Frequently Asked Questions
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I like to think my style is relaxed and candid, but full of love and life! I have a casual approach to my weddings and sessions, which I have been told allows people to relax and enjoy themselves. I love showing emotion in my photos, between my couples and families - especially with parents and their young kids. My aim is to create images that will still be cherished in 20 years time. Small details are important to me. I love colour rich photos, but am also a sucker for black and white. My aim is to capture photos I would want on my wall - it’s that simple. The best feeling is when clients tell me how much they love their photos. That’s the reason I love doing what I do.
HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL I RECEIVE?
This will depend on what you are looking at. Generally, Wedding Collections will receive between 700-900 fully edited, ready to print photos - it all comes down to the day itself and how long I’m there for. Family and Lifestyle Sessions again will vary depending on the package selected, but I’m known to over shoot and over deliver….I just can’t help it. Posed Newborn Sessions will receive 20-30 hand crafted images.
WHEN AND HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
All images are uploaded to a password protected online gallery - I find my clients love to be able to scroll through the photos on their phone/tablet or computer. These galleries can easily be shared with family and friends and can be easily downloaded or purchased. You can create favourite lists or select the photos that are included in your package for Family and Couple Sessions.
I’ll post some ‘sneakies’ onto social media, where you can tag and share. A blog post will be created and then you will receive your photos through the gallery. Weddings will take approx 6-8 weeks (quicker if they invent the ‘8th day’ of the week) and Family/Newborn Session between 2-3 weeks.
HOW DO I BOOK?
The best way to book is by sending me an enquiry through my Contact page or email me at hello@holliesmithphotography.com.au . Once you have paid your deposit, I will send through an electronic contract for you to sign, a questionnaire that allows me to get to know you and then your booking is secured.
WEDDINGS - At this stage, I am only taking a limited amount of weddings per year, so if you would like to chat, please contact me ASAP to secure your booking.
WHERE SHOULD WE HAVE OUR PHOTOS?
I personally love being outside for photos - I love natural light, especially in the late afternoon. I’m instantly drawn to rural locations and nature. We don't need much for a session, a patch of dirt with a few weeds is amazing or walking down a laneway. Remember I’m photographing you...not the landscape.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN?
Don't stress....your not alone. The majority of people don't like having their photo taken, but please don't let this be a reason not to have photos taken. I can always pick up who doesn't like getting their picture taken so I adapt my session to make you feel at ease. I take a pretty casual and relaxed approach with my clients, which can result in going for a walk or playing games with your kids, if they are involved.. This allows everyone to get used to my camera and myself, loosen up and then aim for the perfect shot. I have your back....its my job.
MY KIDS ARE SICK? ONE OF US HAS INJURED THEMSELVES AND HAS A BLACK EYE......WHAT DO WE DO?
I recommend we postpone your Family session. Snotty noses and bruising are not the easiest things to edit! I want you to enjoy your photos, not stare at the bad stuff.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
Unfortunately I don't have super powers to control the weather, but I do have technology to see what the weather is doing prior to a shoot. If we are going to be hit with cyclonic conditions or unpleasant weather, then I will give you the chance to postpone the Family Session if you wish. If it’s your Wedding, then will will work together to make if awesome fun…I might wear some gumboots :)
DO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes, absolutely - I’m more than happy to discuss travel within Australia (I do have small kids, so travel outside of Australia is not an option at this stage). Travel rates / Accommodation may apply.
DO YOU KEEP A COPY OF MY PHOTOS?
I will keep a copy of your edited photos on file for 5 years. I strongly recommend you back up your photos and files to multiple sources. Technology is rapidly changing, so please remember to print your work, as prints will last longer than digital files. I can help with printing, so that you can put them around your house to enjoy. You have invested in the photos, please don't print your photos at a 'cheap' print lab...these places will not do you photos justice.
CAN I BUY PRINTS/ALBUMS ETC?
Absolutely! All my prints products are printed at Professional Print Labs. Each photo is given the 'royal treatment' before being sent off to be printed to make sure the photo is the best it can possibly be. Photos are printed on Archival Paper to make sure your memories will last a lifetime.
CAN I HAVE THE RAW FILES?
Simple answer - no. Depending you the package you choose, you will receive High Res File ready to print. All photos have been colour corrected and had simple post processing. I take great pride in my editing and decide how I want the final product to look.
CAN YOU MAKE ME SKINNY? CAN YOU EDIT MY ELBOWS TO MAKE THEM SMALLER? WHAT ABOUT THE STAIN ON MY SHIRT?
All editing and retouching is done at my discretion. I am happy to do what I can with a spot on a shirt or a fly on your face, but I try to capture the most flattering angles of everyone, as well as what matters the most...interaction and candid moments with each other! If your final images have a spot removed on all but one image, I am happy to fix that, no problems. However, if you'd like Aunt Edna removed from all of your images, fees will apply.
If you have any further questions, please do hesitate in contacting me