We were flattered when Northern California Brides magazine recently contacted us to ask for advice on how to book a wedding photographer and what should be included in the contract. We helped to break down what a typical wedding photography contract should include and how to spot some common red flags.

This issue is currently on the newsstands through Springtime, so check it out! We’ve included some of our favorite tips below the image:

Northern California Brides Magazine article – How to read a photography contract:

“The process of finding the right photographer eventually leads to signing a contract to seal the deal. But before you put pen to paper, make sure that the document includes the specifics of what you and your photographer have agreed to, and that you understand what you’re getting and how you’re being charged.

The fine print: In case of illness or a sudden event out of control of both parties, Choco Studio will substitute a photographer at no extra cost to the client.

Explanation: The contract should state the photographer’s emergency policy. Make sure that he or she belongs to a reputable network, so you’ll get photographs of similar quality if a substitution needs to be made.

The fine print: Choco Studio will deliver 75 images per each hour of photography coverage.

Explanation: It helps to know how many images you can expect. Some photographers provide a total of 200 while others give up to 2,000. You don’t wont to be disappointed with fewer images than you expected, or overwhelmed by repetitious shots.

The fine print: The client will be asked to select images for the albums and will have up to six months after the delivery of the photographs to make the selections.

Explanation: If your photographer is going to design the album, the contract should include the processing and delivery timeline. In our contract, we have a deadline for receiving image selections, because when clients take too long to select images and approve album layouts, it really affects a photographer’s workload and schedule.

Continued in the magazine…”

Hope this helps some of you better understand the basics of a wedding photography contract and find the right wedding photographer!

We’ve been looking towards Anna and Gary’s wedding ever since they told us their wedding theme – Doctor Zhivago. How super creative and awesome is that? This winter wedding took place on a rainy Friday afternoon, but the uncooperative weather didn’t spoil the day even a tiny bit.

The day started at Campton Place Hotel where I probably spent way too much time photographing Anna’s awesome shoes :) and from there we made our way to City Hall where all the guests were ready for the ceremony to start, right on the Mayor’s balcony.

I just loooved this pair of Louboutins:

We decided to do all the portraits right inside of the City Hall because of the rain. We spent about an hour shooting in the halls, on the stairs, in the elevators, and even by the drinking fountains! Anna and Gary were great sports, ready to participate in any crazy ideas we had :)

Then we were off to a candlelit reception at Saint Francis Yacht Club. In line with the Doctor Zhivago wedding theme colorful matryoshka dolls were set as centerpieces at each table surrounded by brightly lit candles. The live piano music greatly added to the evening’s atmosphere. The Saint Francis Yacht Club wedding also included a beautiful ice sculpture of a Russian Orthodox Church in the cocktail area and the guests were treated to black caviar and other hors d’oeuvres.

That evening at Saint Francis Yacht Club had much delicious food and warm toasts. The reception ended with a traditional Russian folk dancing performance in which Anna was one of the stars.

Congratulations, Anna and Gary!!! We were honored to be a part of your day :)

Happy Friday, everyone! Have a wonderful weekend.

We are excited to have Philana and Michael’s Westin Hotel wedding featured on the Stylish Events blog! Click on the image to check it out:

We are working on a beautiful Doctor Zhivago themed winter wedding that we’ve recently photographed. It’s going to be on the blog by the end of the week!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone.

Natasha

The winter months are usually a quiet time for weddings, however, this didn’t stop Anna and Gene from having a spectacular event this January at Mark Hopkins hotel in San Francisco. The day was rain free and we were able to take photos with the couple at a several different spots throughout the city. We had a great time taking photos on the Embarcadero, at Sir Frances Drake hotel, and of course, on Nob Hill.

I’ve known Gene since we went to college and it was an honor to be there. There was no shortage of gorgeous details, special lighting, and emotions for us to photograph on this big day. We loved shooting at Mark Hopkins hotel and this wedding was gorgeous in every way.

View from the top of Mark Hopkins hotel:

This beautiful Chuppah was provided by “Miracle Chuppahs”:

These guys really practiced their dance moves and the crowd was thrilled:

The toasts went on all night:

It was a pleasure to work with Bob of Video Madness: