New Orleans Photography and Photo Booth Rentals
Photography Info and FAQs
Chad Populis Photography
Urban wedding photographer and videographer in New Orleans and surrounding areas.
Frequently asked wedding photography questions.
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Photographer FAQs
Q: Do you deliver every image you shoot?
A: No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. For example, because I shoot with low apertures, sometimes I take a few extra shots to make sure I have the perfect focus. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend time doing that on our end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. We might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure we have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. I may eliminate ones that I feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one.
Q: Does your studio provide videography services?
A: Yes. To see examples view samples of my wedding videography services, click here
Q: Have you shot at my venue before?
A: I have shot at dozens of venues, so there is some chance that I have. However, if I have not, I will try to get to the venue early on the day of and be sure to perform a thorough walk-through to scout out the best photography locations. I also do online research prior to your big day!
Q: Do you do destination weddings? What additional fees are associated with destination weddings?
Q: Does your studio do headshots, individual portraits, family portraits, newborn shoots, commercial photography, or other types of photography?
A: Yes, I have experience in many fields of photography.
Q: Do you shoot Quinceaneras, Debutants, Bah Mitzvahs, Parties, Nightclubs or Corporate Events?
A: Primarily, weddings and those events relating to them are the events that I cover. We have staff that covers a wide range of events.
Style and Quality
Q: What is your style and philosophy regarding photography?
A: By nature, and habit, I am a lifestyle photographer, a blend of street, urban, fashion and documentary styles. So, I tend to be drawn by the behaviors and beauty of people and social interactions, so my photos tend to capture the emotion of the current scene. While getting all the posed and styled photos are important, seeking those candid moments that happen organically is what truly makes for a great portfolio. As with most photographers, angles, perspectives, exposure and how we compose our images will always be the focus. But lighting will always be prioritized so your photos are sharp and in focus. Natural light is what I prefer but often times appropriate creative lighting is necessary in order to capture some moments.
Q: My venue is very dark. How does your studio handle these situations, and can I see samples?
A: If the situation allows, we will set up additional lighting to ensure we get focused pictures. Some chapels do not allow for flash photography; and for that reason, I shoot on cameras with superb low-light performance and lenses with low apertures.
Post Production Questions
Q: Do you touch up all the images in our image download?
A: Every image I deliver is post produced with my signature style of post-production. This involves color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, cropping and other corrections. Many photographers will not post produce any images or will only post produce “select” images from your wedding. This means that you may have pictures that are too dark, have strange skin tones or other common photography flaws.
Advanced skin and body retouching is available by request and for a negotiable fee.
Equipment
Q: What type of camera/equipment do you use?
CAMERAS
Camera 1, Main: Sony A7R III - for fixed settings, formal shots, low light imaging, fine details
Camera 2, Secondary: Sony A7 III - for zoom range and candid's, fine details
Camera 3, Backup: Sony A7C - for video, wide perspective and candid's
LENSES
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 EXPANDED ZOOM LENS: weddings, events, portraits and street photography
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 SHORT TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS: portraits, beauty and low light situations
Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 MEDIUM TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: wildlife, outdoors, portraits and sports
Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 STANDARD PRIME LENS: portraits, lifestyle, street photography, and in low light
Minolta 100mm f/2.8 Macro MACRO PRIME LENS: for portraits, outdoors and closeup details
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 EXPANDED ZOOM LENS: used to capture video, events, and portraits
Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE PRIME LENS: real estate and landscape photos
Other Equipment
DJI Mavic Air Quadcopter - Capture aerial photos and video.
Zhiyun Weebill S gimbal motorized stabilizer - eliminate shaky video footage
Zhiyun Crane 2 motorized gimbal stabilizer - eliminate shaky video footage
Ricoh Theta SC2 360 Cam - Capture 360 degree images for real estate virtual tours or car interiors.
(6) HSS TTL speedlights - for portable and creative lighting
(2) Portable battery powered studio strobes - for portable and creative lighting
(4) Wireless Lavalier Microphones - Record wireless audio on subject.
(2) On-camera Boom Microphones - Record directional audio in camera.
(4) XLR Microphones- Record wired audio for podcasts and interviews.
Also provide Numerous light stands, light modifiers, umbrellas, parabolic softboxes, light strips, beauty dishes, scrims, gobos, flags, continuous lighting, RGB lights, portable lighting, colored lighting wands and other necessary audio, video and lighting accessories.
Payment
Q: How do I reserve you for my date?
A: All dates are reserved once I've received your signed contract (or formal agreement in writing via email or invoice) and minimum deposit amount.
Q: If we cancel the wedding, will we receive our deposit fee back?
A: Unfortunately, no. deposit fees are used to reserve your date. Once we’ve reserved your date, I do not accept new clients for your date.
Wedding Day Questions
Experienced Black New Orleans wedding photographer offering All-inclusive affordable wedding photography and video packages. We shoot Elopements, Engagements and Bridal sessions as well.
Q: What do you capture and how much time do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos?
1. Rings, Dress, shoes and other wedding details photos - 30 min. - A.M. - Bride's Suite
2. Bride getting ready photos, Groom getting ready photos, etc. - 30 min.- Late A.M. - Bride and Groom's Suite
3. Individual Bride/Groom Portraits and/or First Look - 30 min. - Afternoon - Suitable location
4. Ceremony Venue Detail - 10 min. - Afternoon - Venue
5. Reception Venue Detail - 10 min. - Afternoon - Venue
6. Wedding Group photos with Bride/Groom - 15 mins - Afternoon - Venue
7. Immediate Family Wedding Photos (Parents, Grandparents, Siblings) - 10 min. - Afternoon - Suitable Location
8. Wedding group photos (Friends, Extended Family and Select Guests) - 10 min. - Venue
9. Couples Wedding Portraits - 20 min - Venue Early evening/Dusk - Venue
Including all dedicated events of the ceremony (bridal party procession, the kiss, exchanging rings, etc.) and reception (First dance, cutting of the cake, etc.) as well as photographer selected candid wedding photography (children dancing, joy amongst friends, bride and groom interaction, etc.).
Q: What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?
A: I understand that not everything goes as planned during a wedding. I never pack up before the contracted time, and moreover, I'm not leaving on the dot when the contracted time is up. Instead, I will ask you at the end of your contracted time whether or not you would like to extend. If you would like me to stay, I will charge the rates specified in your contract rounded to the closest 30-minute increment.
Engagement Sessions
Q: When can we expect to see our photos from our engagement session?
A: Post-production for engagement sessions is completed no later than 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot, a rush process fee of $100.00 will be charged.
Q: When should we do our engagement session?
A: I encourage you to do your engagement session as soon as possible. The latest I suggest is at least 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date due to the time necessary to post produce each image and complete your product order(s). in South Louisiana, early Spring (March-April) or late Fall (October-November) are the best times for an outdoor engagement shoot.
Q: How many images do you typically deliver from an engagement session? From a wedding?
I typically deliver anywhere from 50-75 images per 3-hour engagement shoot and for a wedding, I typically deliver 40-50 images per hour. Keep in mind these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the flow of the day and the number of events/activities needing to be captured.
Q: When and where can we view our engagement pictures?
Your engagement session images will be completed no more than 4 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 4 weeks after the date of your shoot, a rush edit fee of $100.00 may be charged. We deliver all final images viewable via online gallery and downloaded through an online cloud drive.
Albums & Prints
Q: How long does it take to get my album?
As with my other products, production times vary. However, you can typically expect to receive your album 6-12 weeks after the event date. The process prior to placing the order varies in duration depending on how quickly I finish your layout, how long it takes to be proffed and how many other events that may take up some time.
Q: How many pages and images do we get in our wedding day album?
A: Albums sizes vary by package. My Photo album typically contains 15-35 pages and contain 50-150+ images. If you’d like to add more pages and images, each additional page can be added at additional cost and includes the design time/revisions.
Q: Can I add more pages and images to my album?
A: Each additional page can be added for additional cost and includes the design time/revisions.
Q: Do you provide framing services as well?
A: Yes! We provide framing services; however, we offer a limited choice of styles including vinyl, metal and canvas. The standard frame is a canvas printed frames. Other styles incur additional costs.
Q: How do I get started on my wedding album?
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Album Type - We begin by you choosing the album size and type and selecting your preferred cover material and paper finish from the provided swatches.
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Initial Design – You choose the images and the photographer chooses the layout. I will design the album and send you a link where you can review it.
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Major Revision – When you receive your draft, please review this in detail with the understanding that this is my creative interpretation of the story of your wedding day. Any changes should be expressed immediately.
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Minor Revision – After the initial changes are communicated, I will redesign the album and send a second draft. however, any layout changes may result in additional fees.
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Send to Print – After these revisions are made, it is sent to editing and then to print.
Image Download and Legal Questions
Q: What size can we print our photos up to with our full resolution image download?
A: In most cases, you can print your photos up to 16×24 without any quality loss. If you’d like to print larger than 16×24, additional post-production might be required.
Q: What rights do I have to the digital prints?
A: You have the right to share and download images whenever you want. However, you may not sell your images for profit, print or publish your images without the written consent of Chad Populis Photography.
Q: Do you provide the RAW files from my engagement session and/or wedding day?
A: Each of my packages comes with a full resolution image download. However, I typically do not provide RAW (unprocessed) files from our shoots because we believe in delivering a finished product. In fact, we’re often shooting with the end (post-produced) product in mind. However, on occasion, we may provide RAW images along with our post-produced JPEGs for an additional fee and restrictions.
Q: Do you provide the digital negatives after the shoot?
A: Yes, we do. All of my packages come with Full Resolution image download.
Q: What if I lose my images?
A: Image replacement is free the first year. There is a $100 replacement charge for additional downloads after the event has been archived after one year. I strongly suggest you make at least one copy of the download when you receive it from me.
Wedding Videography Questions
Q: What should I expect from my wedding videographer?
A: A wedding videographer typically captures the entire day from getting ready to the reception, usually starting with the groom and bride’s preparations, the ceremony, photo session, and reception. As well as candid videography, we also include creative storytelling services to our wedding cinematography packages such as interviews, additional videographers, and utilizing cinematic techniques and editing.
Q: How much does an average wedding videographer cost?
A: Our wedding videography costs can vary depending on the services offered, the hours of coverage, and the number of videographers required. On average, our wedding videography prices range between $1250 and $3,000.
Q: How long will it take for the wedding video to be delivered?
A: The timeframe for delivery of a cinematic wedding video can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the videographer. Generally, most wedding films take anywhere from 3-4 weeks to be edited and delivered.
Q: What do I need to prepare before the wedding day?
A: Before the wedding day, couples should provide the wedding filmmaker with a list of requested shots, music selections, and a detailed timeline of the day’s events so that the videographer can plan the day accordingly and meet the couple’s expectations.
Q: Is drone footage included in the wedding video?
A: We offer drone wedding video footage as a service add-on by request. Be sure to inquire before booking your wedding so your videographer can plan accordingly.
Boudoir Photography Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is boudoir photography?
A: Boudoir photography is a type of photography that is intimate, romantic, and sensual. It focuses on the beauty and sensuality of the subject, typically featuring them in lingerie or other revealing clothing and poses. typical subjects are usually individual women, but can also capture men, women of all genders and also couples and groups.
Q: Why should I do a boudoir photography shoot?
A: Boudoir photography is a great way for women to celebrate their bodies, capture their beauty, and boost their self-confidence. It’s a fun and empowering experience that can remind women of their strength and beauty. It’s also a great way to create a fun, sexy, and unique gift for a loved one or just for yourself.
Q: Is boudoir photography appropriate for all ages?
A: Boudoir photography is typically intended for adults and is not typically recommended for subjects under the age of 18. here at Chad Populis photography, we will not shoot any boudoir sessions with those younger than 18 years of age.
Q: What should I wear for a boudoir photoshoot?
A: It’s up to you! The goal of a boudoir shoot is to create images that emphasize the subject's femininity/masculinity, beauty/strength, and sensuality. Therefore, the clothing should be carefully selected to help you best express yourself. Common wardrobe choices include lingerie, robes, nightgowns, corsets, and bodystockings. It is also recommended to bring a few creative pieces of clothing that express your style. You can choose to wear any outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can also choose to wear nothing at all for a tasteful nude boudoir shoot.
Q: How much does a boudoir photoshoot cost?
A: The cost of a boudoir photoshoot can vary depending on a number of factors such as the photographer, the location, and the number of photos you'd like to have taken and the type of print products you select. You can expect boudoir photoshoots to range in price from $300-$1000.
Q: What should I expect during my boudoir photoshoot?
A: Most boudoir photoshoots will begin with a consultation with the photographer so they can get to know you and understand your vision for the photoshoot. During the photoshoot, your photographer will guide you through different poses and provide direction to ensure you look your best in the photos. After the photoshoot, you will be able to review your photos and choose the ones you’d like to keep.
Q: How do I prepare for my boudoir session?
A: The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. You can also prepare by talking with your boudoir photographer about what you would like to capture in your session, and discussing any props or outfits you would like to incorporate. Additionally, it can be helpful to do some makeup and hair practice prior to your session.
Q: What is the best time of day to schedule a boudoir session?
A: To ensure the best quality photographs, boudoir photography is typically done during the mornings or late afternoons when the natural light is best. It’s also important to consider the subject’s own natural light as some people look better in the evening or during mid-day because of skin tone. However, boudoir can be shot at anytime of day with the use of artificial lighting techniques that create an initmate and sensual atmosphere.
Q: Is boudoir photography appropriate for everyone?
A: Yes! Boudoir photography can be a positive experience for everyone regardless of age, gender, or body type, as the focus is on celebrating all that makes the subject unique.
Q: What are the benefits of couples boudoir photography?
A: Couples boudoir photography can help couples strengthen their bond, build confidence and self-esteem, and create a lasting reminder of their love for each other. It can be a romantic date night idea.
Q. What types of lingerie should plus size women wear when doing a boudoir shoot?
A. When shooting a plus size boudoir shoot, the model should look for lingerie that enhances the positive features they love to show off. Opt for tops and bottoms that fit well, pieces with strategic accents like ruffles or bows, corsets and baby dolls.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY HERE!
HEADSHOTS QUESTIONS
Professional Business Headshots
Q: How much do professional headshots typically cost?
A: Headshot photography prices vary greatly depending on the session, the number of retouched images, and any additional services such as hair and makeup. On average, however, professional headshots in the area cost between $250 and $500.
Q: How long does a headshot session usually take?
A: The duration of one business headshot session can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The time of a session usually depends on the number of poses/clothing/backgrounds and the type of images you need for your branding.
Q: What should I wear for my business headshot session?
A: It is always best to wear solid, simple and neutral colors for your headshot session. Bold prints, stripes, and large logos should be avoided. You should also wear something that fits your body type so that the emphasis is on your facial features not your clothing.
Q. How should I prepare for my professional head shot session?
A. It's important to plan ahead for your real estate headshot session. To ensure you get the most out of your realtor headshots session, it's important to bring a few different looks, practice your poses in advance, and be prepared to experiment with different expressions.
Q: Is there any way to retouch my professional head shots?
A: Yes. We can hand retouch images where I enhance your headshots to make them look their best. This process can include color correction, removal of blemishes, wrinkles, and other skin flaws. Most retouching is minimal in order to keep them looking natural and like you.
Q: Is there a certain distance that is recommended for the photographer to stand when taking my headshots?
A: Generally, the farther away the photographer is from you the wider shot they can get. Generally, a good distance is around 5-7 feet away from the subject.
Q: Should I smile or have a neutral expression on my headshots?
A: This depends on what you need the headshots for. If you're looking for a more professional look, it's best to go with a neutral expression. However, if you want something more casual or quirky then you can go with a slight smile.
Q: How long does it take to get the headshots back from the photographer?
A: Generally, it takes about 7-10 days to receive business headshots from the photographer. This varies by session type. Same day and next day options are availablke for a fee.
Q. What should I expect after the professional head shot session?
A. After your headshot session, you will typically be sent a link to an online gallery where you can select your favorite images from your session. Your headshot photographer will then retouch and deliver a set of professionally edited headshot images for you to use.
Q. Can I bring a friend or a family member to my session?
A. Yes, you can bring a friend or a family member to your session as long as they don't interfere with the photo shoot.
Q. Can we see our professional headshot photos before they are fully edited?
A. Yes, we will provide a sneak peek of the photos before they are edited and finalized.
Q. What image format and size will be provided?
A. The images are typically provided as high-quality JPEG files in various sizes to suit various needs.
ACTOR
Q: How many acting headshots should an actor get taken?
A: It depends on what the actor's needs are, but generally 2-3 looks are recommended. Some actors may want to capture a variety of looks, while others might just want one look. We typically aim to provide a cinematic look and a business headshot as well as a variety of other facial expressions and poses to add variety to your acting portfolio.
Q: What should an actor expect during their headshots session?
A: During a professional actor headshot session, the photographer will help the actor to adjust their clothing and positions for the best possible angles and lighting. They will also take several frames to increase the chances of getting the perfect shot.
Q. Can I bring more than one outfit to my headshot photo session?
A. Yes, you can! It’s always a good idea to bring multiple outfits to your headshot session so you have multiple looks to choose from after your session.
Q. When should I get new headshots taken?
A. Typically, you should consider getting new headshots taken at least once per year. Of course, this can vary slightly depending on the industry you’re in and the type of roles you’re auditioning for.
Q. What should I wear to my actor headshot session?
A. When selecting clothing for your actor headshot session, it's important to choose items that best represent the roles you are pursuing. Your clothing should be simple, comfortable, and solid-colored. Avoid wearing logos, jewelry, and busy patterns, as these can be distracting in your photos.
Seniors and Graduates
Q. What should I wear for my senior portrait session?
A. It’s best to pick an outfit that fits your personal style and that you feel great in. You may also want to do a look test in advance to make sure the colors don't blend in with the backdrop. You may also want to bring additional accessories such as accessories, scarves, and hats. We also recommend a professional look as these photos can serve as a professional portrait and headshot as well.
Q. How far in advance should I book my graduation photography session?
A. To ensure you get your desired date and time, it’s recommended to book your grad photography session at least a few months in advance.
Q. What should I do to prepare for my graduation photoshoot?
A. To ensure you look your best, be sure to get enough rest the night before. Bring any props you want to incorporate into your session and check to make sure your clothes and hair are wrinkle-free and styled how you want them for your photos.
Q. Should I bring any props for my session?
A. Yes! Props can help to make your senior photos more unique and fun. Consider bringing anything that is meaningful to you such as a jacket, trophy, letterman jacket, or a sports related item.
Q. What type of products does the studio offer?
A. Click HERE to view a price list of the print products we offer. You can also order custom printed items directly from you online gallery!
Q. What happens if the weather is bad?
A. If the weather is bad we will reschedule your session. Talk to your graduate photographer to discuss the plan of action if inclement weather is a possibility on your scheduled date.
Q. How long will my graduation photoshoot session last?
A. The length of your session depends on the package you have purchased. Generally, most sessions will last an hour or two.
Corporate Headshots
Q. How should I prepare for a corporate headshot photography session?
A. For your corporate photoshoot, you should prepare by ensuring that everyone is on time and dressed appropriately in business attire. It is also a good idea to practice some poses in advance and pick a headshot outfit that fits your company’s image.
Q. How long do corporate photography headshot sessions last?
A. Corporate headshot sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the size of the group.
Q. How many headshot photos will be taken during the session?
A. The number of photos taken during a session depends on the size and speed of the group. Generally speaking, you can expect at least one to two headshot photos per person.
Q. Are there any retouching or editing options available?
A. Yes, but very minimally. We try our best to get ensure the image looks its best in camera with the use of proper lighting and posing techniques.
Q. What should I wear for a corporate headshot session?
A. It is important to wear clothing that reflects the culture of your team and company. Business casual attire is recommended, , such as a suit and tie, dress shirts, slacks, skirts, or similar professional attire. It is important to avoid anything too distracting, avoid wearing busy patterns or clothing with non-company logos or branding.
Q. For what purposes will the Team headshots photos be used?
A. The photos are typically used for websites, LinkedIn headshot, company brochures, and other corporate marketing materials.
Q. What should I do if some members of the team cannot attend on the day?
A. It is best to reschedule the session or take photos of the absent members separately at a later date.
Q. How soon after the session will I receive the photos?
A. On average you can expect to receive the finished photos within 5 to 7 business days. Expedited services are available for and additional fee
Q. What is the best way to book a corporate team headshot session?
A. The best way to book a corporate team headshot session is to contact us directly to discuss your requirements and request a quote or book one of our pre-priced team packages on our BOOKING page
Q. How often should we update our company headshots?
A. It depends on the specific needs of your company, but typically it is recommended to update executive headshots every 3 or 4 years to keep the images up-to-date.
Q. Do you offer single-person headshot sessions?
A. Yes, we do offer single-person headshot sessions. These sessions typically start at sixty minutes in length and are tailored to capture the essence of the individual.
Q. Is there an additional charge for extra poses or edits?
A. Yes, there may be an additional fee depending on the scale of your project. Please discuss all details with your headshot photographer prior to scheduling your session.
Event photography Frequently Asked Questions
Fashion Modeling Frequently Asked questions
Real Estate Photography
Frequently Asked questions
Vehicle photography Frequently Asked questions
Q: What is the service area for your automotive photography services?
A: We serve the greater New Orleans area within 30 miles of zip code 70056. We offer travel services
Q: What type of photography style do you offer for automotive photography?
A: We specialize highlighting the interior, exterior and details of the vehicle at desired locations showcasing the best suited environment and surrounding
Q: What type of cameras and lenses do you use when shooting cars?
A: We primarily use Sony mirrorless cameras and fast, professional lenses for both interior and exterior automotive shots.
Q: What sort of lighting technology do you employ during shoots?
A: We typically use a combination of natural lighting (when available) and studio lights and reflectors to achieve the best results.
Q: Is post-processing included in the rates for automotive shoots?
A: Our rates for automotive photography make post-processing costs as part of the overall package, so you will not be charged separately for image editing and color correction or other necessary post-processing works.
Q: What types of images will I receive after the shoot?
A: When you hire us for your automotive photography services, you will receive high-resolution images in JPEG format in a downloadable and shareable online gallery.
Q: What is the expected turn-around time after the shoot is complete?
A: Our turn-around time depends on the number of images requested, but typically we require 2–5 business days to process the shoot.
Q: What types of payments do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards, as well as PayPal, cashapp, Zelle, and cash payments.
Q: Do you offer drone photography services for cars?
A: Yes, we offer custom drone photography services to capture the vehicle from above and create unique aerial shots.
Q: What is included in the pricing for automotive photography services?
A: Pricing for automotive photography services includes setup, shoot time, post-processing, and delivery of final images.
Q: Do you offer discounts for multiple shoots?
A: Yes, we offer discounts for multiple shoots and consultations to ensure you get the best deal possible.