Investment & Why We Are Different
Want to know how we are different?
If it pours down rain the day of your wedding, please don't worry. I offer at no additional cost the opportunity to our couples to return to their venue to hold a couple’s session in their wedding attire. Why do I do this? Simple, because I hate to see my couples spend thousands of dollars for beautiful images of themselves on their wedding day only to have it rain and have everything shot inside in a dull environment/background. Obviously, I can't control the weather, but this is just my way of making sure my couple gets beautiful couple images on their wedding day best. Plus, it is just a kind thing to do, and we all need to share a little kindness!
Our main goal is to make each couple feel as relaxed as possible in front of the camera, so their full personalities are revealed. We want the experience to be fun and natural without being intrusive. If you're are fun, easy going couple who values photography then we want to work with you!
We offer 2 Hrs. packages starting at $700 all the way to All Day Coverage 10+ Hrs. Our average couple spends $1,700 - $2,500
All packages include
- Unlimited photos taken
- Unlimited photo locations on wedding day
- Additional hours can be added to any collection
- No logos/watermarks on images
- Professionally edited images
- Online gallery for viewing, sharing & ordering
- 3-week turnaround from wedding to image delivery
- Payment plans available
- Packages can be customized to fit your needs
- No additional travel fees for Virginia based weddings
- Help planning a wedding day timeline
Please contact us for availability and to request pricing information as dates fill quickly.
Your Questions Answered
Q: We are having a small intimate wedding and are looking for an elopement photographer. Do you offer that?
A: YES! I love small wedding. I am more than happy to cover your wedding no matter what size it may be. We offer packages for all size weddings including elopements. Click the contact button and request more info!
Q: We noticed that most of your packages include a free engagement session. What if we decide we don't want one, can we take that out an exchange it for something else?
A: The engagement session is incredibly important to me as a photographer because it's where I get to really see how you move together as a couple, react to each other, and where I get to see what poses work best for you. It is also the time for you to get to know how it feels to be in front of my camera and a gaged for knowing what you like and don't like so that when the wedding day arrives you are never left wondering if I got the shot. The engagement session is also the time where the focus truly is on the two of you. With all that said, if you find that you do not have time, for an engagement session I am, open to discussing your needs and finding a unique solution for you.
Q: Do you offer both wedding photography and videography?
A: Yes! we have collections that offer both! View our team here. Contact us to ask for more pricing details.
Q: Should we do a "first look" and what is it anyway? Yes! and Here is Why!
A: A first look is done between couples BEFORE the ceremony where they see each other with no one else around but them and the photographers. Most of our couples do a first look. It's a great way to get the nerves out of the way and spend some alone time together. As a photographer I find that we get some of the most romantic photos during this time and we are also able to spend more time capturing couple photos as you are not as rushed as you would be after the ceremony. We'll get all the photos done and out of the way before the ceremony so you can be on your way to the reception right after the ceremony! Trust me, it's the way to go!
Q: We don't see a wedding collection that fits our needs. Do you offer something different?
A: Yes! We do custom wedding collections. You will simply tell me how many hours of coverage you need, if you are looking for, just the digital images or if you would like prints and albums.
Q: On an average, how long do pre-ceremony shots take?
A: If you and your soon to be spouse do not want to see each other before the wedding we start photos 1.5 hours before the wedding. Taking shots of you and your side of the wedding party, parents, etc. Then we do the same with the other side...shoot the ceremony, then do all the family photos and photos of the two of you. If you want to see each other and do a First Look, we start 2 hours before, get all the photos done, shoot the ceremony and then you are off to the reception.
We can do all the photos after the ceremony if you like however, I don't recommend this because after the ceremony everyone is ready to go to the reception and not stand around taking hours worth of photos. But, it is your day so we start shooting whenever you say you want to.
Q. We would like to have the RAW or Unedited Images. Can we get those?
A. No, We do not release RAW or Unedited Images. What you are seeing on our website are our edited images. It is our policy to not give out RAW or Unedited Images so please do not ask. Read More Here about why RAW images are not released.
Q: How many photos will I receive from my wedding?
A. The number of photos you receive depends on a lot! It depends on the hours of coverage you get, the number of people in your wedding party, if you do a first look, how many family members you have that you want photos of, the size of your reception, if you have dancing or not, etc. But, on average, it is safe to say that you will end up with 75 to 100 images per hours you choose.
Q: Will I get ALL the photos you take the day of my wedding?
A. No, this goes back to our policy of not releasing RAW or Unedited images. We take multiple shots of poses and groups the day of your wedding. This is done for several reasons including blinks, bad expressions, lighting, how we edit your final images, etc. We edited out for those things and give you the best of the shots.
Q: Will you be our photographer or do we get an associate based on the package we choose?
A: When you book Crystal Image Photography, you are booking me (Crystal) and you will see me on your wedding day and I will be your lead photographer. I will also have a second photographer and/or assistant working with me that day but I am YOUR photographer! This means I photograph your couple portraits, family, wedding party, etc.
Q: If you are booked for another wedding do you have other photographers who we can hire?
A: Yes, I have a team of associate photographers and videographers that are available to photograph your wedding. Because they are associates collection pricing is somewhat lower than rates of having myself (Crystal) photograph your wedding day.
Q: We live far away, do we have to meet with you in order to book?
A: Nope! I work with lots of couples who are hours away from me and even out of state couples, and working couples that just have a hard time finding the time to drive to a location and meet! We can take care of everything via email, phone, or SKYPE.
Q: How do we book the date?
A: First: Contact us to see if your date is still open as we book up anywhere from 12 to 18 months in advance. After that all I need to book the date is an email with your full names, addresses, phone numbers, venue locations and addresses and I'll send you a contract via email. Once you sign it, and pay your $200 deposit the date is yours! From there, we are always sharing things like wedding tips and other wedding ideas with you to help with your wedding planning.
Q: When is my balance due and can I make payments?
A: Your balance is due no later than 1 week before your wedding date and yes you can make payments in any amounts you wish along the way. Once you are booked you will be set up with a client portal where you can login and view and make payments on your balance, view your contract, fill out questionnaires, etc.
Q: Do you accept Credit Cards? Or what form of payment do you accept?
A: Yes, MC, VISA or you can make payments each month in whatever amount works for you. $200 and a signed contract books your date and your balance of your package is due no later than 1 week before the wedding.
Q: How long will it take before we see our wedding images?
A: A few days or within one week we will send you a sneak peek in a mobile gallery! Three weeks after your wedding you will receive all your digital images shared to you in an online wedding gallery that you can view and share with family and friends. You can also download your images from the gallery as well.
Q: Are the images I professionally edited
A: Of course! Everything you are seeing on our website is edited and your images will be professionally edited as well. We do not shoot and burn. Meaning I do not shoot your wedding and just hand over your unedited images. They are edited. There are NO watermarks on your images that you download from your web gallery or on your digital images you receive on your USB. You will see watermarks on your online gallery for copyright reasons but they will NOT be there when you download.
Q: I like those photos with the blurry backgrounds. How do you get that?
A: This is called shallow depth of field. We get that look for you by using professional lenses.
Q: Do I get to choose all my album photos?
A: Yes of course! It is your wedding and your images. You will be the one looking at the finial album so I feel you should choose the images you want. If you need help I will be glad to help and make suggestions.
Q: What is your overtime rate? for 1/2 hour and 1 hour?
A: $200 per hour. Or half of that for 30min.
Q: Do you have a travel fee?
A: Yes, I travel all over the country for weddings. As long as your wedding is in VA there are no additional fees for you. Contact us for D.C, NC, Maryland and other locations for the travel fee. We do keep our travel fees small so don't let the travel fees scare you away from asking....you just may be surprised.
Q: I want a collection that does not include an album. Can I add one to my package?
A: Yes, See the Albums link for pricing.
Q: How long is the online gallery available for? Can I share it will friends.
A: Gallery is up for six months and yes, it is shareable and they can order prints and products themselves right from the site.
Q: Can I view a complete wedding you have photographed?
A: Yes, if you go to the website under client login you can see some complete weddings and how the gallery works.
A: YES! I love small wedding. I am more than happy to cover your wedding no matter what size it may be. We offer packages for all size weddings including elopements. Click the contact button and request more info!
Q: We noticed that most of your packages include a free engagement session. What if we decide we don't want one, can we take that out an exchange it for something else?
A: The engagement session is incredibly important to me as a photographer because it's where I get to really see how you move together as a couple, react to each other, and where I get to see what poses work best for you. It is also the time for you to get to know how it feels to be in front of my camera and a gaged for knowing what you like and don't like so that when the wedding day arrives you are never left wondering if I got the shot. The engagement session is also the time where the focus truly is on the two of you. With all that said, if you find that you do not have time, for an engagement session I am, open to discussing your needs and finding a unique solution for you.
Q: Do you offer both wedding photography and videography?
A: Yes! we have collections that offer both! View our team here. Contact us to ask for more pricing details.
Q: Should we do a "first look" and what is it anyway? Yes! and Here is Why!
A: A first look is done between couples BEFORE the ceremony where they see each other with no one else around but them and the photographers. Most of our couples do a first look. It's a great way to get the nerves out of the way and spend some alone time together. As a photographer I find that we get some of the most romantic photos during this time and we are also able to spend more time capturing couple photos as you are not as rushed as you would be after the ceremony. We'll get all the photos done and out of the way before the ceremony so you can be on your way to the reception right after the ceremony! Trust me, it's the way to go!
Q: We don't see a wedding collection that fits our needs. Do you offer something different?
A: Yes! We do custom wedding collections. You will simply tell me how many hours of coverage you need, if you are looking for, just the digital images or if you would like prints and albums.
Q: On an average, how long do pre-ceremony shots take?
A: If you and your soon to be spouse do not want to see each other before the wedding we start photos 1.5 hours before the wedding. Taking shots of you and your side of the wedding party, parents, etc. Then we do the same with the other side...shoot the ceremony, then do all the family photos and photos of the two of you. If you want to see each other and do a First Look, we start 2 hours before, get all the photos done, shoot the ceremony and then you are off to the reception.
We can do all the photos after the ceremony if you like however, I don't recommend this because after the ceremony everyone is ready to go to the reception and not stand around taking hours worth of photos. But, it is your day so we start shooting whenever you say you want to.
Q. We would like to have the RAW or Unedited Images. Can we get those?
A. No, We do not release RAW or Unedited Images. What you are seeing on our website are our edited images. It is our policy to not give out RAW or Unedited Images so please do not ask. Read More Here about why RAW images are not released.
Q: How many photos will I receive from my wedding?
A. The number of photos you receive depends on a lot! It depends on the hours of coverage you get, the number of people in your wedding party, if you do a first look, how many family members you have that you want photos of, the size of your reception, if you have dancing or not, etc. But, on average, it is safe to say that you will end up with 75 to 100 images per hours you choose.
Q: Will I get ALL the photos you take the day of my wedding?
A. No, this goes back to our policy of not releasing RAW or Unedited images. We take multiple shots of poses and groups the day of your wedding. This is done for several reasons including blinks, bad expressions, lighting, how we edit your final images, etc. We edited out for those things and give you the best of the shots.
Q: Will you be our photographer or do we get an associate based on the package we choose?
A: When you book Crystal Image Photography, you are booking me (Crystal) and you will see me on your wedding day and I will be your lead photographer. I will also have a second photographer and/or assistant working with me that day but I am YOUR photographer! This means I photograph your couple portraits, family, wedding party, etc.
Q: If you are booked for another wedding do you have other photographers who we can hire?
A: Yes, I have a team of associate photographers and videographers that are available to photograph your wedding. Because they are associates collection pricing is somewhat lower than rates of having myself (Crystal) photograph your wedding day.
Q: We live far away, do we have to meet with you in order to book?
A: Nope! I work with lots of couples who are hours away from me and even out of state couples, and working couples that just have a hard time finding the time to drive to a location and meet! We can take care of everything via email, phone, or SKYPE.
Q: How do we book the date?
A: First: Contact us to see if your date is still open as we book up anywhere from 12 to 18 months in advance. After that all I need to book the date is an email with your full names, addresses, phone numbers, venue locations and addresses and I'll send you a contract via email. Once you sign it, and pay your $200 deposit the date is yours! From there, we are always sharing things like wedding tips and other wedding ideas with you to help with your wedding planning.
Q: When is my balance due and can I make payments?
A: Your balance is due no later than 1 week before your wedding date and yes you can make payments in any amounts you wish along the way. Once you are booked you will be set up with a client portal where you can login and view and make payments on your balance, view your contract, fill out questionnaires, etc.
Q: Do you accept Credit Cards? Or what form of payment do you accept?
A: Yes, MC, VISA or you can make payments each month in whatever amount works for you. $200 and a signed contract books your date and your balance of your package is due no later than 1 week before the wedding.
Q: How long will it take before we see our wedding images?
A: A few days or within one week we will send you a sneak peek in a mobile gallery! Three weeks after your wedding you will receive all your digital images shared to you in an online wedding gallery that you can view and share with family and friends. You can also download your images from the gallery as well.
Q: Are the images I professionally edited
A: Of course! Everything you are seeing on our website is edited and your images will be professionally edited as well. We do not shoot and burn. Meaning I do not shoot your wedding and just hand over your unedited images. They are edited. There are NO watermarks on your images that you download from your web gallery or on your digital images you receive on your USB. You will see watermarks on your online gallery for copyright reasons but they will NOT be there when you download.
Q: I like those photos with the blurry backgrounds. How do you get that?
A: This is called shallow depth of field. We get that look for you by using professional lenses.
Q: Do I get to choose all my album photos?
A: Yes of course! It is your wedding and your images. You will be the one looking at the finial album so I feel you should choose the images you want. If you need help I will be glad to help and make suggestions.
Q: What is your overtime rate? for 1/2 hour and 1 hour?
A: $200 per hour. Or half of that for 30min.
Q: Do you have a travel fee?
A: Yes, I travel all over the country for weddings. As long as your wedding is in VA there are no additional fees for you. Contact us for D.C, NC, Maryland and other locations for the travel fee. We do keep our travel fees small so don't let the travel fees scare you away from asking....you just may be surprised.
Q: I want a collection that does not include an album. Can I add one to my package?
A: Yes, See the Albums link for pricing.
Q: How long is the online gallery available for? Can I share it will friends.
A: Gallery is up for six months and yes, it is shareable and they can order prints and products themselves right from the site.
Q: Can I view a complete wedding you have photographed?
A: Yes, if you go to the website under client login you can see some complete weddings and how the gallery works.