FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | CHELSEA NITZKEN PHOTOGRAPHY
PERSONAL
You’re engaged and now what? You didn’t realize there was so much research in choosing your vendors for your upcoming wedding. There’s no doubt that you have a list of frequently asked questions you would like answered in order make a decision on who to choose that will be the best fit for your needs. To save you time, I compiled a list of frequently asked questions that may help you learn a little bit more about my photography experience, style, and some other logistics! If you have a question that isn’t listed here, send me an email or reach out via my contact form! I’d be more than happy to answer it!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING WEDDINGS?
I started shooting weddings May 2018 in Kentucky. This wedding was with a photographer that I admired. I reached out to her because she was looking for a second shooter for a few of her 2018 weddings. By second shooting for her, I was able to learn how a wedding day is structured and how to handle issues when they arise.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING DAY?
This is a tough one because I have so many favorites but when it comes down to it, it’s that moment when the couple realizes that they’re married because this is what the day is truly about. This moment has been right after the ceremony before exiting the church, during couple’s portraits or the first dance. I never know when it will occur but when it does, it’s my absolute favorite. If I could choose a second favorite, it would be the father-daughter dance, especially when a country music song is played. It gets me every time!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EDITING STYLE?
My vision for your images is that they remain timeless. Certain editing styles are currently in style. I want the images that I create for you to still be in style in 50 years when you’re showing your grandchildren your wedding album. I edit more true to color. I might brighten an image or adjust the shadows but I don’t do extensive photoshopping (changing backgrounds, head swapping, etc).
WHAT ABOUT YOUR POSING STYLE?
I do pose you for portraits but those aren’t usually my favorites. It’s the in-between moments after I’ve posed you. I also use prompts. Prompts are strongly dependent upon the personality of the people in front of me. I want you to be able to enjoy your wedding day without always having a camera in your face. It’s also important to me to be able to document your special moments without taking anything away from your experience.
ALBUMS/PRINTS
CAN WE ORDER PRINTS DIRECTLY FROM YOU?
Yes, your images will be delivered via an online gallery where you download one or all of them. You will also have the ability to order prints, canvases, or even Christmas cards.
WHAT ABOUT ALBUMS? IF WE CHOOSE A PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES AN ALBUM, HOW DOES THAT WORK?
Album designs are custom created. You will have the option for specific details, such as cover image, treatment, and inscription. I will design the album and you’ll have 2 rounds of changes that can be made. Once approved, I will submit the album design and it will be created and shipped. Time is approximate but because the albums are custom created, it typically takes 4-6 weeks once your album is submitted to receive it.
DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE WEDDING ALBUM THAT I CAN SEE?
Yes, I would be more than happy to show you a sample wedding album. I also have various samples of cover options available.
HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING WILL WE RECEIVE THE IMAGES? HOW WILL THEY BE DELIVERED?
Wedding galleries will be delivered via an online gallery within 6 weeks of the event. Engagement photos will be delivered via an online gallery within 2 weeks of the event.
WILL THE IMAGES BE ACCESSIBLE ONLINE? FOR HOW LONG?
Yes, your images will be available via an online gallery for 1 year after the images are delivered.
HOW MANY FINAL IMAGES SHOULD I EXPECT TO RECEIVE?
While every wedding is different, I typically deliver between 75-100 images an hour.
LOGISTICS
HOW MUCH OF A DEPOSIT DO YOU REQUIRE? WHEN IS IT DUE?
I require a 40% non-refundable retainer to hold your date. This is due upon signing the contract.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO POSTPONE MY WEDDING?
I don’t charge rescheduling fees the first reschedule. I just ask that you check with me before confirming your new date to ensure I’m available.
DO YOU CARRY BACKUP EQUIPMENT?
YES, always! I like to be over-prepared. I carry a backup camera, lenses, an extra flash and plenty of batteries!
ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes, I am fully insured. Let me know if your venue requires a certificate and I’ll request one from my insurance company.
WHAT IS THE BACKUP PLAN IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SHOOT MY WEDDING FOR AN UNEXPECTED REASON?
Worst case scenario, because I have shot a wedding with a cold (with a mask before COVID), I have worked with photographers with similar styles that I completely trust to cover me. I would still edit the wedding but they would document it.
CAN WE REQUEST A LIST OF SPECIFIC SHOTS WE WOULD LIKE?
There’s a flow with every wedding day. I will work with you to get a list of family groupings that you want documented.
I also have a questionnaire I send out that will ask about special traditions that I wouldn’t otherwise know to look
for. EX: If you and your dad are doing a slow dance that turns into a choreographed dance, I would love to know! (:
If you have any questions that aren’t on this list, feel free to send me an email at hello@chelseantizkenphotography.com
or hop on over to my contact page and fill out the details to learn more!
