ampersand studios wedding photographers
CLIENT GUIDE AMPERSAND STUDIOS 2017
table of contents stu dio introdu c tio n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ab ou t ou r style .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 collec tions + fine go o ds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 things to consider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 client words ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 vendor referral ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
HELLO! FROM FRANNIE + NICHOLE
WHATMAKESUSDIFFERENT
Ampersand Studios was born in the spring of 2009 when us two weirdos met while attending BSU. Both of us were persuing a degree and career in graphic design with photography emphasis. After being mere aquaintences, and having several conversations about an interest in photographing weddings- we teamed up. And the rest is history. We never could have known where this ride was going to take us-- and now we are the best of friends, have growing families and a big huge stationery store in the Village at Meridian (WHAT!?) We might think we’re pretty funny, and a super good time- but we know for sure that you’re going to love your photos because we take your wedding photos VERY seriously.
Both of us have recently entered into using #thirtysomething... and we’re (mostly) pretty cool about it. We have hundreds of weddings under our belts and we still love every single one and stay in touch with many of those couples, often times photographing life milestones for years after. Our expertise and knowledge of the ins and outs of a wedding day are matched by few. We love our job, and we want nothing more than for you to be totally obsessed with your wedding photos!
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On a wedding day, things can get complicated. Schedules can run behind, cakes can melt, and bridesmaids can be.... well, let’s stop there. But one thing you should be able to count on is a confident photographer who is steadfast, efficient and extremely thorough. We often go far beyond the normal parameters of a “photographer” and help in any way that we see an opportunity. We care about your wedding day- the photos of course; but also about the experience and the memories that you will be reminded of when you look at those photos. Let’s make it a great day together!
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OUR PROMISE TO YOU
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ABOUT OUR STYLE
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Lastly, if it means anything to ya--- we shoot digital full frame RAW images and are always updating equipment with Canon’s top of the line bodies and lenses. We edit with a film-like effect. Subtle styling and a little bit of grain gives our work a timeless effect that you will love forever. Don’t be surprised if you see us shooting a few rolls of film at your wedding. We absolutely love the effect of film however, we choose to shoot mostly digital at weddings due to their unpredictable nature.
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WE LOVE DETAILS. Details in flowers, in decor, and details in YOU. Those little nuances and body language that make you and your relationship unique. The way he sets his hands on the small of her back when dancing is a as special as their smiling faces, and we often crop in on these types of details. Don’t worry, we will be sure to get plenty of those pearly whites perfectly centered and looking at the camera, but that’s not what makes us all giddy inside! And, you spent so much time and money on getting every little flower and escort card in it’s place- we will be sure to give them all a little special care. Photographing details right makes your album flow much better and it increases your chances of getting your wedding published.
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What else does this mean? While we love a good gimmick now and then, you will not find in our portfolio a single bridal party running from a dinosaur or groomsmen stacked in a pyramid. If you have especially silly or staged photographs in mind, of course we’ll be happy to step outside the box and create them for you however, we will not be asking you to do tricks.
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For example, if the bride is getting ready in a room that is full of clothes, clutter, and half eaten brunch-- we would go in and quickly clean or move everything to the other side of the room. We would direct the bride into a pristine area and show her exactly where to stand and which way is best to face for the direction of light. Then, we let the moment happen. Now, when the bride’s mother enters the room to help her loop the last few buttons and latch the family heirloom pearls around her neck, the light is falling beautifully on them; therfore creating a desirable photograph that also tells an important part of the story.
AMPERSAND STUDIOS
Some photographers define their style as “photojournalistic.” A true photojournalist’s job is to document a story exactly as it happened. We are aware that a wedding day is a special creature and not everything happens on it’s own. We like to photograph in a journalistic manor while also looking for opportunities to make a moment happen. Often times we will find a moment that is already happening and simply modify it to make it more beautiful visually. We create moments that could be happened upon.
OUR PRICING our pac kag es ar e si m p le a nd e a sy to c u sto m iz e . e ach pac k ag e inc lud e s : -Your photographer’s time and talent -An online gallery that you can view, share and order wedding images -A custom USB drive with all of your full resolution images, beautifully edited and a print release.
1 photographer
2 photographers
6 hours
$2800
$3800
8 Hours
$3200
$4500
+ 1 hour
$250
$400
e n gagem ent s es sion // 500 t ravel + accom modat ions // 450 mccall, sun valley, stanley
AMPERSAND STUDIOS // H E L LO @ A M P E RS A N D - ST U D I OS .CO M
FINE GOODS SIGNATURE ALBUMS
FINE ART PRINTS Once we send you the link to view and download your digital images, you’ll also have the option to purchase individual prints starting at only $4. You may of course order them from a lab of your choice, but we guarantee precise color and professional lab quality. Standouts and Gallery Wraps are also available.
s i g n a t u r e a l b u m // 8 5 0 10X10, 30 PAGES 1 0 A d d i t i o n a l p a g e s // 1 0 0 MAY ADD UP TO 100 PAGES u p g r a d e t o 1 2 x 1 2 // 2 0 0
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We like to keep things simple, so please let us know if you’d like to see more options for sizes, covers and page types. Our favorite and recommended album is our “signature album” shown here.
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We want you to have our work printed and to live somewhere other than facebook. If you purchase an album from us, you’ll get a custom pre-designed digital proof to which you can make as many changes as you’d like. Artisan binding, many cover options, and beautiful, fine art felt pages come together to make an album that you’ll enjoy looking at for generations.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ENGAGEMENT SESSION aside from providing you with beautiful, emotional portraits in a casual setting, engagement sessions allow us to get to know each other before the big day. knowing what to expect from your photographer and feeling relaxed in front of the camera are critical for photographic success. during the engagement session, we love to work with you to find the styles, smiles, angles, and poses that work best for you as a couple. that way, when your wedding day comes around, we’ll have already practiced picture-taking together and everyone will know what to do and expect!! engagement sessions are the time for you and your beloved to show your inner selves, your love for one another, and your favorite outfits in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. you are welcome to choose a location that speaks to you in a personal way, or let us recommend a few of our favorite spots based on our experience. some couples choose that special spot where he proposed, others their favorite restaurant, winery, or flower field. we can’t wait to get you in front of the lens and bring out what makes you a special couple • engagement sessions typically 60-90 minutes • sessions can include two outfits • we recommend no more 2 near-by locations to keep things simple • make sure to bring the ring! • try wearing complementary colors rather than matching tones • scarves, hats, bags, jewelry and other accessories look amazing! • bring several pairs of shoes for different terrain • men - leave the sport watches and white socks at home! • try to avoid large logos or brand symbols on clothing • many couples like to use these images for save-the-dates
WHERE TO GET READY Set the stage for the rest of your day with your getting ready location. Try to pick a location that jives with the overall feel of your wedding. If you’re going super formal, the Grove Hotel is a great place. Is your wedding more trendy? Check out the Modern Hotel or Hotel 43. Hotel rooms are our favorite getting ready locations, however many people choose to get ready at their homes or on site. Although on site getting ready rooms are super convenient, they are not always ideal. Be sure to check out the space before deciding where to get ready. We’d love to help with suggestions, just ask us! As your photographers, we will be wherever the bride is getting ready. If you want photos of both parties, please arrange for them to be nearby or in the same hotel/location. We prefer to have at least an hour for getting ready photos starting when your hair and makeup is almost finished.
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PLANNING A FIRST LOOK
Although a first look might not be for every couple, we highly recommend them and absolutely love capturing this special moment. we ask that it is just the couple alone to allow for the most natural reaction. first look photographs generally happen directly after the bride and groom have gotten dressed for the day.
“we invite you to be truly present at this special time. please, turn off your cell phones or tablets and put down your cameras. (your names) have hired a professional photographer who will capture the ceremony. so we want you all to be here in this moment with them, without the distraction of technology. they will be more than happy to share all photographs with you later.”
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5 minutes later when she should be listening to your vows. however, during the reception, let them shoot away... we can share you the rest of the day! but we’re going to be greedy and take the ceremony all for ourselves. you’ll thank us later We’ve even put together some tasteful verbage for your officiant to read before the ceremony begins:
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whether your ceremony be in a religious venue or out in the beauty of nature, it’s a sacred time for you as a couple. you have invited your favorite people in the world to be there to witness a moment; and to also make a vow to support you and your marriage forever. it’s a special time for everyone involved. the reality of this generation and century is that humans have evolved. we’ve sprouted extensions to our limbs. these new flanges have buttons, lights, still and video cameras, and worst of all... noises! not only are all of these devices distracting and obnoxious, they also take away from the overall experience that your guests would be getting otherwise if they were actually there living it... not through a screen but with their actual eye-balls! it is for this reason that we as professionals require that you ask your guests to go unplugged. to put away their cameras, phones, tablets, go-pros etc. during your wedding ceremony. you are hiring a photographer to take beautiful photographs that document every moment of this event, and you’re paying good money for it. we’re guessing you don’t want your professional photo of the bride walking down the aisle to be ruined by aunt karen stepping out in front of us with her ipad at the perfect moment just to get a photo that will most likely be blurry, underexposed and with some horrid instagram filter posted to facebook
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UNPLUGGED CEREMONIES
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it’s an amazing thing to watch how all of the sudden, nerves are released. the rest of the day goes much more smoothly, and you won’t have to keep your guests waiting long between the ceremony and reception. now you actually get to spend your wedding day together... and not just the evening.
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Since there is generally very little time in-between events at a wedding, it is important to plan for a first look in the official wedding time-line. We are happy to make time-line suggestions and help you create a first look experience within your time budget to help make the whole day go a little more smoothly.
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WHAT CLIENTS SAY
We’ve worked extremely hard over the years not only to deliver beautiful wedding photographs, but also to give our couples the best experience possible. We are pretty proud to have hundreds of very happy clients out there. Take a look at your impeccable track record on Google, Yelp, Wedding Wire, Facebook and more. Here’s just a few raves from past couples.
KRISTA + BLAKE “we chose ampersand studios for our engagement and wedding photos, and we are beyond happy that we did. not only do we have the most amazing photos to remind us of such a special time in our lives, but it was absolutely enjoyable to work with them.”
ESTHER + NATE “we love ampersand studios! both frannie, and nichole are amazing! we have worked with them for awhile now with various events! never fail to impress. would most definitely recommend them for any of your photographic needs.”
JAKE + BRENT Our wedding planner recommended Ampersand, and we were sold after looking at their portfolio. My husband and I hate having our photos taken, but Nichole made everything a breeze. She was amazing to work with- she made us feel relaxed and created a safe, fun atmosphere for our wedding photos. Even more impressive, she had a gift with children and got them all laughing and smiling for photos! Just book with them; you won’t regret it!
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HOW LONG DO YOU BACK UP MY IMAGES? technically, as soon as we deliver your usb, you are responsible for backing up your images in a few safe places. but really, we will never delete or get rid of any files. we just keep on buying more and more terabytes of storage so you probably have nothing to worry about.
HOW CAN I PAY? you name it. cash or check are of course preferred as we don’t have to deal with those stinky credit card processing fees but we understand that the plastic is more convenient for some. we accept all credit cards and we can even get you set up on a payment plan.
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HOW WILL I GET MY DIGITAL IMAGES? for wedding shoots, you will get an online gallery from which you can order prints and other products, but for your final images you will receive a lovely little custom usb drive with your full resolution images inside.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY PHOTOS BACK FROM YOU AFTER A MY WEDDING? for weddings we ask for 6-8 weeks before you unleash the bridezilla that you tried so hard to cage away. often times we get them done much sooner, it just depends on the time of year and how many photos were taken at your event. in peak wedding season (july, august, september) we are chugging away, but it does take a little longer than the rest of the year.
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DO I GET THE RIGHTS TO MY PHOTOS? you know it! well, sorta. no really you do... with your wedding or lifestyle session if you get a package that includes digital files, you will get a full print release from us. what that means is that we still own the actual copyrights on the image, but you get the rights to print and reproduce them however you’d like. you can take them to a lab of your choice (hopefully one that does not start with the letters w-a-l) or you can order your own albums, mouse pads, iphone covers etc. to your little hearts desire. you can also share them on social media all you want. the only things you can’t do [which you’d think are obvious ]would be-- market them as your own photography work on your new photography business’s website, sell them for someone else to use as advertising or stock photography, and because we have pride in our craft, you may not edit or alter the images in any way... this also means no instagram filters!
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DO YOU TRAVEL FOR WEDDINGS? we are based in boise, idaho and we consider anything within about a 45 min. drive a local wedding. that covers meridian, eagle, nampa, caldwell etc. if your wedding is in mccall, sun valley, stanley or other places within 5 hours of boise our travel fee is $450 which is just enough to cover our driving time and accommodations for the night of the wedding. we do require that you book 2 photographers for any out of town weddings. our packages are very flexible and can be built accordingly. the minimum price for a package for an out-of-town wedding is $4220. if you have a wedding in another state or another country and you would like to take us abroad-- we are more than honored! please contact us for availability and custom pricing.
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FAQ
GETTING IN TOUCH
email is our preferred method of communication, but we’d love to hear from you however you’d like to contact us. whoever you meet with at your consultation will be the lead photographer for your wedding and your contact from there on out. we’re giving you our personal cell phone numbers, so please be respectful of the little time that we get with our families. everything you send is so important to us, but texts and phone calls received at night and on weekends may not be returned until the next business day.
PAPER GOODS
A m pe r s an d S tudios p hoto clients get 1 0% off t h ei r en ti r e wedding inv itat i on s a n d s tatio n ery order from pap e r i e + pen regardless of your choice of photographers, we would still love to help you with your invitations, stationery and other wedding paper goods! we also own paperie + pen in the village at meridian where we custom design anything paper. we have many designs to choose from, and often times we create brand-new custom artwork for our clients to fit their wedding and style perfectly. we specialize in digital printing, letterpress and foil printing methods. come on in anytime to peruse our books of past designs, or let us know if you would like to set up a consultation to really dive into the details.
www.paperieandpen.com // 208.888.7786 // village at meridian // @paperieandpen
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