Wedding MTP Good to Knows

General MTP Good to Knows

Who Owns the Copyright to the Images?

About My Photo Shoot

 

Wedding MTP Good to Knows

Why choose Mel and Tim Photography as your wedding photographers?

For one and an important one, we are a couple too! We have been together since 1994! We work so well together and we feed off each other for inspiration. We are the best of friends and each other’s soul mate! We understand the level of commitment between two and what it took for you two to get to the the BIG day! It is essential to work with a photographer(s) that you can connect and jive with. Our couples, even the most shy ones, admit that opening up and feeling comfortable around us was easy and fun! You’ll see that in our images…wordless expressions of love, joy and laughter.

You’ll get two pro photographers! Not one pro photographer + an assistant photographer, but two pro photographers that have been together and working for many years side by side! You’re in great hands with both of us! We hover around for maximum coverage and angles.

We have photographed over 300 portraits from weddings to family to children to maternity to fashion sessions. Our primary focus is wedding photography, but we like to challenge and continually harness our creativity with other photography disciplines. We are experienced, skilled, passionate and very grateful to do what we do.

We get your wedding post production completed and ready for you to preview the finished images within 7-10 business days because we are just as excited as you are! Same quality standards, just quicker because we are also trained in project and time management (yay, Mel’s MBA is not wasted afterall, whew!). Our goal is to keep our work flow efficient, productive and of highest quality.

We have so much fun getting to the finished photos! We love the entire creative process. We never “assembly line”/outsource our post production work. Your wedding is important to us and we want to give you that boutique customer service experience. Also perhaps graphic and creative design is second nature to us and we want to ensure the MTP touch is just right…afterall that’s why you hired us!

Couples who book with us, receive an engagement photo shoot as a “thank you very much” gift from us…AWESOME! This gives you a feel on how well we will work together!

 

 

How far in advance should I book my wedding?

We recommend booking your wedding as soon as possible. Normally we book one year in advance. Get started by completing our wedding photography questionnaire. Look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

What do I need to do to book my wedding with MTP?

Easy…First visit our wedding photography questionnaire web page and answer the questions the best you can. Shortly after, we’ll give you a custom wedding photography proposal with three (3) great options based on your gotta haves.

The wedding photography proposal expires within thirty (30) days. You’ve seen our work…Now, lets meet and greet during this time to see if we jive. Love our work and love us…book us! Remember you’ll receive savings if you book with us within 30 days plus receive a complimentary gift: engagement photo shoot with all the finished high resolution images on CD. Our thank you for selecting us as your wedding photographers!

Choosing your wedding photographer is a big decision. As a matter of fact…in addition to the date and venue, choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important wedding decisions you’ll have to make. Your wedding photographs are lasting memories that becomes a family heirloom. It can take some time to make that decision. We never want our couples to rush into making a decision, but we do want our prospective couples to have a heads up for the following:

• We could be booked by a couple at anytime. The first mover for the deposit guarantees us as their wedding photographers. We normally ask for half as a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and the final half 30 days prior to the wedding date. We never double book for the same date.
• Our wedding proposal expires within 30 days; booking early with us entitles you to savings…NICE! After 30 days, the quote(s) are subject to change.
• We photograph a limited number of weddings per year. Once our desired limit is reached, our wedding prices increase. This keeps our boutique quality. Also keeps us excited and passionate to do each and every wedding booked!

 

 

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

The deposit guarantees us as your wedding photographers. Once a couple has made a deposit, we gracefully turn down other couples that want to book us for the same wedding date. Because we are refusing prospects for the same date, we in turn ask for a couple’s mutual commitment.

 

 

How many weddings do you book in a year?

We limit our wedding bookings between 24-36 weddings per year.

 

 

What’s in your bag?

We gear up with a his and her professional level Nikon D700 with a variety of glasses: prime portrait, wide, telephoto lenses for each of us. We prefer the look and feel of available ambient lighting, but if the lighting poses a challenge for us we’ll use our reflector, flash or LED video light to fill in light to ensure we capture those important moments.

Of course we’ll also be well equipped with memory, batteries, tripod, back up cameras and our love for wedding photography to document all the beautiful memories that unfolds!

 

 

How many photographers would I have for my wedding?
Mel + Tim will be at your service! We’ve got a great connection and our styles compliment one another. Afterall we’ve been together since 1994! We’ve got each others back; this means we’ve got many angels covered. Our couples love this! This also gives equal well deserved getting ready coverage for the bride and groom even if you two are in different getting ready locations.

 

What is the “First Look”?
The “First Look” is the Bride and Groom’s photo shoot before the ceremony. This option is great as it usually permits more time to create artistic beautiful photos of you two and at a separate nearby location if you wish. This option also enables you to enjoy your family and guests right after the ceremony then move directly to the reception celebration.

If you prefer to keep it traditional and take your Bride and Groom photos after the ceremony, this works just as well. We just ask to reserve 60 minutes of your time to allow for those beautiful artistic shots!

 

 

How long does it take to see my wedding photos?
Our couples love that it only takes us 7-10 business days to preview their finished wedding photos! We may be quick, but the quality is not missed! Weddings are our full-time priority and we work day and night to get your wedding photos post production completed. We are just as excited as you are! Here’s a brief on our normal wedding photos post production process:

• After the wedding even on the same night, we “dump” the memory card of images to our computer and back up the images.
• Day 1-2: Select the best images from the bunch.
• Day 3-5: Individually enhance the selected best images in a timeless color finish.
• Day 6: Apply black/white and/or fun vintage color to images that would compliment.
• Day 7-10: Upload the finished images to your online password protected gallery. Then email you the link to preview, share and enjoy!

 

Will my wedding photos be edited?
Yes, the selected finished images are individually enhanced for color, exposure, contrast etc. We treat all finished images with a classic color (for timeless appeal) and if it compliments the image we may also do black/white and/or a fun vintage color. This means one image may have three finishes…SWEET!

 

What kind of photo goodies do you have available?
First we only select photo goodies that we absolutely love and vendors with excellent customer service.  The most popular photo goodies that our brides and grooms are seeking with their wedding package are the digital negatives and wedding albums. Because every wedding and couple are unique, we have other photo goodies available!  For example, engagement albums, parent albums, guest books, metal murals, canvas collage, ornate wall fine art frames, save the date die-cut card and magnet along with so much more.  Simply ask and we’ll fill  you in on the details.

Please note that our prices and/or photo goodies are subject to change without notice.

 

General MTP Good to Knows

Why hire a professional photographer for your photo shoot?

To get the best quality photos as possible, of course! This means hiring a professional photographer who is skilled in his or her trade and does it for a living. In addition, has vast experience and the right equipment to produce high quality images. Now, this can mean it comes with a premium price, but don’t your most precious moments deserve that?

 

Often times after seeing our work, clients have expressed they wish they could have hired a professional photographer during that special moment (i.e. Jane’s first weeks, during pregnancy, engagement celebration etc.). We are here to fullfill that need. Remember these special moments cannot be repeated…bestill the moment before it passes you by!

 

Now, it’s true that the digital age has made it easy for all consumers to point and shoot. There are even DSLR cameras available to you at your local stores, but these models are not comparable to a professional grade DSLR camera. Professional photographers invest a large percentage of their money for the necessary equipment. This also includes computers, editing software, lighting tools, camera accessories and so forth.

 

You are hiring a professional photographer because he/she knows what makes compelling artistic pictures and how to make you look fabulous! Once a photo shoot is done, it does not stop there. Hours of post production time is invested to polish lighting, composition, color and style for each image to make the end result riveting!

 

 

What am I paying a professional photographer for?
Normally you are paying a professional photographer for:

• Expertise and talent
• Shoot and processing time
• Photo products; may be included in a package or as an a la carte for an additional price
• Print release rights: Personal or commercial use; price varies by use and size.

 

 

What is MTP’s photography style?
We define our photography style with a narrative photo-journalism and a fine art approach to capture the story and feeling of the moment.  Our mission is to have images that speak loudly and evoke emotion.  Our vision is to be timeless and refrain from three-month photography trends. That way you won’t shy away from showing off your MTP photos now and years down the road.  What inspires us you ask?  It is our subject(s), situation and scene.

 

On occasion, you may need that posed traditional shot. In those cases, we will work with you as it is a collaborative effort and we respect your vision as well. We do wish our clients to trust and hire us for our photography art and style. If only posed traditional images are what you need, then going to a place such as “The Picture People” may better serve your needs.

 

 

Does MTP have a studio?
Our playground is San Diego.  We prefer shooting at the outdoors throughout San Diego and beyond as it offers more dynamics to make a unique photo shoot!

 

 

Does MTP photograph beyond San Diego?
Yes, we welcome destination photo shoots!  Please note a travel fee will apply for San Diego photo shoots North of La Jolla and North of Mira Mesa (or North of 52 freeway).  The travel fee is dependent upon the destination; minimum is $50.  In addition, fees relating to parking, entrance and tickets are customer’s responsibility for customer, photographer(s) and photography assistant.

 

We enjoy destination weddings!  Please contact us at 619-752-0435 or info@melandtimphotography.com to chat about your destination wedding photography needs!

 

 

Do you have props?
Yes, we have a few props when photographing children and family.  When completing the “getting to know you” questionnaire, please indicate your photo shoot ideas.  If our props will work harmoniously with the scene, we’ll take them along.  We also welcome you to bring your own props if you wish. This will make your photo shoot unique and more special for your family.

 

Please avoid props that will show its age i.e. branded character toys/plushes to keep the photos timeless.  In addition, we do not want the props to take away from the connection between subjects. The interaction between people gives more meaning; which is priceless when captured.
We love stylized photo shoots! If you have an idea…please share and we’ll get our creative juices flowing.

 

When is the best time for an outdoor photo shoot?
The best time for taking pictures outdoors is an hour after the sun rises and an hour before the sun sets.  Anytime in-between can work as well, but may be too sunny resulting to casted shadows on faces and squinting eyes.  In this event, we may have an assistant to help with a reflector.  Although this is not always available.

 

 

Who Owns the Copyright to the Images?

Who owns the digital negatives and the rights to the images?
According to U.S. Copyright Law, the photographer is the copyright owner for the digital and/or film negatives of all images photographer has shot. Please note when hiring a photographer, you are purchasing their professional services: art, time and talent.

 

When you buy the print release to an image(s), this entitles you to leasing the right to utilize the image. Normally it is to make prints for personal use.  Any instance where it involves editorial, commercial or solicitation of photographer’s copyrighted image, this is subject to photographer’s approval.  This is the same U.S. copyright law that protects all artists and people who create i.e. musical composers, authors, painters, photographers, etc.

 

 

How does MTP use photos they’ve taken?
We only use our images for MTP promotional purposes only i.e. website gallery, blog, MTP marketing materials.  All images displayed on our website have the permission of the personally identifiable individual through a Model Release form.   Given the approval through the Model Release Form, we may share the photos with vendors whom the subject has worked with i.e. wedding location venues, hair dressers, florists, etc. Through the Model Release form, MTP has the rights to have their work featured in an editorial magazine. Please note: MTP never sells their image to a 3rd party model agency and never acts as one.

 

 

Why is it that the same image can cost me $10 or $500 to use?
First you will need the photographer’s permission for print release. Otherwise your print lab of choice will not print the photographer’s copyrighted image for you.

 

The cost for a digital negative with the print release is dependent upon the use of the image and the size of image.  If you are purchasing a low res image for personal use, this type is less expensive. On the other hand, if you are purchasing a high res image for commercial purposes, this type is more expensive due to its larger scale use.

 

Relating to prints, you may be familiar with your local super chains for prints at a lower cost. Whereas professional prints you are purchasing a professional image print that is considered a form of art. Therefore it is so much more than the paper medium the image is printed on…it is the art produced.

 

 

About My Photo Shoot

How far in advance should I book my photo shoot?
Book with us as soon as you can.  We book months in advance for regular photo shoots and a year in advance for weddings.  Dates are subject to availability.  To book a date, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your photo shoot date.

 

 

What if I am late to my photo shoot?
We ask that you arrive at the scheduled time as we may have another photo shoot scheduled shortly after.  If you are late to your photo shoot, the photo shoot time does not extend.  For example if your photo shoot is for one hour 5:00pm – 6:00pm and you arrive at 5:15pm, the photo shoot still ends at 6:00pm.  Therefore, please arrive on time to ensure there is enough time to capture enough great shots and to make it worth your while.

 

 

What if there is drizzle or rain in the forecast?
We will be there rain or shine for a contracted wedding or event photo session.

 

For other photo shoots, there will be a reschedule to the next best available non-drizzle/rainy date.

 

 

How many photographers will I have for my photo shoot?
For family, maternity, children, high school senior, fashion and other photo shoots consisting of a group of 10 or less; one photographer is suffice.  For weddings and events, there will be two photographers dedicated to the coverage.

 

 

What should I wear to my photo shoot?
It’s okay to take it up a notch for the photo shoot.  Most importantly, wear what defines YOU.

 

For couples/engagement shoots:

Focus on timeless pieces that compliments your body type.  Check out our Spring thread inspirations:

 

 

For family and children shoots:

Coordinating colors are great. Having each subject wear the exact same thing is not recommended because it takes away personality. The approach should be organic. Here are a few photo shoots we have done for your inspiration:

 

 

For maternity shoots:

Bellies are beautiful!  Bandeau, tube or bikini tops work really well with a fluid skirt.

 

For newborn shoots:

A baby’s soft pure skin photographs nicely.  Therefore the photo session should start with their “birthday suit”.  You can then dress them up in cute simple outfits (i.e. clean white onzie or diaper cover works). Simplicity is key for timeless images!

 

Other tips:

• Bold colors are great!
• Avoid busy prints.
• Again, coordinate but avoid wearing the exact same thing…Show off your personalities!
• Think organic to the environment.  Ask your self, “would I wear this at {location}?” For example, would you wear a tie and slacks to the beach? The likely answer is no.  Of course it’s a photo shoot so you can take it up a notch, but lets save such outfits for a more suitable location.
• No brands, character logos/images or costume like outfits for timeless appeal.
• Accessories such as hats, scarves are great…but avoid big bows and frills.
• Don’t forget to apply a lip balm especially on children to avoid cracked and dry lips with their sweet smiles.
• Ladies a manicure and/or pedicure (if wearing sandals) is advisable.

 

As artistic professionals we’re here to do our best so that you look your best.  We want you to be proud and want to show off your photos many years to follow.  We’re happy to consult and provide photo shoot design direction. This means we will make suggestions on the look/feel that you are trying/want to achieve, lighting and location.  Simply give us a call and lets collaborate to get our creative juices flowing to give you that beautiful frame worthy photo shoot!

 

 

What happens after my photo shoot?
The next step after a photo shoot is post production by the photographer.  This entails picking the best images from the bunch photographed.  We then polish them up with finishing touches to enhance the image’s composition, white balance, color and lighting, etc.  Please note: extra touch up work (i.e. blemish or wrinkle or removal or advanced touch ups) are available at an additional cost.

 

The average time frame for a one-hour photo shoot post production is seven (7) business days.  A larger photo shoot requires more time and we will notify you of the time frame.

 

Once post production is complete, the images will be uploaded to an online gallery for you to view your finished image proofs for a la carte ordering.  The total number of finished image proofs is dependent on the photo session length and which photo shoot you purchased.

 

 

For additional questions, they are welcome at 619-752-0435 and info[at]melandtimphotography[dot]com