Darren Arena Photography Advice, Darren Arena Photography Tips, Florida - Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and surrounding areas

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Photography

What additional types of events do you service?

Anniversaries, Eco-Friendly / Green Weddings, Engagement Parties

Established:

2008

Employees:

Accepts:

Cash, Check

MySpace Page:

http://www.DarrenArenaPhotography.blogspot.com

YouTube Page:

http://www.DarrenArenaPhotography.blogspot.com

Flickr Page:

http://www.DarrenArenaPhotography.blogspot.com

Last Login:

May 24, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions for Photography

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Photojournalism, Portraiture

What do your packages include?

Albums, Digital Files, Flush Mount, High Resolution Images, Proof CD of All Images

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes

Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?

Hand-coloring, desaturation techniques and Black and Whites.

Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?

From sunset beach weddings, to dark chapel venues and country clubs, I have done it all. I work with fast lenses and off-camera strobes to make the photos look how I want them to.

Is your media preference film or digital?

All professional digital.

How many photographers do you work with?

I usually work alone, so that I can make sure the integrity of my style is intact. (Platinum Package comes with 2 shooters)

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?

Every time.

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?

No more than One wedding per week.

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?

Yes.

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?

2 Professional E.O.S. Canon camera bodies and 3 pro lenses. 3 Flash units and 2 off-camera strobes and soft boxes. (Plus 2 camera bags full of extra gear)

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?

Yes.

Do you charge hourly or full day?

I have 3 packages with hours that vary, starting with 6 hours.

Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?

Negotiable.

What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?

Varies depending on the venue. I don't get winded easily.

Do you charge for travel?

Negotiable.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?

Usually within 4 to 6 days.

In what format are the initial proofs offered?

Online proofing at Zenfolio for all of my clients.

How long can the client keep the proofs?

Online Proofing for 6 months

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?

The Copyright will be shared with my clients.

Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?

Yes

Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?

All full sized files and a Copyright form are provided to the couple after the wedding.

Will images be available for viewing online?

Yes.

What kind of albums do you offer?

10x10 Custom Layout panoramic Lay-Flat albums. (Leather -OR-Photographic Cover)

When will the client get the final album?

This all depends on if the couple want to choose the photos that go into the layouts or if they want me to get creative. My books/Albums take about a week to create, print and bind AFTER you choose your photos.

Other Information

Additional Answers & Advice:

Here is my advice: COMPARE!! What I mean by this is compare apples to apples, and oranges to oranges. If you want to spend $250 on your (Craig's List) wedding photographer, then do not expect a $5000 photo job. Many "photographers" out here today will promise you the world.

#1-Make sure their work is consistent. Ask to see a portfolio or website of their work, and see if you like their style. Read Reviews about their work! If they say they've been a photographer for 30 years, then somebody must have left a review over that 30 years, right??

#2-Get everything in writing! If they don't have a contract with every detail for you to sign, then ~~walk~~ ...no RUN away!!!

#3-Set up a meet and greet so you can see if you like their personality. (This is where you check out their work and look at contracts)

#4-Make sure they have online-proofing for you and your family to view your wedding portraits after the wedding. Of course your friends and family will want to see these!!!

#5-Is the photographer that you met going to actually be the one shooting your wedding?? Get this in writing as well.

#6-Will the photographer release his Copyright to you? Everything is digital today, so this makes it easier for photographers to burn you a disc of all the photos.
                                   ►YOU CANNOT MAKE REPRINTS WITHOUT A DISC AND A COPYRIGHT RELEASE FORM.►
   (Some photographers will not make you a disc, which forces you to buy ALL of your prints from them) This can be expensive in the long run.

#7-Make sure they are legal, and have some sort of Wedding Insurance. (Sales Tax is required on all wedding packages now, so make sure they have a Sales Tax #)

These are just a few things off the top of my head, but if I think of anything else, I will add it. I hope this will help even a little bit!!

                                 -Darren-