Traditionally Wedding photography was a photographer who positioned you and 'created' every picture taken during the day. They usually only took pictures at the wedding, and a few formals afterwards. Then along came the photojournalistic style, in which they recorded the wedding as it went. The two styles are both very good, and both have strengths and weaknesses.
Portrait Photography always gets beautiful pictures, and you get a photographer that knows how to make you look your best in them. The problem is that you get no details of your wedding, none of the spirit or energy is captured.
Photojournalists capture the day with unique angles, artistic effects and unobtrusive picture taking. You can usually look through the pictures in order and remember most of what happened during the day. the question is, do you really want to hang that picture on your wall afterwards? Are you in focus? Is your pose flattering, or do you have three chins?
Portrait Journalism is a merger of these two techniques that has only been around for the last 3-5 years. Throughout the day we still capture everything that is happening, from the tears, to the kisses, to those initially unnoticed details. Then we take the bride and groom aside for a specific time of taking beautiful pictures. You get the memories, and you get the magazine quality prints.
As well as being a full time photographer, I am also the p/t youth pastor at Gateway City Church in Spruce Grove, Alberta. As a matter of principle my first commitment is to the youth and therefore I am not available on Fridays during the school year. I am however available on Fridays during the months July & August.
As well, as a pastor, and Christian, I do not work on Sundays. I am sorry if this inconveniences you. Please feel free to contact me and I can certainly refer you to other talented photographers in the Edmonton area.
Note: Destination weddings in which I would be out of country, or traveling on the Friday or Sunday may be accommodated on a situational exception. Contact me for more information.
Although I retain all moral and copyrights to the photos, you will receive a high quality jpeg version of each picture, and the ability to print, save, share, upload and edit the photos for your own use. That means that you can do anything you want with the pictures as long as there is no profit.
When ordering prints however, the pictures are subjected to additional labour in editing, airbrushing and other photo realistic manipulations. These edited versions of the files, as well as the right to reproduce and distribute the images, remain the property of AIM Design Inc.
To recap:
If you still have questions please contact Stephen.
To see the most recent price list simply use the online contact form to submit a request. An email will be sent out to you with the pricelist within five minute of your request.
I shoot every wedding with a skilled and talented up and coming photographer. The assistant for the 2008-09 wedding season has not been decided on yet. Please check back for more information.
I shoot with Canon cameras and lenses. Currently I use Canon's flagship camera the Canon 1Ds Mark III to shoot every wedding. It is a 21 Megapixel dSLR, and the top SLR camera currently available. I also have the complete set of top of the line L-series lens from canon from 16-200mm at F2.0.
If you are curious about more, please contact me.
Yes. There is a charge per km traveled though that will be added to your package. If it is more than 3 hours driving outside the city of Edmonton lodging will also be required.
Current transportation costs are $0.40/km both ways, based on Google Maps estimation of travel between cities. We do not count additional travel on wedding day.
Examples of some popular locations:
Remember: These costs do not include lodging, if required (rates negotiable).
Yes. Please contact us directly for destination wedding information.
No, sorry.
With Stephen Kiers Wedding Photography you pay for photographers to be at your wedding. Because you have hired us to record your wedding we include the digital copies of the pictures in the price. We take pictures that will sell, plus those that are fun, and some that are just for memories.
Paying for prints is when you hire a photographer (often at a slightly discounted price) and then you have to pay for prints afterwards. These photographers usually spend most of their time on pictures that you will buy to hang. That usually means you get more family pictures and more traditional pictures, because (usually) parents and family members will buy multiple copies.
Paying for a photographer that includes negatives for your wedding is best because we will take all kinds of pictures, not just those that will sell.
If you would like to pay for prints, please choose our 2009 "Basic Package" which does not include digital negatives. My photo style does not however change any.
Typically, our weddings cost around $2000-5000 depending on the package you choose. If you contact us via the contact page we can certainly send you our full price list and package details.
Because all of our packages include 'full day' coverage and with most you getting a copy of the negatives, our weddings may start higher than many of the other photographers in the Edmonton area. Many other photographers will only cover part of your wedding, and then only let you order prints via them.
This is how they make their money, the old bait and hook marketing technique. Our costs are all inclusive, if your wedding is in Edmonton. Travel and accommodation costs are extra for out of town and destination weddings.
Also, you usually get what you pay for. Most $500 photographers out there will only give you a quarter (or more likely less) of the skill, experience and quality that I offer. Make sure you see their portfolio and confirm what they are offering before ever signing with a photographer.
I shoot exclusivly digital.
With the advanced in technology over the last 10 years there is no reason to shoot film anymore. Contrary to popular belief, there are no professional photographers that still use film for their work. Digital photography allows for better quality in many situations previously unusable with film. This includes high quality images in low light situations, like those commonly found at weddings (churches, hotel interiors, reception halls, dances etc).
I personally use the Canon 1Ds Mark III digital SLR camera. It has a higher resolution than film does, has a 14-bit, 21 MP sensor and is currently the most technologically advance dSLR system on the planet. Digital photography
No. It is not.
I personally use the Canon 1Ds Mark III digital SLR camera. It has a higher resolution than film does, has a 14-bit, 21 MP sensor and is currently the most technologically advance dSLR system on the planet. It is also the most used SLR among top fashion photographers.
As well, I shoot all my images in RAW format. Although doing this doubles my processing time after the wedding, it improves the quality of your images substatially.
If you have a digital camera, compare the best picture you have ever taken with the followign sample picture. Click here to see a crop from a full resolution jpg created by a processed RAW file.
Contact us and we can let you know.
Contact us through our online form, or by phone (780.893.4463) and we can get you a price list and contract. Once the contract is signed and returned with deposit your wedding is booked.
Yes. It will have to be read, signed and returned with a deposit to book your wedding
The 50% deposit is required to hold your date, so please get it in as soon as possible.
The contract and all financial matters are between you and AIM Design Inc. Please make cheques payable "AIM Design Inc"
There are two engagement packages available. They are explain in depth in the official pricelist. (note: Must be booked three months before the wedding to qualify.)
Yes. Contact me for the pricelist, which includes engagement pictures details.
I will meet with the bride when she first starts getting ready in the morning on the day of the wedding. If there are two shooters, the second will meet with the groom when he first starts getting ready. We usaully leave after the third dance at the reception or after approximately 10 hours of shooting. Much more than the typical 4-6 hour photographer.
Specifics will be decided when we discuss the contract as every wedding is unique.
Like with all professionals hired for your wedding day (including caterers, servers, bands, djs, pastors, etc) is is proper and polite to thank them during your reception. I do not require it, but appreciate it.
The biggest compliment you can give me is to refer me to your friends and family.
More is better! That said, I suggest at least three hours set aside specifically for pictures.
Yes. We request you let your families know not to leave right after the ceremony at the ceremony location, as that is usually the most convenient time to take them for most weddings.
Usually yes. It is your wedding though and if you do not want it, or can't have it, we always accommodate you.
As a professional I do my best to have propriety and leave the room or look away during any changing. As a Christian male I also have a policy that I do not take any lingerie or nude shots, even if requested. If this is teh type of photography you would like, I would suggest trying other photographers.
Occasionally I shoot with a female assistant who will be with the bride while she gets ready. However, whether it is myself or an assistant, we will leave the room at your request at any time for any reason. It is your wedding, and we want you to be totally comfortable.
We check weather forecasts before every wedding, and if rain is predicted we will contact you to see how to proceed. We do not have any indoor locations specifically at our disposal, so if you fear rain we suggest booking a indoor location yourself. Feel free to contact me for suggestions.
I've never shot a wedding that has been ruined due to rain.
At a usual wedding we require three reception spots, as we usually bring two photographers and an assistant. This detail should be confirmed in the weeks before your wedding date in case the number does go down.
As many as you want. Just remember that travel time cuts into how many pictures you will get. My general rule of thumb is 1 location per hour of shooting time.
On average we leave a wedding with around 2000 pictures. After those are gone through we usually give you the best 10-25% of those.
Probably. Contact me and I will let you know.
I strongly suggest you plan a quick lunch on the way to the first photo site. I also suggest fruits and candy to keep your energy up during the day. Too many people forget to eat, and later feel dizzy and grumpy.
At the wedding. We usually get the cheque during the reception. I suggest that you have your parents or a friend handle the payment, since you will have better things to do that day.
Usual turn around time is 3-4 weeks. That is when you will get your album and CD of jpgs. Prints are then provided as ordered.
Yes. Extra photo DVDs are $5/DVD.
They are leather bound, acid free books of the highest quality. All the pictures are actually printed on the pages in vivid crisp full color. There are other options available, and can be explained upon request.
Yes. You pay per square inch printed, and is pre stretched and mounted on 1/4" wood.
The CD will include color and density corrected jpegs that are useful for printing up to 8x10. Prints are fully edited pictures. That means zits removed, backgrounds edited, special effects and more.
Anything photography related can be arranged by myself.
Also AIM Design Inc can offer custom invitations, thank you cards and personalized wedding websites with online RSVP systems.
Yes. Any picture can be made into beautiful black and white prints. Our online ordering system can automativally show you a preview of any images converted to black & white.
Yes, but we suggest against this. We go through all the pictures and pick out the best of the duplicates for you. Going through 1000-3000 pictures takes over 2 hours at just four seconds a picture.
Also, if you get all the pictures, we can not color and density correct them (they will be straight out of camera) and you will have to pay for the extra DVD's it take to burn them all and the time taken to convert the images.
Officially we don't archive your pictures once we give you your DVD. That means that you are responsible for your own images once they are given to you, and AIM Design Inc and Stephen Kiers are not liable for any losses.
That said, in practice we will keep your pictures on file forever (save fire, hard drive failure, flood or act of God destroys our copies).
If ordering more than ten copies of an identical print you may be able to get a discount. Contact me for details.
If you didn't get an email about your online album, please contact me and I will contact you and get you the information.
Your online album provides an option for friends and family to order prints for themselves. This could help save you some headache. Plus for the first 3 months after the proofs are put online, you will save 30% on all online orders.
Photo credits that are included in packages are only valid for one year (365 days) from the date you are given your proofs and CD. If you do not use the credits within those 12 months you will forever forfeit all remaining credits. Remember, credits have NO cash value.
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