Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
What makes Seize the Photo different from other photographers?

Your experience with us isn’t over until you’re 110% satisfied.
Our top priority is that you enter and leave our studio 110% satisfied.We don’t set predefined restrictions on anything.We strive to tailor your photography experience to your needs, making every effort to give you what you want and desire.In each session that we book, we don’t stop until we know you are satisfied and we will work diligently to give you what you want.

All packages include enough time to cover the entire event, along with coverage by two photographers.
We refuse to set time restrictions during sessions.We want to give you exactly what you want and desire, without stressing you out over how much time you have left in your session.We want you to have a relaxed, fun experience with us in anything that you hire us for and we’ve made sure to provide plenty of time with each session to do so. Every session is tailored so that your entire event is covered. 

We personalize our photography by getting to know the client.
We make every possible effort to get to know you.We know that the most beautiful and fun photography is created when it is infused with your personality.We always meet with the client, either in person or on the phone, prior to the studio session to get a feel for what kind of photography the client enjoys.Whether you like candid or formal shots, or a mixture of both, we make it a priority to create the kind of photography that you want, not what we think you want.

We’re just fun.
We love what we do and we love getting to know the people we work with—it’s simply our passion.  We like to have fun with clients to make them comfortable in front of the camera; when you are, your pictures will come alive with your personality, capturing the way you really want to be seen in a photograph.

What types of services do you offer?
We offer a wide range of artistic, unique photographic services.Each service is described in detail in our “Services” section of the website, but here is a brief list:
How much do consultations cost?
They are free.

How do I check availability for a specific date or event or book a consultation?
Call our studio to check availability for your event date and to schedule any date or appointment with our studio. We NEVER book two weddings in one day.We devote all of our time to the event that is currently booked on the website to insure the best possible photography.

Special note on scheduling:
Consultations: Scheduled on Monday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6PM in Charlotte and at 7PM at the main studio in Newton
Bridal and engagement shoots: Scheduled on Fridays after 2PM; we leave Saturdays open for weddings

How do I book an event/wedding?
Complete the contract and send a $250 check for the retainer fee to the address listed on the contract.  We must receive both the complete amount for the retainer and a completed contract before we will reserve a date, with no exceptions.  In the event two or more couples are interested in the same date, the Studio will book the first couple to send in a retainer with a completed, signed contract, no exceptions.  

Weddings
What is a wedding package?
The wedding package includes the fee for the photographer’s time at the wedding, editing time, album design, plus all the other package inclusions you receive (check your contract for details).Choosing the package that is right for you allows you to customize a package for the type of photography that best meets your needs.Please check the “Prices” page on our website for details on individual packages.

What about enlargements and extra photo CD’s?Are they included in wedding packages?
Some photos are included with bridal and engagement sessions in varying quantities, depending on the package you choose.  All photos included in packages must be ordered by the photographer through smugmug.com (Seize the Photo does not have a way to credit client purchases through the website, so we order them for you to make things easier).  Any enlargements not included in wedding packages must be purchased separately through smugmug.com and will be charged based on the current price list at the time of the order. Clients will be given the option to purchase a photo disc one year following the wedding date at the cost that applies at the time of purchase. If a photo disc is purchased, the bride and groom may not sell, enter competitions, make commercial use of any image, make reprints for family, or make copies of the disc for family. Any use other than personal use is subject to current Federal Copyright laws.

How much coverage is included on the wedding day?Do you charge by the hour?
We usually arrive 2-3 hours prior to the time the ceremony begins, and we prefer to be finished by 10:00 pm unless lodging arrangements are provided.We do not charge by the hour because we want to make sure that we capture every memory possible.This allows the newlyweds to relax, knowing that the photographer does not have to rush their special day.We cover weddings with two photographers.

Is there a limit to the number of photos you take during the wedding?
No. We have more latitude to take unlimited shots with digital photography because we are not restricted by film and processing costs.

What is your cancellation policy?
All Retainers are non-refundable, even if the date is changed or if the wedding becomes cancelled for any reason by the clients.  If the event is cancelled, the Retainer will not cover the payment of any services already rendered; in the event that the wedding/event is cancelled and services were already rendered, the client must pay the balance for services already rendered.  Cancellation must be made in writing, signed by the contracted party, and received by the Studio within 30 days of cancellation. If the Client fails to supply written cancellation as specified before the wedding date or cancels within 30 days of the wedding date, Client shall be required to pay the full balance due.

Studio sessions
How much is the studio sitting fee?
$30.00

Enlargements and ordering
How do I order enlargements and/or reprints?
We offer full-service online albums and ordering now through smugmug.com.  You can view your entire wedding album through our website, share it with friends, and order pictures that are shipped directly to you.

Can my family and friends order pictures?  If so, how?
Yes! We’re more than happy to service the photographic needs of anyone and everyone interested in ordering online. Simply send the link (http://photos.seizethephoto.com) to your friends and family and they can order on their own, at their own convenience. 

I need to change my order.  How do I do that?
After you place your order, Seize the Photo has no control over your order. You must contact Smug Mug, the company we use for online ordering, with any questions or concerns. You can email them at: help@smugmug.com.

What happens if I’m not happy with my order or something went wrong during ordering?
The reason we love Smug Mug is not only that they give online ordering, but that they have a satisfaction guarantee. Again, we do not handle the printing—Smug Mug does that. For this reason, you must contact them with any concerns. Here is a copy of their guarantee:
If you are unhappy with your prints or gifts, SmugMug will reprint or refund your order, whichever you prefer. Simply send email to help@smugmug.comwithin 30 days of receiving your order.

How long will it take to get my prints back?
This depends on the shipping option that you choose when completing your order. Some options include next day, and others can take as long as 3-5 business days after the order ships. 

What is a limited usage agreement ? What is the difference between a copyright release and a limited usage agreement?
Both documents allow unlimited reprints at your leisure.Here is the difference between the two: if a photo studio adapts a copyright release, they sign away their rights to the pictures and cannot lawfully use them in any form after the document is signed and given to the client without the client’s permission.However, if the studio wishes to use the pictures for advertising and retain the copyright, it should adapt a usage agreement.Clients who purchase the photo CD are the only parties allowed to make unlimited reprints from the photo CD. Copies of additional CD’s must be obtained from the Studio for lawful usage by anyone other than the client.Otherwise, federal copyright law is infringed and those breaking the agreement may be subject to federal fines and/or prosecution.Federal law states that any reprints made by a client from any photo CD created by the Studio must be accompanied by the original limited usage agreement signed by a Studio photographer.

Do you offer special effects and editing?If so, what kind?
We offer several special effects and framing techniques such as soft focus filters, sepia and B&W photography, B&W or sepia with color tinting, and other special effects.We can also retouch or airbrush your photos to give the subject a flawless look. To view examples of special effects editing, check out our online galleries or contact us and we will be happy to show you examples of each.

Do you frame and mat pictures?
Yes!

What is the DVD movie/slideshow?
We will create a custom photo slideshow DVD for you that includes one copy of each photo from the online album, including the wedding and any additional photo sessions ordered.

How long does it take to view my online album?What about receiving my album?
It takes up to 2 weeks to edit the proofs and create the online album (depending on how many orders and events we have had recently).Clients will be allowed up to 10 photos of their choice per 20 pages in an album.  For every 20 pages, an album will include up to 50 photos.  For Premium and Upgraded albums, the Photographer will provide a proof design, and the Client will be allowed up to 2 major changes to the proof design.  The Client will be given up to 1 month for final approval of the proof design from the time the proof design is presented; if the Client fails to provide final approval before the deadline, Seize the Photo Photography reserves the right to design and deliver any album products to the client without further client input and the client waives the rights to make changes (unless additional charges are paid).  Finished albums will be delivered eight to twelve weeks from the time the final design is accepted.  Please note that both photographers also hold full-time jobs and sometimes get very busy when we have several shoots within a small time frame. We will always notify you if a delay will occur and we will do our absolute best to get the photos back to you as soon as possible.

***If you have any other questions, feel free to call or email us at any time!***