FAQ

Answered by Dave

How would you describe your style?

I'm a photojournalist, so what I love to do tell stories with photos. Except for the posed family portraits and wedding party portraits, I don't pose or stage anything. I believe that there is something special and genuine about a photo that captures a real moment, untouched by the photographer. Those are the photos that will take you back to that moment and help you feel what it was like all over again. That belief defines my style, and it's what I love most about being a photojournalist.

Why should I consider Narella Studio for my wedding photography?

Choosing a photographer for your wedding can be difficult. With any photographer, the first questions you should ask yourself are, "Do I love their photos? Do I want my wedding photographs to be like these? Are these the kind of photos I want to show off to my kids and grandchildren?" The main reason our clients choose us is because they love my photographs, so I hope that is one of your first considerations too.

You also need to trust and work well with your photographer. They are one of the people you will work most closely with before and on the wedding day, so you need to have a good working relationship with them. To Val and I, our clients are more like friends than customers. Creating that good relationship is very important to us because it makes the experience for us and you much more enjoyable. It also has a positive affect the photos and allows me to push my photography and artistry to new levels.

We also do whatever we can to make your wedding day as fantastic as it can be. Of course we offer our products and services, but we also offer our expertise and experience. We work with you to help plan a schedule that allows me to create the photos you want, but also gets you to the reception on time. We don't dictate to you, but offer realistic and practical recommendations. We go to many weddings every year, so we're happy to offer our opinion or help with anything you're thinking of planning. We're here as a resource for you.

How much time to you typically spend at a wedding?

The actual amount of time varies from wedding to wedding, but typically I begin shooting about two hours before the ceremony and stay through the first part of the dance. However, every wedding is unique, so I work closely with our clients to plan the coverage for their wedding.

Are you the only photographer? Do you work alone or with an assistant?

I am the only photographer, but I often work with a lighting assistant who helps with lighting in certain situations and helps manage equipment. I prefer to work alone rather than having a second photographer. I think it lends a more consistent look and feel to the images, and in my experience there are very few situations where having a second photographer really adds to the visual story of your day. However, if having multiple photographers is a high priority for you, it can be arranged.

Are the packages flexible?

To a certain extent the packages are flexible. We realize that each wedding comes with it's own unique circumstances, so we pride ourselves on being able to customize our services for you. If you have some special needs, please tell us about it. We will happily do what we can to create a coverage package that is perfect for you.

What are the online galleries for?

The galleries online are there for you to view all your images and to order prints and other products. You also have your personal web page on our site, which has details about your wedding, special photos, possibly a slideshow, and links to the gallery and any blog posts about your wedding or engagement portraits. We can also add other content to your page if you want. Write a thank you message, tell your love story, even add some video! There are many ways we can customize your page for you.

How many photos can I expect to receive?

That will vary widely depending on the coverage you choose and the events of your wedding. At a minimum our clients typically receive 300-500 images.

Are there any travel fees?

Travel is included for weddings in the Madison area, but there is a small fee to travel to other areas. The amount will depend on where we're traveling to, so contact us and we can give you an estimate. Dave loves to travel though, so don't hesitate to ask!

How long do we have to wait to see our photos?

Your photos will be ready to view online no more than four weeks after your wedding. It will vary seasonally depending on our workload. We do not cut corners on the quality of our image editing, so things may take a bit longer when we are very busy.

We want to book you and reserve our date. What's the next step? Is there a payment schedule?

All dates are open until we receive the contract and retainer, so those things come first. We write the package details into the contract, so you will need to know which package you would like. The retainer is $500 and is nonrefundable. We can take care of the contract in person, or I can email it and you can fill it out and return it to me with the retainer. There is another $500 payment due six months before your wedding, and the balance is due one month before the wedding.

We want the digital files of our images. Are they included?

Yes!

If an image is black and white, is it possible to see the color version?

All the images begin in color and during the editing process I will change some to black and white if I think it suits the image. However, I am able to let you view the color version afterward if you request it.

I'm not sure how much coverage I need. Can I change my package after we book you?

I'm more than happy to work with you to figure out what level of coverage is right for you. At the time some of our clients book us their schedule is still up in the air, so in those cases they choose a lower amount of hourly coverage and upgrade later if needed. You can always upgrade your package, but you cannot downgrade.

I'm assuming you use all professional gear, right?

Yes, definitely. I always shoot with two cameras and several lenses and carry the necessary back-up equipment. I bring a small amount of lighting gear along as well, which usually only gets used for the formal group portraits. What I do not bring lots of big, clunky equipment that takes a lot of time to haul around and set up. I work quick and light.

What happens if you're sick?

I would have to be on my death bed to completely miss a wedding. However if something were to happen, I have many connections in the area with other photographers who would be able to help, as well as other resources I could call upon to make sure your wedding gets photographed.

Do you offer any discounts for non-Saturday or winter weddings?

Sometimes, but we offer them on a case-by-case basis depending on how busy things are. Contact us and well be happy to discuss it with you.

Narella Studio offers several packages. Simple six hour packages start at $2,250. Nicely equipped six hour packages start at $2,850.

Book soon and take advantage of limited time savings on all our packages.

Please contact us for more details and to set up a consultation.

Wedding Pricing