General FAQs

 

Q: Do you deliver every image you shoot?

A: No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. For example, because I shoot with low apertures, sometimes I take a few extra shots to make sure I have the perfect focus. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend time doing that on our end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. We might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure we have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. I may eliminate ones that I feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one.

 

Q: Does your studio provide videography services?

A: Yes. To see examples of my videography services, click here

 

Q: Have you shot at my venue before?

A: I have shot at dozens of venues, so there is some chance that I have. However, if I have not, I will try to get to the venue early on the day of and be sure to perform a thorough walk-through to scout out the best photography locations. I also do online research prior to your big day!

 

Q: Do you do destination weddings? What additional fees are associated with destination weddings?

A: While Chad Populis Photography is based out of the New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana area, I can serve clients all around the world. My destination wedding photography packages include the cost of travel and reasonable accommodations 

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Q: Does your studio do headshots, individual portraits, family portraits, newborn shoots, commercial photography, or other types of photography?

A: Yes, I have experience in many fields of photography. 

 

Q: Do you shoot Quinceaneras, Debutants, Bah Mitzvahs, Parties, Nightclubs or Corporate Events?

A: currently, weddings and those events relating to them are the only events that I cover.

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Style and Quality

 

Q: What is your style and philosophy regarding photography?

A: By nature, and habit, I am a lifestyle photographer, a blend of street, urban, fashion and documentary styles. So, I tend to be drawn by the behaviors and beauty of people and social interactions, so my photos tend to capture the emotion of the current scene. While getting all the posed and styled photos are important, seeking those candid moments that happen organically is what truly makes for a great portfolio. As with most photographers, angles, perspectives, exposure and how we compose our images will always be the focus. But lighting will always be prioritized so your photos are sharp and in focus. Natural light is what I prefer but often times appropriate creative lighting is necessary in order to capture some moments.

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Q: My venue is very dark. How does your studio handle these situations, and can I see samples?

A: If the situation allows, we will set up additional lighting to ensure we get focused pictures. Some chapels do not allow for flash photography; and for that reason, I shoot on cameras with superb low-light performance and lenses with low apertures.

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Post Production Questions

Q: Do you touch up all the images in our image download?

A: Yes, I do. Every image I deliver is post produced with my signature style of post-production. This involves color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, and other corrections. Many photographers will not post produce any images or will only post produce “select” images from your wedding. This means that you may have pictures that are too dark, have strange skin tones or other common photography flaws.

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Wedding Day Questions

Q: What do you capture and how much time do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos?

1. Rings, Dress, shoes and other details - 30 min. - Early A.M. - Bride's Suite

2. Preparation, Makeup, hair, etc. - 30 min.- Late A.M. - Bride and Groom's Suite

3. Individual Bride/Groom Portraits - 30 min. - Afternoon - Suitable location

4. Ceremony Venue Detail - 15 min. - Afternoon - Venue

5. Reception Venue Detail - 15 min. - Afternoon - Venue

6. Wedding Party with Bride/Groom - 30 mins - Afternoon - Venue

7. Immediate Family (Parents, Grandparents, Siblings) - 15 min. - Afternoon - Suitable Location

8. Formals (Friends, Extended Family and Select Guests) - 15 min. - Venue

9. Couples Session - 30 min - Venue Early evening/Dusk - Venue

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Including all dedicated events of the ceremony (bridal party procession, the kiss, exchanging rings, etc.) and reception (First dance, cutting of the cake, etc.) as well as photographer selected candid moments (children dancing, joy amongst friends, bride and groom interaction, etc.).

Q: What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?

A: I understand that not everything goes as planned during a wedding. I never pack up before the contracted time, and moreover, I'm not leaving on the dot when the contracted time is up. Instead, I will ask you at the end of your contracted time whether or not you would like to extend. If you would like me to stay, I will charge the rates specified in your contract rounded to the closest 30-minute increment.

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Engagement Sessions

Q: When can we expect to see our photos from our engagement session?

A: Post-production for engagement sessions is completed 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 6-8 weeks after the date of the shoot, a rush process fee of $100.00 will be charged.

 

Q: When should we do our engagement session?

A: I encourage you to do your engagement session as soon as possible. The latest I suggest is at least 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date due to the time necessary to post produce each image and complete your product order(s).

 

Q: How many images do you typically deliver from an engagement session? From a wedding?

I typically deliver anywhere from 30-50 images per 2-hour engagement shoot and for a wedding, I typically deliver 40-50 images per hour. Keep in mind these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the flow of the day and the number of events/activities needing to be captured.
 

Q: When and where can we view our engagement pictures?

Your engagement session images will be completed no more than 6 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 6 weeks after the date of your shoot, a rush edit fee of $100.00 will be charged.

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Albums, Prints, Books

Q: How long does it take to get my album?

As with my other products, production times vary. However, you can typically expect to receive your album 6-12 weeks after the event date. The process prior to placing the order varies in duration depending on how quickly I finish your layout and how many other events that may take up some time.

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Q: How many pages and images do we get in our wedding day album?

A: My signature Chad Populis Photography album contain 25-40 pages and 125+/- images. If you’d like to add more pages and images, each additional page can be added at additional cost and includes the design time/revisions.

Q: Can I add more pages and images to my album?

A: Each additional page can be added for additional cost and includes the design time/revisions.

Q: Do you provide framing services as well?

A: We do not provide framing services; however, we do offer for sale canvas printed frames.

Q: How do I get started on my wedding album?

1. Initial Design – I choose the images and the layout and then I will design the album and send you a link where you can review it.

2. Major Revision – When you receive your draft, please review this in detail with the understanding that this is my creative interpretation of the story of your wedding day. Any changes should be expressed immediately.

3. Minor Revision – After the initial changes are communicated, I will redesign the album and send a second draft. however, any layout changes may result in additional fees.

4. Send to Print – After these revisions are made, it is sent to retouching and then to print.

 

Image Download and Legal Questions

Q: What size can we print our photos up to with our full resolution image download?

A: In most cases, you can print your photos up to 12×18 without any quality loss. If you’d like to print larger than 12×18, additional post-production will be required. 

Q: What rights do I have to the digital prints?

A: You have the right to reprint images whenever you want. However, you may not sell your images for profit or publish your images without the written consent of Chad Populis Photography.

Q: Do you provide the RAW files from my engagement session and/or wedding day?

A: Each of my packages comes with a full resolution image download. However, I typically do not provide RAW (unprocessed) files from our shoots because we believe in delivering a finished product. In fact, we’re often shooting with the end (post-produced) product in mind. However, on occasion, we may provide RAW images along with our post-produced JPEGs for an additional fee and restrictions.

Q: Do you provide the digital negatives after the shoot?

A: Yes, we do. All of my packages come with Full Resolution image download.

 

Q: What if I lose my images?

A: Image replacement is free the first year. There is a $100 replacement charge for additional downloads after the event has been archived after one year. I strongly suggest you make at least one copy of the download when you receive it from me.

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Equipment

Q: What type of camera/equipment do you use?

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CAMERA BODIES:

Camera 1, Main:                Sony A7R III     - for fixed settings, formal shots, low light imaging, fine details

Camera 2, Secondary:     Sony A7 III        - for zoom range and candid's, fine details

Camera 3, Backup:           Sony A7C         - for video, wide perspective and candid's

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LENSES: 

Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6               ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS: real estate and landscape photos

Sony FE 24-105mm f4                   EXPANDED ZOOM LENS: weddings, events, portraits and street photography

Viltrox 85mm f1.8                             SHORT TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS: portraits, beauty and low light situations

Tamron SP 70-300mm f4-5.6     MEDIUM TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: wildlife, outdoors, portraits and sports

Sony FE 28mm f/2.0                       WIDE ANGLE PRIME LENS: street photography, low light situations

Sony FE 55mm f1.8                         STANDARD PRIME LENS: portraits, lifestyle, street photography, and in low light situations

Minolta 100mm f/2.8 Macro          MACRO PRIME LENS: for portraits, outdoors and closeup details

Tamron 20mm f2.8                          WIDE ANGLE PRIME LENS: used to capture wide angle video

Sony FE 28-60 f4-5.6                   STANDARD ZOOM LENS: used to capture video

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Other Equipment:

DJI Mavic Air Quadcopter - Capture aerial images

Zhiyun Weebill S gimbal motorized stabilizer - eliminate shaky video footage

Zhiyun Crane 2 motorized gimbal stabilizer - eliminate shaky video footage

GoPro Hero7 Action Cam - Capture action, sports and outdoor images

Ricoh Theta SC2 360 Cam - Capture 360 degree images

(4) HSS TTL speedlights - for portable and creative lighting

(2) Portable battery powered studio strobes - for portable and creative lighting

(2) Wireless Lavalier Microphones - Record wireless audio on subject.

(2) On-camera Boom Microphones - Record directional audio in camera.

(4) XLR Microphones- Record wired audio for podcasts and interviews.

 

Also provide Numerous light stands, light modifiers, continuous lighting, portable lighting, colored lighting wands and other necessary audio, video and lighting accessories.

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Payment

Q: How do I reserve you for my date?
A: All dates are reserved once I've received your signed contract (or formal agreement in writing) and deposit.

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Q: If we cancel the wedding, will we receive our deposit fee back?
A: Unfortunately, no. deposit fees are used to reserve your date. Once we’ve reserved your date, I do not accept new clients for your date.

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