{faq}

 

 

What cameras do you use? 

I use all professional Canon cameras and lenses.  I prefer to use natural light as much as possible but do have an external flash that I can use when necessary.

What should I wear?

You should dress in a way that makes your whole family feel comfortable.  Being in front of the camera can be a bit awkward and I want you to feel at ease and ready to laugh.  Don’t be afraid of patterns and colors and mixing and matching.  I adore the chaos of looks that don’t normally “go together”.   Things to avoid: bright white, writing/large logos on shirts, large watches, matching too much.  Have fun with your outfit choices.

Should I bring props?

For family sessions I do not typically use a lot of props but do encourage you to bring items that are special to you and your family.  Some things that work well are:  a special quilt, a picnic basket, some old books, vintage cameras, wooden toys for your little ones, etc.  I have some similar props that I can bring per your request as well.  For children sessions I am a huge fan of vintage toys/books/blankets as they are full of character and are most often timeless treasures.

When will I get to see my pictures? 

I am very impatient so I try my best to get your images posted in your gallery as soon as possible after your session.  This could be anywhere from one to three weeks depending on details.  But NO MORE than a month.

How many pictures will I get to choose from?

Typically a portrait session will average 75- 100 photos. Some will have even more.  I do try to give you as many photos as possible…because I love lots of photos of my baby and want you to have lots of the people you love!

If my kid has a scratch can you “photoshop” it out of every picture?

Nope, sorry.  I will specifically edit/retouch images that you purchase as an 8×10 or larger but your proofs will not be retouched.  This applies to bruises, zits, double chins, snotty noses, etc.

 

WEDDING FAQ’s

What to expect:

Scheduling: After I receive your initial inquiry about Joy Wilson Photography {JWP} I will answer any questions you may have and we can discuss all of the details.  I would love to set up a time to meet in person as this always allows for us to become friends sooner rather than later. {smile}  Once your desired wedding date is confirmed, a $500 deposit is required, along with the signed contract, to officially book your date.  This reserves your wedding day and no other sessions of any kind will be scheduled on that date.

Wedding Day: I allot at least 8 hours to document your wedding (additional hours may be added to your plan if you choose).  I am willing to plan to arrive as early in the day as necessary and will stay until the Bride and Groom leave the reception.  I do not want to miss any of the details of the bride getting ready or the farewell from friends and family so I keep that in mind when working out your photography timeline.  I am there to capture your day and will photograph anything you (or your family) want. Prior to the wedding I will have you fill out a standard questionnaire that helps me know what you want from me as your photographer on the day of your wedding.  You can list any specific shots (other than all of the standards that I will definitely capture for you) that you want to make sure are taken.  Anytime throughout your wedding day you can grab me and say “Can you take a picture of me and Aunt Sue?”.  My answer will always be “Yes!”.  I am there for you, to document YOUR day.

Proofs: No later than 6 weeks after your wedding you will receive DVD of images from JWP.  Any a-la-carte package products (albums, prints, etc.) must be ordered and completed within one year of the wedding date to avoid an archive fee.

Limited Copyright: You will receive a copyright permission form when you receive your DVD of wedding image files. Use of the disc is permitted only for the Bride and Groom.  If the parents or any other family member would like their own copy, they may purchase one separately.  The Bride and Groom may use any of their photos on their blog, facebook, etc.  They have permission to print anything they want for their own use, but cannot email files to family members to print or make duplicate discs for anyone, at all.  Any use of the files outside of the Bride and Groom is stealing and is not allowed.  It also makes me sad,  and I don’t like to be sad.  Joy Wilson Photography permanently holds the full copyright for every single image.

What are your thoughts on a “first look”?

I am so glad you asked!  If a bride and groom want to wait to see each other until the ceremony, I definitely oblige them.  However I want to give you my honest opinion on it all from a photography standpoint.  Obviously I believe that other than vows, the photography is one of the most important parts of your wedding day. It is one of few things you will have to show for all of your dreaming and planning.  The photos are extremely important, and they take time.  I will list my thoughts on a “first look” and why it can be a brilliant option for you.

1- As soon as you are ready- fresh makeup, hair perfectly coiffed, perfume still going strong, and all of your energy on high- you get to see your groom.  Rather than waiting for it to fade throughout the day, you get to see him when you are at your peak of loveliness!

2- Your groom gets to see you for the first time alone, without the eyes of everyone he knows starring at him.  I always like to set up a special moment for my couples so their first look is as special as it would be in the ceremony.  I place the Groom in a spot (often at the end of the aisle, as he will be during the ceremony) and have the Bride walk toward him so he still gets to see his love for the first time walking toward him.  I will usually hide or stay very out of the way while documenting this moment because it is a special time for the Bride and Groom and I want to respect that.  I also make sure that no family or wedding party is in the room because I want them to have this private intimate moment.

3- More time for photos!  When a Bride and Groom see each other before the ceremony we can have every single photo completed before the ceremony so you can head to your reception right away.  You will love this and so will your guests.

4- No wait time for guests.  I am sure you have been to weddings where you get to the reception long before the Bride and Groom make it there and you are waiting, and waiting, and waiting.  Your guests will not have to worry about this because you will be coming to the reception right when they do!

5-My favorite reason: You get to enjoy your day together!  Trust me, that is a much more relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your wedding day rather than dodging each other and hiding so he doesn’t see you.  This way your wedding day really is YOUR wedding day, you get to enjoy it hand in hand together!

Final note:  I have had so many couples say to me that they wished they had seen each other before the ceremony so they could have spent more time together on that day.  And I have never heard a couple who chose a first look, to say they regret it. Especially the Grooms, they love having the intimate moment to bask in their Bride’s beauty.

The choice is ultimately up to my Bride and Groom but there you have my two cents. 

 

What should I get my husband for a wedding gift?

Yet another great question, and I know the perfect thing!  Beloved boudoir portraits.  Beloved portrait sessions are a tasteful yet sexy gift idea for your husband to be that he will treasure for years to come.  As you marry your love you are feeling more beautiful than ever before (and you have probably stocked up on tons of new lingerie!).  Why not capture that for his eyes only?  This is also a great fun idea for a bachelorette party so your girlfriends can have gifts for their husbands as well! (to see samples images from this type of session, please send me an email and I will direct you to a gallery)

 

What should I plan for my engagement session?

I love to add personal touches to my shoots, so if you have any special detail that you want to incorporate please bring it!  I do not typically work with alot of props as my main focus is more on emotion than creating a “scene” but I do have a few small items that I use occasionally.  Examples: a fabulous quilt that I found in an antique store, vintage cameras, picnic basket, etc.  I also love to shoot you and your love in places that are special to you.  Did you meet in a coffee shop?  Let’s go there!  Where was your first date?  Let’s go there!  Let’s do your portraits in any place that is special to you.   FYI- my husband proposed to me in the gardens of an amazing mansion that we trespassed to get to….so I am not too scared to break a few rules to get the photos you want!  (you just have to promise to bail me out if we get caught…)  :)

 

What should I wear for engagement photos?

You should wear what you feel most comfortable in, but also what makes you feel beautiful.  Being in front of the camera can be a bit awkward and I want you to feel at ease and ready to laugh.  Don’t be afraid of patterns and colors and mixing and matching.  I adore the chaos of looks that don’t normally “go together”.   Things to avoid: bright white, writing on shirts, large watches, matching too much (no jeans and white shirts please!).  Bring an outfit that best describes you and maybe one that is more on your wild side like sexy heels for you and a fun hat for him.