FAQ
1. Will you be the one to personally take the pictures during my wedding?
Yes. I only take one wedding per day. Also, I have constant associates to assist me – Edong and Russ. I don’t subcontract my work just to cover two or eight weddings in day. Moreover, with the same people taking each wedding then you can have the same artistry, creativity and dedication in each and every wedding.
2. Why do other photographers take more than one wedding a day?
If you are paid more than Php50k for one wedding and you will cover four (4) in a day then that’s Php200k gross earnings in one day. This is actually more than the earnings of a CEO in a Top100 company. Actually, I don’t blame other photographers for doing this since we are talking of big bucks but as long as it is disclosed to the client. However, there are times that clients are made to believe that the main photographer (the one whose name appears in the company brochure) will be present but only to appear during the cake cutting.
3. Can I insist that the main photographer be there?
You should. You are not paying pennies. If the main photographer will not be there then you should know beforehand. If I were you, I will ask more discounts and freebies. Remember, you have the bargaining chip in this situation. Unless of course, you are too satisfied with the second or the third team of the photographer and willing to take your chances.
4. Why do you charge so high compared to other photographers?
Again, we cover only one wedding per day and we dedicate the entire day for our bride and groom. I guess the amount we charge is the gauge on how much we value our work. Also, I can say the our team is one group that ensures that we cover every aspect of your wedding. At times, jokingly, I am telling my brides that I am like a coordinator since I walk thru the entire event during the last meeting prior to the wedding.
5. I like your pictures but I also want you to cover my video.
I always believe that we stick to the craft we are really good at and that is photography. For the longest time, if we are asked about our videography referrals, we always say Jason Magbanua , Threelogy or Bob Nicolas . We do that up to now.
However, in early 2007, I was given the opportunity to meet a batch of very talented videographers and a kick-ass editor. This gave us an opportunity to set-up MovingPictures Video which complemented our photography. I like to believe that we offer very creative videos comparable to the rest without the steep pricetag.
I encourage you to try us. If not to your liking, we can still work with our favorite videographers.
6. How come you can offer cheap videography?
Better to take advantage. Wait till we get our name above there and we will immediately jack-up our price ;).
7. Do I really need to feed you guys during my wedding?
It makes me smile when I see contracts or brochures even including what I call the “feed policy”. If you are one of our couples, then you can attest that I have trained my people to go on hunger strike during a coverage. It further complements my “south beach diet”. Unless we are offered then we don’t go to the buffet table and mingle with the guest. I always believe, that “we might as well miss the meal rather than miss a shot”. Feeding us is the least of your concerns.
8. I am based in another country but I like you to cover my wedding?
We have covered clients in Chicago, Virginia and California. I believe that getting a Filipino photographer is one of the best decisions a couple can do (especially if you are also “kababayans”). We don’t scrimp on shots and we cover the entire event. Also, please check on the pricing and compare it with counterparts abroad. You will be surprised and I assure you that it will be your money’s worth.
9. Is it true that this wedding photography business is just your hobby?
Actually, wedding photography is my main business and my Makati job is my hobby (hopefully, my boss is not reading this). Kidding aside, I hold an executive position in a leading card company. Photography is a passion that I enjoy doing. Tell me what hobby can replace this: you’re always with happy people (I still have to see sad couples during a wedding), you’re always in the presence of God (there are lots of praying, homilies and exchange of vows), you tend to do what you really enjoy (capturing moments in a photograph) and be paid in return
10. Do we really need to do prenup?
I am sure between you and you fiancé your pictures are limited to those taken from a handheld phone or pictures of each of you alone in the frame (since the other partner is the one assigned to photograph). A prenup will allow you to have tons of photographs professional and creatively taken by a photographer. By the end of our prenup, you will have tons of pictures enough to cover your entire room. Most importantly, you will have pictures prelude to your wedding which will allow you to relax in front of the camera, establish rapport with the photographer and have great casual photographs. I usually describe prenups as “going on a date with a professional photographer in town”.
11. Why do you charge on prenups when I can get it for free from other photographers?
First what is included in that free prenup. Most likely it is done not by your official photographer but an assistant. Only done for a few hours, few poses and they just give you the raw shots.
In our case the prenup package includes, a 20 page hardboundArtBook that can be a guestbook, a MovingPictures (AVP) of your prenup, a total 5 hour coverage time and 2 photographers (including me as main photographer). It is really a professional shoot and not just a freebie to hook us to get our wedding packages. We will not cover a wedding when we have a schedule prenup. Also, our prenups can only be availed if you are our wedding client.
11. Why Fol?
I cannot discuss this now since there is case pending in court….. No. This is a shortened version of Fulgencio. There I revealed it. I really don’t know what my great grandmother was thinking when he named my dad. I am a Junior and I love that name so much that my first born Gio, is Fulgencio III. I just don’t know if he will love me in return once he gets older. Don’t worry my second son, Paulo is definitely not Fulgencio IV. I only asked you guys not to spell my Fol with a double “o” or make the mistake of putting an “h” between F and O. Just leave it as it is and I am definitely not “kafamfangan”.
12. How important is photography in a wedding?
This might be self-serving but let me put it this way. It is true that only your photographs will remind you what happen during that special day. Let me prove it. You will definitely not wear that wedding dress again. Those expensive flowers will eventually wilt -- actually it will be good if you still see your flowers after the reception since everybody might have taken it home. You might even change your rings after a few years since your fingers might be bigger now or just like us, you opt for a better ring that you can now afford. Hell, you might even change your husband – but the photograph will always remind you that there was this day that time stood still forever frozen in captivating images.
13. Do you customized your package?
We have several packages. From those packages there are several variants that will suit any preference and budget. We advise you to select the basic package and we will just work out any inclusions you might have.
14. I am twenty pounds overweight can you make me look thinner.
I am no Vicky Belo or Manny Calayan and neither am I a genie that can grant you wishes before your wedding. However, we assure you that we know a trick or two in hiding double chins and minor imperfections. Also, I assure you – it might be corny but I can attest that a couple – especially the bride has a different “glow” during her wedding.
15. I heard you have a boudoir package, can I avail of that.
This is our latest offer. These are for brides and married women who want to give their partners an intimate gift. Others do it as a gift to themselves. A boudoir is not nude photography. The shoot will be a little sensual but we will not do anything that a subject will not be comfortable to do. We highlight the strong points of the subject and capture it creatively. Something that you can be proud of and tell your kids in the future unequivally – “Yes, I was hot years ago and I have photos to prove it.”
16. I am a groom and I want you to do my boudoir.
Pass. Next question please.
17. How old are you?
I know how to use the computer, I love gadgets, I listen to all types of music in my iPod, I still play Wii with my sons, bike with my wife and will be in your wedding from start to end. In other words I am mature (born 1966 … there I said it)
18. After reading this, I really want to book you but you are too darn expensive.
I strongly suggest that you take a look at The FOL GUYS Package. I will not be present once you get this but Edong and Russ my constant coverage companions will be there to capture every moment of your event. I personally train them and will assure you of a trouble free photo/video coverage. I am surely bias but they are truly the next best thing --- affordable and still very creative. Let me warn you though that their tummies are a lot bigger than mine.
