Please, if you do not see your question answered here, Please email me! Thank you!
What Kind of Camera Equipment do you use?
As Far as cameras go, I use Canon products. I have THREE full frame cameras. Full frame cameras are
professional cameras. The have a much larger sensor to capture more realistic colors and images.
WARNING: A lot of photographers use amateur cameras such as Canon Rebels, 30D, 40D, 50D etc. Or Nikon D40,
D50, D90, D300, D7000. D3000 etc. There are some photographers that use a $500 camera and charge up to
$500 for a wedding! That would be like if I charged $6,000 for a wedding!
Click on the paragraph below and take a look at this link for more information on Full frame Sensors!
"In addition to wide-angle photography, another major advantage of full-frame cameras is pixel size. For a given
number of pixels, the larger sensor allows for larger pixels or photosites that provide wider dynamic range and
lower noise at high ISO levels.[5] As a consequence, full-frame DSLRs may produce better quality images in
certain high contrast or low light situations."
Primary Cameras are 21.2 Megapixels (5616 x 3744 resolution) 10 - 20 MB per JPEG and up to 120 MB TIFF
In comparison, HD video has a resolution of 1920×1080. My main cameras have a 3x higher resolution!
I only use pro Canon L series lenses as well. These lenses have premium glass and life like quality. The cheapest
lens I own is $1,300. The slowest lens I own has an aperture 2.8. The fastest, 1.2. For better understanding
about professional lens, please look here at the samples of "Bokeh" pictures. Notice the background blur you
get with a 1.2 lens. Also notice how the higher the number, the less background blur you get. This is crucial in
portrait photography. Many non-pro lenses do not have that low of an aperture number. They are not the ones
you can just go and buy at stores like "Best Buy".
I also have every camera outfitted with the best Canon speedlites you can buy. These flashes offer many more
possibilities than any "pop up" flash. "Red eye" is 99.9% non-existent with speedlites. I use Shoe mounted
flashes because pro DSLR's do not have built in flashes.
WARNING: 1. If a camera has a "built-in" or a "pop-up" flash, it is neither a Pro Camera or shoots in
"high resolution"
2. If a photographer says "red eye removed from photos" as part of their package, chances are they
are using a built in flash, not one that is shoe mounted.
I put in these "Warnings" because there are quite a few photographers that charge up to $2,000 or $3,000 for a
wedding package and they are using a $1,000 camera. On your wedding day, would you want to see the
photographer you hired show up with the same camera your guests are using?
Why do you use DVD's instead of CD-ROM's?
I use DVD's because of space limitations with CD-ROM's. A CD holds 700MB, a DVD holds 4,400MB. My pictures
are very large in size. A CD may hold 5 TIFF files or 50 JPEG. A DVD may hold 35 TIFF files or 350 JPEG's! Some
of my wedding clients may receive as many as 5 DVD's from their wedding.
I do realize that some photographers offer "a" disc for their wedding packages. Because we use High Resolution
cameras, we can not put more than 350 - 375 pictures on a disc. Some photographers use "flash drives" to give
to their customers. I can do this for a additional charge, as 32GB flash drives are still pretty high in price ($150).
I wish I could use 8GB or 4GB flash drives, but I have High resolution photos that require more space.
WARNING: Photographers that claim to put all the pictures on one disc or a flash drive either:
1. Do not take many photos at weddings.
2. The are using low resolution/amateur camera.
What are TIFF's? What are RAW files?
Everything I shoot through my cameras are in RAW. Raw files are a raw image. A raw image has to be
transformed into either a JPEG or a TIFF file before most computers or printers can view them. It is kinda like the
film days and when you had to develop them. I go through every image and make sure the white balance and
exposure is correct in all of them.
TIFF files are an uncompressed image. They retain all the actual data information from the moment it was shot.
These are really helpful for people that use "photoshop" or want to make very large prints. You can make 4 foot
poster size prints with these, and not loose any image detail.
JPEG files are most common and can be read by any device. They are a compressed image. Every time you open
a JPEG and re-save the file, you loose detail. Over time they can deteriorate.
I offer TIFF and RAW files at small extra charge in all my packages. Charge is waived if customer provides either
a external, internal or portable hard drive of at least 300GB. Every package comes with Large (actual size)
JPEG's. JPEG's are good to print 18"x24" with ZERO loss of detail.
Do you offer prints in a package?
I do not offer prints in any of my packages anymore. By popular demand, I started giving the images on a disc.
In todays world so many more people benefit having the images on a disc. You can print, email, post, Facebook,
Etc. the ones you want! I can do printing myself, up to 13 x 19 in. But for larger orders I do use a online lab, like
the ones I have on my link page. I use them due to cost. For example, It cost me about $4 to print a 8 x 10
picture, after the cost of paper and ink. I can have a lab do it for as little as $.99! It's hard to compete with that,
thats why "old fashion" photographers who charge $25 for a 8 x 10 are going out of business everywhere! I can
put together albums or "proof books" for clients. I basically only charge for the cost, plus shipping. No Nickel and
diming! If you need help using the online lab services, I am more than happy to help!
Do you include a release with the photos?
Every package comes with a shared release to the photos. This is needed if you went to a store to print images.
Most print shops can tell that a professional camera was used to make the picture and usually ask to see a
release from the photographer. Although none of the images have a watermark on them, they still have my
camera data in the (properties) of a image. Most pro's can see it.
How do you reserve a date for a wedding?
To reserve a date for a wedding, I typically ask for 50% down. I do this due to the fact that there is only so
many Saturdays in the calendar year, so time is limited! The other 50% is due on the day of the wedding. If you
don't think you can make a down payment, please contact me. I have and will work with people to do a payment
plan.
What does "All day" mean for weddings?
It typically means 10am to 10pm. I have found after taking around 300 dancing/reception shots, that most of my
customers have been well documented. If you do need more time, I may be able to stay longer. This depends on
what I might have booked the following day.
How long does it take to receive my pictures?
Typically for wedding pictures, it takes 3 - 4 weeks. This estimate is based on 1,000 - 1,200 pictures taken. That
varies depending on the time of year and work flow. Senior pictures takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Events, such as
family reunions, about 1 - 2 weeks.
All of these time frames are estimates. Quantity of pictures and added effects may delay your receipt of your disc.
Do you have a studio?
I work out of my home. I have "portable" studio equipment that I can take "on location". I do have a couple of
10 foot wide canvas and few solid color muslin backdrops that I use for senior pictures and engagement photos. I
do have professional Bowens studio strobe flashes and soft boxes. Since most of my business is "on location"
(i.e. Weddings or senior pictures) , I can not offer you a hundred different backgrounds like wal-mart can.
Who is your second photographer?
Generally my wife is my second/back up photographer. She has been doing this with me for a couple of years
now. She has all the know how, and knows what I look for in an image. With our team, you get a lot of images!
What Kind of Camera Equipment do you use?
As Far as cameras go, I use Canon products. I have THREE full frame cameras. Full frame cameras are
professional cameras. The have a much larger sensor to capture more realistic colors and images.
WARNING: A lot of photographers use amateur cameras such as Canon Rebels, 30D, 40D, 50D etc. Or Nikon D40,
D50, D90, D300, D7000. D3000 etc. There are some photographers that use a $500 camera and charge up to
$500 for a wedding! That would be like if I charged $6,000 for a wedding!
Click on the paragraph below and take a look at this link for more information on Full frame Sensors!
"In addition to wide-angle photography, another major advantage of full-frame cameras is pixel size. For a given
number of pixels, the larger sensor allows for larger pixels or photosites that provide wider dynamic range and
lower noise at high ISO levels.[5] As a consequence, full-frame DSLRs may produce better quality images in
certain high contrast or low light situations."
Primary Cameras are 21.2 Megapixels (5616 x 3744 resolution) 10 - 20 MB per JPEG and up to 120 MB TIFF
In comparison, HD video has a resolution of 1920×1080. My main cameras have a 3x higher resolution!
I only use pro Canon L series lenses as well. These lenses have premium glass and life like quality. The cheapest
lens I own is $1,300. The slowest lens I own has an aperture 2.8. The fastest, 1.2. For better understanding
about professional lens, please look here at the samples of "Bokeh" pictures. Notice the background blur you
get with a 1.2 lens. Also notice how the higher the number, the less background blur you get. This is crucial in
portrait photography. Many non-pro lenses do not have that low of an aperture number. They are not the ones
you can just go and buy at stores like "Best Buy".
I also have every camera outfitted with the best Canon speedlites you can buy. These flashes offer many more
possibilities than any "pop up" flash. "Red eye" is 99.9% non-existent with speedlites. I use Shoe mounted
flashes because pro DSLR's do not have built in flashes.
WARNING: 1. If a camera has a "built-in" or a "pop-up" flash, it is neither a Pro Camera or shoots in
"high resolution"
2. If a photographer says "red eye removed from photos" as part of their package, chances are they
are using a built in flash, not one that is shoe mounted.
I put in these "Warnings" because there are quite a few photographers that charge up to $2,000 or $3,000 for a
wedding package and they are using a $1,000 camera. On your wedding day, would you want to see the
photographer you hired show up with the same camera your guests are using?
Why do you use DVD's instead of CD-ROM's?
I use DVD's because of space limitations with CD-ROM's. A CD holds 700MB, a DVD holds 4,400MB. My pictures
are very large in size. A CD may hold 5 TIFF files or 50 JPEG. A DVD may hold 35 TIFF files or 350 JPEG's! Some
of my wedding clients may receive as many as 5 DVD's from their wedding.
I do realize that some photographers offer "a" disc for their wedding packages. Because we use High Resolution
cameras, we can not put more than 350 - 375 pictures on a disc. Some photographers use "flash drives" to give
to their customers. I can do this for a additional charge, as 32GB flash drives are still pretty high in price ($150).
I wish I could use 8GB or 4GB flash drives, but I have High resolution photos that require more space.
WARNING: Photographers that claim to put all the pictures on one disc or a flash drive either:
1. Do not take many photos at weddings.
2. The are using low resolution/amateur camera.
What are TIFF's? What are RAW files?
Everything I shoot through my cameras are in RAW. Raw files are a raw image. A raw image has to be
transformed into either a JPEG or a TIFF file before most computers or printers can view them. It is kinda like the
film days and when you had to develop them. I go through every image and make sure the white balance and
exposure is correct in all of them.
TIFF files are an uncompressed image. They retain all the actual data information from the moment it was shot.
These are really helpful for people that use "photoshop" or want to make very large prints. You can make 4 foot
poster size prints with these, and not loose any image detail.
JPEG files are most common and can be read by any device. They are a compressed image. Every time you open
a JPEG and re-save the file, you loose detail. Over time they can deteriorate.
I offer TIFF and RAW files at small extra charge in all my packages. Charge is waived if customer provides either
a external, internal or portable hard drive of at least 300GB. Every package comes with Large (actual size)
JPEG's. JPEG's are good to print 18"x24" with ZERO loss of detail.
Do you offer prints in a package?
I do not offer prints in any of my packages anymore. By popular demand, I started giving the images on a disc.
In todays world so many more people benefit having the images on a disc. You can print, email, post, Facebook,
Etc. the ones you want! I can do printing myself, up to 13 x 19 in. But for larger orders I do use a online lab, like
the ones I have on my link page. I use them due to cost. For example, It cost me about $4 to print a 8 x 10
picture, after the cost of paper and ink. I can have a lab do it for as little as $.99! It's hard to compete with that,
thats why "old fashion" photographers who charge $25 for a 8 x 10 are going out of business everywhere! I can
put together albums or "proof books" for clients. I basically only charge for the cost, plus shipping. No Nickel and
diming! If you need help using the online lab services, I am more than happy to help!
Do you include a release with the photos?
Every package comes with a shared release to the photos. This is needed if you went to a store to print images.
Most print shops can tell that a professional camera was used to make the picture and usually ask to see a
release from the photographer. Although none of the images have a watermark on them, they still have my
camera data in the (properties) of a image. Most pro's can see it.
How do you reserve a date for a wedding?
To reserve a date for a wedding, I typically ask for 50% down. I do this due to the fact that there is only so
many Saturdays in the calendar year, so time is limited! The other 50% is due on the day of the wedding. If you
don't think you can make a down payment, please contact me. I have and will work with people to do a payment
plan.
What does "All day" mean for weddings?
It typically means 10am to 10pm. I have found after taking around 300 dancing/reception shots, that most of my
customers have been well documented. If you do need more time, I may be able to stay longer. This depends on
what I might have booked the following day.
How long does it take to receive my pictures?
Typically for wedding pictures, it takes 3 - 4 weeks. This estimate is based on 1,000 - 1,200 pictures taken. That
varies depending on the time of year and work flow. Senior pictures takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Events, such as
family reunions, about 1 - 2 weeks.
All of these time frames are estimates. Quantity of pictures and added effects may delay your receipt of your disc.
Do you have a studio?
I work out of my home. I have "portable" studio equipment that I can take "on location". I do have a couple of
10 foot wide canvas and few solid color muslin backdrops that I use for senior pictures and engagement photos. I
do have professional Bowens studio strobe flashes and soft boxes. Since most of my business is "on location"
(i.e. Weddings or senior pictures) , I can not offer you a hundred different backgrounds like wal-mart can.
Who is your second photographer?
Generally my wife is my second/back up photographer. She has been doing this with me for a couple of years
now. She has all the know how, and knows what I look for in an image. With our team, you get a lot of images!
| © 2007-2011 Darrell Christie Photography |