FAQ PAGE for Michelle Egan Photography
  • Do you shoot film or digital?
    I shoot entirely digital, using Canon professional equipment. I love the freedom and versatility that digital gives, both during a photo shoot, and in the editing process. I am able to take unlimited photos during your photo shoot/event, without having to worry about running out of film. When editing, I can quickly and easily touch up blemishes, and make color adjustments, as well as any special requests that you may have.
  • What is your philosophy of wedding photography?
    Every wedding is a unique blend of personalities, locations, events, and emotions. I and my assistants genuinely love being a part of your day, and it is our pleasure and honor to give you a beautiful visual story of your day.

    I will photograph your wedding day with a photojournalistic approach, capturing the events and special moments of your day naturally, with minimal interference. You will quickly feel comfortable with us, and we will blend in as much as possible, so that you can just relax and enjoy your day, while we photograph it all!
  • How many pictures do you normally take at a wedding?
    I/we take unlimited photos. The total number depends on several things - hours of coverage, how large your wedding party and family is, whether I have a second shooter, and number of scheduled events that I/we are covering. On average, for a typical 6-hour wedding with a second shooter, after we sort and edit, you could have anywhere from 500-800 photos to choose from.
  • How many weddings do you do in a year?
    I average 15-25 weddings per year, and your wedding is the ONLY wedding that I will be shooting on your wedding day, so all of my attention is on only you. This also gives both you and I the flexibility to have me come earlier or stay later, if needed.
  • What can we do to help you prepare for our wedding?
    1) I request that you assign someone, either a friend or family member who knows everyone, to assist during the formals. This person will make sure that all parties who are to be included in the formal photo sessions are present. This helps the process go smoothly and quickly, so that you can go enjoy your reception as soon as possible!
    2) When you look at photographs from other weddings, I like to know which ones stand out the most to you, so that I can get a general idea of what to focus on as I’m photographing your wedding.
    3) I will need a copy of the timeline for your day, so that I and my assistant can be prepared and be in the right place when the important events happen.
  • What do you need from us on the day of our wedding?
    1) If I/we are with you for both ceremony and reception, we will need a small table or table space near an electrical outlet. We will need to set up a laptop, battery chargers, and other equipment, and have a place to tuck away the equipment that we are not carrying.

    2) If I/we are with you for both ceremony and reception, we will need to have a meal included. If you talk to your caterer, they will usually give a discount for vendors.
  • How do you relax your subjects?
    I’m very easy-going myself, and that tends to have a calming effect on people. I try to keep out of the way as much as possible , and not interfere. Much of the time, you won’t really notice that I’m there. During the more formal shots, I like to keep the mood light, and get people to talk to me or to each other, and this usually helps them to let their guard down and not be so aware of the camera.
  • How soon after my wedding will I be able to see my proofs?
    It usually takes from 3-5 weeks from your wedding date, to see your proofs online. You may often get an early sneak peek of some of the photographer's favorites, to enjoy while we work on the rest.
  • What is your editing process?
    Immediately after your wedding, all original files are backed up both on an external hard drive, and data DVD.

    Then the editing begins:

    1) A quick glance through to delete any images that were "misses" (flash didn't go off, subject super blurry, etc.).
    2) Photos are then sorted into categories.
    3) Each photo is looked at closely, color-correction and/or minor touchups are performed (blemishes, etc.) as needed. Unflattering, and duplicate photos are removed. However, if there is even the slightest difference in a facial feature (particularly smiles), in the portrait photos, it is included in your proofs. I know how picky I am about photos of myself, and I want to leave it up to YOU to decide which smile of your own, that you prefer. There is a zoom feature on the proofsite so that you can see closeups of any photo.
    4) Edited fullsized files are backed up on external HD, and DVD
    5) Photos are copied at low-resolution, for uploading to the proofsite
    6) Low-resolution files are uploaded to the proofsite
    7) When print orders are placed, additional touchups, cropping, converting to bw or sepia, and special editing requests are performed. When your receive your negatives, they will be high-resolution 300dpi jpeg files, with the most current edits included
    8) The most current high-res files are backed up and kept on file
  • Can I purchase the negatives?
    Absolutely! If you get a Package, the negatives are usually included. If you do "a la carte" then price is based on hours of coverage. The price is $100 per hour of coverage.
    With either option, you will get your print files in 300dpi high-resolution jpeg format, with all of the most current edits included. Files will be watermark-free, and ready for printing at your convenience.
  • Do you travel for weddings?
    Yes Yes Yes! I love to travel, and would be happy to go anywhere I'm needed to photograph a wedding or other special event. Travel fees may apply for destinations outside of Santa Barbara/Ventura counties (home base), Los Angeles county, San Diego county, or the Bay area (most frequented places in CA)

    For weddings or events within driving distance, travel is charged at $25 per hour.
    If an overnight stay is required, a fee of $175 per day is added for lodging and meals.

    For weddings or special events that require air travel, a fee of up to $3000 may be required to cover travel expenses. Depending on distance traveled, this fee covers 1-3 nights lodging, airfare, rental car, and meals for myself and a second shooter.
  • Do you require a deposit, and if so, how much is it?
    We require a non-refundable retainer fee of $400 along with a signed contract, to guarantee our services on your event date. The balance is due 30 days before your wedding or event. For portraits, balance is due at time of session.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Basically this: If YOU cancel, all monies paid up to that point are non-refundable, but may be applied towards future photography coverage, prints, or photo products provided by Michelle Egan Photography.
    If WE cancel (and it would have to be an extreme circumstance to do so, and so far we have NEVER had to cancel an event), all monies including retainer fee, will be refunded.