Greta Dawn Photography is a premiere wedding and portrait photography studio located in the beautiful high country of the Rocky Mountains near Black Hawk, Colorado.
Is Greta Dawn the only photographer?
Yes, I am the primary photographer. However, I do offer the option to include a 2nd photographer with any package. If you are having a smaller wedding and less coverage time, I do not feel it’s necessary to have a 2nd photographer unless you wish to do so. For larger weddings and longer coverage time, I typically recommend including a 2nd photographer with your collection.
What is your style of photography?
I specialize in documentary wedding and lifestyle portraits. Since I began this journey as a photographer, I have always focused on documenting life as it happens. I take the same approach with wedding photography. I love capturing the day as it unfolds with an unobtrusive approach. With that said, there are times when the moment calls for “creative guidance” and will ask you to move this way or that way. This is especially true during bridal portraits and family formals.
Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes! Although the majority of my weddings are photographed in Denver and the surrounding mountain community like Summit & Eagle county, I specialized in destination weddings. I have had the pleasure to photograph many weddings in Florida, Wyoming, Alabama, Montana, and South Dakota. I look forward to adding more location to my list including Mexico and beyond.
What kind of equipment do you use?
Although my first love was Nikon, I use Professional Canon Digital equipment as my primary set-up with extensive backup for both camera and lighting equipment.
Do you take family formals?
Of course. I dedicate 15-30 minutes for family pictures depending on the number of family groupings. You are more than welcome to provide a list of family groupings to ensure I capture all of your loved one. Please make sure to provide me with the list at least one week before the wedding. If you choose not to have a list, no problem. I am very comfortable with shooting formals without one.
Do you work from a shot list of photographs we want you to take?
Unless there is an event with special significance, I do not work from a shot list other than the family groupings. I have photographed many weddings and feel a list hinders my ability to capture your day artistically.
Can our family and friends take pictures with their cameras?
Of course, family and friends are welcome to shoot alongside Greta Dawn Photography as long as they are respectful to our responsibility to you. I ask that those individuals stay behind me and my 2nd photographer when possible and keep there flashes to a minimum especially during family formals, first dances, and cake cutting. The only time when family and friends are not allowed to take pictures is during the bridal pictures. This is when I need your full attention and others can hinder the process. Otherwise, happy shooting.
Do we need to feed you at the reception?
Yes, it would be gracious of you to feed me and my 2nd photographer if included in your collection. It helps to ensure we stay focused and cheerful throughout the rest of the day. Many caterers offer a vendor meal as an add-on option. I do ask that we are fed when you are eating and not after all the guest have been served. This will ensure we do not miss anything after you are finished eating.
Will you stay if our time runs out?
Yes, most of the time I am available to stay longer if needed. There is an overtime rate that goes into effect only with your approval and will billed after the wedding.
Do you offer rehearsal coverage?
Typically no, except for destination weddings.
How many images will we get?
I guarantee 80-100 images per hour but usually deliver more.
When do we get to see the images and how does the online gallery work?
Because each image is edited before they are uploaded to your personal web gallery, there is a 2-3 week turnaround time. However, I try to post a sneak peek of favorite images on my blog a week after the wedding to hold you over until your gallery is ready. Once the images are online, I will send you your access information which you may share with family and friends. The gallery is password protected and has a secure shopping cart for ordering prints.
When will I receive the DVD of images?
If an album is included with your wedding collection, you will receive the DVD with the album. If an album is not included, the digital files are available within 10-12 weeks of the wedding date. The images on the disc are high-resolution digital files. and you will receive a print release for personal usage only.
Do we get rights to the images?
Greta Dawn Photography retains all copyright to the images produced and has the right to use the images for promotional purposes, competition, commercial use, etc. However, you will receive a print release to make reproductions and copies for personal use only. I will also provide a list of quality labs to get prints from.
What kind of albums do you offer?
I personal love custom flush mount albums. They can be referred to as storybook albums or coffetable books. There are no borders or mattes like you would find with traditional albums and have a more modern look to them. My current album company of choice is Renaissance Albums. I have been using them since the beginning and think they are absolutely fabulous.
How does the album design process work?
After you have viewed your images in your gallery, you will need to create a favorites folder of approximately 100 images and send the folder to me. I will use those images to create the first draft. You will have 2 consultation session to make changes to the design layout before a fee is assessed. Each set of revisions can take approximately 2 weeks. The total design process can take 4-8 weeks depending on how quickly you get me the changes. Once the album has been approved for production, you should receive the finished album within approximately 12 weeks if not sooner.
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business as a part-time wedding photographer since 2006. I started my business as Mountain Meadows Photography. As much as I loved my name, I felt it limited me to certain regions of the world and I wanted to appeal to brides getting married on a beautiful beach somewhere. That is how Greta Dawn Photography was born. In 2010, I switched my name and added senior, portrait, and boudoir photography to my services.
How do I book with you?
In order to reserve your date with me, I require a signed contract along with a 30% retainer fee. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the wedding. I accept personal check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Can you hold my date?
To be fair to everyone, I do not hold dates and accept bookings on a first come first served basis.
What if I have to cancel my wedding? Can I get my retainer back?
Because the retainer guarantees that I hold your date exclusively for you and turn down all other commissions for that date, the retainer fee and all monies paid are non-refundable.
What happens if you can’t make it the the day of our wedding?
I am affiliated with a network of local and national organizations for that specific reason. In case of an emergency, I would be able to find you a replacement photographer.
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