Hey guys, Susan here… Nhieu and I have been in the wedding photography business for almost three years together now (he’s been doing it longer – about seven years), and I decided that it was finally time to put this post together so that we can explain exactly what you’re paying for when you hire us for wedding photography.
For starters, we realize that there are many many expenses involved in planning a wedding. Every little thing starts to add up – and wedding photography coverage happens to be one big ticket item.
That being said, when you hire a professional photography team (like us), it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for (because it isn’t just for someone to snap some photos). There are so many factors to consider, which I wanted to dive into today.
OUR CREATIVE EYE & PROCESS
Photography is an art that requires experience and creativity. Nhieu has been shooting weddings for nearly 7 years now. I’ve been shooting weddings for about 3 years, but my background is fashion – specifically shooting for the ‘gram, runway, and street style for top fashion influencers. With our experiences combined, you can expect beautiful candids, editorial-worthy photos, timeless portraits, crisp details, and cinematic shots that allow you to relive the memories and emotions years down the road.
Nhieu also happens to be a graphic designer and illustrator, which means his eye for color and ability to edit the most difficult photographs is beyond reproach. He also has a knack for manipulating photos (although done sparingly) in ways that most wedding photographers would refuse. See examples below.
My experience in the fashion industry has trained my eye to notice the smallest details – e.g. gaps in your hair, hand placement, dress fluffing, veil holding, hair ties on wrists, phones and keys/wallets popping out of pockets, and more. Why this matters? Because it all enhances or diminishes the final product. I also have an obsession with body movement and posture which is crucial for non-posey posing.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
When couples are “shopping around”, we often urge them to ask other photographers to preview a full-day gallery. This is because lighting and location can be deal breakers. Any excellent photographer should know how to manage their light and adjust their camera settings to maximize a poorly lit scenario – even on a time crunch.
We’ve shot in some of the tightest, most unideal spaces and managed to make it work. This is where mastering your camera settings, lenses, and focal lengths come into play.
Nhieu and I also use a variety of lighting techniques and equipment to ensure your photos reflect the true ambience of every moment. This means we wouldn’t light up your entire reception with flash if the natural environment was dark and moody. We also wouldn’t use flash if there was plenty of natural light.
In cases where flash isn’t allowed during church or religious ceremonies, we’ve truly mastered our cameras to ensure you get the best possible images. We shoot manual 100% of the time – and obviously always in RAW.
GREAT COMMUNICATION & TEAMWORK
Nhieu and I have a unique way of working with each other that allows for amazing flow and stunning results. We’re constantly tuned into the day, watching for photo-worthy moments and unique angles that would easily be missed. We also like to have fun in the process, especially because Nhieu gets in the most hilarious positions to “get the shot” 🙂
We’re in constant communication with our bride and groom – and always on the move. Though we love shooting our couples and their families, we’re also ready to snap candids at any moment.
Oftentimes, Nhieu manages the creative process while I help manage time and transitions. We realize that not all couples choose to hire a coordinator, and in those instances, we contribute as much as we can to ensure a seamless shift from one activity to the next.
Fun fact, we basically mood board and conceptualize how we see a wedding coming to life in the days leading up to it. I’m a serial pinner and full of references and inspiration so you don’t have to worry about looking awkward. If you’re a little camera shy, no sweat – we got you.
MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
We’ve shot many types of weddings from Indian to Chinese/Vietnamese and even fusion weddings. And we love them all. We understand how hectic and tight the day can be – and how big of a role family can play. But, we’ve never missed a beat. Fortunately, Nhieu is also a polyglot which has come in handy countless times (I’m so jelly).
WORK THAT GOES BEYOND THE PHOTOS
It’s so easy to purchase presets and slap them on a photo these days. However, our work doesn’t start nor stop there. Every single photo is individually color corrected so you get the best possible version of it – yes, all 800-1200 of them. This is often the most time consuming and tedious part of the process, but we treat it as an essential piece, and we pride ourselves on the quality of the work we deliver.
Most couples typically fall into two categories when it comes to photo edits. They either love that vintage, film emulation (warmer tones) or neutral tones for a modern, timeless look. We’re happy to report that we’ve nailed both styles and can deliver which ever you prefer.
We love a modern bride…
but we totally feel the rustic vibes too!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Nhieu and I are all about value – which means delivering the best we can. At the end of the day, your wedding is just as important to us as it is to you. Although traditional wedding coverage is typically 8 hours, we don’t restrict ourselves to that because many of the most beautiful moments happen outside that window. It’s our way of saying thank you for asking us to be a part of your special day. Of course there are thousands of other photogs to choose from, but we can promise you this:
• A story in every photo.
• You looking and feeling your absolute best.
• Beautiful photos that you won’t regret.
• A collaborative and shared vision on what you expect.
• An unforgettable experience with photographers that truly care and work their tails off 100% (all the while having a great sense of humor).
If you’re interested in what our deliverables entail, you’re welcome to check out the full details here. As always, get in touch here for a free consultation or to ask any questions.
