FAQ
Booking a great wedding photographer shouldn’t be hard. We have compiled a list of questions that we get asked a lot. If you don’t find your answer here, please feel free to contact our studio. We would love to help.
How do you define your style?
We have an off-the-cuff approach that captures the best of you on your day. We love moments, real moments. We combine personal moments with creative portraits that keep you engaged and moving, and we make sure that you get coverage of your wedding that is not only beautiful, but also authentic. If you would like to learn more about our approach to photography, you can find more information here.
How do I choose the right photographer - what are their differences?
Our photographers are highly trained within the studio and each photographer has their own individual style. Our photographers have a wide range of skill sets including photojournalism, fashion, and fine art photography. You can find a description of each photographer in their bios. Please look at their portfolios and see if you see yourself in his or her pictures. When you find a photographer’s work that speaks to you, please let us know.
How many photographers will be at my wedding?
For a 150 person wedding, we always go out in teams of at minimum of two photographers and one equipment assistant. However, we specialize in very unique weddings and adjust the team according to your needs. For example, you might prefer a portrait/fashion photographer and a photojournalist working side by side. Simply chat with us and we'll figure out the right team configuration.
What does it take to become a COS photographer?
Frankly, a lot. We have interviewed many photographers to potentially shoot for us, but only a handful made it. The most important characteristics are:
- A creative portfolio.
- The photographer must be both professionally accomplished AND have had their work featured in leading publications.
- Must possess technical prowess.
- He or She must be absolutely likable/loveable.
- Must possess a calm confidence and work well under pressure.
We have a destination wedding - how do you handle travel?
Our Studio team handles the booking of all travel logistics for your photographers. We book air travel, hotels, local transportation, and any other requirements, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
We have many photographers based in New York, but also California, Florida and Europe, so it is easy for us to travel to any place in the world.
Do you need a shot list?
We have our own shot list that is in the back of our heads when it comes to wedding details, such as the rings, the gown, and decor details. This is a very important part of the training process and each shot that is typically created at a wedding gets discussed, tweaked and perfected amongst the studio photographers. We have creative meetings at the studio where, for example, we will discuss how to get the perfect ring shot for hours.
However, we do rely on you to let us know about the specific portraits you would like us to take. Family portraits, group shots, and specific moments can be pre-planned and shot specifically according to your requirements so that not a single shot is missed. Think about the family groupings that are important to you, as well as groups of individuals from special moments in your life, like your college or childhood friends. Please let us know about any special features of your wedding, such as a surprise performance or fireworks, sparkler exits, and any other fun details you might have planned. We’ll make sure to get the perfect shot.
A word about table shots: They are so 1987. We simply don’t do them. Instead we have roaming photographers capturing your guests during the cocktail hour. Trust us, this style makes for far better results.
How do you handle group shots (Formals)?
Every wedding needs formal group shots. “Group formals” as we like to call them, are simply a part of the wedding experience as you have a rare opportunity of families getting together. We have not photographed a single wedding without capturing these photos. Frankly, as far as photography goes, these are the shots we prepare for the most as we have to let people know where to be at a certain time. We do these portraits very well as we always scout the location for the photos and we light them if we are indoors (sometimes outdoors too). We’ll work with you to make sure that each grouping is pre-planned, and make sure that every member knows where to be at the perfect moment to capture the shot.
We love photography - especially photos of ourselves
You know who you are! We love you too, because you will definitely be fun to photograph. We do feed off our subject’s energy and love to collaborate.
How many photos will we get and how long does it take?
We don’t have a set number and it does depend on the size of your wedding. If you have two photographers for eight hours, then it tends to result in approximately 700 to 1000 photos.
We definitely shoot more photos, but we edit out the shots that feature more of the floor than the faces of your friends, and we delete any shots where someone has walked in front of the camera. Nobody needs to see those.
The final photos will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the wedding.
Do you shoot RAW and how do you process your files?
We do a lot of culling, editing and juxtaposing - and, well the top photos get a little love in Photoshop (trust us - you would never know it!). We have a great team of editors and retouchers here in the studio that are dedicated to making sure the photos look great.
We do shoot RAW files. RAW files need to be color and exposure corrected. This is done by hand or rather eye. To do this, we use professional grade software as is usual in the pro-photography world. We don’t use “pro-sumer” tools like Lightroom or Instagram-ish filters to make a quick job of it. The photos we produce are often published in magazines, so we are used to delivering the best quality images possible.
What are your deliverables?
- You will receive a beautiful gallery of proofs. It is an exciting way to share your images with your family and friends. It is a gallery-style website that gives the option of viewing your images in a beautiful full-screen mode.
- A handful of select photos in a beautiful Buckram Box
- All the high-resolution files delivered via a downloadable link.
We are a great couple, but my fiancee is not one to pose for a camera
Shucks. Well, that’s what an engagement shoot is for! An engagement shoot is a chance to help us build rapport with you. You will learn your good angles and we will find them on you! Take a look at some of the engagement shoots here to get a sense of how much fun they can be.
What happens if it rains?
Cue the Alanis Morissette…just kidding! Rain is actually a huge photo opportunity. Yes your wedding photos might show a lot of umbrellas and guests treading water, but hey, that adds a lot more character to them. More about happy moments in the rain here.
What if something happens to my photographer?
Once committed, our photographers will be there! There are no ifs, whys or buts.
However, if something tragic occurs we would have one of our other studio photographers fill in. We are also very connected in the photography world, so we’ll have you covered.