the FAQ (for my awesome clients)
How would you classify your style?
We believe that wedding photography should be focused on you as a uniquely awesome couple first and foremost, and then we focus on the business side of things. Photography is an art that needs to show off your individual style and personality! We put you (the subject) first in everything, because our ultimate goal is not just to make ridiculously awesome images, but to tell your story! We shoot in an editorial, photojournalistic, true-to-who-you-are-as-an-individual, romantic, laugh-out-loud, beautiful, and honest style. I know that’s a little long to put on our business cards, but hey, that’s why we have a website.
Why should I hire you?
Because we care about you. We care about your wedding. We care to make art that represents who you are as a couple and as individuals, and we want the world to see the love, passion, spark, joy, and intimacy that you find in each other.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes, yes, always yes. We have loads of equipment and we know how to use all sorts of things in multiple ways to get the right effects every time. We also sport liability insurance; it’s always important to be prepared. Life is unexpected and it’s our job to be ready for absolutely ANYTHING! Oh, and trust us, we are ready…anything.
How long have you been shooting weddings?
Benjamin, our principal photographer, has been photographing weddings since 2004. Derk’s Works became a full-time endeavor in the spring of 2010, and it hasn’t stopped growing since!
How do I get my pictures when they’re ready?
All of our package options include a USB disc drive with printing rights as well as online print ordering access that can be easily shared with friends and family far and near.
Can I get printing rights to the images?
Absolutely! A USB disc with full printing rights comes with all of our sessions and packages! With those files you get full freedom to make as many prints as you want! Use them for gifts for family and friends, wallpaper your house floor to ceiling, post them on facebook, make hats, mugs, t-shirts…whatever makes you happy! And, of course, we’ll be here to help if you need any printing advice along the way.
I want to hire you! Now what?
Well, that’s awesome! Let us know as soon as possible and we’ll get a contract in your hands licketysplit. Wedding days are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and we limit ourselves to about 30 weddings a year to save our sanity for years to come. Where money is concerned, we split your total into three payments, and collect the first with your signed contract. The second is due a month before your wedding date, and the last one is due when we have your products in your hand.
Do you book yourself for more than one wedding per day?
Sometimes we’ll book more than one wedding in a weekend, but never more than one event per photographer per day.
Do you have a replacement in case you get hit by a bus?
Yes, we roll with an outstanding group of photographers, and network with a variety of exceptional professionals city and country wide. While we would hate to have anything come in between us and shooting your event, we would do everything in our power to attempt secure you another photographer if one of us was somehow disabled.
Do you charge hourly or full day?
Full day only! We believe that by focusing wholly on you throughout your wedding day, we are more at liberty to take better photographs. Furthermore, the last thing you want to be thinking about at your wedding is when the photographer is leaving. Long in short, we stay until your story is told regardless of the hours, and that is different for every wedding.
Do you charge for travel?
Yep. We love to travel, but we can’t afford to do that without charging extra. Depending on the time and distance, this may include a small “per mile” rate, or even as much as a few nights in a hotel and flights. It really comes down to what you want, where, and when. The really great news is that, by hiring a Midwestern photographer, you get a great price on exporting high quality to incredible places around the world.
How soon after are the photos ready?
Our typical turnaround is 6 to 8 weeks. During the thick of wedding season, due to each photographer’s personal involvement in the entire process, things can get a little backed up. We are constantly working on our efficiencies, because it is our most sincere desire to get your treasured images to you as soon as possible without sacrificing on quality in any way.
