on your website?
YES!! I get asked this question quite often, so I thought I might as well add this on my FAQ. It wouldn’t make much sense for me to use anyone else’s work. That would be considered stealing and would not represent the work I can deliver. Copyright infringement is illegal and unethical. The type of images you see on my website are the type of images you can expect to see for your own wedding. In fact, this is something to be very careful of when choosing a wedding photographer. Make sure the photographer you choose is genuine and is able to verify images on his/her website are actually shot by them. You can request to see sample albums which show more work from any weddings on the website, or show more images from the same wedding during your consult.
In addition, some photographers setup up “styled shoots” with paid beautiful models, controlled lighting, and a pre-planned beautiful location. NONE of my images on my website are from styled shoots. ALL of them are from real weddings, most of which were shot in a rush because a wedding day is very fast moving and unpredictable. You can never know what to expect in terms of lighting, environment, etc. on the actual wedding day.
Can I provide you with a list of all the photographs that I want?
I never mind a few requests of things that might be important to you, but please keep in mind my style is very natural and I prefer to capture moments as they happen. If I have to be constantly checking a list all day long, I run the chance of missing some awesome moments.
I love some wedding images/poses I saw online, Can I send you a link to a pinterest gallery?
I understand that you're excited about photography on your wedding day, which is awesome. However I do want all my clients to have faith in me to be able to capture some amazing images on your wedding day. If, after looking at my galleries and getting a feel for my work, you still feel the need to send me a pinterest gallery that I should "copy", then I may not be a great fit for you. Each wedding is unique and each image that I capture is based on my creative vision. My style is my style because it is 100% me and not copied off of another photographer's work. If you'd like to send me some images just to get a sense of what you like, then by all means go ahead and do so, but please do not expect me to simply copy someone else's work. I would also love to know any images from my galleries that you LOVE :)
The thing is, if we try and recreate a "moment" from pinterest, we lose the natural element that made the image so striking in the first place. If you like my photography based on what you see on my website/social media, then I can guarantee you won't be disappointed in what I deliver :) And most likely those images that I capture will end up on pinterest for other brides to admire :)
A lot of times what brides don't understand is that the image you see on pinterest is captured at a different venue, different environment/background, different lighting, time of day, with different makeup, different attire, etc, there are so many factors that make each photo unique. The bottom line is your wedding day is unique and I strive to capture that uniqueness to the best of my ability.
How many images can I expect?
It's hard to put a number as each wedding is different. If I had to provide a number I'd say an average is about 75 images an hour during an event. This is just an average and not a guaranteed amount. This number can vary depending on the level of activity at the event. Expect even more if there is a 2nd photographer in your package. At the end of the day my focus is always on quality, and not quantity.
When can I expect my images?
An email with a link to download the low res images for album image selection is usually sent about 8-12 weeks after the wedding. Once the images for the album have been selected, final delivery of the album may take an additional 5-7 weeks.
Are we able to print our own pictures after we receive the digital files?
Sure, although I highly recommend ordering any enlargements through me. Having prints made at your local drugstore, walmart, shutterfly, or target can produce disappointing results. When I release digital files, I run the risk of having my name attached to not so good quality work because these local print kiosks are not calibrated with my monitor. Skin tones will become orange, blacks will not be true black, and images can look green. Simply put, the true to life images I see on my screen will not appear the same when printed. Printing on your own means you are printing at your own risk. I deal with professional print labs whose printers are calibrated with my monitors, which means accurate, true to life color reproduction. I can also provide you with a plethora of finish options other then just glossy or matte.
Do you do any editing/post processing?
Since all images are shot in Canon CR2 RAW format (this is a different format from jpg files) each photo needs to have certain processing done before being exported into a readable jpg. All images are processed using Adobe software. As far as retouching goes, I don’t do very much by default, I try to avoid the barbie look. It always helps when brides have skilled make up artists. Of course if something is glaring I will touch it up, or per request. Please check out the blog or main website galleries to get a feel of what your final photos would like like. My post processed images will look natural, vibrant, clean, and crisp. During our consult, we can discuss the editing process in more detail, as well as view some before and after photos. I do not, under any circumstances, provide the RAW image files. This would be equivalent to asking an artist if you can have an unfinished painting. No photographer wants their name attached to someone else's edited photos. Besides, as I mentioned before, the images are captured in a CR2 Raw format, and unless you have the special software needed to open these files, you won't be able to edit them anyway.
Do you have a second photographer ?
This will depend on the package you select, or it can be added on as an a la carte option if it is not already included in the package. All my second photographers are carefully vetted, you can be assured that I work with only experienced photographers who have a technical and creative vision that is similar to mine. There are several advantages of having a second photographer, firstly, having a 2nd photographer enables us to capture the same scene from a different angle, providing a different prospective. Having a second photographer also enables two different scenario’s to be covered (for example, both bride and groom getting ready at the same time but different locations). For weddings with over 500 guests, I would highly recommend adding a third photographer.
What is your photographic style?
Do you shoot other events besides weddings?
Weddings and engagement sessions are my specialty. However, I might consider other events depending on the time of year. I might also do family portraits every once in a while depending on availability and time of year.
Can you recommend any other reputable wedding vendors?
Yes! Once you book your wedding or event with me, I will refer you to the best of the best in the wedding industry. I worked with some of the most reputable vendors-decor, makeup, DJ, entertainment, etc., whatever you need just let me know!
Do you offer videography?
Yes, I've collaborated with one of the best videographers in the area and can bundle in videography in your package. I've partnered with him for over 10 years and his work has been nothing short of amazing. His cinematography style matches my photography style, and most importantly, we get along great together so you don't need to worry about your photographer and videographer not getting along during your wedding day :)
Where are you located?
I reside in Burlington County, NJ. However, I am available for travel anywhere, including destination weddings.
Do you have a studio?
How soon should we meet with you, how do we save our date and how does payment work?
Why should we hire you and not the large studio that has been in business for 20 years?
Most studios will boast that they have been in business for a very long time, but this is only because of a high volume, low price business model. These studios normally employ a large number of “photographers”, these photographers might not know anything about photography other than where the shutter button is located on the camera. These “photographers” get paid hourly or a low flat fee for their time, at the end of the day they’re simply just handing over cards to the studio. These “photographers” have very limited training, no technical knowledge of photography, and lack a creative vision. What you see on the the studio’s website is not necessarily what you will get. This is because each photographer that they employ will have a different style, and, well, your photographer is going to be like a box of chocolates-you’ll never know what you’re gonna get! With me, what you see is what you get. I am available 24/7 to discuss any of my client’s needs and each wedding day is treated as if it were my own. Also, I do not outsource my work to other photographers, so I will always be the one showing up to photograph your wedding.
What type of equipment do you use?
I use only professional grade Canon equipment, full frame camera bodies, high end lenses (mostly Canon’s luxury line of prime lenses), and lighting. Backup camera’s, memory cards, etc are also always at hand in case of camera/memory card malfunction(which has never happened). I shoot with two cameras at every wedding. All camera's I use have dual card slots, all images I capture are saved to both cards simultaneously. Having a dual card slot is important as memory card failure can happen at any time, even if you decide not to go with me, please confirm with your photographer if they use a camera with dual card slots. Here’s a list of some of the equipment I own:
- Canon 24mm 1.4 L II
- Sigma 35mm 1.4
- Canon 50mm 1.2 L
- Canon 85mm 1.2 L II
- Canon 100mm 2.8 L Macro
- Canon 24-70 2.8 L II
- Canon 70-200 2.8 L II
- Tokina 16-28 2.8
- Multiple 5D Mark IV camera bodies
- Godox v860ii speedlites and multiple light modifiers
- Godox AD600PRO and AD200 strobes and wireless transmitters
- MagMod light shaping tools
What is your process when taking bride and groom photos?
When it comes to taking bride and groom photos, I don't run by a specific script or a prepared list of what to exactly needs to be done. This is because each venue is different, the personality of every bride and groom is different, lighting in the locations can be different, the background and environment at every venue is different. Even when it comes to posing, one pose might look very striking on a specific couple, but the same pose on a different couple would look just plain awkward, or boring, or have less of a dramatic impact. Even if I'm working with the same couple, one pose in a specific location might not have the same "wow" factor as the same pose taken in a different environment with different lighting. The things that run through my mind when it comes to taking bride and groom photos are:
1. What is the environment like? (where the photo session will take place)
a. Can I use any foreground elements for creative framing?
b.Would I need off camera flash? Are there specific shots that would look amazing with off camera flash vs without? (for example underexposing for the sky and adding the fill light to make the couple stand out)
c. Can I use any background elements for bokeh or creative effect like flare?
d. Can I incorporate the use of lines anywhere in the environment? (lines in photography are an immensely powerful element)
2. If it's a million degrees out, are there any nice spots that we can work with in the shade?
3. What is the height difference of the couple? (as this can affect posing)
4. What is the build of the couple (athletic, thin, plus sized)? again this can affect posing
5. What is the lighting like - if not ideal, will off camera lighting make it any better?
6. Can I use anything in the environment as props, and are there any places to sit on/lean on/or just place a hand on (like a railing or gate)?
7. How are the bride and grooms personalities? Are they a playful, happy go lucky couple, that need little guidance, or are they a shy couple and need specific direction for every shot - whatever the case may be, I got you covered. Those are extremes and usually rare, most couples are somewhere in between, but I find that all couples start to get comfortable in front of the camera after the first 5-10 minutes with me.
Although I don't follow a set process, there are a few general things I like to start out with and then factor in all of what I mentioned above. Generally after the first look, I will go right into some traditional shots of the couple (even if the couple doesn't prefer these, there are always other family members, especially parents, who want to see the traditional style photos). After that I'll do some slight variations of those traditional shots and then open it up to any other type of shots. One other thing I like to do just to get the couple warmed up in front of the camera is a "walking" shot where I have the couple hold hands or lock arms, and walk down a path as they focus on each other. This normally leads into other unscripted moments. My goal is always to spark some emotion and capture something organic. Even if I put you into a "pose" - no need to stay frozen in that position, feel free to segue into a variation or whatever makes you feel more cozy with your significant other.
Also, If I see other structures in the area like a bench or a swing, I might ask you to get sit together and cuddle (now if you don't know how to or feel to shy, I can certainly put you into a "cuddling" position).
There are a lot of venues that have gazebo's, but I personally find them very cliche, but if you'd like pictures by a gazebo, we can definitely incorporate some with more of a modern flair.
The rest of the session will be dependent on what I have mentioned in the seven points above.
Keep in mind, at some point I also need to do solo bridal portraits as well as groom portraits. Please allocate at least 1 - 2 hours for the entire session. Especially if we need to walk a lot. If the bride's dress is very heavy, we won't be able to go from one spot to another quickly, so it's safer to allocate more time then less for your session. If I need to set up off camera lighting, that can also take a couple minutes every time we change the location. The difference between a natural light shot vs a shot with off camera lighting can be substantial, so it's definitely worth it for the 2-3 minutes it would take to set up the lighting. There is a certain "wow" factor with off camera lighting that just isn't there when compared to the same shot with natural light. (in my humble opinion).
If you have any other questions please feel free to use the contact form on my contact page or send me a message at photosbybilal@gmail.com.