Question 1

Do you work with a second photographer?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Most of the time… Yes. Having a second photographer allows you to obtain images that are very unique and frankly, that I can’t get myself! It’s also great to have another shooter because this frees up space all across your timeline when two people are efficiently getting the job done. The people I’ve chosen to help me out with weddings are lovely people, you can read more about them here; http://www.shellymakphoto.com/abouttheteam

Question 2

What is this film photographer listed in your packages?

Accepted Answer

Film is a lost art that is barely becoming popular again. And to think, a lot of our parents and grandparents only had this one shot with each picture! A roll of film is completely unique and displays an authentic beauty that celebrates the beginnings of popular photography. This is why I want to include it in my packages. I have an extra photographer that will come with my team on your wedding day and just take one roll of film’s worth in photos. She’ll only capture unique things that maybe you hadn’t kept your eye on, or a special moment that is too good to pass up. These raw photos will be an extra treat to enjoy when so many of your photos will be posed and calculated.

Question 3

What is this Dropbox you speak of in your package descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Well, once your wedding is over, I give you a USB with all your images, a tangible photo album AND some links to your own online Dropbox folders so that you can access all your photos whenever! You’ll get two links; the first link is to the folder with ALL your wedding photos. The second link is to the folder of photos that everyone is going to be bugging you for (It just excludes the portraits of you two)! Do what you may, but I set this up so that you can share the second link with your bridal party, extended family, or anyone who has a photo they want from you! They can only view and download, not edit or delete the photos (same applies to both these links) unless you send them an email-invite to the folder. So it’s safe to share with tons of people!
I will add instructions to everything ‘Dropbox’ on your wedding USB.

Question 4

Why do you offer fingerprinting services?

Accepted Answer

Well concerned citizen, I'm actually a trained Crime Scene Investigator! And throughout my training, fingerprinting quickly became one of my favorite areas of forensics due to its complete individuality. NO one on this planet has the same fingerprints as you do because of how you were uniquely fashioned in your mother’s womb. And just like your fingerprints, your relationship with your loved one is completely unique.
Now because I’m an artist, I’ve found a cheesy way of exemplifying that. I love taking each of your ring fingers (or maybe your finger with the coolest print) and creating a little graphic of them in a heart. For more on this process, check out www.shellymakphoto.com/fingerprints

Question 5

Is it safe to give you my fingerprint?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. I’m using your prints strictly for an artistic idea, not to report them (which is not ethical anyways; I can’t just add random fingerprints to the national or local database without a slew of information).
 
So let's get into this; if I honestly wanted to plant your fingerprints somewhere, I would need 1) a strong hatred for you that I do not have for any person or thing on this planet, and 2) (I'm not even sure if this is possible) a LOT of money to spend on reconstructing your hand, your fingers and all it’s sweat pores into a 3-D gel model that sweats your body's amino acids (which could probably be considered identiy theft and I don't plan on going to prison). Also, I don’t even care or know how to begin that process. Once I’ve photographed these prints and imported them into my filing system, they can’t be given or sold to another soul (or system) according to my contract.
 
Second, CSI shows are FAKE NEWS! Because of these shows, a lot of people put more weight on the forensic value of fingerprints (this isn’t to say the opposite, but they’re not as prevalent as you may think). Finding a FULL fingerprint at a crime scene is not normal… And finding a print’s match happens far and few between! I wish it wasn’t like that… But the reality is that finding a usable, wonderfully sweaty, smudge-less fingerprint is quite rare. 
Now, “what about shows like Forensic Files?” you may ask. Those shows are more accurate than most. But you have to realize, TV shows like this only show cases where there was usable evidence and there was a usable fingerprint. They don’t show you all cases where there was no usable evidence (which is the majority of cases). So don’t be tricked into thinking that fingerprints are 1) very prevalent and 2) easy to plant.

Question 6

Do you also provide video services?

Accepted Answer

Nope, strictly photography. But take a look at this page about vendors I suggest!
http://www.shellymakphoto.com/wedding-vendors

Question 7

Do you have past clients we can speak to as references?

Accepted Answer

I can absolutely understand why you'd ask this because I would ask it too. But I don't provide client references to prospective wedding couples mainly because any reference I would give you would be biased anyways! And more off, I truly respect my clients' investment in my work and could never ask them to market for me on their own time.

Question 8

Do you edit all of our photographs?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how many photos have been taken of your special day! Every photograph I give you is lightly retouched and color-corrected by my editor who does a fabulous job. When I get the photos back from her, I like to go in and double check everything to make sure it's my style, get rid of distracting objects in backgrounds, touch up temporary things like acne or messed up hair, and adjust angles in which the photo was taken. These are all minor things that’ll make the pictures THAT much better.

Question 9

Are our digital files watermarked?

Accepted Answer

Nope! These high-resolution files do not contain watermarks.

Question 10

How long does it take before we receive our products and photographs?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get your photos + your custom wedding photo box in 8-10 weeks or less from the date of your wedding. This is subject to change being that I do work 50+ hours a week at a police department.

Question 11

Can we pay extra for an expidited delivery date?

Accepted Answer

Yes! What you pay will cut your delivery time in half. Depending on your package, the expidited rate is 25% of your package's original cost (expluding discount given or items omitted). For services under $200, the expidited rate is a flat $60.00.

Question 12

How many pictures will we receive?

Accepted Answer

I usually promise my clients at least 400 photos MINIMUM. Which, I normally never deliver that little. But, it’s important to remember that the number of images you receive depends on how long I’m photographing your wedding. So it can vary from 800-2000 images, maybe even more!

Question 13

Do we receive the raw, unedited files?"

Accepted Answer

No. I give my customers a finished, polished product. The raw, unedited files aren't available for viewing or purchase. I think of myself as an artist and to truly enjoy the product I’m selling, I like for clients to see the finished product first above anything. I have high standards for what I produce, so everything that doesn’t make the cut gets archived. But please know that any images that don’t make the cut are truly no good! (see more about this in the following question's answer).

Question 14

How much retouching do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Light to moderate retouching is included in all packages. Heavier retouching is considered tier 1 retouching and costs $12.00 a photo. Extreme heavy retouching is considered tier 2 retouching and costs $21.00 per photo.
 
Light to moderate retouching includes lightly edited and color-corrected techniques. I like to get rid of distracting objects in backgrounds, touch up temporary things like acne or messed up hair, and adjust angles in which the photo was taken.
Tier 1 retouching includes portait-type editing in which every aspect of the photograph is refined (complete facial retouches and such).
Tier 2 retouching includes completely altering certain aspects of the photo that are not naturally pre-existing (editing bodies and skin).

Question 15

Can we see the outtakes and all of the images that didn't make the "final cut"?"

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. But I pride myself on giving my customers majority of the images I take because I know we all love options. The only reason you won’t get an image is either because: the image is a duplicate, it’s blurry, someone’s eyes are closed, or it was a test shot. Trust me, I like options too and understand that not everyone knows the angles you specifically like or prefer.

Question 16

Do you need to attend our rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Rehearsal dinner coverage is available for an extra $55 an hour… Otherwise I don't attend the rehearsals. We will talk details about the big day well before the rehearsal dinner so rest assure that my lack of attendance to this dinner won’t impact my performance on the day of!

Question 17

Do you offer engagement sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do! I love couple’s photos because they’re usually more playful and casual. The sessions are generally shot at 4-5pm during the winter months, and 6-8pm in the summer months. They’re also included in my wedding packages, but you can individually book them is that’s all you need!

Question 18

Can we provide you with a "shot list" or "must take pictures"?"

Accepted Answer

Other than the family groupings, I'd prefer that you didn't. And not because I’m a prude and want things my way, but because I really do believe that it is counterproductive to the work you've seen on my website and will result in a different look to your photos. Now, I’m not saying don’t show me what you’re envisioning! Because I love to meet my client’s expectations. But I do have a certain style and enjoy documenting authentic love through that creative process. A lot of the poses you see on Pinterest and what not will unsurprisingly happen with my style of photography. But giving me a list of honey-do’s reduces my ability to capture your love naturally… And I want to create unique work for you.

SHELLY MAK PHOTO

WEDDING

F.A.Q.