Love Struck 2016 Guide by Matt Stern Talents (PTY) Ltd

Love Struck

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by: Matt Stern Wedding Photography

2016 Guide

Welcome Welcome Love Birds! This is my 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE Inclusive of a quick overview of my WEDDING PACKAGES. So, he finally popped the question and, surprisingly; you said “YES.” He is probably going to think that he has done his part now, leaving you the Bride-to-be, with the daunting task of pulling everything together; and that includes family and friends; which may not always be that fond of each other. I cannot help you plan your whole wedding, sadly; but I can ease your mind about your wedding photos. Many do not consider this, but long after the good food, beautiful venue, pretty flowers Contact Details: and stunning outfits are forgotten; my photos will remain to bring your wedding day back to life, www.mattsterntalents.com with vivid visual reminders of what you experi- bookings@mattsterntalents.com www.facebook.com/matt.stern.photography enced on the day you said your vows. +27 78 300 6728 The best way to showcase how I can assist you is to take you on a journey with me through 2015 and some of the weddings I covered in it. I also share some insights, and by the end of this publication, if you still don’t consider me as a viable option; at least you will have some information to guide your decision and hopefully a few tips that helps you make your special day extraordinarily memorable.

Biography: Matt Stern Photography is based in Springs, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.

Years were spent in preparation of becoming one of the most sought after photographers in South Africa with a clear goal of becoming a Destination Wedding Photographer with global There is a song that states, “Love is a beautiful reach. song” and as luck would have it, it makes for some pretty awesome photos too. Attention to detail, a great understanding of the role of light in photography and a general compassion for his fellow man; ensures a top quality Regards and enjoy, consistent product for Matt Stern Photography Matt clients.

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Choosing your:

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Wedding Photographer W

ith so many photographers around these days, That is where being a professional photographer how do you decide which photographer to hire comes in. We are expected to produce results that for your wedding? the average photographer out there can not duplicate without much effort and understanding (and then, Digital cameras capable of high quality images have spending a couple of thousand to have the gear to become so affordable that the number of photogra- do it with.) Therefore, if you are simply looking for phers in any given area has simply exploded. Many someone to take standard photos of your wedding of those hobbyists are quite eager to break into the without a regard to quality and style; you should be Wedding Photography Industry because it appears happy with just about anyone with a decent mobile to be lucrative. Many of these photographers will phone. In that case, do not even spend the money charge you next-to-nothing, just to have images of a on someone that has never shot a wedding before; wedding on their portfolio to use for marketing pur- ask for it for free, in exchange for the rights to use the poses; a sound strategy for them, but is it a good images for their portfolio. Or: give your Galaxy to one option for you? of the kids to snap some shots. What is the first thing most people ask?

What is the first thing you should look at?

In the time I have been doing this, request almost always reach me with a simple question like, “How much do you charge to shoot a wedding?” or sometimes it is more modest, “Do you shoot weddings?” The important thing these days seems to be, “what will it cost?”

Photography Style. When researching possible wedding photographers, the thing that should attract your attention to the photographer first is his style of photography; and then to see if the photographer can consistently produce multiple images of similar quality. By consistency, I mean can the photographer produce images that will follow the same grade throughout your wedding album, or is it going to look like you had 300 photographers at your wedding because their is no consistency in the shoot or editing style. It is the style that attracts us to a photographer first, the way he sees things and the way in which moments are captured. Once you have found a photographer whose style you like, your budget will have to adapt to afford that photographer or you will have to be happy with second best (or maybe even 3rd or 4th).

Now, given; most of the people contacting me is probably already familiar with my work; the quality and style of my photography, but still it seems that people’s biggest concern is price. That is completely sane and understandable; but the common approach is not always the right approach. See, the price charged for shooting a wedding is relative to a few factors which will be discussed shortly. What is the second thing people want to know?

We do not all like the same things, and that is one of Quantity of images still plays a major role in expec- the only reasons why so many photographers can tation. I think it is something we are brought up with; earn a living from photography. Our images are as “How much can I get for my money?” Once more, different as our personalities. we sitting with something that is debatable; because if you just want the images as taken with my camera; Your Budget I don’t mind how many you want (as long as I get paid for it.) However, in order to bring an image up What you get for your ‘buck’ is not insignificant; fair to my style and quality from the RAW footage takes trade is very important. You should not pay more for time and skill, and there is a cost to that too. In fact, I a photographer than what you feel he/she is worth. would not sell you the images straight from my cam- Lol, the photographer may not agree with you; and era; because Uncle Joe could have gotten the same just as you may have to choose a different brand of shots with his i-Pad. coffee to drink, you may have to find someone else.

Choosing your Wedding Photographer... The sad case is that we only get in this life what we can afford. For this very reason, some can walk into a BMW dealership and others are searching the Junkmail or OLX for a good deal. You do get what you pay for. When putting together your budget, it is thus important to keep in mind what level of photographer you would like to capture your wedding while deciding the venue and the menu. One thing I can tell you, no matter what you have decided on as a budget for your wedding photos; double it and make sure to book your wedding photographer well in advance. Great photographers are often booked up well in advance; myself I am already taking bookings for 2017; even though I still have some spots open for 2016. So, what should you look for? After deciding on a budget and leaving room for growing that budget, follow the following priorities. 1. Style Search for wedding photographers in your area on the Internet. Be sure to look for Wedding Photographers as a wedding is filled with unique challenges that must be anticipated and planned for. A photographer with a good event photography & portrait photography portfolio could be a good option even if the photographer hasn’t done a wedding before. Event photography would have given him/her the experience to be ready for the unexpected and get good candid shots, while portrait photography would have prepared him/her for the Bridal and couple shots. The ideal candidate how ever will be someone who has a proven track record of good wedding photography. Some photographers may be great at portraits, while the pace of a wedding with it’s frequent changes in light conditions may prove too much.

Should the photographer be in a high pricing bracket; it could mean that the photographer is in demand, may have one or more awards for his/her photography or that the photographer is based in a high income area. That obviously does not exclude inflated ego where the photographer is trying his/her luck by asking more than they worth. In those cases, the photographer would usually be open to negotiation.

The complexity of your task in the search of the ideal You should not have to pay for someone else’s learn- wedding photographer is to class these photograing curve. Rather make sure you will get the shots phers through research. Most wedding photograyou want. phers are hired based on word of mouth in anyway. 2. Price Though there are exclusions; the money required by a photographer for a shoot, is generally an indication of how confident the photographer is about his/her skills to perform the task. If the photographer falls in a lower pricing bracket it could indicate that he/she hasn’t done much of it, or do not have professional equipment or is based in a lower income area.

3. Reputation Social media has changed the rules of how we do business, hasn’t it? Most photographer’s have a Facebook profile, and often the Bride and/or Groom will be tagged in the wedding photos on-line. What prevents you from discreetly contacting those people to find out about their experience with the photographer?

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Choosing your Wedding Photographer... You could even go a step further and ask other pho- Photos via Wifi is an option on my packages now tographer’s who they would hire for their wedding. too. One mobile phone can be linked to my camera to download photos from my camera as I take 4. Number of hours coverage the photos. The Wifi does drain the camera’s battery The price of a package has many elements, and one quicker though, so additional batteries for the camof those important elements is the coverage time. era is needed which has an additional cost. Make sure that the package you choose will cover all your moments; or schedule your wedding day in 6. Pro or Amateur Gear? such a way that all the important moments happen Though there are top wedding photographers that while the photographer is there. shoot natural light photos for a wedding; often a statement like that just means that the photographer 5. Products and Services Provided does not own an external flash to deal with light for What are the Products and Services you can have the photos. as options for your wedding package? Professional equipment is expensive to own or even Often, this will be a good indicator of the level of to hire; and a pro will not shoot with entry level gear. photographer you are dealing with. Most Pro’s deal Some of the lenses cost well over R 20 000 a lens, with Labs that can provide a wide variety of prod- but is worth the money for the result. ucts. Cover and box options for the albums, as well as paper options. You should be able to order prints A pro will also have backup equipment to ensure the of your images if you desire it, whether it is fine-art shoot carry on despite equipment failure. prints, canvas, coffee mugs, mouse pads, brag books and more. Conclusion: Make sure to hire a photographer that comes recI have a section later in this publication that will be ommended. If you are not sure whether the photogdealing with products and services exclusively. rapher is worth his salt; ask for help from the creative people you may know. It is almost better not to hire The Photo-booth is gaining even more popularity as a photographer at all, than hiring a photographer that time pass. Some photographer’s has a stand alone will disappoint. unit, while other’s (like me) prefers to have a manned station with props and a back drop to entertain your I wish you all the best in your hunt for your perfect guests while you are having your Couple and Bridal wedding photographer. shots done.

Spectacular Moments

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A Riverside Story Lood & Suné’s Wedding

inding a wedding photographer to cover your wedding is not as simple as asking the first photographer you can find or who is available (not if you care what your photos are going to look like, in anyway.)

and rather share their day with them. I did take a few shots and that landed up being the only decent shots of their wedding (according to them in anyway)

That does not mean you have to book me to be I have selected six weddings from 2015 to show- satisfied, there are many photographers in SA case in this edition of “Love Struck” and the first worth their weight in gold. The question is... How of these are the wedding of two of my friends who would you know who? got married in February 2015. I cannot share all the images, but journey with me The couple decided to book me after seeing the through some moments of Lood & Suné’s wedimages, not wanting to share the regret as some ding. Over the past year my style has evolved and of our other friends had, hiring another photog- if you are not convinced by the end of this publirapher; all because they didn’t want me to work cation, please, do not book me.

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Getting Ready

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Moment...

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Moments without Repeat

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Things to Ponder on...

This might be your day, but when something goes wrong, it can become a nightmare very quickly. It is for this reason I always advise that responsibilities gets assigned, that way every person part of your special day knows what is expected. And, heaven forbid; if something goes wrong, you may never even become aware of it, because it was handled without ruining your special day.

Let people think what they will... Be mindful of your stance and posture the entire time that the wedding photographer is there. Let people gossip about you thinking you high-and-mighty or whatever their envy brings to mind. Remembering that the camera is on you and it will help to give the photographer the opportunity to get remarkable photos; even for those candid moments.

One of these little tasks... Assign somebody to keep a list of the family members and friend’s names whom you would like to be in the group shots. Every minute wasted on that, is a minute lost for your couples and bridal shoot session. 90 Minutes... In order to give the photographer enough time to take decent couple and bridal shots; work a 90 minute window into your schedule. It is advisable to have something to entertain your guests, like cocktails or a cigar lounge.

Live a little... Have fun please, joke around, pull faces and do not hold back a lingering tear. Wedding photography is all about the emotion of the moment; and emotional photos makes for beautiful images. Do not be afraid to take the dance floor by storm, or to laugh uncontrollably when your partner forgot his/her part in the plan. We are human, and that is what makes us uniquely beautiful. Try your very best not to frown or get upset with others. We are photographers, not magicians; there is only so much we can do to save an image.

Early cake cutting... What has become popular is to cut the wedding cake straight after the ceremony. This gives a moment for the couple to receive well wishes and have something to drink before the group shots and couple shoot. This works well when the photographer won’t be there for the whole event.

Invite your friends & family for photos... You know the guests much better than the photographer, and you will probably have the photographer around you the whole time; so... before posing for that “selfie” for a guest’s phone; call on the professional to take the image. Chances are you will never get a decent copy of the photo from them.

Save some money... Most wedding photographers charge by the hour. Condense your schedule to get everything done in a small window of time; so do the garter toss, first dance and speeches early after the couple’s shoot.

Ceremony Silence... Do not allow one of your guests to spoil your beautiful moment while walking into the church with dad, by hanging into the isle with their i-Pad. That is a professional image ruined for the sake of a photo that will probably not be that great. Ask the venue to put up a sign saying, “No photos are permitted by anyone other than the official photographers.” It is your money, if uncle Joe is in my way; I am going to take a photo of uncle Joe being in the way and you will receive no discounts for the loss of an important moment.

Pay attention to smile... You are basically a celebrity for the day. Everything happening is in your honour. The cameras are on you every moment, so remember to smile, be happy and showcase your love for your life partner at every possible moment.

Engage yourself for...

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Wedding Photo Success

he right way to start your Wedding Photography is with an Engagement Shoot, but why is it so important, or do you think this is just a clever way of the photographer to swindle more money out of your pocket? Most people are not used to being in front of the camera, especially as the main attraction. Some people find it more difficult than what they first anticipated. It is high confront and all of a sudden, your arms feel like lead pipes on the side of your body; you don’t quite know what to do with them; and all with that, both your feet decide to be left feet.

photographer that couldn’t get good images. The things that make your wedding photos unique and different from everyone else’s, is you. You are the magic ingredient; and it is only good when you show the beautiful soul you have been blessed with. When we have video, it is easy to see people interact, we can hear and see what they laughing at or what they get upset with. They can tell us why they happy and what emotions it stirs up. That is why Wedding Video’s have also gained so much popularity. Strange thing though, when people want to show you what their wedding was like, they will reach for the photo album (if it is good photos), many times before they will make you sit down and watch a wedding video. Photography still wins as the best medium to share your wedding with loved ones; and these days, the whole world on social media.

The little things that makes images look beautiful are not always so spontaneous. We have to put a little more effort into looking good and appearing animated on a two dimensional plain. Not preparing for this could have you land up like stick men and women on your wedding day; having much the same pose as when they used to take photos of corpses back Make it the best you can and invest the practice sesin the day. Oh, and of course, then I will be the bad sion of an engagement shoot.

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A Rubylicious Wedding Tebogo & Rubyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding

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Focus on the Bride

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Always Camera Ready

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Practice Makes Perfect

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” - Ansel Adams

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Flowers & Cake

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Flower-girl Steals the Show

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CJ & Judith ties the Knot

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Dare to be Different!

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Wedding Shots H

Guide

ere you will find a guide to the important shots for BEFORE THE RECEPTION a wedding and more or less when the photogra- * Bride & Groom’s hands pher will be taking these photos. * Bridesmaids looking at bride’s ring * Bride alone Notice that I say a guide, because while your wed- * Groom alone ding photographer will attempt to get most of these * Bride and Groom shots, so much can hinder all involved ; and in so * Bride alone (in wedding gown) doing some of the shots might simply be impossible * Groom alone (Ready) to get. * Groom with best man * Bride with maid of honour GETTING READY PORTRAITS * Bride with all bridesmaids * Bride’s gown on hanger * Groom with groomsmen * Brides shoes * Ring bearer and flower girl * Groom’s shoes * Bride with mother * Bride hair & makeup, rings & other details * Bride with father * Bride dressing with assistance from mom or * Bride with her parents maid of honour * Groom with his parents * Back view of bride in wedding gown * Bride & Groom with both parents * Bride with detail of the back of the dress * Bride & Groom with her parents * Groom dressing with best man’s help * Bride & Groom with his parents * Bride leaving home/room for ceremony * Bride with bridesmaids * Wedding car * Groom with groomsmen * Bride & Groom with best man and maid of AT THE CEREMONY honour * Ceremony location with guests arriving * Bride & Groom with entire wedding party * Parents at the ceremony * Group pictures with siblings and extended * Flower girl and ring bearer in the isle family * Groom walking down the isle * Group picture with friends * Groom and groomsmen at altar * Group picture with special guests * Bridesmaids awaiting the bride * Bridesmaids coming down the isle AT THE RECEPTION * Bride and Father of the bride entering * Reception venue details * Special guests * Table settings * Altar during the ceremony * The wedding cake * Bride & Groom exchanging vows * Parents seated * Bride & Groom exchanging rings * Couple arriving at the reception * Bridal couple kissing * Couple seated * Couple signing the register * Couple’s first dance * Close-up shot of wedding rings in couple’s * Couple cutting the cake hands * Couple feeding each other cake * Bride & Groom leaving ceremony * Bride & Groom toasting * Bride & Groom getting into the car * Throwing of the bouquet & garter * Bride & Groom inside the car * Couple dancing * Couple leaving the reception

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Getting Ready Henk & Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding

Things can get hectic when getting ready for your special day. Try to remember to keep the area neat and tidy, limit who comes in to the room to those part of the wedding party and most of all; when selecting a venue, make sure that the room where you will be getting ready is spacious enough, has good quality light and interesting decor.

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Attention to Detail!

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Abide by me

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What is your love story?

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Evaton Celebrates

Tumelo & Mpumiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding

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I do...

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General Tips Let me share a few tips with you, just from a photographer’s PLAN AHEAD viewpoint. Sometimes things do not go according to plan, and one of those things could be the weather. Have a contingency PACE YOURSELF: in place not only for the ceremony and reception, but also Chances are that you have waited a while to get married, you some possible alternatives where the photographer can take have waited for the right moment in time (or as right as life some great couple shots if it should rain. would permit in anyway.) Have the rings, bouquet, garter, jewellery, shoes, cologne Many couples make the mistake to rush through some of the and perfume ready for the photographer while your makeup moments. DON’T! Take your time and drink in every moment and hair is getting done. Hang your dress on a pretty hanger of your special day. It is your day, others can wait on you. that follows the theme of your wedding. Don’t rush dad down the isle, rather take a moment to thank him with a kiss for guiding you to this point of your life. Let the first kiss linger a little, it is your first kiss as husband & wife after all, you may want more than just one photo of the moment. Don’t rush the exchange of rings either, please.

Make sure the bridesmaids are dressed before you are, for those images where they help you get ready; you really want them in their frocks already.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! When choosing your venue, keep in mind that it is like a Pause at the door as you exit the chapel, share another kiss stage set in which your love story will be told through the for all to witness; smile and be joyful; even if your husband photographer’s images. Pay attention to details and make got wasted at the bachelour’s party (most men do!) sure it is things you like; and things you think will be nice as the background in your photos. Remember that the camera is on you the whole time, so don’t rush from person to person who wants to congratulate If you are getting ready on location, have a look at the rooms you. Keep every moment intimate and show the emotion and see if there is place where you can hide away your you feel inside. suitcases and regular wear. You do not want to have plastic bottles standing around or cheap plastic kettles. Take a slow walk on and from the dance floor for the first dance, drink it in; all of it! Tease the single people before DRESS THE CAKE throwing the bouquet and garter; it will give the photogra- You can have the most beautiful wedding cake ever, but if it pher more opportunities to get great shots. Then party in true is simply placed next to an ugly white wall; it will take away celebration in appreciation of the opportunity to have found from how beautiful your wedding cake was. Pay attention to someone who chose to share the rest of their life with you. the surroundings of the cake and the cocktails; remember, It is a big gift given. photographers can do a lot, but we are not magicians as I said before. BE YOURSELF: If you cannot be your true self, at least be who you would like THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRACT to be. There are two general inspiration for wedding photos Make sure you have signed the Wedding Photography Conthat works very well. 1st is of course to be authentically you, tract and that you have a signed copy of it. As much as the do what others would expect you to do; that way we will get contract protects the photographer; it is also there to protect genuine moments of how your guests responds to you. The you. 2nd is a combination of things, elegant, classy, glamorous and beautiful; not that pulling off both at the same time is Most of all... HAVE FUN!!! And congratulations! impossible.

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Cattell Riverside Wedding Raymond & Lou-Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding

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Soft Pastels & Natural

Makeup & Hair

I am sure you can understand why a photographer might have a word or two to say on make-up and hair. Not so much the hair bit of it, part from a friendly request to refrain from glitter in the hair; but makeup plays a big role in getting beautiful photos.

There are three major issues when it comes to makeup.

We have all seen the photos of well known celebrities without their makeup; and let’s just admit it... Makeup and Photoshop goes a long way to make them the people others idolize. I think you deserve the best for your special day too.

The general rule is go very natural with slightly defined eyes, cheek and lips; or do night makeup that is well defined and well blended to bring about that glamorous look you want. But please, lose the glitter as far as possible.

The first one that affects me greatly, is the type of makeup used. The MUA will know best, but because of the light I use in my photography; any oily surface will light up like a car’s headlights. So, oil based makeup must be avoided and if I understand that the glitter makes you shine on your day, but used, rather used by a professional that can anticipate what believe me, glitter is a strange thing. On photos it simply ap- will happen when my flashes go off. pears to look like dandruff. Your choice and I will do my best to deal with it, but you would shave hours of my processing The second issue is blending of the base used to the neck time; because the only way I can deal with it, is to edit it out. area. You do not want to look as if you were wearing a mask on your wedding day. A professional MUA will not only deal KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL with this on your behalf; they also make use of a practice Think about it a little. You have got the venue with food for called contouring; bringing out the very best in you. your wedding, the dress, flowers and since you are considering to hire me; it just makes sense that you keep all of your Then lastly, still on the base; the idea is to have a matting efwedding professional. I am confident with my ability to work fect. When powder products are used, it must also be used with just about any situation; but, it is not my abilities and skill in moderation, especially when their is undefined facial hair. in question here. When we talk about a professional Makeup You don’t want to look like you slept in flower or that you are Artist, we are speaking of someone that will bring the very best friends with Maya the bee and spent the previous night best of your features out for me to capture on camera. on a flower with her.

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Wedding Photography Packages Print Free Packages PRINT FREE PACKAGES is where the couple will not get a single print as part of the package; however, the couple can select products after the wedding at an additional cost. The couple can meet with Matt Stern at the LAB, touch and feel the samples and then make a decision on print options from there. The Print free packages only cover the hours of coverage, the agreed upon amount of images provided on a USB storage device.

At least 8 Hours of Wedding Photography Coverage is Suggested

6 Hour Print Free 6 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 200 Images provided in Digital Format Only on a USB storage device Around 80 of the images will be advance edits and 120 standard edits

POA

8 Hour Print Free 8 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 250 Images provided in Digital Format Only on a USB storage device Around 100 of the images will be advance edits and 150 standard edits

POA

12 Hour Print Free 12 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 350 Images provided in Digital Format Only on a USB storage device Around 140 of the images will be advance edits and 210 standard edits

POA

Wedding Photography Packages Coffee Table Book Packages

Coffee Table Book Packages These packages are combination packages specifically for a one-stop package selection. It contains a few options to suit most couples expectations and budget. These per-configured packages comes with the “Photographer’s Choice” cover and boxing options, where the photographer and the LAB decides on what presentation will compliment the wedding theme and/or photos the best, known as The Designer Presentation Package.

Matt Stern’s La Perla Designer Presentation Package gets first priority

Coffee Table Book Packages espresso 7 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 225 Images provided in Digital Format on a USB storage device 1 x Medium Size Album with 15 Spreads (30 pgs) presented in a Black Webalin Box

POA

cappuccino 8 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 275 Images provided in Digital Format on a USB storage device 1 x Large Size Album with 20 Spreads (40 pgs) 2 x Small Parent Albums with 20 Spreads (40 pgs) Matt Stern Designer Presentation Package

POA

frappĂŠ 12 Hours Wedding Photography Coverage on the Day 400 Images provided in Digital Format on a USB storage device 1 x Large Size Album with 25 Spreads (50 pgs) 2 x Medium Parent Albums with 25 Spreads (50 pgs) Matt Stern Designer+ Presentation Package

POA

Designer Presentation Packages are custom presentation packages which may include printed, engraved, vinyl, material or even leather cover options. The client is consulted in the process and often little surprise extras are included to make sure the client get full value of the package. If you would like to know more, please contact me on bookings@mattsterntalents.com or +27 78 300 6728. I am also available on WhatsApp, LINE and on Facebook of course at www.facebook.com/matt.stern.photography/ or www.mattsterntalents.com for all contact information.