How many photos will we receive?
On average, I deliver anywhere from 200 to 400 edited photos to my couples from their wedding day. I have delivered as little as 150 from almost 8-hours of coverage, and as many as 350 from a 6-hour day. It really depends on the dynamic of the day itself. I can’t guarantee you a particular number. I would rather focus on capturing the ‘it’ photos rather than handing over a mind-boggling amount of ‘ok’ ones. I’m all about quality over quantity.
Do we get all the images?
Yes and no. Yes in the sense that what ever photos I choose to keep after removing the ones which I do not think are appropriate, I will edit and deliver to you. No, in the sense that not every image taken from the day, will be delivered. I have a strict culling process that removes all the average photos so that you are left with only the amazing ones.
When will we get the photos?
I aim to deliver your photos within 8-10 weeks of your wedding day. Should something occur that will delay this schedule, I will let you know in advance. Similarly, should you require your wedding album and/or photographs to be delivered by a certain time frame before 8 weeks, please let me know in advance so I can make appropriate arrangements.
Do you edit all the photos?
Each and every individual photograph that you will receive, will have been edited in some shape or form to produce the best result.
With the DVD, we get high-resolution files to print off right?
Correct. Good photos deserve to be printed, not viewed on a computer screen!
Do you provide makeup/hair and wardrobe services for pre-wedding shoots?
No. You are responsible for your own makeup, hair, and wardrobe changes.
How much time will we need to schedule for the photos on our wedding day?
I don’t need much time because my approach to wedding photography is of a storytelling nature. I don’t think a one-hour portrait session belongs on a wedding day. I don’t want you to feel as though you need to allot a specific time for photos. It is not my personal style to do a portrait session during my client’s wedding day. My preference is for you to enjoy the day with your friends and family and not worry about having to pose for photographs. I like my photos to be natural and full of candid emotions. As you will see from my portfolio, I like to weave in and out of the crowds, and at maximum, spend half an hour with the bride and groom privately doing some bridal photos. However, I do ask you to reserve a maximum of 20-minutes after the ceremony for family and group photos.
What is the best time for photographs?
The best light is during dawn and dusk. Dawn is usually not feasible for many practical reasons. However, if you could time your wedding or portrait session such that there is time within the last hour or so within sunset, then that would be my answer. The light from the sun is best within 1-hour of sunset. Now, just because this is the best time, doesn’t mean you should turn your wedding plans upside down to suit me! I’ll work around your schedule. But if you want to maximise the best situations for the best photographs, then dusk is the answer to your question.
What time do you start and end approximately?
I start approximately half-an-hour before the bride has finished either her makeup/hair (whichever comes last). The reason why I do this is because like all brides, I want you to look your very best.
For all-day coverage, sometimes I stay until the very end of the dinner reception. Sometimes I stay up to 20-minutes after the dance floor has opened up to your guests. Sometimes, I do night portraits afterwards. It all depends on the how the day flows and whether I feel as though I have enough material to work with to retell an amazing story.
For packages where you are limited by a certain number of hours, I am more than happy to stay on, provided that you agree to pay me per hour thereafter.
Do we need to feed you and your team?
Yes. My team and I typically start by 9am for most weddings. We skip lunch for long weddings. I ask that a meal be provided for all of us so that we may have a short rest. Please ask your reception venue to cater our meals at the same time as everyone else. This is the best time as nobody needs photos of themselves eating. If you do not provide us with a meal, I reserve the right to take my team away for up to an hour to have a break.
Do you work alone?
Seldom. Only once actually, when the pre-wedding was in London, and wedding was in Norway. It was not economical for my client to pay for extra hands.
I prefer to work with an associate photographer as well as an assistant. An associate photographer will cost you extra, but it is worth the price. Please keep in mind that I train my associate photographers from ground up. I don’t select random photographers. Each associate photographer I hire has been vetted and trained for at least 6-months before they start physically taking photos. I take my work very seriously, and will only work with a team who are worthy of your company.
However, if your budget does not permit a second photographer, I will still be awesome. Please keep in mind however, that my best work is usually achieved through teamwork.
Some wedding photographers we have met with offer e-sessions. Do you?
Yes I do. Except, I refer to these as ‘Love Stories’.
Love Story photography sessions are optional and on average, go for 2-hours. For couples who pre-order a printed wedding album, the Love Story photography session comes as a complimentary thank-you.
I offer the Love Story photography session to introduce you to how I work. That is, how I direct, how I photograph you up close and from afar. It is an opportunity for all of us to get to know each other and comfortable in front of the camera so that come your wedding day, you’ll be a natural.
Depending on when you book me and when your wedding will take place, I tend to schedule Love Story photography sessions at least 2-months in advance so that there is plenty of time for me to create a custom fine art reception guestbook (if applicable). Due to my busy schedule, as of April 2012, all Love Story photography sessions must be held on a weekday.
Why should we add your associate photographer to our wedding collection?
A second photographer is not essential, but the quality of the photography coverage will be significantly higher. I have rarely covered a wedding alone, because it is too risky. Having an associate photographer is a form of back-up. Additionally, the extra unique perspective my associate photographer(s) bring to the table, is stunning.
What happens if you are sick?
On the off-chance that I am too sick to work on your wedding, I will either arrange for a locum professional wedding photographer to take my place, or have my associate photographers replace me. All editing and follow-up will be carried out by myself.
As I am a sole-trader, I take my health very seriously during wedding season so that this does not happen. But should I be so incapacitated to work, I have checks in place to ensure your wedding memories are not compromised.
Do we get to choose the photos that will be featured in our album?
Yes and no. Allow me to explain.
Once I have finished editing the photos, I will present you with an album pre-design. That is, I will select the images and present them already in an album template. I will then ask you for comments and suggestions for changes. I allow two rounds of revisions before charging per revision thereafter. All changes must be finalised within 6-weeks.
The reason why I pre-design each album is because you have hired me for my expertise in storytelling. Therefore, you are entrusting me with retelling your story through my eyes. Of course, you are welcome to make changes to the album design as it is your wedding album. But in my experience, it is a much more efficient process if I select the first round of images.
Our wedding will not be in Sydney, Australia but we would like to book you for our wedding. How does travel and accommodation work?
For weddings that require more than an hour’s drive from Sydney (each direction), I require two nights accommodation for myself and my team.
For weddings that require interstate travel, I require two nights accommodation for myself and my team, in addition to flights.
For weddings that are outside of Australia all together, I require up to five nights accommodation for myself and my team, in addition to flights, transfers and expenses.
I will source my own accommodation and travel, and before I book, provide you with an estimated cost for your approval. Once I have booked my accommodation and/or travel, I will invoice you.
Will our photos be blogged?
It is up to my discretion as to whether particular photographs will be blogged/published on the internet. On my default wedding contract, I ask my clients to agree to having their photographs used for marketing purposes. This may include being uploaded to social media websites such as Facebook and tagging. Should you have concerns about this, please let me know and we can revise the agreement.
Do you photograph other events such as family portraits, children portraits, christenings etc?
As a business, Daniel K Cheung strictly specialises in wedding and wedding-related photography work only. Should you require these services, I am more than happy to recommend to you fellow photographers who I believe are much better than I am in these areas.
Do you do video?
No. Video is an entirely different beast. I would not be comfortable offering video services as I do not have any experience in it. There are a number of hugely talented cinematographers. I’d be more than happy to point you in their direction.
When is payment due?
A $2,100 (AUD) non-refundable retainer is required ASAP to confirm your booking. After that, I don’t really mind when the remaining balance is paid in full. So long as the full balance (as specified on the contract) is paid 14-days prior to your booking, then I’m all good.
What methods of payment are available?
Cash is preferred.
However, internet banking, personal cheque, and even credit cards are accepted.
Do you offer instalment plans for your photography packages?
Yes. Talk to me if you wish to split your repayments across a number of months. I am more than happy to come to an arrangement that works for the both of us.
Can we make an appointment to see you first before making a decision?
Yes. I insist all couples to make an appointment with me to meet in person. I am available most weekdays and weeknights. As I don’t operate within a studio, I tend to meet clients for lunch or dinner. I suppose it’s just an excuse for me to eat!
How do we confirm our booking with you?
Two things: sign the contract, and pay the $2,100 retainer.
How many weddings have you done?
2011 was my first year as a full-time wedding photographer. During that period, I photographed (as the primary photographer) 14 weddings, 20+ couple portrait sessions, and 3 pre-weddings. Not bad for a first year aye?
What does the ‘K’ stand for?
K stands for my Chinese name Keiwah. Therefore, my full name is Daniel Keiwah Cheung.
Knock knock knock?
Penny.
Do you have further questions about Daniel K Cheung?
I prefer correspondence to be done over email. All you have to do is click here to activate my contact form.
