 FAQs (Frequently
Asked Questions)
Q: How soon
in advance should I look for and book my photographer?
A: As soon as
your wedding date is selected, and your ceremony and reception
site are contracted. Usually about 6-12 months in advance. We will
only shoot one wedding on a given day, so our dates book very
fast.
Q: How early do we have to be
ready for pictures?
A: Depending upon the size (number of
attendants) of your wedding, generally we start making photographs
1 and 1/2 hours before the ceremony. Generally, (assuming the
Bride and Groom don't want pictures together early) before the
wedding I will take the Bride's photos, alone, and with
bridesmaids and family. That usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Then, it's time to play 'hide the bride' while I do the same for
the groom, his family and groomsmen. That usually takes
15-20 minutes. Allowing time for folks to arrive and get ready
without really rushing, an hour and a half before the ceremony
works quite well.
Also, if someone is late, don't worry, I will catch up with them
later for their photo. You just concern yourself with the
wedding, you've hired pros to handle these details for you.
Q: How much does a wedding
photographer cost?
A: The cost for a professional
photographer can vary widely depending on the photographers
experience, overhead costs, and area of the country . Payne
Photography offers several wedding packages, which are outlined on
our "Photo Packages"
page. Recent lab cost increases have forced us to recently raise
our package prices, but we are still very competitively priced.
Also, if you don't see a package that suits your needs, give me a
call or an email. I am quite flexible and hopefully we can
work out a plan just for you.
Q: Why are your prices so much
less than other professional photographers?
A: Simple. Since I have a regular job
in the medical profession, I do not have to make my living with
photography. Also, I work from my home and have no 'studio',
making my expenses (that would normally be passed on to you) much
less. However, I use only the finest portrait films/digital
equipment and a
professional wedding lab for all photographs, so there is no
sacrifice in quality.
Q: Why should I choose a
"Professional" photographer, rather than let my Uncle Bob shoot my
pictures with his cool new digital camera? Also, why don't
you shoot digital?
A: First, I have been
shooting weddings since about 1988. Weddings by definition are
chaotic, it really is critical to have someone there with the
experience and expertise to help your all important day go
smoothly with minimal stress, all while taking the photographs you
will treasure for a lifetime. You DON'T want to trust this job to
just anyone.
Now, the 'digital' question. Digital photography has
made great strides in quality, and it is my job to provide you with
the highest quality images possible. Film is no longer
superior to digital, and is getting much more expensive to buy and
process. Labs that process film are becoming scarce. The day
will come when I can no longer offer film photography..it IS going
away. On the digital downside, DVD's and CD's
can become scratched or damaged making them unusable... your
precious wedding photos are gone forever.
Indeed, there are questions lately of just how long they will
last, even properly stored. Negatives, properly handled and
stored, can and do last almost
indefinitely. I have my film negatives from my own wedding from
1980, they are still like new. But, I now offer digital versions
of my film packages, a great way to save some money on your
wedding photographs, with NO sacrifice in the quality of the
photographs.
Should you choose film, you can still get your wedding photos on a digital CD that
is fine for a website or
emailing to friends and family for only $10 added to your wedding
package.
Q: How long
after my wedding can I expect to pick up my pictures?
A: We work with only
the best photo labs that specialize in wedding photography to
provide you with professional quality finished prints. We can
generally have your proof album complete in your hands within 2-3
weeks after your wedding day or special event.
Q:
Where are you located and what areas of Tennessee do you
travel to for weddings?
A: Payne Photography
is located right outside of Knoxville, in beautiful Seymour,
Tennessee. We service all of East Tennessee, including Anderson,
Blount, Knox, and Sevier Counties, as well Chattanooga. We will
also travel outside the state of Tennessee on occasion.
Q: Are guests
allowed to take pictures at the event in which I have hired you as
a photographer?
A: YES! We would
never discourage your guests from bringing cameras and taking
pictures. We want to make sure your special day is enjoyable to
everyone involved. We do insist that we be allowed to shoot FIRST,
to capture proper lighting and expressions. Please encourage your
friends and family to take photos, but also to enjoy themselves as
guests, and trust us to be your "once-in-a-lifetime" Professionals
for the day. However, we also tend to move very quickly and
efficiently in order to get you to your reception, so we hope
everyone understands that we may not always be able to wait for
others to take photos before we are setting up participants for
the next photograph.
Q: What makes
Payne Photography different from other photographers in the area?
A: Basically, we have
FUN! We've been shooting Weddings for over 17 years, and we
absolutely LOVE everything about it. We also have no limit on the
picture requests that we honor. If someone asks for a photograph
to be taken, we are happy to oblige, regardless of the package
chosen, and your price does not change (Unless extra film is
needed in the 'ECONOMY" film package). You and your guests will
find us fun and friendly, because we are truly honored and excited
when someone has chosen us for the most important event in their
lives. We consider you a friend that has invited us to their
'party of a lifetime'. This fact alone should help you relax and
enjoy the greatest day of your life!
Q: What can I
expect after choosing Payne Photography to shoot my wedding?
A: You can count on
professionalism and punctuality on your wedding day. But just as
importantly, we will have lots of FUN. If you want a boring, stiff
photographer that treats you and your guests like 'just another
job,' we are not the photographers for you. You can expect an
upbeat, positive attitude and humor (I LOVE to 'cut up' with
folks!) Your wedding should be a fun event, it is so important to
choose a photographer that understands this. You've heard
the "Photographer From Hades" stories with these folks running
around acting like the day is just for 'them'. I promise you'll
have a great time and be at ease while getting great photographs!
Q:
We don't want to see each other before the ceremony. How
does this affect our pictures?
A: I'll bet I deal
with this one more than any other question. Here's my feelings.
Its YOUR wedding! Most couples prefer not to see each other before
the ceremony, we will arrange photo sessions to suit. But, there
are some considerations.
Should you decide to take all photos
BEFORE the ceremony, you may be glad you did.
If you take all photos early, you will not leave guests waiting at
the reception. Also, makeup and hair are fresher and make more
pleasing pictures. Others involved in the ceremony will feel less
tired and rushed. The girls want to get out of those shoes, the
guys are anxious to shed ties and tuxes. Many times we've had to
"re-dress" groomsmen (especially ring bearers!), that takes time.
Bottom line, its up to you. Honestly, 90% of our weddings do not
do bride and groom 'together' photos early. We do not believe in
pressuring you to do something just because it may be easier on
the photographers. If everyone involved in photographs
remains in the sanctuary after the ceremony, we
should get you to the reception in 45 minutes or less.
Q:
Since you are the only photographer, what happens if
you're sick on the day of our wedding?
A: I have very
competent backup professional photographers if needed, however, I
have not missed (or been late for) a wedding in 17 years! Your
wedding is just as important to me as it is to you. I will be
there, on-time and ready. The photos you see on this site were all
taken by myself, so you'll know just what to expect.
Q:
What are "Bride and Groom Romantics"?
A: These are a series
of very special and unique photographs of the Bride and Groom
lovingly interacting with one another. Usually created at our
portrait background or alone with just the 'three' of us, Romantics are photographs you won't see
anywhere else! (Unless, of course, aspiring photographers "borrow"
our work examples).
Q:
What is "Double Lighting"?
A: This is simply
extra light sources used at the altar for individual photos as
well as groups. This really separates the 'pros' from the
'others', as photos made with double lights are far superior to
those made with one light, usually on the camera.
Q:
Do you have any other advise that will help me enjoy my
wedding, regardless of whether or not we choose PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY
to do the job?
A: Yes. The most
important thing to remember is that the two of you exchanging vows
is the reason you are there. The reception, guests, gowns, and,
yes, even the all important photographs are simply fluff. Don't
get caught up in details of someone not showing up, flowers late,
cake all wrong, etc. If someone is late, I will make every
effort to ensure their photograph is taken. Please allow
extra time for make-up and hair, many brides underestimate the
amount of time this really takes...sometimes by a large margin!
Also the time of day of your wedding is a
consideration. A quote from Betty at Betty's Florist; "We are
seeing fewer and fewer people at 2:00 Saturday weddings. People
just don't want to dress up, go to a wedding, then change for
evening plans." If you want most of the invited to show up at your
wedding, plan a late afternoon or evening event.
The two of you have made one of the most important decisions in
your lives. THAT is the only really critical event that must go as
planned. Enjoy your wedding!
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