Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been a professional photographer continuously since 2012.
Where are you based out of?
I’m based out of Southern California but have traveled throughout the US and part of Europe to document weddings. I have a current and valid US Passport and love to travel.
What is your photography style?
I consider my style contemporary with a mixture of fine art and photo-journalism. My goal is not to follow the current trend but to create something that is elegant, graceful, and timeless.
What kind of photography equipment do you use?
I use professional grade Nikon cameras, lenses, and lighting accessories (with backup equipment). You can see some of my current equipment on this page.
What is a hybrid photographer?
A hybrid photographer uses both modern digital and traditional film cameras. The reason for this is mainly because of aesthetic. The color reproduction on film is timeless and true to life especially on skin tone. However, digital is more accurate in low light. I also use film as the base for my digital color correction so that my images are consistent and my clients get the best of both worlds. You can read more about why I shoot film here.
Are you a licensed business?
Yes. I have a proper business license and fully insured.
My wedding venue requires you to show proof of insurance. Can you provide that?
Yes. I do carry liability insurance and will be able to provide proof when requested.
Why do I need to hire a 2nd shooter?
Wedding photography is a very fast pace event. A 2nd shooter will typically help speed things along and provide a different perspective of the event. In addition, a 2nd shooter will act as a back up in case the primary photographer experience an unexpected life threatening emergency.
How many photographs are there on a typical DVD/USB?
On average, you’ll receive about 200-500 final images on your USB. It will vary depending on the length of the wedding and other un-predictable circumstances.
Do you provide high-resolution digital images?
I do provide high resolution1 color-corrected images that can be printed up to 15″x15″ @ 100dpi; along with a personal print release. Keep in mind that the print quality varies depending on the print lab that you use. For best quality, please use a professional lab over your local chain stores.
Do you offer physical print products?
In addition to digital files, I also offer high-end heirloom wedding albums and canvas prints in a variety of sizes. I do offer packaged discount for booked weddings. Please ask me in person regarding the current discount on these products
How long does it usually take for the bride and groom to receive their final images?
After the wedding all images will be reviewed, weaned, color-corrected for professional print labs. This process will take about 15-20 weeks2 for all the images to be delivered on DVD/USB. For album purchases, a selected number of images will be edited further for skin tone correction, body contour/re-shaping, blemish removal, and additional touch-ups.
What is a color-corrected photograph?
Color correction has to do with adjusting the light temperature in a photograph to set the mood. For a quick explanation, I wrote a short blog post with an example regarding this.
Can you photograph my wedding like another photographer’s style?
Photography is unique from one photographer to another. Unfortunately, I cannot shoot like someone else because my vision is unique based on my own experience.
Do you accept a shot list?
Due to the dynamic nature of weddings, I’m unable to accept a shot list other than for family photos. No two weddings are the same, and many beautiful moments will be missed if I’m busy looking through a list or distracted by it. The consistency of how I shoot can be seen through my portfolio. This will give you an idea of how I shoot.
Do you do fun bridal poses?
My style is generally timeless romantic, so I don’t typically stage fun bridal poses unless they happen naturally.
Can you provide unedited, film negatives, and/or RAW digital files?
Because these type of files do not represent my complete work and may contain proprietary settings, which may be considered trade secrets, I do not provide these files unless there is a prior agreement.
How do I reserve a wedding date with you?
Upon signing the contract, a 33% retainer fee will reserve my services for that day. The remaining balance is due four weeks before the actual wedding day3 .
Is the retainer fee refundable?
The retainer fee is to retain my services for a specific date and not a promise to deliver a service. Therefore, the retainer fee is non-refundable if the event is cancelled or moved.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you.
- 1. The approximate dimensions may be up to 4000 pixels on the long edge and 2700 pixels on the short edge.
- 2. This is an estimate and actual delivery time may vary depending on the current workload. You will receive updates periodically throughout the process.
- 3. The retainer fee is to reserve your date with James Tang Photography. Additional services outside of your wedding invoice, or added after your wedding day, may require separate fee amount and required due date. Please reference your current invoice for the exact details.
