The history of wedding photography starts with traditional style approach. This is the  timeless style that  you’ve  probably   seen time and time again. The hallmark of this style is  carefully  posed photographs of the key moments. Benefits: The traditional photographers usually use a planned  “shot list”, which means you’ll get all the important images. Drawbacks: The photographer virtually becomes a “wedding official”, directing the wedding  party and guests  according  to a pre-planned list. This approach is very time consuming, and as a result, the bride and groom end up spending less time with their guests. The wedding album look is attractive, yet predictable.

Wedding photojournalism:

Contemporary style also known as photo reportage and documentary approach, photojournalism has become a very popular style in domestic and destination wedding photography, featuring a series of candid photos covering the entire day. Benefits:  Wedding photojournalism gives you a series of  unique images aimed to “tell the story” of your wedding  day.  Drawbacks:  There is no pre-planned  “shot list,” only the photographer’s instincts; images are unpredictable. Low levels of available light may cause some pictures to look grainy. The couple may regret the absence of traditional, posed portraits in their album.

Illustrative style:

The illustrative style photographers place the subjects in certain settings  to  take  advantage  of  good  lighting  or backgrounds. Then, once the  scene is set, the couple and their party are free  to  be  themselves, and  this  results in a more spontaneous feel. Unlike the photojournalistic style, illustrative photography takes advantage of  the  photographer’s  artistic judgment rather than capturing  a series  of moments. This style often used  in engagement photography or in popular “trash the dress” session.

A: We have packages that start at $2,500, which include unlimited photography on the wedding day, plus an Italian made 8×12 Album.

Please contact us to discuss all the options available.

Q: Do you travel outside of San Francisco Bay Area?
A: Happily and often! Mileage and travel fees are either itemized or estimated and included in your package price. Domestic travel fees are usually in the vicinity of $750. International travel is about $1,500. (Dependent on flight, hotel, car rental, days out of the office, etc.)

Q: How do you conduct yourself at a wedding? What is your approach?
A: Seeing as how my goal is to capture the genuine, I really attempt to be as subtle and unobtrusive as possible. My job is to capture the day, not control it. And considering that there are a million things happening on the day of a wedding, I do my utmost to be everywhere at once! But my assistant and I will definitely be a bit more assertive when it’s time to shoot the formals.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Photojournalistic in the sense that most of my work is candid and documents the “storyline” of the day. But my images definitely have a softness and a romantic quality. I’m very sensitive to relational dynamics, to aesthetic details and to the emotional essence of the moment. And that’s exactly what I aim to catch on film!

Q: Will you wear appropriate attire to our event?
A: I promise to NOT wear a t-shirt and/or sweat pants. My assistant and I are always professionally dressed.

Q: How soon will we be able to see our wedding images?
A: Anywhere from 4-8 weeks from your wedding date, depending on how busy the season is during which you get married.

Q: What does it take to book the date?
A: A non-refundable retainer (50% of the package price) and a signed contract. I much prefer to speak to you in person before contracts are signed, etc. so we can see if we are a good fit and plan out a package for you. But if the situation is DIRE, you can send in $1,500 + a contract to reserve the date. Give me a call or email if you have any questions!

Q: If we hire Soleil Weddings who will be shooting our event?
A: Yana Rudakov is always the main photographer but will always have an assistant with her who may shoot up to 10% of the photos because one can’t be everywhere at once now can they?

Q: Can you do online posting so friends and family can see and order reprints directly?
A: E-Weddings are one of our most popular services and are included in every package. People who have been given the username and password to your site can view all of your wedding images and have the option to buy prints.

Q: Do you offer leather albums or coffee table books? What are the prices on those?
A: Yes. I offer a beautiful selection of finished albums and coffee table books. Pricing varies from about $750-$7000. If you are interested, we’ll arrange a personal consultation to show you the samples and discuss all your options.

Q: What do you include in your packages?
A: Whatever you would like. I put together packages to meet whatever needs and wants my clients have. My packages are very straightforward – all include my time, equipment, expenses, engagement photos and all of your images posted online through my website. All other items (i.e. proof prints, finished albums, additional photographer, etc) are listed ala carte. The number of images you receive from your event usually averages out to between 500-700.