Services:
Established:	2004

Hi! I'm Heidi Ryder. You're probably reading this because you're looking for a wedding or portrait photographer. Well, you're in luck because that's exactly what I do. Hooray!

Let me start by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a wife to Chris and a mom to Frasier, a curmudgeon of a dog that I love dearly. I'm a crafty lady who loves to knit, sew and embroider - just to name a few. I collect toy robots and anything that has an owl on it. I'm not sure what these things say about me as an individual, but they are definitely the things that, when put together, add up to one Heidi L. Ryder.

My own wedding was one of the best days ever and I'm sure your wedding will be just as awesome. I love my job so much because I get to document an amazing day for amazing couples. Maybe you'll be one of them? I hope so.

Please take a look at my website and don't forget to check out my blog. It's the part of this site that I update most often, so it's the best place to get to know me and my work. Enjoy and I hope to hear from you soon!

 

How would you identify your photographic style? A perfect mix of photojournalistic and traditional. I capture special moments of your day that are unplanned and unrehearsed but also stage beautiful posed portraits that you are sure to want on your wall for years to come.

Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning? Custom-designed wedding albums; Color, B&W or both.

Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations? You name it, I've shot in it. I am primarily a natural light photographer so I've dealt with all kinds of lighting conditions, but I am also a proficient flash shooter.

Is your media preference film or digital? Digital

How many photographers do you work with? One other photographer besides myself, depending on the package.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event? Yes!

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one wedding in a day? Weekend? Never on the same day! Only one the same weekend during the busiest wedding months, but never more than two per weekend.

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day? Yes!

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of? 2-3 camera bodies and equal number of flashes, a wide array of lenses, 5-8 camera batteries and 1,000GB of memory cards.

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

Do you charge hourly or full day? I have several packages, all containing different hours of coverage.

If hourly, are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime? $500

Do you require a meal break? If yes, do you require that the wedding party provide your meal? Yes, that would be fantastic. I usually eat when everyone else is eating since no one wants photos of themselves stuffing their faces with food (cake cutting aside, of course)!

How many breaks do you usually take throughout the day? Just one: chow time.

Do you charge for travel? I ask that my travel expenses (hotel, airfare, rental car if necessary) be paid for, but I do not charge a per diem for my food and incidentals, nor do I charge more for destination weddings.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing? Usually about 2 weeks after the event.

In what format are the initial proofs offered? Online proofing through a secure web gallery

How long can the couple keep the proofs? The web gallery will be kept online for 90 days after the event.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos? Yes

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 couple? A DVD containing the digital negatives will be presented to the couple upon completion of their album.

Will images be available for viewing on an online gallery? Yes

What kind of albums do you offer? Flush-mount, leather-covered albums. They are exquisite.

When will I get the final book? Proofs of the book are presented to the couple within a month after the event. As soon as the couple has OK'd the proof, the book will be ordered and shipped to the couple within 30 days.

Additional Questions and Answers
Q: What's with the owl?
A: Oh, thats Herbert! He's kind of like the company mascot. If you know me on a personal level then you are probably quite aware that I am a collector of two things: toy robots and owl memorabilia. When my graphic designer and I sat down to decide what my logo and other elements of my website should look like, including an owl was a natural choice. I think Herbert is one of the most adorable owls ever and it makes me feel good to know that he's watching over my website and the images that live here.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are nestled into the foothills of lovely Burbank, California, just minutes from Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. But here's the thing: I love to travel, so don't get hung up in my location. No matter where your wedding is held, I'd love to photograph it, so shoot me an email and we'll work it out!

Q: If I hire Heidi Ryder Photography to shoot my wedding, will Heidi Ryder herself actually be one of the photographers who show up?
A: You betcha! There is only one photographer on the payroll and that's me (Heidi). Most of my wedding packages do include a competent and awesomely talented second shooter that I will hire especially for your wedding, but rest assured I will be there with camera in hand to document every special moment of your fabulous day. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Q: What kind of cameras do you use?
A: I've been a Nikon user ever since I first picked up a camera many moons ago. I love my Nikon cameras and lenses.

Q: How much time should we allow for the formal portraits taken on the wedding day?
A: That all depends on how many people you'd like included in the photographs. If you have a pretty large wedding party and family and you want photos with all of them, then it might take a bit of time. I highly recommend deciding on the must-have shots prior to your wedding day so that I can stay organized and make sure portrait time runs smoothly. If I can help it, I like to keep family portrait time to around 15 minutes so that no one gets antsy or pulled away from the event for too long. You'll also definitely want to keep in mind that I like to have at least 30 minutes with my bride and grooms alone for romantic formal portraits without their wedding party or family members so you want to make sure you allow for that at the very least!

Q: I've noticed lately that a lot of brides and grooms are seeing each other before the ceremony to take portraits. Why? Isn't it bad luck?
A: Listen, what traditions you want to follow on your wedding day is completely up to you. So, if you honestly feel its bad luck to see each other before the wedding ceremony then by all means, wait! I will be able to capture lovely moments of you and your sweetie at any point in the day. I will say this, though: There is something that we photographers like to call The Magic Hour. This happens 45-60 minutes before the sun sets every day and is my absolute favorite time to make images. If your ceremony happens after that point of the day and you decide not to see each other beforehand, then that means we're missing out on that sweet, sweet light. First Looks before the ceremony can be a remarkably special time because it's typically the only time that a couple gets a quiet moment together on their wedding day. It can be a very special time where you enjoy each others company and reflect on the journey you're about to embark on together. So, there's some food for thought for you. As your photographer, I stand by whatever decision you make 100 percent.

Q: What should we wear to our engagement session?
A: There are some basic rules of thumb when it comes to picking out clothing for portrait sessions:
-DO wear vibrant colors
-DON'T wear too many busy patterns
-DO wear complementary colors
-DON'T wear identical outfits
But, mostly, be sure to wear something you're comfortable in that reflects your sense of style. If you don't feel like yourself in your outfit, it will show in your photographs through your body language and maybe even your facial expressions. Also - and I can't emphasize this enough - have fun with your clothing! I love it when couples wear fun shoes or awesome hats, or whatever! Let what you wear speak volumes about who you are!