Cory Parris Photography, Seattle Wedding Photographer - Frequently Asked Questions

What is your style?
I create what I call Emotional Photostories. This is telling the story of your day without the need for words. To do this I wear many hats, I am a landscape photographer, an architectural photographer, a still life photographer, an art director, a portrait photographer and most importantly a documentary photographer on your wedding day. Everything plays a role in telling the story, but the real love, passion, joy and tears that you will share during the day is the centerpiece of your story.

Are you the person that will be photographing your wedding?
Yes. I don't work with any associate photographers and you will have me at your wedding.

Do I shoot more than one wedding in a day?
Never. I am 100% committed to your event on your wedding day.

What is your personality and how will you be at my wedding?
Good question! I am an easygoing, hardworking guy. I love to photograph weddings and I believe my attitude helps to put my clients feel comfortable and relaxed which allows them to be themselves. I think it shows in the photographs.

Is it okay for other people to shoot pictures at my wedding?
Absolutely. I have no problem with anyone shooting at your wedding. I do ask that if another professional is going to be there, that I have the opportunity to talk to them in advance and that they understand that I am the primary photographer. This ensures that I can deliver the highest quality product.

Do we have to feed you?
No. Just let me know if I need to bring food for myself!
There is a lot of glass and mirrors at the reception. Is that a problem?
Nope. I've dealt with this many times and it doesn't bother me at all.

Do you come look at my wedding or reception venue before the wedding?
I actually love to show up to someplace I have never seen before to shoot. I find myself to be more creative when I'm at a new place or presented with a new challenge. I love it!

What kind of camera do I shoot with?
I currently shoot with Canon professional digital equipment and a variety of lenses and lighting devices.

Why do you shoot digitally instead of with film?
The first time I shot digitally (in April 2003) I felt like I became unshackled. Suddenly anything I could dream up was possible. I love digital and the freedom that it gives me to be creative.

How many megapixel camera should a photographer be using?
It really doesn't matter. Any relatively recent digital SLR will produce professional quality results in the right hands. For those that care, I am currently shooting with an 8.2 megapixel camera.

What is RAW?
RAW refers to a proprietary image format that does less processing in-camera and requires processing on a computer at a later time before they can be printed or viewed by standard software. I shoot RAW because it gives me better quality and more processing options. Is this important information to you? I don't know, but a lot of people ask!

Do you shoot in both color and b&w?
Since I shoot completely digitally, I have the luxury of capturing the images in color and deciding after the fact what to change to b&w, sepia or enhance in another creative way.

Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. I have at least three camera bodies and six lenses with me so that if anything were to fail, you would not notice it in the final quality of your photographs.

What about posed photographs and groups?
I love taking the emotional, intimate, passionate and personality-filled couple portraits. Of course I will take the group portraits as well. There are six posed portraits that I feel are essential and I can take all of them in as little as 15 minutes. If you have more than that, it will just take more time and allow less time for the more documentary style I display on my website.

How many photographs will you take?
I will deliver at least 500 images of your wedding. Each image has been optimized for best color, converted to b&w, sepia or some other effect.

When will my wedding photographs be done?
Most weddings will be done within a couple weeks of the wedding, but my official answer is about a month.

What are proofs?
Proofs are just a first run of prints. They will last just as long and as well as any other prints.

What are my proofing options?
Most people choose a box filled with hundreds of 4x6 prints. However, if you prefer a magazine (multiple images on a 8x10 page), or art book (10x10 hard cover books), those are available as well.

Do I get to keep the proofs?
They are included with most of my pre-set packages.


Do I get the high-resolution files?
Yes, you will receive files that match each of the photographs that I deliver and they include the optimized file for best printing.

Can I make prints from my DVD?
Absolutely. That's why you have it.

What kind of albums do you offer?
I am always looking for new, high-quality, unique offerings. My current favorites are Graphistudio, Leather Craftsmen and Queensberry.

Do we get any input on our wedding album design?
Yes. You may, at your option, either choose the images or ask me to choose the images for your book. In either case you will have the opportunity to review the design before it will be sent to print.

Can I get albums for my parents? What kind?
Of course you can. How much do you love them? Just kidding. You may get a duplicate copy of your book, order them their own full size album, get a smaller one for them, or choose another of our many options!

Can I get copies of my album to give to the bridal party or important guests?
Yes! One of my album binders creates small copies in volume to give out.

Will my photographs be posted to a website?
Yes. You will have a password-protected site where your friends and family can view your wedding images from anywhere in the world.

Do you have any accomplishments to brag about?
Earlier this year I was asked to speak at a meeting for photographers, which was a huge honor. I was also recently featured in Studio Photography magazine, which is a trade publication for photographers.

Do you have any tips for choosing a photographer?
When you look at photographs, you are not only seeing a reflection of what happened, but also the photographer's style and what motivates him. You should feel something when you look at the collection of images. Are you moved to tears or bored? Do you like the photographer, or find him annoying? What you feel says something about choosing that photographer.

How much do you charge?
My prices start at $3000 for summer weekend coverage with packages including amazing albums starting at $4000 and all-inclusive packages around $7000. Wedding destinations outside of the greater Puget Sound region start at $4000. Please call to see how we can work with you to create the perfect package!

Sounds good, what do I do now?
You start by contacting me to find out if your date is available. I recommend a meeting if you are local. Your date is only held when the retainer and the signed contract are received.

www.coryparris.com