Calming Professionalism
This is a nice review from Diana for whom I shot her wedding – something I normally do not do.
“My husband and I chose Johnny Stevens as our wedding photographer. To sum up Johnny at our wedding in two words: calming professionalism. This being our first experience with weddings, we felt overwhelmed with managing the never-ending minutiae. All of our friends told us to expect disastrous last-minute catastrophes. While some aspects of the wedding were chaotic, Johnny was a calming presence in the midst of the storm. He delicately balanced between knowing which shots would look good (he’s the professional after all) and asking for our input (it was nice to feel like our opinion was valued). He shot our rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the pictures he captured, which he turned around to us within a week. The pictures ranged from the standard family and wedding party shots, to fun candids of all of our friends dancing and celebrating. We were so happy to share them with all of our guests. Most importantly, he made us feel completely at ease on our special night. To demonstrate Johnny’s professionalism and personalized level of care, I would like to share an anecdote: we had told him that we wanted to get shots of the wedding party before the ceremony at a nearby park. The day of the ceremony was unusually hot for the time of the year, so we panicked and decided to switch to an interior location at the last minute. The staff at our hotel told us that there were no locations which we could use for our photos. Unbeknownst to us, however, Johnny had befriended the hotel management on the previous day, and they were able to open up a beautiful space in which to take the pictures. You will not find that level of service with any other photographer.”
Professional photographers have to be able to shoot any genre
As an Austin based architectural photographer, I often find I get complacent with that craft and don’t challenge myself with other styles of shooting. I suppose professional photographers have to be able to shoot any genre, even weddings which to me require a completely different type of shooting discipline. Photographers who shoot weddings generally only shoot weddings and those who do not, are happy not shooting weddings. Weddings are their own beast, and require lots of practice, trial and error, honing of the settings on your camera.
I shot a wedding last weekend in Houston and it almost dropped me to my knees, and reminded me why I don’t shoot weddings. I got some great tips from my buddy Dustin Finkelstein who shoots weddings regularly, so of course that put me a ease – for a while. So what I was fretting about all the week before is mostly how to NOT miss any shots of the bride walking down the aisle or the bride and groom on their exit. I scouted the location the day before and almost started crying with the challenges that revealed themselves. The wedding was to be held on a covered porch at Magnolia Ballroom which is a really majestic setting. The porch is cute but the backdrop behind the bride and groom is a blaring sunny f16. F22 is probably more accurate for this bright day.
The porch shade interior was about f2.8. That is a 6 stop difference between the Bride’s spot and the background, and I cannot add light!!!. Just great! My only choice was to bump my ISO to 1000 in order to get and shutter speed that I can hand hold and keep the bride, groom and wedding party exposed and just let the background blow out. Way out. So way out that the bride had a halo around her. I suppose it made her look somewhat angelic. I practiced shooting against the bright background and remembered my camera settings on my Canon 5d Mark 3. Then I practiced shooting with Al focus turned on and set my focus trigger to one of the buttons on the back of camera. This way I could just hold down that button as the bride moved along and I would be assured she would always be in focus. Shoot back at the bride for the entrance was easy since all that ambient light was pouring in from her front.
This is what I was dealing with if I opened up the f stop to f2.8 and the iso to 1000. It was my only option.
Though flashes and speed lights are not kosher during the wedding ceremony, I knew that once the bride and groom kissed, speed lights were open game. So I strapped two 600 ex rt speed lights up on either eve of the porch ceiling, and pointed them at the center of the group and another at the back of the porch pointing straight down the aisle. I set them to manual and had my ST E3 RT trigger on my camera ready to flip it on once the kiss happened. Here is a shot with the speed lights working just after the kiss – much better exposures.
We took a moment just before the ceremony to shoot a first look photo. The ICON Hotel has a spectacular Victorian smoking lounge that is very sultry and moody. I just asked Diana to creep in and touch Alex on the shoulder as I snapped away with 2 speed lights firing at about 45 and 90 degrees.
Just after the ceremony we took a minute to take one bride groom shot in the stairwell to try to capture the majesty of the domed ceiling at the Magnolia Ballroom.
For the dancing, I hung 2 speed lights at 45 and 90 degrees and set them to manual half power output. I had another 600 rt on my camera acting as the master communicating with the 2 off camera 600s.
About halfway in the dancing I decided to try slowing down the shutter speed to accentuate the inebriation that was clearly taking over. It had a nice effect I think adding some light trails to anything in motion.
We took a few minutes to pick up this shot while we were in the smoking room at the hotel
For the bridal party shots I found a room upstairs with huge windows that were a perfect start for large group photos. Lucky for me the light from the window was so dominate that when one of my speed lights decided to blitz on me, I could do just fine by filling from the right with just one flash.
Great Wedding photographers contract for all photographers
This is a great wedding photographers contract thanks to Dustin Finkelstein here in Austin Texas. He is a fantastic wedding photographer. He shared this which is pretty bulletproof. I am shooting a wedding in a few weeks, which I do not normally do and Dustin is helping me re-hone those wedding photo skills. Here you go.
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Client Information
Wedding Date___________________________________Client________________________________________
Client Mailing address____________________________City/State/Zip________________________________
Client’s email address____________________________
Client’s Name___________________________________Phone_______________________________________
Client’s Name__________________________________Phone________________________________________
Wedding Couple’s Email Address_______________________________
Couple’s Future Address____________________________________City/State/Zip_______________________
How did you hear about Images by Johnny Stevens photography services ?_______________________________
Includes (please write in the items you are getting from the packages )
Payment type
__ Check __Credit Card
Credit Card Type______________ Number__________________________ Exp ___________Sec.Code_____
Discounts
Other Discount………………………..…………………………………………………………………$_________
Total Package Fee or Session Fee plus Additional Charges $ _________
Tax of 8.25% $ _________
Total $ _________
Wedding Photography
Terms & Conditions
1. You are hiring Images by Johnny Stevens to photograph your event, edit the photographs, and provide you with copies.
1.1. Client retains Images by Johnny Stevens to photograph event. This agreement (or “contract”) contains the entire understanding between Images by Johnny Stevens and Client. It supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the parties and may only be change with a written addendum, signed by both parties. The laws of the state of Texas shall govern this contract and clients agree that any legal action between the parties shall take place within Travis County,Texas. Client assumes responsibility for all collection costs and legal fees incurred by Images by Johnny Stevens if such become necessary. In the event that any part of this contract is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this contract remains valid and enforceable. Failure by one or both parties to enforce a provision in this contract does not constitute a waiver of any other portion of this contract.
2. The parties agree that the best possible result is created through cooperation and communication.
2.1. Images by Johnny Stevens is not responsible if key individuals fail to appear or cooperate during photography sessions or for missed images due to details not revealed to Images by Johnny Stevens.
2.2. Client understands that, while the Images by Johnny Stevens makes all best efforts, no particular photograph of any single moment or individual is guaranteed and that not all guests of the event will be photographed.
2.3. The parties understand and agree that Images by Johnny Stevens will accept photography direction from the Client (or Client’s Designee) only. Photographer is unable to take direction from anyone other than the Client/Designee to ensure smooth, conflict free, performance of the duties under this agreement.
2.4. Photographer will not be responsible for any photographs ruined by guests’ (or any other) flashes or any other ruined photographs to do any other causes in or outside of Photographer’s control.
3. Parties agree to at least one pre-event consultation.
3.1. The parties agree to a pre-event consultation before the event to finalize any details (shooting time, location changes, etc.) This consultation may be done in person, if possible, by telephone, or by other means agreed upon by the parties. Although Images by Johnny Stevens will try to accommodate any special requests, Client understands that photographer offers no guarantee that any specific photograph will be taken. Client understands that Client is responsible for designating an individual to identify, for Photographer, those people of which Client wants specific photographs.
4. Client understands that Photographer must follow event location & officiant rules
4.1. Images by Johnny Stevens is limited by the rules of the event locations associated with the event and their management. Client agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on Photographer. Photographer is not responsible for any fees associated with event location site permits, admittance fees, or any other fees associated with the event locations required for Photographer to perform pursuant to this contract.
4.2. Photographer may be limited by the officiant. Client agrees to inform Photographer of all limitations imposed by the officiant. In the event that Client is unaware of officiant’s restrictions, Client understands that Photographer will abide by any limits the officiant has regarding time and place for photography.
5. Parties agree upon a set amount of time that Photographer will photograph Event.
5.1. The Photography Time is the minimum time Photographer will spend photographing. This Photography Time is continuous and commences at the Event Start Time stated in this agreement regardless of actual start time of the event. If the event ends early for any reason or if Photographer is asked by the Client/Designee to stop before the Photography Time is completed, a refund will not be due to the Client. Photographer will provide additional photography time at the request of the Client at the Extra Photography Time Rate in no less than half hour increments.
6. Parties are agreeing that the deposit/reservation fee is earned upon being paid in accordance with the following liquidated damages clause.
6.1. The parties agree that quantifying the losses arising from Client’s cancellation is inherently difficult insofar as cancellation may impair Images by Johnny Stevens’s ability to obtain a replacement client, may impact the photographer’s reputation, and may result in Photographer suffering monetary losses as a result of travel expenses, materials purchases, etc. The parties further stipulate that the agreed upon sum (referred to interchangeably as a “deposit,” “booking fee,” and/or “reservation fee”) is not a penalty, but rather a reasonable measure of damages based on the parties’ experience in the photography industry and given the nature of losses that may result from Client’s cancellation.
6.2. The deposit is non-refundable, even in the event the date is changed or cancelled for any reason, including acts of God, fire, strike and extreme weather.
6.3. The deposit is due and payable as follows:
6.3.1. The reservation fee of 50% of the total cost is due upon execution of this contract. This contract is not considered valid until this initial deposit is paid. Photographer WILL NOT reserve any dates, confirm contract, or make any other preparations for client’s event UNTIL this fee is paid.
6.3.2. An additional 50% of the total cost is due 14 days before the event. If the additional amount is not paid within seven days of the date due, Photographer may deem the contract void, Client understands that all funds paid will be considered earned, and the parties have no further obligations to one another.
6.3.3. If this contract is signed within 14 days of the event, Client agrees that 50% must be paid upon execution of this contract and that this contract is not valid until this initial 50% is paid. Photographer WILL NOT reserve any dates or make any other preparations for Client’s event UNTIL this deposit is paid.
7. What happens if this contract is cancelled.
7.1. At the Client’s discretion.
7.1.1. Client understands that pursuant to this contract, Photographer may forgo opportunities to book other business on the date of the event. Client understands that in exchange for this consideration, Client agrees to the following:
7.1.1.1. In the event that Client reschedules the event and Photographer is available for the rescheduled date, Photographer may amend the Event Date in this contract and Client will receive credit for all funds paid. In the event that the Client reschedules the Event and Photographer is NOT able to rebook the original Event, Photographer will NOT amend the Event Date in this contract and Client will forfeit the Deposit but receive a refund for all other funds paid. The Photographer reserves the right to charge additional fees to cover added expenses incurred due to the date change.
7.1.1.2. In the event that the Client cancels the Event outright, Client will forfeit the Deposit but receive a refund for all other funds paid. Cancellation must be in writing; a phone call alone is insufficient.
7.2. At Photographer’s discretion.
7.2.1. In the unlikely event that Photographer is unable to provide the services described in this contract for any reason including, but not limited to, illness, injury, emergency, or act of God, sudden event or other circumstances beyond the control of Photographer, a substitute photographer may be sent without additional cost. This contract will be transferable to said photographer. If the Client declines the substitute photographer, the Client may instead terminate this Agreement, and receive a full refund of all money paid.
7.3. Return of monies paid.
7.3.1. In the event that any refunds are due under the terms of this Agreement, Photographer will issue refunds to the person/entity who paid.
8. Photographer’s travel expenses defined.
8.1. The Travel Expense Fee represents the entirety of the reimbursement to cover travel time, travel expenses, and related expenses incurred by Photographer associated with travel to the event location necessary to fulfill the obligations under this agreement.
9. Final Payment
9.1. The final payment is due 14 days prior to the event.
9.2. Photographer will only begin editing photographs after all payments have cleared.
9.3. No photographs, albums, prints or other materials will be released to Client until all payments have cleared.
10. How to pay and what fees may be added.
10.1. Payment may be made by
10.1.1. Check (written to Images by Johnny Stevens);
10.1.2. PayPal; or
10.1.3. Credit Card
10.2. There is a $35.00 charge for payments returned by the bank for any reason.
10.3. If the Photographer agrees to accept a payment after the due date, an additional fee of 5% may be charged.
11. Parties agree that the Photographer will receive meals and breaks.
11.1. Photographer works diligently to photograph the event and may need to make reasonable use of the restroom or break for water and a meal. If Photographer will be photographing for five hours or more, Client agrees to provide a meal for Photographer.
12. Images by Johnny Stevens is only person to be paid to photograph and guest photographs may have consequences.
12.1. Unless otherwise agreed, Parties understand that Photographer will be the sole person hired to photograph event. Photographer reserves the right to bring one assistant at Photographer’s discretion.
12.2. Paparazzi guests may ruin photos. Photographer requests that Client’s guests take photos during the event only if they do not interfere with the Photographer. If a problem arises, the On-Site Event Contact will be advised to handle the situation for the Photographer.
13. Digital Images, Prints and Copyrights
13.1. The photographs, digital negatives or prints produced by Images by Johnny Stevens are protected by United States Copyright Laws (USC Title 17) and all rights are reserved other than as prescribed elsewhere in this agreement. High resolution digital photographs are intended for personal use and printing of Client. Client must obtain permission from Images by Johnny Stevens prior to the releasing, publishing, or selling the photographs for commercial or press/media purposes. Digital editing and processing may take up to four weeks after the Wedding Date for completion and posting to the online proofing gallery.
13.2. How many, when, and what to expect of final photographs.
13.3. Images by Johnny Stevens will edit and deliver a minimum of 100 edited photographs per hour of Photography Time. Photographer will not provide any unedited or “RAW” files. Photographer may choose not to deliver all photographs taken during the Photography Time. Photographer will make every reasonable effort to correct exposure, color, tone, contrast, sharpness, and cropping of all delivered photographs to the liking of Client. Photographer will not selectively edit portions, remove or add people or objects, or otherwise “Photoshop” individual photographs.
14. Album
14.1. If an album credit is included in the package, the album credit includes professional layout and design by Photographer actual physical album, and final delivery of album. Client is entitled to one album consultation and has the opportunity to select the photos for the album, view a draft, request two major layout/design changes, and has final approval of album. Album credit applies to rates in album catalog provided to Client.
15. Ordering seconds.
15.1. The Photographer maintains Client photos for 365 days after the Event Date.
15.1.1. Until that time, Client may order digital photos, physical prints and/or albums.
15.1.2. After that time, Client understands that the Photographer has no obligation to provide any copies of any photos from the Event.
16. Model Release
16.1. The Client hereby grants to the Photographer and Photographer’s legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the event and Clients, provided the photographs are not obscene or inflammatory, for editorial, trade, advertising, stock, commercial, competitive and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction and without further notice to Clients, and to copyright the same. The Client hereby releases the Photographer and Photographer’s legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.
17. Limit of Liability
17.1. Images by Johnny Stevens takes the utmost care with respect to exposure, transportation, and processing photographs including using professional grade equipment and professional grade backup equipment. However, in the unlikely event those photographs have been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, Photographer’s liability is limited to the return of all payments received. The limit of liability for a partial loss of originals shall be a prorated amount of the photographs lost based on the percentage of total number of photographs agreed upon in this contract. The limit of liability shall not exceed the contract price stated herein.
The parties have read all pages of this agreement agree to all of its terms and acknowledge receipt of a complete copy of the agreement signed by both parties. Each and every person signing as Client below shall be fully responsible for ensuring that full payment is made pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
Client Name Printed______________________________
Client Signature__________________________________ Date:____________________
Photographer Name Printed_______________________
Photographer Signature___________________________ Date_____________________
wedding photographers contract