FAQ's
What makes you different from other
photographers/videographers?
Why should I choose you?
~You will get a one-on-one, personal-touch, authentic experience with me.
~I am an artist, not just a photographer/videographer. I have over 10 years of experience studying design & aesthetics, which helps your images and video look beautifully pleasing & hold an artistic touch.
~I'm not dependent on or desperate for bookings. I just simply & throughly enjoy doing this for others that think I would be a good fit. It brings me joy to capture your memories & to work for those that like our/my artistic style.
~I tend to remember to capture moments that might seem small to others, but really hold lasting value.
Some Examples Include:
Your Grandma that traveled from the East Coast just to be at your wedding, the glass mason jar decoration your family & friends put together for you that sits off to the side, hanging from a tree & swaying in the wind, the tears your parents cried as you walked out holding hands at the end of the ceremony, or the little kids playing and laughing in the background of the reception hall while the dancing & drinking carries on.
~Van Tine Photo & Video is not big box company. We are never hard to reach or to get ahold of. So I will never ghost you or leave you hanging.
~We don't demand full payment up front. We love to offer flexible payment options so there is no need to stress about paying in full all at once. <3
~I have never had a bride or couple be disappointed after viewing our galleries.
~I offer raw footage (unedited video moments) to all clients that book a videography package. This is something that many other videographers don't offer & it is many times the favorite element of the video delivery to couples.
Do you work with a second photographer?
My husband has worked as a professional photographer with me for several years. He serves as my second shooter when requested :)
Do you edit all your images personally?
Yes! I personally edit and check all images for quality.
Where are you based, and do you travel?
I live in and mostly serve in and around Central Illinois. YES! We do travel. Especially to Greece ;)
Why do you have a required non-refundable deposit?
Great question. The deposit not only holds & reserves your date, so that no one else can take it, but it also guarantees that we are compensated some for reserving a popular date if you were to cancel.
We totally understand that things change sometimes, including wedding details. In many cases we have to turn people down because your date is already reserved. If for some reason your reserved event gets canceled or changed, we missed out on those chances to rebook with another couple. Any amount paid towards your package, other than the $500 of the deposit, will be returned in full for cancelations. No questions asked.
How many photos will we receive?
The number of images delivered varies wildly based on the wedding itself. Some weddings will last over 10 hours with hundreds of guests, while others will be shorter with a more intimate setting.
A typical 8hr wedding day will result in over 500+ images. I would usually fully edit over100 of those at least, with ~40 creative shots on average.
How would you describe your style of photography?
Natural. Creative. Elegant. I am able to move between styles well to highlight the overall of the couples I am capturing. I am an artist at heart and tend to make artistic decisions on the spot. This is something I am proud of as it is a part of my personality. :)
Do I need to give you a “shot list” of must have photos?
No, however I will collect a list of family group photo combinations from you before your wedding. Other than this list, you do not need to give me a list of events. We will talk through and discuss the planned schedule of your day and this will help me understand any specific events you have planned and when they will happen. Most moments will be captured organically and naturally. Lists found online are usually made as wedding days unfold, and can be distracting to me on your wedding day.
How are my images delivered to me?
All un-watermarked images are delivered in an online gallery to you no more than 90 days after your wedding day (but I usually finish and deliver them waaaay before 90 days). This link is private and will only be shared with you. You get to decide who you share that link with. You can also use this link to view and download your images.Anyone with gallery access will be able to order prints, canvases, and download all of your images straight from this gallery and have them shipped to their home.
Will I receive the RAW photographs? Copyright?
Most photographers don't deliver RAW images. This is usually simply because the quality of those images does not represent their full creative process or capabilities. However, I offer all raw footage in all videography packages to clients because the video clips hold live moments that I believe hold value to the couples.
Copyright simply means that I am the creator of the images, and I “own” the copyright. You will not be able to sell or obtaining the copyright, but you will have a 'print release' in your contract that gives you the right to legally print your images anywhere you would like, as much as you’d like.
When should we book you for our wedding?
You should book your wedding as soon as possible to avoid someone else reserving your date. Your date is reserved once contracts are signed and the deposit is paid.