Q & A
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about my photography services.
01. Booking
All dates are reserved once I receive your signed contract and deposit. Once I’ve reserved your date, we do not accept new clients for your date.
Regrettably, penciling in a date is not an option. To guarantee the reservation of your date, you must make the deposit and complete the booking form. Managing multiple inquiries and meetings for the same date makes holding dates impractical without a confirmed deposit.
I follow a policy of booking on a first-come, first-served basis, and I’d love to be a
part of your special day! Popular dates tend to get booked about 12 months in
advance. Feel free to reach out to me via this link to check if I’m available for your
date – let’s make sure we can create some beautiful memories together!
I understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for
cancellation. It’s always a difficult situation, considering the careful planning
involved. Turning down other inquiries during this time means that finding a
replacement becomes challenging.
While I hope such situations are rare, I acknowledge that they can happen.
It’s not just a professional matter for me; it affects my business, which supports my
family. In the unfortunate event of a cancellation less than 6 months before the
wedding, full payment is required. For cancellations made anywhere from 6
months before the wedding date, a 50% payment of the chosen package price
(minus the deposit) is necessary.
First, I consider the reasons for the change and our availability during the
decision-making process. Additionally, if there are rate changes between your
original date and the new date, the new rates will apply. Your unique situation and
circumstances are essential factors in finding the most suitable solution for
rescheduling.
Absolutely! Planning the perfect amount of photographic coverage can be a challenge so far in advance. Feel free to adjust your coverage as needed in the
weeks and months leading up to your wedding – whether it’s an increase or decrease. Once you’ve figured out your itinerary, we’d be delighted to review it and
provide insights on how your coverage aligns with the photos you envision for your
special day. Your satisfaction and capturing your cherished moments are our top
priorities!
As weekends are commonly reserved for weddings, our engagement sessions are
typically scheduled on weekdays. However, I understand that weekends may be more convenient for you. If you prefer a weekend session, I can tentatively plan for that, but there’s a chance we might need to reschedule if a wedding booking
arises for the same timeframe. Please be aware that there is an additional charge
for weekend engagement sessions, as weekends are precious family time for us.
Weekdays also offer the advantage of less crowded locations, enhancing the
overall experience.
02. Edit
Of course! Your wedding day is of utmost importance, and I come fully prepared
to ensure everything goes smoothly. I bring backup cameras, lenses, and other
essential equipment to guarantee that, in the rare event of any malfunction, I can seamlessly continue capturing every precious moment. Your peace of mind and the success of your wedding photography experience are my top priorities.
As wedding photographer with a photojournalistic approach, my goal is to capture the essence and story of your special day authentically. While the number of photos taken can vary based on the unique moments and events that unfold, you can expect a thorough coverage that typically results in a range of 800 to 1.200 carefully curated images. I prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring each photo contributes to telling the beautiful narrative of your wedding day.
Usually, your gallery will feature approximately 20% black and white images, although this can vary depending on the specifics of the wedding. Certain moments or parts of the day may naturally lend themselves to black and white conversion. I’ve always reserve a colour version of the same image.
Photoshop is indeed a valuable tool, but its use might not align with common assumptions. All my photos undergo individual editing and correction in Lightroom to ensure a consistent and harmonious final result. To simplify, I could categorize the process into two parts: ‘Editing’ and ‘Retouching.’ Editing involves giving each photo a specific look, manipulating settings as needed. On the other hand, retouching, often known as ‘Photoshopping,’ is considered advanced editing to achieve a particular final look.
Tasks like reducing the size of body parts or removing distracting elements fall under retouching and are not included in standard pricing. While retouching is available, there’s an associated cost, as it can be time-intensive, often requiring an hour per photo. Providing an exact cost without assessing the image and your specific requirements is challenging, but I’re more than happy to discuss your needs and provide a tailored quote..
The RAW files, which are the original digital files straight from the camera, are not provided to my clients. Part of my service involves meticulously editing these RAW files to impart my signature look and address any blemishes or technical issues. Subsequently, I export high-resolution JPEG files with the same size and resolution. This ensures that you receive fully edited, usable images that can be viewed, printed, and published anywhere.
For your peace of mind, I retain copies of both your RAW files and the edited JPEGs for up to two years. This serves as a complimentary backup in case you ever lose your copies, offering an additional layer of security and support in case of an emergency.
Capturing the moments during a wedding involves a delicate balance of numerous factors, and my approach is primarily documentary in nature. There isn’t a specific structure to how I shoot; instead, I focus on photographing elements that, in my judgment, weave together the narrative of the day. This is done within the confines of my unique style, considering the available time, space, and light.
There’s no predetermined formula, prescribed image list, or a set number of photos for any scene or particular individuals. However, before the wedding, we can discuss specific shots that are important to you. If there’s anything specific you have in mind, feel free to share, and I’ll make a note of it. Your input is invaluable, and I’m more than happy to tailor my approach to ensure we capture the moments that matter most to you.
03. Delivery
The highlight galleries will be available for viewing within a week after the wedding. The final online delivery, including all edited photos, is scheduled for 6 weeks post-wedding. Please consider potential delays during public holidays and major holiday periods like Christmas and Easter, as these might impact the delivery timeline. Rest assured, I’m committed to providing you with beautifully captured memories in a timely manner.
Safeguarding your wedding memories is a top priority for me. Throughout the event, I shoot simultaneously on two cards, instantly creating a backup for every image within the camera itself. Post-event, I separate the primary cards from the backup cards to mitigate any potential risks. After that, I immediately upload all images to my computer, triggering an automatic backup to an external hard drive.
Additionally, I duplicate the RAW files to a dedicated hard drive. By the next morning, this meticulous process results in three copies of every photo captured on your special day. While it may seem like a lot, weddings are momentous occasions, and ensuring the security of your images is non-negotiable.
Please be aware that there is a 50 euros replacement charge for any additional downloads requested after the event has been archived. I highly recommend making at least one copy of the initial download when it is provided to you.
No, I don’t provide raw or unedited images. My commitment to delivering a high-quality final product involves eliminating duplicate images, test shots, missed-focused shots, and those with unfavorable expressions. I understand that you may not have the time or expertise to sift through each image for the best focus, so I invest hours in this process on my edit. For instance, shooting with low apertures may result in taking a few extra shots to ensure perfect focus. I go through the meticulous task of selecting the one with the sharpest focus.
Additionally, candid moments capturing genuine emotions like laughs and tears, while precious, can sometimes yield unflattering facial expressions. In such cases, we might capture a few extra shots to ensure we deliver the best image with the ideal expression for the moment. Our extensive experience in processing thousands of images annually allows me to curate and deliver only the best, ensuring that your final collection represents the highest standard of our work.
I firmly believe that the photos captured at a wedding should be cherished and shared. Unlike the approach of selecting a specific number of top shots, I provide you with every worthwhile photo taken – each image that is well-exposed, non-duplicate, and, of course, flattering. I implement a continuous culling process on camera throughout the day, ensuring that we deliver a comprehensive collection. While there might be a few photos that don’t make the final cut for various reasons, I don’t withhold images without a valid cause. Culling is a crucial aspect of my work, and I never underestimate its importance. It stands as one of the essential responsibilities of your wedding photographer to curate and present a collection that truly reflects the beauty and essence of your special day.
By default, your story will be featured on our blog and business social media! However, this is entirely negotiable and subject to your preferences. We value your privacy, and we want to assure you that we’ll never insist on retaining any rights to publish photos of you without your consent. Nevertheless, we believe your photos capture amazing moments that deserve to be shared, and we hope you’ll consider showcasing them to celebrate the beauty of your special day.
I’ll hold onto the copyright for all the wedding images as your professional photographer. But not to worry, you retain the right to reprint your images at your discretion. However, it’s important to note that selling your images for profit or publishing them requires written consent from Despina Drapanioti Photography.
I value your freedom to enjoy and share your cherished moments while maintaining a respectful approach to the use of my work.
04. Other
Absolutely! Posing for photos can feel forced, and I completely understand. While I’m more than willing to capture some portraits if that’s your preference, my approach is to focus on directing rather than posing. It’s about capturing the genuine connection and emotions between you two on your special day. You won’t find me asking you to put on a forced smile for the camera.
As your photographer, my goal is to help you both look fantastic in the photos, and that happens when you’re relaxed and being yourselves. I’ll guide you to ensure you feel comfortable and authentic during the process. Furthermore, I’m not one to drag out the portrait session for hours. I believe in creating a handful of exceptional images rather than overwhelming you with a large quantity of average ones.
Quality and authenticity are key to capturing the true essence of your wedding day.
Included in my wedding services is a planning session, conducted over Zoom or in person, where we meticulously go through the schedule for your special day and pinpoint the ideal locations. During our planning session, we cover essential details such as the ceremony location and potential lighting challenges. We’ll strategize where to capture family and group photos and discuss your preferences for formal shots.
Once our plan is in place, I create a schedule for the day, continuously fine-tuning it as I approach your wedding date and the venue finalizes their schedule for you. On the day of your wedding, I carry a copy of the schedule with me, ensuring I’m precisely where I need to be and prepared for each moment.
Certainly not. I capture what unfolds before us on the actual day of the event. Having been in the industry for a considerable time, I’ve encountered various challenges, including venues with challenging lighting, unpredictable weather, and unconventional timelines. Contrary to popular belief, shooting at a venue we haven’t worked at my our approach. What truly distinguishes one wedding from another isn’t the venue itself but the overall vibe, energy, and atmosphere. In fact, not having prior experience with a venue can be advantageous. Approaching it with fresh eyes prevents falling into routine habits and opens up unique creative possibilities.
Certainly, and I highly recommend considering them.
Yes, and I absolutely love them. Please feel free to get in touch with me for more
information.
I strongly advise you to handle with a professional wedding planner; they are
experts in this area. We can also provide some recommendations if you’d like.
I can’t imagine wanting to limit the photos your friends and family take; they hold a unique significance. However, there are certain considerations. During the ceremony, feel free to shoot away, unless it becomes disruptive and hinders our time. I’m more than happy to work alongside any photographers present. When it comes to formal portrait photos, having a friend with a camera can be distracting and disrupt the creative flow. It might also cause confusion for your bridal party.
This session is crucial, so I recommend having guests stay together and entrust this part to us.
I absolutely love capturing the intimacy of small weddings and elopements, and I’m more than willing to offer partial day coverage. Feel free to reach out, and let’s discuss your plans. Together, we can figure out the right amount of coverage that suits your unique vision.
Absolutely! I love traveling and am available for destination weddings. While I do charge travel fees, they are customized based on the specific location and travel requirements. This ensures that I can be there to capture your special day, no matter where it takes place. I’ll work closely with you to discuss the travel details, plan logistics, and provide a transparent breakdown of any associated travel costs.
My goal is to make the process seamless for you, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your destination wedding while we take care of the photography.
