FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I feel honored to be a participant in every wedding I shoot and treat both the day and those involved with the highest level of respect. Most of all weddings are a day filled with beauty and magic that emerges effortlessly, I believe my job is to capture that magic in the most professional, authentic, patient, understanding, and honest way possible! I'm a hopeless romantic and I sometimes cry at weddings when I see those tears pouring down that bride or the mother of the groom, I'm just romantic can you tell? Below you will find answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
MY APPROACH METHOD
What is the typical investment?
Every wedding is different and unique, and ultimately depends on your wedding and your requirements! Clients typically invest anywhere from $4000 to $6000. However, I do provide smaller packages for smaller weddings that might meet your budget needs. Some of the packages I offer include a second shooter, enlargements, and a complimentary engagement session. However, packages can be customized to fit individual needs via a la carte options. Full pricing and package information are upon request. Please keep in touch at [email protected] or go to the contact page.
How do I book you for my wedding?
The first step is to get in touch with me to see if I'm available for your wedding via email. Then we can either meet or chat on the phone to see if I'm the best photographer for your wedding and figure out what kind of coverage will work best for you. If one of the standard packages doesn't quite fit what you are looking for, we can discuss further how we can customize a package just for you.
What is the retainer fee?
Our retainer is $1000.00 (USD), which along with your signed contract secures your wedding date. The retainer is applied to your package balance, with the balance split 50% due 90 days prior to your wedding event, and the final payment due 30 days prior to the day of your wedding. A signed contract and retainer are required to secure your wedding date.
How would you describe your style?
My style is best described as "all of the above" bright warm and airy, dark and moody, artistic soft, and bright/ soft with strobe lighting. I use a combination of all of them depending on the situation provided. I love to shoot in natural light for that clean soft look and strobe lighting for that signature dramatic style. During the getting ready portion of the wedding day, I'm a documentary photographer, contemporary for details; timeless and that fashionable look during family groups shots. Romantic and journalist for the ceremony. When shooting I will encounter every type of light, from incandescent to natural to creative light. The goal is a perfect balance.
What can you tell us about Liz Morales Photography?
Liz Morales Photography is an all-inclusive style, I love creating a style that really separates me from many. I'm a combination of styles that are a contemporary, fresh, artist, and timeless photojournalist flare. I take pride in my creativity and "above and beyond" way of thinking when it comes to photographing "your day", capturing the perfect balance of portraits, and signature looks that are done during that post-production and that photojournalist images that represent the true moment and special memories, down to the last detail.
What if I want to do an indoor or nighttime wedding but I've heard that will not look good in pictures? What do you think?
I'd say go for it! While photographers generally prefer natural lighting to strobe lighting for photographs, you should always do what makes you happy. Regardless of the wedding location or time of day, I come prepared to handle any lighting situation and have years of experience with many different venues and circumstances including nighttime weddings. During a wedding day, photographers will encounter every single light source from incandescent to natural, to fluorescent and artificial, and need to be able to handle each without hesitation.
Do you only shoot photography or Cinematography as well?
We are currently only doing photography at the moment. We did cinematography in the past but due to the intensive amount of work we already have, we decided to take a break from it. I will notify you of any future changes if we decide to resume filming.
What sets you apart from the competition?
I come from a family of photographers and filmmakers, where there are over 50 decades of photography experience and photography bridal and photography businesses in place. Although I don't have a Bachelor's degree in photography, I've taken a lot of master's classes throughout my photography career. Even throughout my 20+ years of experience, I had the best teachers in hand. My great uncles and cousins have left behind a lot of experiences and teachings I take with me today.
Where do you find inspiration from?
I find my inspiration from many resources. Some of them are from reading, workshops, and classes I take. I look at magazines, go to art museums, study photography at random locations, watch movies, study angles, sunlight, and compositions, and love to see old historic paintings.
How do you keep yourself educated?
I've taken and continue to take master classes with local organizations and participate at the Wedding, & Portraits Photographers International (WPPI), Imaging USA Pro. In addition, I continually attend workshops that focus and artistic and business improvement.
How do I choose the right wedding photographer?
Comparing professional photographers solely on price or packages is NEVER a good thing. one photographer's idea of a wedding album may be a far stretch from another. An 'in person' meeting is the best way to interview a potential photographer and the only way to view their sample albums and galleries. Not only that but you will also get to know who they are and get an idea of their personality, energy, style, and professionalism. This will give you an idea of what you are looking for; less or more formal posed images, and more fun or relaxed spontaneous shots. If meeting in person is not an option, at least have a phone conversation or zoom meeting.
How do I get the pictures I want?
Once you have booked your photographer, It's very important you create a realistic timeline with room for adjustments and travel. You will hire your photographer based on style and personality; and, of course, the images shown in their sample galleries and albums and website. However, in order to create these images, you have to give the photographer time to capture what you want. To create those dramatic signature looks you have to make sure you are available and ready to walk away from your guest and take those sunset shots for example. The images shown do not happen by "magic" professional photographers will have a plan for the wedding day based on what you prepare for them. Make sure to coordinate the timeline with your photographer, your wedding coordinator, and your DJ so everything can run smoothly as possible. Keep in mind that if anything runs late or does not start according to plan; i.e. hair, makeup, travel time, the ceremony-the entire day's schedule is not adjusted, instead time is taken away from your photography. Remember that your photographs are the only memories you have after the wedding.
Can we post our wedding portraits on social media?
Most definitely!!! I love it when we are trending and being tagged. I take pride in the images we have created for you, please give us credit in your post!
Instagram: @lizmoralesphotography
Facebook: @lzmphoto
Business Facebook: @lizmoralesphotography
Website: lizmoralesphotographer.com
Do the photographers need to be included in the guest count for meals?
Yes! If the wedding days are longer than 6 hours, a hot meal is very much appreciated by each member of our team. The best possible time for the team to eat is when the bride and groom are enjoying their dinner, as directly after the party gets started with their evening plans.
What else are the photographers doing on a wedding day?
Over the course of the day, the person behind the camera is not necessarily behind the scenes. Your photographer will wear many hats. We have been the coordinators, directors, construction workers, Maid-of-Honor/ Best man, makeup artists, hair stylists, florists, confident, mediators, counselors, and creators, just to name a few.
In the event, the schedule is running late, or you are absolutely having so much fun, can you stay past your contracted time?
Yes! We can absolutely stay longer than our contracted time. We do overtime rates at $250 per hour per person staying. Payment is due before we leave.
Do you have wedding partners/vendors you can recommend?
Yes, just let us know and I will be happy to share my recommendations.
PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES
Do you travel?
Oh yes!! and would love to travel even more. Where do you want to go?? I'm available for destination weddings, both domestic and worldwide, Please ask for a quote.
How do you charge for destination weddings?
Even for local weddings, additional travel fees may apply depending upon location/duration of your event. Every wedding is uniquely special and different. There are obviously extra costs such as travel and accommodation that must be covered by the clients with any destination wedding.
Who makes the reservations and accommodation?
As needed, we arrange all travel plans and hotel accommodations for the photography team.
I'm having a destination wedding, how long will you stay?
I love destination weddings and will love to do more in the upcoming years. When we are outside our local area, we would prefer to be on location for a minimum of 3 shooting days, and five travel days total. This allows us to scout locations, attend the rehearsal, shoot the wedding day, and schedule a romantic day-after shoot. It is not every day that couples get to experience an exotic location, so we want to ensure the best possible photographic outcomes.
BUSINESS
What kind of equipment do you use?
Only the best! We use professional camera gear and lenses along with lots of other items like flashes, stands, tripods, soft boxes, memory cards drives, etc.
Do we get the digital files?
Yes. Digital files are included with every wedding package. The photos that you receive will be the same as the photos that you will see in your gallery. These photos are ready to print, and you may print them where you like, in the recommended size from your wedding package. We do offer the ability to purchase prints and albums. RAW files aren't available for purchase.
We are excited, when will my wedding images be ready to view?
I know you are excited and want to make you have access to your images as soon as possible! Within 6-8 weeks of your wedding, you can find your gallery on our website. If you can't find it, please message us so I can send you a link directly to your email. Feel free to share this link with family and friends. This is also where you and your family can place online orders for wall prints and gift prints.
Who owns the copyrights for my wedding images?
While Liz Morales Photography does own the copyrights for all images created at your event, if your package contained digital files, you do have the right to reprint any of these images for friends and family.
Do you offer wedding boudoir sessions?
I love to photograph a boudoir session for you that day of your wedding. Whether you want to wrap yourself in your dress, or veil or just wear nothing or just show a flash of leg in your wedding shoes, it's your call. This is an amazing gift to give to your soon-to-be spouse on your one year wedding anniversary. Now, if you want to do this before your wedding, we can set that up, it will also be a great gift for him for the day on your honeymoon. Price list upon request.
What happens if I cancel?
Finding out you need to cancel or move your wedding date can be very stressful. Making sure you are on the same page with your photographer will make the process that must easier. Your initial retainer of $1000.00 is nonrefundable, however, it can be transferred one-time to a future date if available.
What happens if you cancel?
If something happens that precludes your scheduled photographer from attending your event, we make every effort to substitute another competent and professional photographer to take the photographs. We work with a close professional photographer, organization, and networking group who are also our assistants when I'm a lead photographer, they take a lead position when need to.
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes. Our insurance is through Hiscox, Inc. This protects you in case an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day. It's also a sign that this is a reputable business since most "starting photographers" don't invest in insurance.
Are you available for proposals and elopements?
Yes! We actually have a 3-4 hour package that might meet your needs. Please message us for a price list.
Do you offer albums and prints?
Yes, we do! We offer them as an add-on from the a la carte. We have main wedding albums and parent albums. The style of the album is an acrylic cover with synthetic leather. I do offer different colors. I suggest making an appointment to see them in person, it's the best way to see what I have to offer you. The process for wedding albums can be anywhere from 6-8 weeks. I design your wedding albums from your favorite 200 images. Once I finish designing your album, an email with your "proof" design will be sent to you for confirmation. Once you confirm you like this design I will send it out for print. If not I will make a one-time correction, and resend it back to you for a second confirmation.
Where is your studio located?
We are happy to meet at my studio located in Hollister, Ca. at 853 San Benito St Suite #40. Street parking is available. Office hours are by appointment only.
How do I get in touch?
I really hope that all this information was useful. However, if you have any additional questions or want clarification you can get in touch with me via email at [email protected] or through our contact page. Have a blessed day!