Rhonda Thompson Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you travel?
If so, what are the additional costs for traveling?

Yes, I will travel! A travel fee of $.75 per mile each way is additional for any locations outside a 20-mile radius of Athens, GA or Lawrenceville, GA. Please request a quote for out-of-state, international or destination weddings.

What types of photography do you do?
I specialize in weddings and engagement sessions.

Do you work with film or digital photography?
I work exclusively with digital photography and use professional Canon products with backups for each piece of equipment.

Can we get our pictures on a CD?
Absolutely! One of our wedding packages includes all your images on CD. If you choose another package, the CD will be available for purchase separately.

Can we print the pictures from the CD?
Do we get a copyright release with our CD?

Yes, your photos are printable from the CD. I give you a photographer's release so that you may make prints of your photos, and we share the copyright. Your images will come as large JPEG files and are not marked by any watermarks or studio name.

Can we order our prints through you?
Absolutely! I work with a professional lab that is very timely in creating the prints you order, color-corrected and on professional, archival Kodak Endura paper in a matte finish.

Can we order our prints online, or can you post them online so we can buy them and share with friends and family?
Yes, we will post your photos to our online proofing and purchasing site at your request.

What styles of photography do you offer?
I generally try to capture a good mix of both formal and photojournalistic styles, but, I am happy to do more of one or the other if that is your preference.
Formal: These traditional, posed photographs are completely arranged by the photographer, selecting the setting, lighting, positioning and expression of the subject, and are often captured in color.
Photojournalistic: This candid style generally shows true reactions and real emotions that cannot be captured in formal portraits alone. They often result from the photographer anticipating and recording a happening, without the subjects' knowledge, or, they may be artistically and creatively refined, or, uniquely posed by the photographer. These may be captured in color, black and white, or both.

I like the photojournalistic style, but will you also do our posed group formals?
Absolutely! I understand that posed formals are likely a very important part of capturing your day. We are happy to include both formal and photojournalistic styles in your day's photos.

Can you hold our date for us while we decide about our photography needs?
Due to the limited number of prime wedding dates each year, I cannot hold your date for you without a deposit and signed contract. My bookings are operated on a first-signed, first-served basis for both wedding dates and engagement sessions, with a deposit and signed contract securing your date.

Who will be the photographer at our wedding?
I will be the photographer for your wedding. You will have direct contact with me from your first inquiry all the way through your wedding day and beyond.

How soon will we get our proofs?
Please allow up to 4 weeks for wedding or engagement session images. This is just an estimate; it may be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances and season.

Is there a limit on the amount of pictures you take? How many pictures will you take?
There is no limit on the amount of photographs taken during your selected coverage. I will take as many photographs as necessary to tell the story of your day.

How much time do you spend photographing our wedding day?
Coverage is available in packages of varying hours, depending on your needs and wishes for photography coverage of your day.

Should we do pictures before or after the wedding?
It is your wedding day, so of course this is really up to you. Through experience we have found that waiting to take photos until after the wedding tends to create a 'rushed' feeling and results in fewer photos, rushed wedding party members, hurried family members, and anxious guests. It also takes away from the amount of time and the calm atmosphere I need to give you the creative photos that are a part of my style.

There will be smoking at our reception. Is that a problem?
Unfortunately, due to a severe smoke allergy, I cannot accept bookings for weddings where there will be smoking indoors in my presence at any time during your day.

Do you retouch our photos?
Minimal facial retouching, if necessary, is included in the editing of your images. This may include touch-up of blemishes, stray hairs, or other small skin markings. Any additional retouching is available only by request and at an additional per-image lab fee.

Do you bring backdrops?
I prefer to capture the atmosphere of your day creatively and on-location by including scenes from the setting of your special day as a part of your photographs.

Will we need to provide a photo checklist for our wedding?
I have a good idea of what should generally be photographed - my focus is ultimately to capture images from your wedding day as it unfolds! But - I'm open to your suggestions!

Will you give us suggestions on what to wear for our engagement photo session?
Yes, I will provide a suggestion list for engagement photo sessions.

When should we take our engagement photos?
This is, of course, really up to you, depending on how soon you need your engagement photos and what you plan to do with them. Please note, however, that our sessions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Because we shoot our engagement sessions outdoors, we recommend taking your engagement photos with us between May and October for the most favorable and pleasant backdrops and temperatures, but we do shoot year-round on location.

How do you dress for weddings?
I wear something that is appropriate yet comfortable to work in. I try to 'blend in' with your guests and not attract attention.

BOOKING DETAILS

CONSULTATIONS
Consultation Meetings are scheduled by appointment only. This ensures I am able to give you my full attention and provide you with prompt, courteous service. Consultation appointments are generally available on weekday evenings and weekends. Remember, company policy is first-signed, first-served for both wedding dates and engagement sessions and availability is limited. Our company reserves the right to refuse service without reason.

DEPOSITS & RESERVING YOUR DATE
To reserve your wedding date, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of your package is due upon booking in order to hold your date. Your deposit is applied to your total balance. When the deposit has been paid and the bride/groom and photographer have all signed the contract, your wedding date will be reserved!

PAYMENT
The remaining balance will need to be paid prior to your wedding. Payments toward this balance are accepted and welcome at any time.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash or check is accepted for all services and products. Please inquire if you prefer to use a credit card.

SALES TAX
Tax has already been included in all pricing.