WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I use professional Canon DSLR & mirrorless cameras along with prime lenses and always bring backup equipment (and have 2 cameras on me at all times). I shoot all RAW so your files are the best resolution possible (prints as big as 48"x60").
WHAT DO YOU WEAR?
I like to blend in, and do a lot of kneeling and climbing, so I dress professionally in darker suits or slacks that don't show dirt as easily and allow me to climb on chairs or over fences. For portraits I will occasionally wear jeans but tend to dress business casual for all occasions.
DO YOU CHARGE FOR TRAVEL OR MULTIPLE LOCATIONS?
Every wedding day is unique and some have more locations than others so I don't charge travel for multiple locations. If your wedding is more than 30 miles from Newport News, VA (north of Richmond or south of Virginia Beach) then travel fees may apply but are evaluated on a case by case basis. I do charge travel for portraits more than 15 miles from my studio unless they are part of a wedding collection.
HOW MANY PICTURES DO YOU TAKE?
Thousands! I want to catch that perfect moment so I don't limit myself, and thanks to digital I don't have to. I take the time to edit out the blinks, duplicates, and out of focus shots so you end up with around 50-75 keepers per hour (more when you have two photographers). All the pictures I give you and post online are individually edited for color, exposure, sharpness, and cropped.
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU AND WHAT'S YOUR PAYMENT PLAN?
To reserve me for your wedding or portrait session I require a deposit and contract. Wedding balances are due 1 month before the wedding, portraits session fees are due at the time of booking. I offer custom payment plans and accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
WHEN WILL WE GET OUR PICTURES?
I am a bit of a perfectionist so I take my time and tweak EVERY photo, and still manage to post 500-1000 wedding photos online in about 5-6 weeks and portraits in 2-3 weeks. For my wedding couples I now post a sneak peak in their personal galleries & social media within 48 hours!
WE LOVE YOU, BUT WILL WE LOVE YOUR 2ND PHOTOGRAPHER?
You will! All of the 2nd photographers I work with have been working professionals for years and many of them have their own studios. To be a 2nd shooter for me, my photographers have at least 10 years of professional experience and a similar journalistic style so I know I can trust them to uphold the same quality of work that you expect from me. And I make sure they have the same friendliness & professionalism that you want around you all day.
I'VE SEEN YOUR PICTURES FROM SEVERAL WEDDINGS, BUT CAN I SEE A WHOLE WEDDING FROM START TO FINISH?
YES! I think this is very important when considering different photographers so you can get a feel of how I approach the whole day. Wedding photographers need to work fast and be able to photograph in every circumstance possible and I pride myself in being able to do just that. So even if I haven't been to your particular venue I can share an example with similar lighting. I value my clients privacy so I don't post those links so please ask and I will send you a few links (with couple's permission), and references too if you want.
I DON'T WANT TO SPEND AN HOUR TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS, DO I HAVE TO?
Nope. In fact, because of how efficiently I work on the wedding day and the guidance I give with my family picture checklist before the wedding day, most family photo sessions on a wedding day can be completed within 30 minutes. My family sessions start at one hour and I host mini sessions twice a year. Feel free to ask me if you are interested in a mini session and I can let you know when the next one is scheduled. Or sign up for my monthly newsletter and hear about them first!
DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Absolutely (and a business license) and I'm happy to provide any venue with proof of coverage.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE?
We support our military families and know life can be unpredictable sometimes (thanks Covid). So while deposits are nonrefundable, they can be reapplied up to a year later (or applied towards a portrait session or other service). Subject to availability of course.
716 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Ste C, Newport News, VA
heather@heatherhughesphotography.com | (757) 870-4006
Office Hours | 9am - 6pm (by appointment only)
Voted the Knot’s “Best of Wedding Photographers” | WeddingWire’s “Couples Choice” Award
Virginia Living Magazine's "Top Wedding Vendor" | VA Small Newspaper Photographer of the Year Wedding Photojournalist Assoc. Blue Medallion Award
