If you do not see your question posted here, please contact us! We will work to get that answered for you as soon we can!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Photojournalistic/Documentary blended with artistic, stylish portraiture.
Q: What sets you apart from other photographers/why should we hire you?
A: This isn't just my full time job, it is my absolute passion! I am truly in love with what I do! I am really great at anticipating the best moments, and capturing them. As an artist and complete sentimental schmuck, I want to capture photos that stir all of the emotions within, and make you so incredibly happy that you have that one moment, caught in a photograph, to relive whenever you look at it. I want to tell a story, your story, and I'm willing to give you everything I've got to make sure that happens. I've never been one who's afraid to throw themselves right into the middle of the action to get the shot!
Q: Are you available for in-person consultations?
A: Absolutely, we recommend it! Please fill out the contact form or give us a call, and we will schedule something that works for the both of us.
Q: How early should we book you?
A: As soon as possible! Chances are, there are other couples and families interested in your date as well, and we would hate to not be available on your day!
Q: How do we book?
A: To reserve your date, we require a non-refundable retainer (50%) and a signed contract. This can all be done online once we send you a booking proposal. The remaining balance will be due the day before the event.
Q: Who will be photographing our event?
A: Each package includes coverage by me (Lo). Other packages include two photographers, in which case Joe will be photographing as well.
Q: What is your backup plan if you are unable to photograph our wedding?
A: In the unlikely event that I will be unable to photograph your wedding, Joe would be assuming the role as lead photographer. If Joe is unable to photograph your wedding, we have network of wedding photographers that we can call in case of emergency.
Q: How will you deliver photos?
A: Once your photos are professionally retouched, they will be uploaded to a private online gallery. You will be able to download, order prints, and share your images from this site. For an additional fee, we offer really cool and creative USB drives.
Q: Do you release negatives or the photos that you do not send us?
A: No, we do not. As artists, we believe that clients should receive only the best, a finished image. We eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focus shots, shots with unflattering facial expressions, and other images that take away from the overall look and feel of the album.
Q: Do you shoot in JPEG or RAW?
A: We shoot in RAW.
Q: Do you retouch all of the images in our image download?
A: Yes, we do. Each image we deliver has basic editing, which includes color correction, exposure adjustments, and white balance.
Q: What is the difference between basic, advanced, and custom editing? Why are there additional costs for a custom retouch?
A: Basic retouching includes things like adjusting the exposure and white balance. Advanced post-production includes touch ups such as the removal of fly aways, blemishes, and under eye bags. Custom post-production is anything that requires extensive custom work such as removing and adding entire objects in the scene, as well as manipulating the shape or size of the body.
Q: Do you do destination weddings?
A: Yes! We absolutely love traveling and exploring, we're definitely in our element in doing so!
Q: How do you handle destination weddings?
A: We are more than happy to set up as many Skype consultations that we need to in order for us to get to know each other, and make sure everything is on schedule before the big day. We like to arrive in the destination city two days before the wedding to ensure that we are there and ready to shoot. At the time of booking, we will let you know how much our travel fees are based on the estimated cost of flights, car rental (if necessary), and hotel. We handle all of the bookings for travel, so that's one less thing for you to worry about.
Q: Do you shoot details and family formal portraits?
A: Of course! We will work with you to finalize the list of family formal portraits before the wedding to ensure things run smoothly and everyone is photographed. I am a sucker for all of the little (and BIG) details that tie everything together and make a wedding beautiful, you can be rest assured the details will be captured.
Q: Does your studio offer headshots, individual portraits, family portraits, newborn shoots, commercial photography, passport photos and other types of photography?
A: Yes, we do! We have a completely mobile setup and can come to you! We have a variety of backdrops and props.
Q: Do you photograph Quinceañeras, Debutant balls, Bah Mitzvahs, Bar Mitzvahs, or corporate events and parties?
A: Yes, we do. We consider these occasions as event photography, and are experienced in this area of photography.
Q: What if our ceremony is in a different language?
A: We have covered weddings in which we do not speak the primary language. We approach these events with extensive research. We also work with you to be fully prepared to capture everything seamlessly the day of the event.
Q: How many hours do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photographs?
A: We will discuss the details of your wedding prior to, and work with you to schedule out the ideal wedding photography timeline.
Q: I have a bit of downtime in between the events of my wedding. Will I be charged for that time?
A: Yes, we have to charge for the time in between the events. The complete truth is: we're never resting on the day of. We're traveling to, and setting up for the second venue, packing and unpacking camera gear and lighting equipment, backing up images, making up for lost time, etc. We sometimes use that downtime to steal you and your significant other away for a mini session and possibly more family portraits.
Q: What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?
A: We understand that most events don't go exactly as planned. We will ask you at the end of your contracted time if you would like to extend. If you would like us to stay, we will charge the rates specified in your contract.
Q: Why do we need to charge for additional coverage?
A: We have dedicated the entire day (and several days of pre-planning, as well as post-production work), so we won't be running off to other plans that evening. We do need to charge for additional coverage because there are costs associated with staying later. Any assistants will have to be compensated for their extra time. Furthermore, there will be additional images taken, which will also require post-production work, which adds to the overall cost.
Q: How many images do I get?
A: The amount of images received depends on the package you choose.
Q: Can I add more images to my album?
A: Absolutely. Extra images can be added for an additional cost.
Q: What rights do I have to the digitals?
A: You have the rights to reprint images. You have the right to share the images on social media, just please tag Diving Starlings Photography when doing so :) You may not sell your images for profit or publish your images without the written consent of Diving Starlings, LLC.
Q: What if I lose my images?
A: There is a $100 replacement charge for additional downloads after the event has been archived. We suggest you make at least one copy of the download when you receive it from us.
Q: What kind of camera/equipment do you use?
A: I shoot with the Canon 5d MK IV. We have a variety of amazing lenses, as well as studio lighting, and backdrops!
Q: Do you back up our images? How can we ensure our images won't be lost?
A: Yes, your images are backed up onto two separate drives to ensure images won't get lost.
Q: We live out of town, is it possible for our family/friends to meet with you instead?
A: We would love to meet your loved ones and answer any questions they may have. If possible, we'd love to schedule a Skype session with you to get to know you better.
Q: Is there an additional fee if we pay via credit card?
A: Yes, the retail adjustment fee for all credit card transactions is 3% of the charged amount. Tax is also something to consider.
Q: If we cancel the wedding, will we receive our retainer fee back?
A: Unfortunately, no. Retainer fees are used to reserve your date, and are non-refundable. Once we have reserved your date, we do not accept new clients for that date.
Q: If we change our wedding to a different date, will we be able to use our retainer fee towards a future date?
A: Generally, no, but please contact us and we will talk with you privately on how to handle things moving forward.
Q: Are there travel fees associated with the photoshoot?
A: If your photoshoot is located in Austin, there are no travel fees. We will discuss travel fees associated with locations outside of Austin.
Q: Have you photographed at my venue before?
A: If we have not, we will get to the venue prior to the big day and scout out the best photography locations. We also do plenty of research online beforehand.