Wedding Newsletter by Johannesburg Photgrapher Shaun Smith (Photography by Studióski)
This is a newsletter that I send out to all the brides and groomes who are interested in using me as their Wedding Photographer on their special day. Please be sure to visit my wedding photography galleries.
Choose your wedding photographer wisely!
“Dear Bride and Groom – Thank you for your interest in me as your photographer for your special day. I have been photographing for over a decade now and my work has been published nationally and internationally. Every wedding is special and unique to me. Please take some time to read this newsletter before you chose the package that suits your needs.
Intro:
A wedding is all about love and romance and it is essential to capture those moments. It is important to know your photographer beforehand so that you are comfortable with him or her on your wedding day. Weddings don’t always go according to plan so your photographer has to adapt and make every moment memorable. This is one of the reasons why I do such a wide variety of photography. When choosing your photographer, look carefully at their portfolio. It is best to look at one complete portfolio of previous weddings. Anyone can take one or two stunning photos. See if you are happy with the style of pictures
presented.
Style:
Not all the pictures will be posed. This creates a natural look and feel. My styles for weddings range from:
• Contemporary
• Photo-journalism
• Artistic
Detail:
“Attention to detail is of utmost importance. I pride myself in capturing detail such as: Details on the Wedding Dress, Hair, Shoes, Tie, Decor, etc. A variety of photos that will include close-ups, full body shots as well as architecture, etc will be taken so that every little detail of your special day can be remembered. In some of the packages I have an assistant to help with the flow of things and to see if the groom’s tie is in place, that the dress is always in tact when sitting down, etc. Normally I shoot up to 1000 pictures or more. In most cases 150-200 pictures are sufficient.”
All packages will include the following:
Preparation of the bride (and groom); Pictures of the bride; The Ceremony; Family & Bridal Party; Portraits of the Couple; Reception; Cutting of the Cake; Throwing of the Garter & Flowers; and any other Traditions; Opening of the Dance Floor; Social and Informal Photos. Shaun will shoot up to 10 hours.
What if it rains on your wedding day?
“It will be your choice to shoot in the rain with umbrellas – preferably white or black ones. Be sure to check the weather forecast and plan for a wet day. Purchase of borrow plain umbrellas – without any logos. Photographs are most beautiful when there are clouds that diffuses the sunlight. I will cater for creative shots. If the weather is really bad, we’ll make arrangements to shoot indoors. I come prepared with my portable studio lights and backdrops if necessary.”
Gay & Interracial Weddings
“Some photographers don’t offer this option since same-sex marriages has been legalized in our country in 2007. I am totally comfortable with same-sex marriages. Recently I had the priviledge of attending the first Jewish gay marriage by a Rabbi in Johannesburg. This is your wedding day and being the photographer, I’m only a tool in creating beautiful memories of your special day. This also applies to interracial couples that wants to be photographed.”
Budget Separate!
“Try not to put your photographs in your wedding budget of the day. Your memories are priceless! You cannot re-shoot a wedding. So much money is spent on catering, the venue, the dress, make-up, jewellery and decor for that day. Photographs will be the lasting memories of that beautiful day. You will receive your photos after about two weeks after the wedding and the memories will last a lifetime.”
Shaun Smith travels local & internationally
“I’m based in Jo’burg but work all over. Your package includes 100km radius. If need be to travel more, a minimal charge of R3.00/km will be added to your invoice. If the shoot is in another city or country, travelling (return flights), accommodation and car hire, etc will all be extra charges that should be expected.”
Book in advance
“Bookings for your special day is essential. A booking fee (deposit) of 50% will be required, or at least R4000. The balance is payable before the wedding day. You will be invoiced according to the package you choose. Banking details are on the invoice for EFT’s. Regrettably I do not accept credit cards at this stage. Cheques must reflect and be cleared before the day of the shoot.”
Where to find your perfect Wedding Photographer
Please click on the link to contact Shaun Smith.
In conclusion...
“Should you have other enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me. These packages are only designed as guidelines. There are so many other options available – you can include or exclude from the packages. The best would be to meet up and discuss exactly what your needs are.”
Wedding Photoshoot Rates
I have a basic wedding photography rate and add-on packages.
Basic Wedding Photography Package:
Photoshoot up to 10 hours. This includes a basic edit of approx. 100-200 selected photos. You receive the edited and unedited photos on Disc. (Coverage: 2,5hrs preparation, solo shoot, couple shoot, church ceremony, family shoot, reception and party photos.)
Add-on Packages:
These are some of the optional items to be added to your basic package:
• Medium Henzo Album with Rice Paper
• From Jumbo to A3 size photo prints
• Slideshow DVD
• Elite Litho Album (Glorified Coffee Table Book) with printed dust cover and UV Gloss Varnished Pages
• Classic Wedding Album (matt and metallic gloss pages) with leather or personalized printed cover and standard box
• Fine Art Album with leather or personalized printed cover (matt paper and matt lamination)
• Original Wedding Designer Album (matt and metallic gloss pages) with leather or personalized printed cover and standard box.
Wedding Photographer
Professional Photographer Shaun Smith
