Elopement: E & J - Rosewood Bermuda & Unfinished Church
E & J flew down to Bermuda to “tie the knot”. After getting ready at Rosewood Bermuda, we made our way to the Unfinished Church for the big moment! As it was just the two of them - both myself and my husband, Jim, were happy to sign their marriage license as their witnesses. Afterwards, we went through the historic town of St. George’s for photos. While it was a blustery cloudy day - we still “nipped down” to Tobacco Bay Beach to take in the view!
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to these two! E & J flew down to Bermuda to “tie the knot”. After getting ready at Rosewood Bermuda, we made our way to the Unfinished Church for the big moment! As it was just the two of them - both myself and my husband, Jim, were happy to sign their marriage license as their witnesses. Afterwards, we went through the historic town of St. George’s for photos. While it was a blustery cloudy day - we still “nipped down” to Tobacco Bay Beach to take in the view!
What wedding would be compelte without a little cake-cutting? Many congrats to the newly weds!
Photographer: Fiander Foto | Hotel: Rosewood Bermuda | Ceremony Venue: The Unfinished Church
Spring Sale - Free 8x8 Mini Album
Happy Spring from Fiander Foto! Let’s celebrate an extra hour of daylight with a sale. Book any 4-Hour (or more) Wedding Photo Package in Bermuda and receive our standard 8x8 Mini Album for FREE! Now that is a reason to celebrate; cue the music:
Happy Spring from Fiander Foto! Let’s celebrate an extra hour of daylight with a sale. Book any 4-Hour (or more) Wedding Photo Package in Bermuda and receive our standard 8x8 Mini Album for FREE! Now that is a reason to celebrate; cue the music:
Newborn: H & Family - Private Home, Bermuda
I had a wonderful time working with H and her family. Many congrats to the new mom and dad on the arrival of their son!
I had a wonderful time working with H and her family. Many congrats to the new mom and dad on the arrival of their son!
Photo Shoot - Tips to Follow for Portrait Sessions, Weddings, and Events in 2025
You booked a photo shoot and now… these questions start coming to mind: What if the weather is bad? What should we wear? Make-up? Hair? What will happen during the photo shoot? How do we receive the photos and how long does the editing take? Check out these tips and ideas to make sure your photo shoot is a success!
You booked a photo shoot and now… these questions start coming to mind: What if the weather is bad? What should we wear? Make-up? Hair? Transportation? What will happen during the photo shoot? How do we receive the photos and how long does the editing take? Check out these tips and ideas to make sure your photo shoot is a success!
#1 - WEATHER
When booking a photo shoot with Fiander Foto, the location is predetermined. The weather however, is not predetermined. This is why we also offer a “rain date” with our short photo shoot. As the photographer, I’ll make a “weather” call and check in with my couples 5-10 hours before the scheduled date/time. The big reason why I recommend waiting a 5-10 hours before the shoot to make a “weather” call is because the forecast can change very quickly in Bermuda - typical tropical weather. With this in mind - the weather call is sometimes made only a few hours before the start time. Clients are encouraged to be flexible when it comes to Bermuda’s tropical weather. I’m a big fan of using Wind Guru Bermuda, Windy.com and Bermuda Weather Service to check the weather on the island; these resources are a little more accurate for Bermuda - than say Weather.com and/or the Weather App on the iPhone. Don’t be scared of clouds - these are often a photographer’s best friend because they “hold” the golden hour light and help to cut back on harsh light. Kindly note: weddings and events do not have scheduled “rain dates”. With multiple vendors being involved, a reschedule would be difficult. Wedding and Event Clients: please be sure to have a “Plan B” for an indoor location.
#2 - CLOTHING
Once you decide what type of photo shoot you'd like and where it will take place, you may want to "dress for the occasion, location, and season." I like to encourage my clients to wear solid colours or lightly patterned outfits; avoid clothing that is mismatched. Clothing that may appear to be too "matchy matchy" may not be attractive although working with complementary colours that match your skin tone will be stunning! I also like to suggest if one person is wearing something with a pattern, for the other person to match that outfit by wearing solids of a similar color. This will help to ensure the color in the photographs are strong and there’s a sense of visual unity. When in doubt, consult Google. Try a search phrase like "What to wear for family, maternity, or engagement photos”.
#3 - HAIR & MAKE-UP
As a photographer, I'm a strong believer in professional hair, make-up, and nails! With that said, it's best to avoid “overdoing it" when it comes to these topics. If you typically do your own hair and make-up, that’s totally cool! Be sure to allow for plenty of “prep” time before the photo shoot. Or if you prefer to have a professional hair and/or make-up artist, be sure to choose one who can accentuate your features yet still allow you to maintain a natural appearance. A pastel or nude colour nail polish or a french manicure typically goes well with all outfit choices. ** Regardless of if you do your own hair or not - consider the weather forecast! The last thing you want to deal with during your photo shoot is hair getting in face. **
#4 - GOLDEN HOUR
If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m a big fan of shooting during the golden hour. This occurs a few hours right after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. Weather and location permitting, we’ll have amazing golden light during your shoot. Although if your shoot is scheduled outside of this time frame or if the weather has other plans - don’t fret my pet - it’s still possible to capture amazing photos! What really makes the photos amazing is the positive energy and vibe you and your loved ones will bring to the photo shoot.
#5 - NON-GOLDEN HOUR
A photo shoot may occur just outside of the golden hour either due to a client's schedule, a wedding/event day timeline, my work schedule, or if clients are looking for a more "vibrant" color palette. When shooting in direct and/or light that is a little more harsh, shadows may be more heavier and highlights may be brighter. In some cases, these lighting challenges can be “combated” (so to speak) with the use of a fill flash. Or - as we see in the image below - shadows can be used to frame the subject. So - even if your photo shoot is just before sunset or just after sunrise - it’s still possible to get some great shots!
#6 - SKIN
The first rule of thumb when it comes to skin looking healthy for a photo shoot is to stay out of the sun! Avoid getting burned before your shoot to avoid tan lines! Ensure that you drink plenty of water two weeks leading up to your shoot, which will help to make sure your skin complexion is clear. Avoid trying a new facial cleaning regime before your shoot; stick to what you know works well for your skin. Although you probably already do this: be sure to eat healthy meals a week leading up to your photo shoot; this can also help your skin look clear and fresh. Avoid alcohol and salty food 48 hours before a shoot to ensure your face does not appear "puffy." Last but not least, arrive at the shoot well rested and ready to have fun!
#7 - GROUP PHOTOS
Big group photos are always a great idea and take more planning than one may think! During a larger family or group session that is 60min or longer, I typically take both large group shots and then break the group into smaller gatherings. I would recommend coming up with a list of 10-12 “must have” group photos. For example: 1) everyone together, 2) grandparents with grandkids, 3) grandparents with their adult “kids”, 4) parents with kids, 5) siblings, 6) all cousins together, etc. Please provide a list prior to the photo shoot via email. Keep your list to 12 groupings or shorter. This will also permit time to capture candid photos and impromtu group shots. Providing a list of “must have” group photos prior to the shoot also helps to prevent disapointment if there was a grouping thought of by the clients after the fact that was not captured.
#8 - CANDID & TRADITIONAL PHOTOS
It’s amazing how fast time flies at a photo shoot. With Fiander Foto - the length of time for your photo shoot may have been decided by how many locations and/or outfits you are incorporating into your session. From my - the photographer’s - perspective, capturing both candid and traditional photos are also taken into consideration with the length of time for a session.
#9 - TRANSPORTATION
Getting around Bermuda can sometimes be a challenge - particularly during the busy season when there may be a shortage of taxis drivers available. I recommend pre-arranging either a rental car, a taxi, and/or private driver a week or so prior to your photo shoot. Schedule a ride to take you both to your photo shoot and to pick you up at the end of your photo shoot. Please note: many taxi drivers “knock off” after rush hour; it can be challenging to call for a taxi early to late evening in Bermuda. Taxis may not frequent where your photo shoot is taking place; meaning - it will not be possible to simply “hail” a taxi after your session. For all of these reasons - pre-arrange a ride both to and from. Be sure to also double check your pre-arranged ride the day of the photo shoot; a few hours before start time.
Rugged Rentals - Mini Car Rental
Current Vehicles - Mini Car Rental
Bermuda Island Taxi - “regular taxi company”
Executive Transport Bermuda - “private/pre-arranged” drivers
Hitch - Ride App (Note: there are not as many drivers on Hitch in comparison to Uber / Lyft)
#10 - EDITING TIME
The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" also applies to photography. After a photo shoot ends, the real work begins! Clients are kindly asked to be patient and respectful during the editing process.
The length of time for editing is not an exact science and can fluxtuate. It may depend on the type of photo shoot that is booked, how long the photo shoot was, and how busy my work schedule may be. Editing time may also relate to the natural lighting on the day; if it was super sunny or super cloudy. It could also depend on the amount of editing required; if the clients had a lot of hair in their face due to wind - if there are people or objects in the background that need to be Photoshoped out. These of course are merely examples.
Clients who book last minute, may expect a longer length of time for editing.
Please refer to our emails, contract, and my FAQ Page for details regarding editing time.
Please note: if the client has a wedding package with a payment plan, the images are not released until the final payment has been made successfully.
#11 - RUSH ORDER
Keeping the editing turn-around time in mind, you may want to add on a “rush order” if you require your photos faster. Planning ahead can help prevent disapointment if the editing process takes longer than you anticipated.
Do you want to use your photos for something specific? For example - do you plan to use your photos for a wedding or baby announcement? Thank You Cards? Gifts for family members or guests from a wedding? If the photos are for being shot for a company - do the images need to be published as soon as possible? Or perhaps - you simply want to receive your photos super fast; which is cool too!
Depending on the my work schedule, you may be able to purchase a "rush order" for an additional fee for a shorter turn-around time. A limited number of rush orders are accepted each month, clients are encouraged to add this on before the photo shoot occurs or 1-2 days afterwards. Rush orders are only accepted after the additonal Rush Order fee is processed.
Wedding: J & W - Grotto Bay & Unfinished Church
The term “Winter Blues” means something a little different in Bermuda; particularly when it comes to a December Wedding”s J & W tied the knot on a warm winter day at the Unfinished Church. There were blue skies and seas “for days” as these two said “we do” on that winter afternoon. Crossing back over the Causeway in a Vintage Car, the Bride and Groom held their reception at Grotto Bay Resort . A unique feature about their special day: the dancing portion of the evening was held in Prosporo’s Caves!
The term “Winter Blues” means something a little different in Bermuda; particularly when it comes to a December Wedding”s J & W tied the knot on a warm winter day at the Unfinished Church. There were blue skies and seas “for days” as these two said “we do” on that winter afternoon. Crossing back over the Causeway in a Vintage Car, the Bride and Groom held their reception at Grotto Bay Resort . A unique feature about their special day: the dancing portion of the evening was held in Prosporo’s Caves!
Special thanks to the couple for booking. As always - a big “shout out” to the amazing vendors I had the pleasure of working with at J & W’s wedding!
~
Photographer: Fiander Foto | Venues: Grotto Bay Resort & The Unfinished Church
Planner: Bridal Suite Bermuda | Florals: Flowers by GIMI
Hair Artists: Blue Print Studio | Make-up Artist: Serena Brangman | Transportation: Bermudaful Moments
Winter Holiday Schedule & 2024 "Thank You" to Clients
We are “gearing up” for the holiday season! First and foremost - I’d like to say a massive “thank you” to all of my clients during the 2024 season. This was Fiander Foto’s twenitieth year and was one of the busiest years on record!
Click “Read More” to view my hours of operation for this year’s Holiday Season.
We are “gearing up” for the holiday season! First and foremost - I’d like to say a massive “thank you” to all of my clients during the 2024 season. This was Fiander Foto’s twenitieth year and was one of the busiest years on record!
Below are my hours of operation for this year’s Holiday Season. Jim and I will be spending the holidays with our families; only opening up for a few days for pre-scheduled photo shoots.
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Closed - December 19 - December 27, 2024
Open - December 28 - December 30, 2024 - for prescheduled photo shoots only, emails & editing
Closed - December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Open - January 2, 2025 - for a prescheduled photo shoot only, emails & editing
Closed - January 3 - 5, 2025
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Please excuse any delayed replies during this time.
We are wishing all of you a happy and healthy holiday season. See you in 2025!
Holiday Parties: Now Booking - 2024
We’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Package options are below ~ Custom Packages are also available. Are you curious to see photoshoot examples of the packages below? Click “here” to access my event portfolio. Click “here” to fill out my questionnaire to tell me more about your event.
Event Photography Coverage
•
Photo Booth
•
Live Photo Booth
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Event Photography Coverage • Photo Booth • Live Photo Booth •
We’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Package options are below ~ Custom Packages are also available. Are you curious to see photoshoot examples of the packages below? Click “here” to access my event portfolio. Click “here” to fill out my questionnaire to tell me more about your event.
3-hour “PHOTO & BOOTH” Package - $3,000
3 Hours of Event Photo Coverage ($2000)
Discounted Rate; Edited High-Res Photos Delivered via Online Gallery
3 Hours of Photo Booth ($500)
Includes 2 Hours + 1 FREE Hour; Still Photos + GIFs sent to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Files
1 Hour of LIVE Booth ($500)
Professional Photos of Guests Upon their Arrival to the Party
~ custom options available ~
2-Hour “PHOTO & BOOTH” Package - $1,975
2 Hours of Event Photo Coverage ($1400)
Includes Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery
2 Hours of Photo Booth ($575)
Still Photos + GIFs sent to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Files
~ custom options available ~
1-hour “PHOTO & BOOTH” Package - $988
1 Hour of Event Photo Coverage ($700)
Coverage for 1 Hour + the Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery
1 Hour of Photo Booth ($288)
One Hour use of the Photo Booth + Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images
~ custom options available ~
Photo Booth Only Package - $650
2 Hours of Photo Booth -($650)
Booking the Booth Solo Starts at Two Hours and includes Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images
~ custom options available ~
Photos with Santa / Live photo Booth
1 Hour of LIVE Booth ($500/hour)
Professional Photos of Guests Upon their Arrival to the Party
Photos with Santa
Additional Time can be Added On
** The High-resolution files are only provided to the paying clients. Guests having their photos taken will be directed towards an online gallery to purchase prints and/or downloadable files within 3-5 business days after the event. **
ADD ON OPTIONS
PRINTS & PHOTO BOOKS
Clients are able to order prints of various sizes, framed prints, albums, holiday cards, etc. from their online gallery.
Rush OrdeR FOR EDITING
Currently - the editing process for a 2-3-hour holiday party is 6-7 weeks. Editing time may vary; please refer to my FAQ Page for details.
Rush Order - Option 1 = +25% of the total package price for 3-4 week turnaround time for editing
Rush Order - Option 2 = + 35% of the total package price for a 1-2 week turnaround time for editing
Rush Order - Option 3 = +45% of the total package price for a 24-48 hour turnaround time for editing
Travel fee
$50 for any location west of Church Bay Beach
Contract: Understanding the "Responsibilties / Exclusive Photographer" Clause
You booked an Official Photographer to capture your wedding day, elopement, event, and/or portarit session. The contract has been signed and the initial payment has been made. Congratulations! This blog post is part of my “Contract Series”; a series of blog posts geared towards helping clients understand the legal jargin in their contracts. Today - I’d like to chat about the “Responsibilities” Clause in my contract. This type of clause is sometimes refered to as an “Exclusive Photographer” or an “Exclusive Agreement” clause. It’s important to note: this type of clause is standard within the industry for professional photographers.
You booked an Official Photographer to capture your wedding day, elopement, event, and/or portarit session. The contract has been signed and the initial payment has been made. Congratulations! This blog post is part of my “Contract Series”; a series of blog posts geared towards helping clients understand the legal jargon in their contracts.
Today - I’d like to chat about the “Responsibilities” / “Exclusive Photographer” Clause in my contract. This type of clause is sometimes referred to as an “Exclusive Photographer” or an “Exclusive Agreement” clause. It’s important to note: this type of clause is standard within the industry for professional photographers.
It may go without saying but if your photographer does not have a contract and/or this clause in it - beware! Consider if they are “laid back” and “lax” during the booking process; how “laid back” and “lax” will they be during the editing process and/or regarding protecting and archiving your files?
Perhaps you - the client - have had this thought, “I have hired an Official Photographer for my wedding/event. Although, I’m now thinking to hire another photographer for the same event to capture _________”. Or maybe you’ve thought, “I’m going to hire one photographer to cover _________ and another photographer from a different company to cover ________”. To avoid confusion; definitions below:
Official Photographer - aka Lead Photographer
Second Shooter - aka someone hired by Official Photographer who shoots under the same brand
Other Photographer - a semi/professional photographer or outside Content Creator who is not associated with the Official Photographer
Whatever the scenario is, you may be “putting two tennis balls on the court” - so to speak; individually bouncing around in different directions. Meaning - you may be stifling your own personal experience on the day with too many shooters and thus compromising the quality of each photographer’s work. This is why generally clients do not hire two seperate photographers; one official photographer or one official photoraphy company is hired.
Before you make any decisions: a) review this post and b) talk to whom you consider your Official (Lead) Photographer to review the contract together. Particularly as in some cases, a photographer’s contract will simply note that your Official Photographer has the right to leave the event should another semi/professional photographer show up and start shooting; regardless of the difference of style, format, approach, etc.
But let’s take a step back and review the “ins and outs” of what’s inside Fiander Foto’s Contract. At this stage in the blog post - I think it’s also important to note: all photographers run their businesses differently. I write this based on my own personal experiences after being a professional photographer for over twenty years.
** Gasp! Where did the time go?! **
what are the main reasons professional photographers have this clause in their contract?
1 - Protects Clients’ Investment made with Official Photographer
You entrusted the Official Photographer with an important job. You have both a monitary and an emotional investment in the images that will be produced. By having one Official Photographer (or one photography company), you are allowing that photographer the opportunity to produce their best work. Let’s face it - how many of us have tried to complete our best work with someone “peering over” our shoulder or getting in the way? It doesn’t go well, which is explained more in #5.
2. Protects the Confidentiality Agreement (a clause in the contract) while Maintaining and Strengthening the Quality and Integrity of the Official Photographer’s Images & Company
The Official Photographer will plan out some of the key photographs that will be shot on the day of. This planning comes from years of experience and expertise. Within the Confidentiality Agreements, Clients agree not to disclose to anyone the Official Photographer’s proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets or “know how”, including but not limited to plans, products, services, customer lists, marketing plans, software, photographic gear, props, etc. As these are things that would be shared with others capturing the event, a second photographer from an outside company would breach this clause.
3. Protects the Official Photographer’s Artistic License (which is A clause in the contract)
Throughout the Wedding/Event, the Official Photographer will make artistic decisions that will produce strong images; similar images to the ones you likely viewed when you became interested in booking. These artistic decisions are unique to each photographer; some are made over a lengthy period of time while others may be made on the day as a “snap decision”. To ensure no images are missed nor disturbed, it’s important for the Official Photographer to be able to work without impediments. In this case, a second photographer may impede upon the artistic intuition and decision making process of the Official Photographer.
4. Prevents the Reproduction of Official Photographer’s Work (which is also a seperate clause in the contract)
Reproducing images can be done in various ways: copying, scanning, printing, etc. Reproducing an image can also be caused by a second photographer on the day of the event. For example, your Official Photographer takes the time to check the weather/natural light (when necessary) or incorporate artificial lighting (whether it’s strobe or ambient), poses the clients, prompts specific expressions from clients, lines up the composition and angle, and creates the image. A secondary photographer stepping behind the Official Photographer and taking the same shot is a form of reproduction creatively speaking.
This unfortuantely happend to me a few years back at a wedding in the UK. I was hired to be the Official Photographer at a wedding; the bride oddly enough was also a wedding photographer. After all the hard work to prepare the timeline, discuss the speicifc images that would be captured, and the time/funds spent flying to the wedding / booking accomodations - one of my images was copied, although not by someone you would think! The videographer at the wedding had an assistant - who was also his girlfriend. The videographer’s assitant/girlfriend is a very well known wedding photographer (not videographer) and digital artist. While shooting video - the assistant/girlfriend “flipped the switch” on her DSLR, asked me to “step aside” to capture video, and then took several high-quality still images of the exact same shot I had just lined up. As a result - the well known photographer’s image (who was there to shoot video) was published by the Clients on their social media; thus - Fiander Foto missing out on a marketing opportunity. In this case the missed marketing was a “double whammy” as the Client was permitted to book at a discounted rate. In short - that brief moment and action taken by the videographer’s assistant was not cool. (“…and that’s all I have to say about that.” - Forrest Gump)
This type of reproduction is also an issue if say - a guest at the wedding takes their own photos during the group photo session. Picture this: the official group photos have begun; your cousin is a “budding photographer”. As the Official Photographer, I may arrange those in the photo by their role, height, and/or by the color of their outfits. These group photos are shot in an area with ideal natural light; strobe light may be used to enhance the images. Said cousin ovah’ hea’ steps behind me to take the same photo. The big issue here is - within the Fiander Foto contract - clients have agreed to send all friends/family members to their online gallery so they can purchase thier own prints. If someone is standing behind me taking their own photos, this has a negative impact on Fiander Foto’s deliverables and potential sales after the fact.
More details on this are noted in #9. Although let’s not forget - your photographer is there to work for you; to be reimbursed for their time spent planning, editing, and for any prints and/or albums they may produce after the fact.
5. Prevents Others from Interfering with the Timeline for Photography & with the Official Photographer Work in General
As a professional wedding photographer, I’m used to working with other vendors - particularly videographers. Ninty-nine percent of the time (minus the example given above) - working with a videographer is a dream. For the most part - photographers and videographers are genuinely attempting to capture different material; to produce different files with various outcomes. Even when I work with a second shooter - there is an understanding as to who is going to shoot what. Example: I may capture the official group photos while the second shooter takes candid images of the cocktail hour.
Someone stating, “Don’t worry; we will not get in the way of the Official Photographer” - immediately gives me reason to worry. Speaking from personal experience, I have found it almost humanly impossible for one to keep this promise. Not necessarily because those who may interfere are doing it on purpose, but only because they also have their own agenda to also obtain the best content, videos, or images.
For example: sometimes the best shot is taken from one spot. If your Official Photographer is already in that spot - the other photographer is out of luck and put in a position where they may interfer in order to also “get the shot”. Shoud the other photographer step into the shot - this could lead to Fiander Foto needing to take additional editing time to remove the unwanted figure; thus delaying your images being delivered.
The other photographer in particular may require the use of varioius types of lighting and/or flash that does not go with the Official Photographer’s overall style or brand. The second photographer’s flash may go off and thus interfere with the Official Photographer who may be a) using a different lighting set-up and/or b) wanting to capture a different lighting effect.
When these things occur, the timeline for photography can be slowed down. Thus, slowing the day’s timeline for all the other vendors hired.
In the past, I’ve seen a ceremony start an hour late due to the fact that a second photographer / content creator needed additional time to capture his shots. Added on a few short months before the wedding, the second photographer / content creator was not privvy to the bulk of the planning and was for the most part, a less experienced shooter.
During the First Look, Group Photos, and Sunset Bridal Portraits - having two lead photographers will essentially cut your time in half as two people will be trying to pose you, prompt you, etc. Thus - leaving you with less time to enjoy the day.
When capturing the traditional portraits throughout different times of the day - I take images where my couples, their friends, and family are looking directly at my camera. In other moments, I may ask folks to look away from the camera; to capture a more “candid moment”. Although for the traditional photos: when another “outside” camera is present - a camera that is not associated with Fiander Foto or the hired videographer - there is always the issue of someone looking away from the “hired lens” and towards that other camera. Picture this: everyone in your family photo is looking at the camera except one person (maybe two); that one person (or two) went to smile for the other camera. Your official family photo thus takes longer to capture; perhaps longer to edit. On that note - Fiander Foto is not responsible for those in the group shots not looking at the correct camera.
Again; protect your investment in your wedding images.
6. Prevents Mistaken Identity at Wedding or Event by Guests, Vendors and by those who may see images published after event date.
Picture this: your Official Photographer has shot the entire wedding. There’s a clause in your contract regarding sharing some of the images for marketing purposes with the Venue & Vendors who also worked the event. (Example: your florist may want some images of your bouquet and/or the floral arrangements on the table.) The florists contact the wrong photographer by mistake. From there - the marketing material shared online does not have the Official Photographer’s credit included; thus breaking another clause in the contract.
This could pose a further issue. Picture this: a local publication saw the images shared by the florist and wants to also share the images. The Other Photographer has just “reeped the benefits” of the hard labor put in by the Official Photographer. From there, the Official Photographer misses out on a marketing opportunity to book future weddings.
Picture this: your Official Photographer is at the Cocktail Hour shooting candids; capturing your guests’ emotions and the unique lighting of the event under the “Official Photographer’s” Brand. In the background is the Other Photographer - whether this be a semi/professional or a content creator. An unassuming guest approaches the other photographer and asks for a photo; thinking the Official Photographer is working with the other photographer. A harmless move by the guest; what could go wrong? Expecting a professional image, the guest receives the photo and it’s not professionally composed, lit, or edited. Or the image shot by the Other Photographer is edited in a completely different manner; thus not matching the official images. Guest and Clients are disapointed.
7. Prevents BRAND Confusion for the official photographer
and
8. PROTECTS THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER’S REPUTATION: BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE WEDDING / EVENT
Let’s chat about #7 and #8 together. Similar to what’s noted above in #6, if there are two photographers from two different companies - reflecting two different brands - the confusion can occur both “on and off” the event premises. What makes up a “brand” for a photographer may be anything from the type of subject matter captured, the type of gear used, the manner in which the photographer physically presents themselves both in person and online, the layout and design of their website, their logo, the type of albums offered, their paperwork, their social media presence, and of course - how the images “turn out” at the end. One could argue all of these items together make up the photographer’s reputation.
At the most basic level: this confusion can start with how each photographer presents themselves at an event. This “presentation” could mean anything from the clothing worn by the photographer and the assistant, to the amount of gear carried, to how the gear is carried, to how one speaks to guests and enteracts with the clients.
Personally, my assistant and I prefer to dress in a “professional wedding guest” style. Now - before you think, “that sounds a bit superficial” - hear me out as there’s a bit of psychology at play here. Part of being a wedding photographer is being able to communicate not only with the couple but also with the guests. When dressed in a professional manner, it is easier to approach others and take their photo. Not to mention - when dressed as a “professional wedding guest” - there’s also the possibility that the guests will feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
…think back to the line in My Cousin Vinny, “Oh yea - you blend….” - Mona Lisa Vito.
(and if you have not seen that movie, we should have a chat.)
A few years back, I was shooting a wedding wearing all black as were the videographers. This is fairly typical for photographers as black is less likely to reflect back onto the clients. Than say - a bright red dress that could potentially “reflect” a warm tone onto the clients being captured. Belive me when I say - the videographers were not acting professionally; speaking loudly, bossing the clients around, etc. On several occassions, the videographer’s assistant stepped in front of my lens while I was trying to capture the ceremony; a massive “no no”. At one point - a guest came up to me and said, “What’s the name of your company”. I replied, “Fiander Foto”. She said, “…and there are five of you in the group?”. My reply, “Oh no - we work seperately; Fiander Foto is seperate from the video team”. As we were all dressed similarly - it left the guests to assume we all worked together. It was at this point that I realized it’s okay to not dress like a typical photographer; in some cases, it may be better to visually stand out in order to represent my own company.
When considering the final images - each photographer shoots, lights, composes, and edits images within their own Artistic Eye (refering back to the “Artistic License” clause). The two styles of the two different photographers will vary. As is common in the industry - some images may be shared on social media; vendors will be given credit and tagged - including the photographer. If the other photographer’s final images are posted - yet the Official Photographer is also tagged and mentioned - this difference in style (brand) could reflect negatively on the Official Photographer’s work.
9. MINIMIZE EXTERNAL IMPACT ON OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORK & THE DELIVERABLES
Within your photography contract, you included a specific amount of hours for your event date. Depending on the package, the contract may also note photography coverage for Engagement Photos, a Welcome Dinner, and/or “Post” Wedding Event. At Fiander Foto - my packages include a “print release”, which gives my clients the option to either order prints from me personally or to order prints from a different shop that is more local to my clients’ hometown.
While my clients are given the option of where to purchase their prints, I typically encourage clients to order their prints, albums, and other products from Fiander Foto because my cameras are calibrated to my printers. Meaning - the color one sees in their images on their computer will be the same color they see in the prints.
If there is another lead photographer, a second semi/professional photographer, or outside content creator caputring still images - it may go without saying - but the clients may then chose to not order prints, albums, other items, from the Official Photographer; they may then opt to order prints from the second lead / other photographer.
10. PRESEVE A TRUSTWORTHY WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLIENTS AND THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
When you choose and book your Official Photographer, you are creating a working relationship. Anyone in the work force will tell you, this type of relationship works best when there is trust on both sides.
Adding in a second photographer (regardless of what will be shot and/or how) essentially “attacks” that trust and tells your Official Photographer, “What you will provide will not be enough” or “We don’t trust that you’ll be able to get the job done right - which is why we are calling in a back-up.”
Creating a “photographic competition” at your wedding will not result in strong images for either party.
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“If you are looking for something additional for your wedding day in terms of photography, ask your Official Photographer first to see what can be added on and/or if your Official Photographer can incorporate a second shooter under the same brand.”
FAQs related to this clause.
Click on a question to expand the answer.
The clause reads, "...Melanie Fiander shall be the exclusive professional photographer retained for the event. Photographer may bring an assistant(s) at her discretion." What does this mean?
If you have signed & booked with Fiander Foto, clients are prohibitted from hiring another professional photographer to capture the same event. I - Melanie - may however opt to bring an assistant to help me on the day. My assistant - who works for Fiander Foto - may simply help me with my gear, organizing images, and/or take photos at my discretion. Clients may also opt to book a second shooter through Fiander Foto. Images captured by assistant and/or second shooter are shot with the Fiander Foto brand in mind.
Does this mean I cannot hire a videographer?
No; you're more than welcome to hire a videographer. I'm always happy to collaborate with a videographer at a wedding or event. In fact, I'm happy to recommend a few whom I have worked with in the past. However - I do kindly request that videographers not interfer with the official photography. Be sure to inquire directly for details.
Do you offer a Content Creator Package?
Yes! You're welcome to add on a Content Creator Pacakge to your Wedding Photography Package. Click "here" for details.
Does this mean my guests cannot take photos at the wedding?
Your guests are welcome to take photos at your wedding. I belive this is part of the "fun" of being at a wedding; guests capturing their own special moments on their own cameras and/or phones. In today's digital world, it is natural for guests to want to take photos and/or to shoot video.
There is however a "fine line" in terms of when a guests "picture taking" becomes more than simply having fun with their camera. I do however kindly request that guests keep their cameras and/or phones out of the aisle during the ceremony + not interfere in general with the official photography; particularly during any portrait sessions.
For this reason, an "unplugged" ceremony is suggested. Let your guests enjoy the day too!
There will be another semi-professional / professional photographer at our wedding as a guest. Can they take still photos? Can they shoot video?
Semi-professional / professional photographers are not permitted to take still images at the wedding. Please refer to the long blog post above as to why.
Wedding: E & B - Hamilton Princess Resort & Beach Club
Emma and Brian hosted their Black Tie Wedding at the Hamilton Princess Resort in Bermuda. With stunning tropical weather, they got married at the Hamilton Princess Resort’s Beach Club.
Photography: Fiander Foto | Content Creator: Fiander Foto
Venues: Hamilton Princess Resort & Beach Club | Florals: Helen Sawden Flowers
Planner: Bermuda Event Solutions | Band: Working Title
Hair: Taylor from Blue Print Studio | Make-up: Afrodity Make Up
School Picture Day - 2024
Ready to sign up for Picture Day? Perfect! Let’s get your students on the calendar. Photo shoots typically occur in April, May, or September. I’m currently offering specific dates during these months, although timing can be flexible.
School Picture Day is Approaching!
Ready to sign up for Picture Day? Perfect! Let’s get your students on the calendar. Photo shoots typically occur in April, May, or September. I’m currently offering specific dates during these months, although timing can be flexible.
Depending on the number of students at your location, sessions can be split into two days.
Click on the link below to learn more and pick your dates to get started. Dates are “paired together”. There is no fee for a school to sign up; dates are reserved with a signed contract.