Wedding FAQs
Why Jim Cairns Photography over other wedding photographers?
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make while planning your wedding. This decision should not be taken lightly and I am truly honored to be part of your day!
Jim Cairns Photography prides itself on being a fully customized wedding photography experience from start to finish. We value being in close contact and communication with each one of you to be sure you get a high-end wedding photography service you deserve. We take our time getting to know our clients to be able to cater services around each couple’s individual love story. We sit down together and help you create a timeline and shot list for your wedding day- all based on YOUR needs. Planning ahead of time helps us make sure we capture EXACTLY what you value most from your wedding.
With over 10 years of experience, training under some of the industries best photographers and editors- Jim Cairns Photography brings a skill set that guarantees you are in good hands. Some photographers may be fearful to work in snow, rain, dawn/dusk or harsh lighting environments. Jim has taught himself how to utilize strobes and lighting to create gorgeous images in any conditions. Hiring a photographer who can adapt and work in anything is critically important, because unfortunately you can’t control the weather.
So if you are looking for a high end, low stress wedding photography experience with the skill to capture your day in any setting- then we are here for you!
How many hours of coverage will I need?
This is a pretty broad question and will really depend upon the scope of your day. So you will want to know the start time and end time of your wedding to start- But you will also want to account for extra time before the wedding for “getting ready” shots. What I can tell you is most brides on average choose to have their wedding photographers on site for 8 hours during a wedding day.
How many photos do we get from our wedding day?
The number of images you receive really depends on the scope of your day- hours of coverage from getting ready, ceremony, and reception. My average day is typically 8 hours of coverage and brides and grooms see nearly 700 photos as a starting point. At Jim Cairns Photography all the images you see from your wedding day are color corrected, cropped and culled. So you will only see the best of the best wedding images.
How far in advance should I book my wedding with you?
As soon as you know you want to work with Jim Cairns Photography- Please contact us! In order to “hold a date” you would need to pay a wedding photography retainer for services. Most of our couples contact us 9-12 months prior to their wedding day to get on our calendar, but we understand some couples plan quickly and may get engaged and married with less planning time.
Is your company insured?
Yes, Jim Cairns Photography is a fully insured business- so if your venue requires insurance from vendors, we can provide that to them
Headshot FAQs
Why Jim Cairns Photography over other headshot photographers?
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make while planning your wedding. This decision should not be taken lightly and I am truly honored to be part of your day!
Who would need a headshot?
Anyone looking to further their career, market themselves, have an about me page, aspiring or seasoned actors and models. If you are looking to promote yourself for your next big break- then a professional headshot is a good option for you.
How long do headshot sessions last?
Headshot sessions are quick and painless. We do arrive well ahead of time to set up our mobile studio. But depending on each client’s needs and the package they select- time can vary. But it is not a long and drawn out process to have a headshot taken.
What should I wear?
So we can help everyone out on an individual basis. Actors and models may be required to wear certain color clothing or types of outfits by the agencies they are working through. For corporate and business headshots- your company may have a certain standard in mind. One good rule to follow- while a bit cliché- dress for the job you want, not the job you have. A lot of our clients choose to wear blazers, dress suits and button downs- but it does vary from industry to industry.
I have no idea how to pose, will that matter?
Nope! You don’t have to know how to pose yourself! Our company has been working with corporations and talent for many years and has finely tuned our skills in posing clients. You will be in very good hands with Jim Cairns Photography and we will make sure you look your very best.
Should I wear any jewelry?
I always recommend if you do want to wear jewelry, that it is simple and not distracting. The focus of your headshot session is you. You will hear me say this a lot, but “less is more.”
HS Senior Portrait FAQs
Why Jim Cairns Photography over other senior portrait Photographers?
As we all know, trends come and go- what was “cool” 5 years ago could be easily forgotten about by now. High Schoolers keep up with all the current trends, music, media and they live life in the fast lane. The days of boring and standard senior portraits are gone now. Senior portrait photography has become more personalized and about students personalities, hobbies, interests, fashion- rather than a “stand there and smile” yearbook picture.
At Jim Cairns Photography, we constantly are educating ourselves and evolving with the times. We make sure to produce the types of images that high schoolers want and moms will still love! Over the years we have mastered our skills in lighting, posing and editing to create images that your family will be bragging about for years!
What should clients wear for their sessions?
What makes a senior portrait session with us fun- is this choice is always custom to what you like most! Of course we do talk one on one ahead of time with seniors and their parents about color schemes, outfits etc to help you decide what works best. But the choices can be really creative! Do you want to bring a sports uniform? Cap and gown? A beautiful dress? Or something casual?
Do you pick the locations for sessions. Or do we?
This all goes on a case by case basis. Jim Cairns Photography has spent years scouting the area for some of the BEST portrait locations. We know locations that can suit many styles- parks, mountains, lakes, big open fields, waterfalls, forests etc. While we do know some wonderful locations, if there is a place that is super meaningful to you and your family- we would be happy to make that part of your senior session.
Should I have my makeup and hair done professionally?
While professional hair and makeup does help create a more polished look, it is not required. We have some friends in the Lehigh Valley that are makeup artists and would be happy to provide recommendations. If you choose to do your own makeup- we do recommend a lighter or more natural looking application; Mostly because it photographs better. If you are self conscious about any blemishes, let us know! We have spent many years perfecting skills in photoshop and will take reasonable editing requests from clients.
How long after the session can we see our photos?
Usually it takes about 2 weeks, but we schedule a reveal session with you after your portrait session. That way we can pick a day together to sit down and review all your senior portrait photos.
Can we have the photos printed afterwards?
ABSOLUTELY! At Jim Cairns Photography we have a full product line to suit many tastes. We have everything from albums, wall art, desk art to gift prints. Our variety of high quality heirloom products will be a great addition to your home.