RIVERLAND STUDIOS » WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS IN CHARLESTON, SC

FAQ

Frequently Asked QuestionsPIN

FAQ

Got questions? We have you covered. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, call us and we’ll be glad to help!

BOOKING YOUR SHOOT

 

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER?
Being comfortable with your photographer sets the tone for the quality of your photo shoot. Our photographers are down-to-earth and lots of fun! Start by exploring biographies and portfolios to get a better idea of their background and shooting style. Then let us know who you’d like to meet and we’ll set up a phone call or meeting.
WILL I NEED MORE THAN ONE PHOTOGRAPHER?
In most situations our photographers are totally comfortable and able to cover the wedding day on their own. We work with you to schedule enough time for detail shots and “getting ready” shots before the ceremony. There are circumstances when we recommend two photographers. Check out our article on second shooters for more details.
CAN I CHOOSE COVERAGE OTHER THAN YOUR STANDARD PACKAGES?
We are happy to customize a package for you. Our weekend (Fri-Sun) wedding photography packages start at 6 hours. You can add extra hours up to a total of 12. Weekday (Mon-Thu) rates include “elopement” packages and start at 2 hours of coverage.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
A 35% retainer is due at the time of booking to hold your date. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks prior to the event. We’ll send you an email reminder when payment is due.
DO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes! We love traveling. Contact us for a quote.
HOW MUCH COVERAGE DO I NEED ON MY WEDDING DAY?
From experience, 8 hours of coverage ensures we’re able to tell the story of your day. If you’d prefer more, we offer up to 12 hours.
WILL WE MEET BEFORE THE WEDDING?
We would love to get together with you and show you examples of our products, introduce you to your photographer, and learn more about your wedding plans. Call us and we’ll schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you.

ABOUT THE STUDIO

 

WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Our images have been described as creative, timeless, and documentary in style. However, each photographer presents their own unique style and perspective.
DO YOU SHOOT FILM OR DIGITAL?
We shoot with digital SLR cameras. Film photography is timeless and beautiful and we often recreate its aesthetic during our post-production workflow.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PHOTOGRAPHER IS SICK ON MY WEDDING DAY?
One of our other awesome photographers will shoot your wedding.
IS IT OKAY IF I HAVE ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOTING AT THE SAME TIME AS YOU?
No. For the sake of your photos, we ask that you don’t have a photographer outside of our company following us. Another camera can greatly complicate matters. In fact you might consider telling guests to put down their smartphones and cameras too.
DO YOU CARRY INSURANCE?
Yes, we carry liability insurance for professional photographers.
CAN I HAVE THE RAW IMAGES FROM YOUR CAMERA?
We do not provide raw files under any circumstances.
CAN YOU MAKE MY ARMS SMALLER, MY BACK STRAIGHTER, MY TUMMY THINNER?
Sorry, we don’t do digital plastic surgery. We think you are beautiful the way God made you.
The post-production process begins with our editors selecting the best photos that represent your day. Shots that were unintentional (eyes closed, out of focus, under/overexposed) are taken out of the final selection. We then use software to enhance each photograph, making it the best it can be. We’re very careful to remove distractions in the background, retouch skin and remove blemishes in portraits. Finally, every photo goes through a quality control check by another member of the studio.
CAN I HAVE THE PHOTOS EVEN IF THEY ARE OUT OF FOCUS, UNDEREXPOSED, OR VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU GAVE ME?
No. That’s why you hired a professional photographer. You can trust us that we will give you the very best selection that tells the story of your day.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
We use the best camera equipment available on the market. Using professional equipment makes a significant difference in the quality of the photo. It gives the photographer options and flexibility to shoot in unique light and environments.
MY MOM REALLY WANTS TRADITIONAL POSED AND GROUP SHOTS, CAN YOU HELP US OUT?
Although the majority of our images will be natural and unrehearsed we include the traditional group shots your parents and family appreciate.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

 

HOW MANY LOCATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION?
We recommend two locations for the 2-hour session and one location for the 1-hour session. Anymore and you’ll spend more time traveling and less time in front of the camera!
WHO PAYS FOR VENUE ENTRY FEES?
The client is responsible for paying their own venue entry fee. If the fee is per person, the photographer will cover their own entry fee.
WILL I NEED TO CLEAN MY DRESS AFTER A BRIDAL PORTRAIT SESSION?
Because sessions sometimes occur outside a climate-controlled environment, you should be prepared to spot-clean your dress after the portrait session.
SHOULD WE COORDINATE CLOTHES FOR A FAMILY OR COUPLES SESSION?
We recommend couples wear clothes that are colorful and complimentary, if desired, but not matching. Take a look at our article on fashion tips for photo shoots.
WHAT IS AN AFTER-WEDDING SESSION?
This is a chance for the bride to wear her gown again and the couple to have photos taken in unique locations in a relaxed setting after the wedding day. Often, there isn’t time for a “couples session” on the wedding day, or possibly inclement weather prevented it. This is also a good alternative for couples who don’t have engagement photos.

PRODUCTS & PRINTS

 

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?
Every wedding package includes all high-resolution images available for digital download. You’ll receive a print release granting personal rights to the photos. We offer a selection of high-quality flushmount albums, prints on lustre photo paper, canvas, thin wraps, and metal.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO YOU GIVE CLIENTS?
It varies depending on the shoot type and duration of the event. For the typical 8-hour wedding day, you can expect to receive between 400 and 600 images. For a 2-hour portrait session, we typically deliver 75-100 images.
HOW AND WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
For WEDDINGS, in approximately 4 – 8 weeks, you will receive a link to a personalized online gallery to download and share photos and order prints and for PORTRAITS in approximately 2 – 5 weeks.
WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT TO MY PHOTOS?
The studio retains the copyright to all images. In basic terms, it means someone else can’t say they shot the photo, sell or publish it. You will receive a digital photo release granting you the right to print and share the images for personal use.
HOW CAN I POST MY IMAGES ON FACEBOOK?
You’ll be able to share photos directly from your gallery to any social media site.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRINT PRICES?
Check out the online catalog for our latest prices.
CAN I PRINT MY OWN PHOTOS?
Wedding packages include a photo release and high-resolution digital images that can be printed at a photo lab of your choice. However, we recommend you use our professional print lab to ensure quality.