Frequently Asked Questions: Weddings
Q: How would you define Heartprint’s “style”?
A: Honestly, it is hard to define our style using any of the current wedding photography “buzzwords”, we like to think of our style as being unique, and very much our own. Fresh, fashionable Lifestyle photography perhaps sums it up best. We strive to capture the story and atmosphere, but also the more elusive, and less tangible, overall ambiance and pulse of the day exemplified by lighting, movement, and timing.
Q: Jill, as the owner and head photographer for Heartprint Photography, what would you say has most influenced your photographic style?
A. Good Question! My background does include the technical, but by and large my major emphasise in college and beyond was art, and that is very evident in my photographic style. I studied not only art per se, but also, as originally I was an interior design major, I am well versed in perspective, composition, and historic interior. If you get me anywhere near old stone churches or unique architecture, don’t expect to be leaving anytime soon! I also love to travel, and do so whenever I get the chance. The colors and ambiance of the locations I travel to most certainly have an effect of my personal photographic style.
Q: Any other influences that really stand out?
A.I love Vogue, Vanity Fair, Town & Country, W magazine, I would certainly be kidding myself if I said that with such close proximity to NYC that I wasn’t also very much influenced by it’s fashion, art and culture.
Q: What would you consider the first and most important element to look for in choosing a wedding photographer?
A: Style, and a shared vision. There are a lot of great photographers out there, and they can come from many different disciplines and are available at all price points. Thank goodness, the days of the one-size-fits-all photographer are long gone. We are not the right photographer for everyone, nor would we want to be. If the client is looking for an abundance of formally styled, everyone-making-eye-contact and smiling at the camera wedding pictures, in all honesty we must refer them to one of many fine local photographers, that is just not our style. From us you can certainly expect the requested family group photos if you provide us with a short detailed list, but our concentration will be on authenticity, genuine emotion, and honest expression. As a bit of a balance, there will also be a representation of dynamic, artistic images to fill out your galley of images!
Q: Which lighting situations do you have experience with?
A: Heartprint Photography prides itself on capturing the most flattering and artistic light for any given situation. When you look back at your Heartprint Photography wedding portraits you will find a combination of soft natural lighting as well as candlelite and softlighting provided by our professional portable studio lighting. We pride ourselves in having the experience and expertise to asses any given situation from the brightest, clearest of days to the most selectively candelite ambient lighting, and being able to create wedding day portraits that will reflect the beauty of the moment and your special day.
Q: Do you provide a second shooter?
A: We have second shooters available upon request for an additional fee. Depending on the size, scope, and number of hours booked, we often will also bring an assistant to help with equipment and logistics.
Q: Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one wedding in a day?
A: Heartprint Photography only books a select number of wedding & events per season to assure our clients the up-most in personalized attention.
Q: Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
A: As active members in good standing of The Professional Photographers of America and The Connecticut Professional Photographers Association, as well as a network of top local talent we have acess to some of the finest photographers in the area!
Q: What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
A: This is important! Heartprint Photography brings not only their full array of professional photographic and lighting equipment, but we bring BACKUPS of all our equipment leaving nothing to chance on your very special day!
Q: Do you charge hourly or full day?
A: We have custom packages for the bride & groom to choose from as well as custom designed packages to fit every personal preference and need.
Q: If hourly, are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?
A: We are available for shooting overtime and the charge is based on the same hourly rate available for any other part of your wedding day.
Q: Do you charge for travel?
A: We charge for travel only for destination wedding coverage outside of the Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island area.
Q: How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
A: You can expect your proofs to be ready for viewing somewhere between two to three weeks after the event, but often much sooner.
Q: In what format are the initial proofs offered?
A: We offer a secure password protected viewing gallery for all our clients as well as a custom designed proofbook or set of proofs for those clients that also like to have something they can hold in their hands and view in person.
Q: Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
A: The bride and groom are given express written and signed consent to copy and print any and all images purchased as part of their Heartrint Photography digital wedding collection.
Q: Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the couple?
A: We offer digital files at every collection level as well as custom designed slideshows set to music of your wedding event.
Q: Will images be available for viewing on an online gallery?
A: We offer a secure password protected viewing gallery for all our clients as well as a custom designed proofbook or set of proofs for those clients that also like to have something they can hold in their hands and view in person.
Q: What kind of albums do you offer?
A: We offer an array of fine professional albums at every price point to all of our clients as well as gallery wrapped portraits, framed custom portraits, collages, montage, photographic invitations and thank you notes and gifts.
Q: Do you offer a bridal gift registry?
A: Yes! Heartprint Wedding Photography Gift Registry helps you celebrate the gift of lasting memories, while giving your guests the gifts of ease and convenience.
Q: How does the Heartprint Gift Registry work?
A: It works very much the same as when a couple registers at a local department store, so that gift buyers can wisely choose the best possible item the couple desires, (For complete details, click on our Bridal Registry page).
Q: Digital photography seems to be changing all the time, how do you stay current?
A: We attend workshops, seminars, classes and trade show throughout the year, one of our favorites, that brings in great talent, is in NYC every fall, we wouldn’t miss it! As members of the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association and the Professional Photographers of America we have access to numerous all-day seminars, workshops, classes and conventions every year. These provide invaluable continuing education! We are members of the best professional online communities in the nation, and we subscribe to the top professional magazines, periodicals, and digital media available. Wow, it’s exhausting just thinking about it, but we are passionate about our profession and it shows!
Q: We’ve seen the Heartprint Photography website, can we see some sample albums, portraits, videos of the work you have done?
A: Absolutely! We can arrange a meeting for you to view our complete array of albums, books, portrait, canvas, and gift print samples. Usually, couples prefer the evening hours between six and eight, so as to accommodate their schedules. If we don’t have an event to cover on a Saturday or Sunday, then these days will also be available. Please call or e-mail if you would like to set up a meeting.
Q: Do you photograph weddings and events using Digital or Film?
A: Digital, film by request only. We love the flexibility and freedom of shooting digitally. We shoot RAW format images, primarily with Canon professional cameras and L-lenses, using the latest 21 mega pixel SLR that Canon offers.
Q: Will our images be in color or black and white?
A: Unless specifically requested to shoot exclusively in black & white, your galley will be a mix, with a preponderance of the images displayed in color.
Q: Does Heartprint offer all-digital collections as well as traditional portrait collections?
A: Absolutely! When our digital collections are purchased, you will receive two copies of each full resolution image, one in color and another in black & white. You will also receive a third copy of each image, the third being reduced and optimized for sharing online. Our digital collections come packaged in our attractive customized tri folds and cases, complete with instructions and written authorization to print and make as many copies as you wish from your print lab of choice. If you like we can even upload the files to the lab for you.
Q: Can additional copies of the digital files be purchased?
A: Definitely. Additional copies for gifts and archival may be purchased for only $39.00 each.
Q: Are prints from these labs the same as the prints we would order from you?
A: Unfortunately, no. As professionals we have access to the finest professional only processing labs in the country. When you order your portraits and images directly from Heartprint Photography they are guaranteed to be printed on archival quality professional paper and finished with a luster coating to protect your investment from fingerprints and UV lighting. Any image 8X10 and larger comes mounted for protection and stability. We can only guarantee the quality of the finished product when ordered directly from us.
Q: Can friends and relatives view our images?
A: We offer Online Viewing and Ordering of your images at no extra charge. You can send friends and relatives to our website to order and pay for images themselves.
Q: If hourly, are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?
A: We are available for shooting overtime and the charge is based on the same hourly rate available for any other part of your wedding day.
Q: What is required to secure Heartprint Photography as our Wedding Photographer?
A: We require a $600. retainer to hold your date, check, cash, or credit cards accepted, and a signed agreement.
Q: Do you charge for a consultation?
A: There is never a charge to meet with you for a no-obligation consultation. Call us today to schedule a visit and let us give you one less thing to worry about!
Q: I don’t see a collection that fits our needs exactly, can we make changes?
A: If you don’t see the perfect collection or package to fit your individual needs, please contact us. We would love to custom design a collection to fit your specific requirements!
Q: How do I find out if you are available on our wedding date?
A: Call us at 1-203-598-9718 or email us at heartprint@sbcglobal.net to check on availability. Unfortunately we cannot hold your date open without a signed agreement and retainer so if you would like to book with us please let us know as soon as possible.
Q: Do you do weddings outside of Connecticut and the surrounding areas?
A: Yes, we are available outside of the area, travel fees are the responsibility of the client, plus any lodging if required.
Q: How about destination weddings?
A: Absolutely! Destination weddings are so much fun! Travel costs, lodging, and meals are the reponsibility of the client. Call for details!
Q:What green practices does your company incorporate into its business?
A:Heartprint Photography has been green almost from the beginning. We use on line proofing so that there are no paper proofs with PROOF written ac cross the face that gets thrown in the trash. We send our informational brochures, newsletters, advertisements and contracts 100% as PDF files eliminating the need to use any paper for advertisement purposes. We do not use continues lights to photograph our subjects, we use strobe. All of the batteries we use in every product rechargeable, and we use energy efficient lighting in our studio and offices. To clean our studio and offices we use toxin-free natural ingredients such as white vinegar, steam cleaning, and such alternatives to more harsh chemical based cleaners.
Green Practices:
Use rechargeable batteries
Carbon offset travel
Use digital technology
Post images online instead of printing hard copies for review
Use LED or compact fluorescent lights
Donate a portion of our proceeds to charity
Recycle old electronics
recycling, composting, CFL lights, Energy Star appliances, carbon offsetting, recycled paper packaging, reclaimed or repurposed materials, biodegradable cleaners, and 100% PCW paper products
Link to this page