FAQs
How do I reserve you for a photoshoot?
First step, e-mail me so we can talk about your desires and expectations for the photoshoot. No detail is too small, I want to do the best job I can for you. Once you feel ready to bool, we’ll create a contract outlining everything, we’ll talk payment and appropriate timing of a payment plan, and then pay your first payment. That first payment seals the deal and I’m all yours!
What gear do you use?
I’ve always believed gear comes second to theory (reading the light, proper metering, etc.) but my current setup is as follows: Nikon D750 x2, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4, Promaster Lens Extender (for those nice detailed macro shots), Nikon Speedlights, Godox AD-200 Light, Magmod Light Diffuses, and DJI Pro2 Drone for ariel photos.
What will we do at the photo shoot?
Photo shoots are a mix of staged and organic pictures. I’ll help you by telling you to do certain things (“Walk towards me while holding holds”) but will also capture your spontaneous nature too. I’d say most of my albums end up being 80% candid, 20% posed
Do you have a list of preferred vendors? We would love your recommendations.
I do! I’ve worked along-side some amazing professionals, and I fully stand by their work ethic and recommend them. Just ask and I’d be more than happy to give you their info.
What about engagement pictures? I hear that’s a great opportunity, like a test run of sorts. Do you photograph rehearsal dinners?
Yes to both. Engagement sessions are exactly that: an opportunity to be in front of my camera and work with me. It allows us all to get to know each other’s tendencies and how we work together. It will also show you that even the most self-proclaimed NOT photogenic people can look amazing in pictures. And I love capturing the fun and emotion of rehearsal dinners. They’re always a blast, and sometimes more fun than the actual reception.
Do you take mostly candid photos or do you choreograph a lot of the images?
I would say 80% of my pictures are candid “in the moment” photos. I prefer raw emotion rather than asking you to pose and smile. Some photos may start in a pose but will turn into your natural inclinations with your partner. If you choose to have family photos taken after or before the ceremony, those will most certainly be staged. Otherwise, you may see some small group pictures, and some of the more stylized photos (any of the super dramatic images you see online of a dip kiss in front of an open barn door with really brilliant colors and lighting, for example) being staged.
What is your cancellation policy? Do you offer refunds?
All deposits made towards the booking of me as your photographer are non-refundable. Therefore, if you need to cancel for any reason, you would forfeit the amount paid thus far. If I, as the photographer, cancel for cause (If I feel I’m being harassed, endangered, etc.) there is no refund of the amount paid thus far. If I, as the photographer, cancel without cause, then all money shall be refunded. Refunds are offered on a case-by-case basis.
Do you do custom packages?
I consider the needs of each client individually, so ALL of my pricing packages are custom. No two weddings, or engagements, or family sessions, etc. are the same, and therefore pricing is a conversation that we will always have to fit your budget. Find out more about pricing here.
So what all is included in your wedding packages?
Every wedding package I offer includes plenty of conversation to plan and consult (in person, over the phone, Skype, whatever works best) well before your wedding day. The biggest difference in my packages is the length of time I am spending photographing. I deliver your photographs via an online gallery that is easily downloadable and shareable with friends and family members. All photographs are high resolutions, professionally edited, and tastefully styled to your special day. You have the copyright of your wedding photos as well.
3 words that describe your photography style that all start with the letter “R”?
Ooo, a game! I love games. Real, romantic, and really (simple). But other words that don’t start with “R” would be timeless, romantic, passionate, authentic, warm, and natural. I keep my editing natural to allow the already present beauty to shine through. I love the outdoors, and either will incorporate it into my photos or use it as my preferred location. I use light from flashes only when necessary, such as on the dance floor, or to create more dramatic outdoor photos.
We saw some amazing photos on Pinterest. Can you do the same kind of picture for us?
Absolutely! Let’s create a mood board for your photo session. I love it when couples send me something they’ve been inspired by. Usually, it’s a more creative shot so it requires more planning and preparation, so the advanced notice is appreciated
What kind of deposit do you require? I want to make sure you book my date now!
When we discuss your photo package, we can divide the total cost into as many payments as there are months between when you book and 30-days before your wedding date. The deposit to book is just one of those payments, so it ranges.
When will you send us our pictures?
You will have your full gallery of high resolutions, professionally edited, and tastefully styled photos 12 weeks after the date of your event. Depending on the length and time of year your wedding occurs in, photos can be delivered sooner. Some packages I offer include a 10-20 photo preview 48 hours after the end of your event so you have something to hold you over until the full gallery is finished.
Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover exactly?
I charge a travel fee for any events 2 hours or more from Asheville which covers gas. Events that are more than 3 hours from Asheville and/or ending later than 11 p.m. will be charged a travel fee that covers gas and accommodations. All of this is discussed directly with you, and there are never any surprise fees that aren’t explained fully and previously.
Do you work solo or do you have a second shooter or an assistant with you on the day of my wedding?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. This mostly depends on the size of the wedding and if you feel comfortable being surrounded by two photographers in addition to a videographer or two, your coordinator, etc. There are pros and cons on both sides of the argument, but at the end of the day I am comfortable with either.
How long have you been doing photography?
I picked up a camera for the first time 19 years ago. Photography was originally a hobby, but in college people started asking me to do some senior picture work. After college I purchased my first professional camera, and in 2018 I finally start to see photography as a full-time career. In late 2019 Nick Levine Photography was officially born, and here we are today.
Can we see some of your past work? We want to see a full wedding album.
Absolutely! Send me an e-mail and I can share with you sample albums of different events I’ve photographed in the past.
Will our pictures be accessible online on our own special website? For how long?
That’s my favorite way to present them! A special online gallery will be created with your final catalog so you can easily view, share, and print your photos. It will be kept active for 6 months after the full gallery is delivered.
Do you have liability insurance and backup equipment?
You bet I do. It’s very important for me to be covered - accidents happen!
Will you be posting about our wedding on your website, social media, or blog? Do we really have a say in the matter?
I love sharing my work with others online. It also somewhat acts as a constantly changing scrapbook of all the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. If you don’t want me to share anything though, all you need to do is ask and I will respect your privacy.
Can we order prints and/or albums directly from you? Do you design the albums yourself?
I do offer prints and albums to be ordered with photos from your special day. Anything from cards to canvases and anything in between. I can offer you samples of the different styles and materials as well before you purchase anything.
What is the backup plan if you can’t shoot my wedding for whatever reason?
I have a handful of photographers in my network who I can call on for last-minute coverage.
Will we have the rights to the images?
Yes! Full copyrights of your wedding photos are included in all packages.
Where can we read some of your reviews?
You can find plenty of reviews going back a few years on Google, Facebook, Wedding Wire, and Yelp. Just search “Nick Levine Photography” and you should find my profile.