If you are confused and don’t know where to start, then this should help. Here is a compilation of the most-asked questions by our clients. Please contact the studio if there are any questions not answered here. Let’s chat soon!
COVERAGE & DESTINATION WEDDING
What is your pricing?
Rates and collections vary by location and the type of coverage you are looking for. We create custom collections for most clients, which is something we can do for you as well! You can always add prints, albums and other options from our A La Carte section. Please get in touch with us so we can provide you a custom quote.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Yes. Second photographer is there to cover the groom getting ready, capturing the moments, a different angle at the ceremony, and also great for the reception.
Do you edit all of our photographs?
Yes, we do! Every image that you receive has been hand-edited through our 5 phases of editing, without mass-production. Your favorites can be converted to our Signature Edits which will make you go WOW! Please contact to see samples.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes, we do! There are two parts to the E-Session: concept style & casual. In our creative consultation we will help you create an inspiration board and discuss some cool and unique concepts for your photoshoot. Please note that most e-sessions have to be done during the week (Monday-Thursday) because of a busy wedding schedule.
Is there a permit required for the photo-shoot location on the wedding day?
It varies based on the location as some require a permit and some don’t. Based on the location you are interested in, we will help you figure out if a permit is required. The permit has to be obtained by the client, not the photographer.
What is an online gallery?
The online gallery is a private, password protected link where all of the wedding photographs will be hosted online so you can share them with your family and friends. There are also options to print the photographs through our shopping cart feature. Feel free to share the password with your closed ones to relive the moments.
Can you give us photos in black & white and colour?
Yes. Advice us if there are any specific images you want in B&W or colour within two weeks after publishing of the online gallery.
What is your turnaround time to receive our photographs?
Online galleries are published within ten weeks of the wedding date. Digital download delivery is available upon request. Albums are usually delivered within four weeks after final approval of album designs.
Do we receive the raw, unedited files?
No. The raw, unedited files aren’t available for viewing or purchase.
How many pictures will we be receiving?
There are various factors to consider that will affect the amount of images we include. Some of those factors are the length of coverage, type of event, the number of guests, etc. A typical eight hour day with a second photographer it can range from 500+ images, but those numbers may vary depending on the day.
Do we get to keep the digital files?
You will be provided with the selected edited high-resolution digital files. I Alam Photography retains the copyright to the images and the right to use them for promotional purposes, competition, professional review, and so on.
Do you deliver every image you shoot?
No, we don’t. With our expertise of processing thousands of images each year, we may eliminate the ones that are duplicates, out of focus, eyes are closed, flash didn’t fire or a person blocking the picture. The images not selected aren’t archived and therefore aren’t available.
Do you come to the rehearsal?
Yes, rehearsal dinner coverage can be added to your custom collection.
How does the album design process work?
We will design the first draft of the album layouts for you. You get to preview your album design and suggest three round of changes before production. Additional changes are subjected to a fee. After the confirmation of the layouts, we will guide you in choosing your various album options (album cover, colour, imprinting, etc). You get one year to finalize your album design, before we take it off our catalog.
BUSINESS
Do you have insurance?
Yes, it’s very important for us as a business to have insurance.
My venue wants a certificate of insurance?
Sure, please put forward your request two months in advance of the wedding as it does take time for our insurance company to process and provide the document.
What equipment do you use?
All professional Sony equipment and always carrying backups for everything. All our cameras have dual memory card slots to keep dual copies of your images. We use Sandisk CF cards, which are known for its quality and reliability. We provide the necessary lighting required to cover the event and the photoshoot. For lighting we use Profoto B1 & B2 to help us create the commercial/fashion look.
What is your payment schedule?
A 30% of the total investment is due as a booking fee/retainer to reserve your date. Another 30% of the balance will be due one week prior to the wedding date, and the final balance due on the wedding day or within a week after the wedding date. Portraits & E-Sessions require a 50% retainer and the remaining 50% due on the day of the photoshoot.
Is the retainer refundable?
The retainer fee is non-refundable. The retainer guarantees that we hold the date exclusively for you and turn down all other commissions for that date.
Can we pay you part of the amount after the wedding?
We require full payment within a week after the wedding. Payment for overtime, album upgrades, or additional products beyond the contract, however, are all due post-wedding.
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 2012 and wow what a journey it has been!
Can you hold my date(s)?
We accept bookings on a first come/first serve basis. To be fair with all our potential clients we can’t hold a date without a retainer and a signed contract.
When should we book you for our wedding/e-session/portrait shoot?
Due to the limited weddings/photo-shoots we take each year and to avoid the dates getting booked up we recommend as soon as possible. Most clients book us 1 to 2 years in advance for wedding commissions. Portraits and E-Sessions are usually booked 1-2 months in advance.
STYLE
What is your style of photography?
We don’t restrict ourselves to a certain style of photography. We are influenced by fashion, commercial, photojournalism and everyday events that inspire us. During the e-session and the couple photoshoot we like to add elements of editorial & fashion. Since we like our couples to be in their comfy shoes, we shoot in a way that shows their personality. No awkwardness at all! We take a photojournalistic approach for the wedding coverage and document your wedding day to perfection. We are a sucker for raw emotions and candid moments, as those moments are priceless. We like to be in the moment whether be at the ceremony when you say “i do” or the craziness on the dance floor.
Do you take group photos or family photos?
Yes. It’s very important to us that we capture both your immediate families and any other important family members. Please share a list of the important groups that you would like to take photos with a week prior to the wedding date.
Can you take photos like the other photographer named _____?
Take your time and view our portfolio, Facebook page and the blog to see more of our recent work. If it’s not what you are looking for then we might not be the best fit for you.
Can we give you a “shot list”?
Yes. We do request to share a shot list for your group photos. If there is anything else that we need to know then please add to your shot list.
Are you open to some of our ideas and suggestions?
We would love that! Collect photos, screen shots, or snippets of any cool and unique ideas that you have come across. Bring it to our creative consultation as we help you create a unique inspiration board.