General Questions

There are two steps to viewing the photographs. The first step is that our photographer's favorites from your wedding are posted on our main site. This is viewable to the public as well the vendors from your wedding will have access to them. This is nice because instead of the vendors contacting you to ask for pictures (which they would) to show the details of what they do, they just get an email from us with access.

A promise that we make to all of our potential couples is that when they go onto our website, they are not just seeing our favorite weddings over the years, which can be mis-leading on what they can really expect, they are actually seeing every wedding that we have taken. So these photographer's favorite images will need to be public. Of course if a picture was posted that you really didn't like we would be happy to remove it.

The next viewing step is an online private login gallery of all of your images. These are completely private unless you decide to share the code with family or friends. This gallery is typically posted a week or so after the favorites gallery.

Yes. We always scout a venue inside and out if the venue is new to us. If it is a location that we have photographed for years, then typically we don't need to do a walkthrough. To produce the very best results and to be most efficient we have found that it is best that we do a walkthrough on our own, versus with the clients. This allows us as photographers to focus without distraction.

As trained photographers we are looking at things from a completely different perspective. We are looking at how the light is falling in a particular area, we are looking for clean backgrounds, distractions in the background, and how we want to expose for the image. We look for little nooks and crannies that to an untrained eye may not be amazing, but behind the camera it will be.

We have found that it is most important to scout a new location on the day of the wedding. That way we can see what the light presents, as well have everything very fresh in our minds as to the best spots to photograph. We typically arrive an hour before shoot time, to allow for plenty of time to really get to know the location. Before the wedding day, we also like to go online and view photographs that have been taken in the past at the venue. We use that as inspiration and then give it our own twist.

If you are doing a walkthrough, we suggest that if you have any special locations that you want to be photographed in, that you send us an email list and we will be sure to take note. But ultimately we will make sure on our end that we know the venue blindfolded before photographing. If you can put your trust in our process, I can promise that it will produce the very best end result.

We always make sure to do very little removing (editing/culling) of the images from your event. Here is the process. 

Throughout the event, each time we are in a different scene, we will test our light. As we set up our shots, we are constantly making improvements in the moment. Sometimes, we will photograph four or five shots to get to that sixth or seventh perfect image.

After the event, we download the images and preview all of them in our studio. As part of our post-production, the occasional test image will get removed, as those are usually pictures of the ground or sky, or are very dark or light. But if we think an image may have any interest at all, it is kept. So you will have essentially every image photographed (a lot of photos!)

Finally, we look at the full series. Let's say that when we took family portraits, we took six nearly identical photographs of the same group. Out of the six shots, there will be maybe three that are most flattering, where all eyes are open and everyone is looking great. Instead of selecting only one photo, and limiting the images you receive, we will still include the alternates in our deliverables, so you have options to choose from. 

For peace of mind, let's say we photographed a picture and it may not be our favorite as an artist. But it has an uncle walking by or someone laughing. We will always leave those images in there for you, so you have the option of viewing them :)

Typically yes. But there are exceptions. If you look on our pricing customizer, you will see that the second photographer is priced out at a greatly reduced cost compared to the lead photographer. The reason we do this is purely with the best interest of our clients in mind. We actually don't earn any profit from our second shooters.

Even if you're the best in the world at photography, you just can't be in two places at once. There is just so much to cover at the wedding. Two photographers helps ensure full coverage and more creativity.

Here are a few examples:

Pre ceremony: One photographer can be photographing the groomsmen while the other photographs the bridesmaids. Or one can photograph the grounds while the other photographs the bridesmaids/ groomsmen.

Ceremony: While one photographer is close up, getting shots of the couple, the other can be in the back, getting overalls of the location. Or while one photographer is getting pictures of the couple, the other can get the reaction shots of the guests. It really is the other half of the story.

Formal photos: While one photographer does the formal photos, the other can cover cocktail hour and reception-area details

Reception: One photographer can capture the first dance while the other shooter is getting reaction shots. Or while one shooter is getting closeup expressions of the couple with a tight lens, the other photographer can shoot wide angle to get the overall feel of the couple in the room. Then, during dancing, one shooter can be on the dance floor while the other photographing the perimeter. That way, the guests that are equally important but may not be dancing are also covered.

There are many other examples. In a nutshell, YES, two shooters are important. It is actually a requirement when having over eighty guests.

There are exceptions to the rule. For a smaller party (60-80 or less), it is easier for one photographer to get that coverage needed. If you don't have a bridal party and cocktail hour and details of the room are not important to have covered, then one photographer can be sufficient. Or if you do have a bridal party, but are allotting more time for the solo photographer to shoot beforehand to cover both sides, that can work as well. To best determine the potential of just one photographer, it is best to discuss the details of the timeline, to ensure we are set up to successfully capture what is most important to you.

One thing that makes our studio truly unique is that we have created a consistent and very established brand. The photographers that we bring on are all a natural fit to our True Photography look. What we have done over the past fifteen years is found the very best and elite photography talent. No matter how long they have been photographing (minimum 5 years pro), each photographer goes through our own extensive program to make sure they understand fully what is expected of them when capturing photos within True Photography. Then it is just about fine tuning, rather than re-inventing the photographer.

Because we have our system in place, the reality is that no matter who your photographer is within our studio, your end result will be very similar. Granted, photography is an art form and no humans are exactly alike, so there will always be variations, depending on the couple, the location, the lighting that the day brings, etc. But because of the program we built, it would be very difficult to distinguish the difference between our shooters. If you like one of us, you will like all of us. That is the beauty of a solid brand and a team working together.

There are so many advantages here for you. If God forbid a photographer were to get sick or injured, or had a family emergency the day before your wedding, we would have a seamless solution in minutes. We would get one of our top photographers that is on call that day, and they would be ready to go at a moment's notice. Zero stress :)

Here's another scenario. Let's say that you loved the work, but maybe the personalities didn't match up perfectly with your photographer when you spoke or did the engagement shoot. That is no problem. We would just make a switch on request to one of our other available photographers. This of course won't happen, as we are equally as picky on finding amazing personalities as amazing talent. We believe you will love everyone on our team as much as we do! However, we feel it's vital that you have flexibility with us, and never feel stuck.

The end reality, to say maybe a bit bluntly, is that it doesn't matter who you get in our studio. It just matters that you get our studio. When you visit our site truephotography.com, you'll see that we have showcased every wedding from the past five years to really show our consistency. If you love what you see overall on our site, that is exactly what you can expect from us.

Once booked, we personally assign your photographer based on availability, experience level at your venue, etc. Within 48 hours, they will be in touch via phone and email so that you can get to know them on a personal level, and ensure that everything is perfect :)

We understand that photography and video often get paired together, as they are both visual mediums. We have always had the philosophy that it is best to specialize and master one specific craft. By focusing our energy on photography, we have been able to produce top level images to our clients. Having said that, we also understand the convenience of booking both photography and video at the same time. So, our studio has found the perfect solution, and now offer video in a unique fashion. 

In order to better serve our clients, we have collaborated with a few hand-picked teams that have always done an amazing job and also have super happy clients. They know how we work and we know how they work, ensuring everything is streamlined and smooth. You are now able to contract the videography straight through our studio, and all under one contract and bill. As a result you get the benefits of two vendors who specialize in their craft,  while having the convenience and savings of booking them together. Just let us know which videos you connect with and we will take care of the rest for you! 

Included in the video packages are two high-definition cameras (same hours as photography), a 3-5 minute Produced Highlights Video, and additional un-produced coverage from throughout the wedding day. The Highlights Video is the perfect length for frequent rewatching and social sharing, and the additional coverage gives you all of the footage from throughout the day for your archives.

Typically the videographers will stay for the same amount of time as the photographers at the event. The video is ready within 26 business days to share with family and friends :)

Pricing will range from $2500-$4000 depending on the videographer, number of hours, number of videographers, drone work, etc. Please contact us at 760.271.4853 and we are happy to go over the best video options for you.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO SAMPLES

Videographer: STEPHEN

Yes, we offer a range of printing options. Keep in mind that we are one solution. You will get all your images full-resolution for your event. These printable files give you the freedom to print when and where you wish.

When your event is added to our shopping cart, you will be given a link to the gallery, and an event code to share with friends and family. Any time you click on a gallery image, you'll see the print options available for that photo, which will give you the most current pricing.

If you choose to print with us, you'll find that we have actually priced our standard printing lower than most photography studios charge. We did this in an effort to be reasonable for your family and friends that log in to see your pictures online.

Here is an explanation of the two types of printing we do.

Standard Printing: Outsourced to a pro lab and printed on professional paper. Archival up to 40 years without fading. Machine printed.

Fine Art Printing: All Fine Art printing is done in our studio on a high-resolution large format inkjet printer. We use the finest, soft cotton archival papers with a light watercolor texture and delicate feel. The matte papers and premium inks produce images with smooth tones and rich colors for an extraordinary presentation. The prints have a no fade life expectancy of 200 years. (We highly recommend matting and framing your Fine Art print for a beautifully finished look).

Every single image is available to be printed in a variety of sizes, which are priced accordingly.

If there is a reason to do it, then it's cool. But it's very easy to abuse the fish eye lens. There has to be a reason. If you're doing it just to do it, that's where it can become gimmicky. We feel that a fish eye works well if you want to get an overall shot of the venue or all of the guests. It's also fun to use if you want to get a silly shot. For example, a dog wearing a tuxedo close up, or a goofy shot of the groomsmen. But it's not a flattering lens where a bride will say "Wow, I look amazing!"

We feel that using a fish eye lens more than two or three times in a wedding is pushing it. There are other ways to be creative.

The short answer is yes, we all share a signature style that is unique to True Photography. When you hire our studio, you are hiring a brand, and with a solid brand comes consistency and reliability in the end product. All photographers on our team produce images with a similar aesthetic, and continuously amazing results. We keep our team small and tight-knit on purpose so that our company can remain very personable, with a high caliber of work.

Our photographers have many elements in common, including:

• They are well-balanced shooters. All of our photographers are seasoned professionals, with extensive training. Instead of having one photographer that is documentary style, one that is a portrait photographer, one that does candids, and another that has more of a fashion approach, our photographers are true specialists in all areas.
• They each have the technical knowledge to shoot great images in any lighting condition. We always work with the natural light that exists so that the images look true to life. However, there are situations where light must be created to produce the most dynamic and flattering image. Our photographers know how to use natural light to its best advantage, and when to use expert techniques for creating light when circumstances demand it.
• Each person has that indescribable "it factor" that makes them a unique and exciting individual, in addition to a talented photographer.
• Everyone on our team has a great, fun personality. We are unobtrusive throughout the event, and vocal when it is time to give direction. We make the photography an enjoyable and memorable part of the event for the guests and couple.

We have incredibly high standards when it comes to our photographers. It takes a very special and talented person to be a True Photographer :) The consistency that you see is the result of a team effort and a lot of work!

When we create photographic effects such as a soft focus, we like most of the blurring to happen with the lens, in the moment. We typically don't like to add blurring effects later in Photoshop because we feel it can look a little cheesy.

The use of long lenses and a large aperture will create a natural blur of the background. During the wedding, we spend some of the time shooting with nice long lenses. This allows us to keep a little more distance while still getting a tightly cropped picture.

Each scenario and mood requires a different lighting setup. If a photographer uses too much flash, it will overpower the mood, and look more artificial. However, if a photographer does not light the shot properly, it can come out looking muddy or underexposed. It's this balance between natural light and the use of flash that ultimately defines a photographer's lighting style.

The natural light often sets the mood and feeling of the wedding. The more experienced the photographer, the more prepared they will be able to accomplish amazing light within a very small window of time. On your wedding day, experience is extremely important so that the photographer will be able to create nice light in any environment. It's easy to get a great photo when lighting conditions are ideal, but what defines a professional photographer is their ability to manipulate the light when it's not perfect. A true professional has no excuse;  they just get great shots no matter what.

While we're photographing, we think through our intended composition. For the most part, the image is proportioned correctly at the time it's shot, and doesn't require cropping. However, when we're doing formal pictures, we'll leave a little extra room on the right and left side. This is because when you do an 8x10 picture, it will crop the image. We want to leave non-essential image areas on the sides so that the people don't get cropped out.

Aaron Feldman says, "My grandfather always told me to choose one direction that you can keep close to your heart, and that will have impact on peoples' lives. For me, weddings are a very big defining moment. Not just for the couple, but for the entire group of family and friends that are there to witness the special day."

Photoshop is very important in our process, but it's just a tool to help us enhance the photographs. You have to start with a solid image. Photoshop won't make a bad picture good, but if used properly, it will help to create a more finished and polished look.

We use the top of the line cameras and lenses from Nikon and Canon. These cameras range from 16 to 36 megapixels, and produce raw files that are around 40-60 megabytes each. We always have lenses that range from 20mm to 200mm.

Having the right equipment is very important. But the real quality of the images depends on the skill of the photographer. It is the brain behind the camera that makes all the difference. If the photographer can get amazing results time after time with an iPhone, then the process getting there doesn't really matter. (FYI, there is no way to get equivalent amazing results with an iPhone.)

Aaron Feldman says, "I feel the same way about any effect. If it makes sense, and complements the image, it can look great. If you're doing it just to do it, it can look gimmicky.

Texturizing everything on an image can be confusing. It will help to justify the effect if you choose specific areas of the picture to texture, and work with the visibility of those textures. I would definitely not suggest getting effect-y with too many images."

Yes, it's definitely valuable. Although it's not a requirement to have a coordinator or wedding planner, a good coordinator helps to keep everything organized. They help to create a timeline that makes sense, and allows you to get all the photos that are necessary for your wedding day. When things don't happened perfectly as planned, it's nice to have someone (other than your family members or yourself) who can take care of any issues.

Typically when a coordinator is involved,  weddings are stylized a little more, with colors, backdrops, and staging. This helps us produce even better pictures. For example, something as simple as having uplighting at the reception can really make a big difference in photography. It helps to create the mood.

Our free image download solution works across all platforms (ex: Mac, PC). By following these instructions, you will be able to download your entire event all at once.

Jump to: I want to order a Flash Drive

Step 1: Downloading the File

When your images are ready, you'll receive an email from us containing a link to a free download. Clicking the link should open a web browser on your computer, and a window asking where you want to save the file. Choose the default download location (such as your Desktop or Downloads folder) or else select a custom save location if preferred, such as an external storage drive. The download file will be very large, so you will want to ensure you have room on your computer or external drive (at least 50 GB of free space).

Go ahead and download the file. Depending on your Internet connection speed, the download may take several hours, so we suggest downloading overnight.

In case your download gets interrupted before it finishes, try setting your Mac or PC's sleep timeout to "never" for the duration of the transfer. Also, check to see if you are able to resume the download before starting over. Many browsers have a 'resume' feature where you can continue downloading right where you left off.

Safari

Internet Explorer

Chrome

Web transfers of large files like these have gotten faster and more stable in recent years. However, Internet connections and speeds are all unique and can vary from one moment to the next. If you encounter issues where the file won't download properly, please contact our studio.

We always have a backup photographer on standby in case of any unforeseen emergency. The photographer will be of equal caliber. To date, over the 15 years that True Photography has been in business, we have never missed a single wedding day.

We have eight equally qualified full time in-house staff photographers in our company. These individuals have been carefully chosen for their creative minds, strong technical skills, and fun personalities. Each photographer has photographed a minimum of five years as a wedding photographer. Even if they have photographed for 15 years, they must still be a second shooter in our studio for a full season.

We select photographers that are a natural fit to our brand. We all share the same vision of what it takes to produce amazing photographs that clients will love for years to come. We each make sure to capture candids, details, artistic shots, formals, and stylized images that are all truthful, and show the emotion and story of the wedding day.