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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

Describe your average "CMP Bride"...

I find that my brides are traditional brides who are willing to step a little bit out of their comfort zone in order to gain an amazing experience along with artful - but classic - photos of their wedding day.  A "CMP Bride" wants someone to come in to her wedding day who is able to capture the essence and the emotion of the day quietly and thoughtfully.  My brides tend to value quality, custom photography more-so than others, and they are usually very eager to invest in their wedding day artwork for display in their future homes.  If you feel like this describes you, please reach out!  I would love to meet you.

 

What is the price range for your wedding coverage?

My 2023 Wedding Collections range from $2800-3600, depending on the amount of coverage hours and add-ons.  But all you need to reserve your date on my calendar and to schedule your included engagement/bridal sessions is $800.  The remaining balance is not due until 4 weeks prior to your big day!  It is super important to me that CMP Brides get full coverage of their wedding day, regardless of the collection they choose, so ALL of my collections come standard with coverage by both myself and one of my awesome assistant photographers.  I also love to get to know my couples a bit prior to their wedding day, so all of my collections include an engagement session!  To request a full pricing menu, please click HERE.  

Do you offer videography?

While CMP does not offer videography, we have a beautiful option available for those who might not be hiring a videographer or those who will have a videographer but also want to have a video containing a stunning progression of the best photos from their big day in chronological order.  They truly tell the story of your wedding day in such a subtle and memorable way and are perfect for sharing online or for reliving your day years from now without having to pull out your wedding USB to click through each photo manually.  We call these keepsake videos our "Wedding Stories."  You can see a few samples by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

 

What am I supposed to wear for my regular session?

As you can probably tell from my website, I have a slight love obsession with neutrals.  They are so timeless to me!  I once read a quote by Ted Grant that said, "When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black & white, you photograph their souls."  I love both color and black & white photography, but this quote holds a lot of truth in it.  Super bright clothing can oftentimes distract from the beauty of a shot.  So I typically like to make a compromise by photographing in color but recommending my clients wear neutrals and/or pastels such as beige, rose pinks, light blues, etc.  I recommend against everyone matching each other, and I also recommend against wearing all white if you can avoid it.  I will send you an email with some great visuals and ideas prior to your session.

Having said this, I feel strongly that you should feel confident in whatever you wear!  My grandmother LOVES purple, so when I photograph her I want that sweet lady wearing her purple!  No matter your choice, I will be happy to help you coordinate outfits, if you need any assistance at all.

 

How much do your family and children sessions cost?

Prices vary greatly for my family and children sessions, depending on how many are to be photographed, etc.  The average family session client spends anywhere from $300-$500 on their sitting fee and anywhere from $200-$2000 on their corresponding fine art print order.  Standalone engagement sessions are not currently available but are complimentary with all wedding collections.

 

How long will it take until my photos are ready?

This is a question that cannot be answered the same for everyone and one that depends heavily on the season and many other factors.  As a rough estimate, most regular sessions have a processing time of 4-8 weeks.  Weddings typically have a processing time of 6-12 weeks.  Again, these are estimations, and the processing time of your gallery is dependent upon many, many factors!  I thoughtfully edit each and every one of your images to ensure that the scene is forever captured just as it was the day the photo was taken.  This custom process is very important to me, as my goal is to produce images that will be cherished for years and years to come.  If you have any additional questions about turnaround-time or would like to inquire about our rush options, please feel free to get in touch!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, I do!  For more information regarding gift certificates, visit that tab or click here.

Do you offer educational workshops or mentoring for aspiring photographers?

Yes!  I offer a one-on-one mentoring program for photographers that covers an array of topics including website and social media critiques, the process of streamlining your workflow, technical camera and editing techniques, gear recommendations, perfecting your overall client experience, curating a polished portfolio, learning how to create authentic moments throughout your posing process, getting published and much more.  If you are ready to take the next step in your business by investing in your education, I would love to hear from you!  Mentoring starts at $200 per hour, depending on the nature of the selected curriculum.

What is next?

I LOVE lists!  So yay!!  Here is a list on how it all works:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a question that is not answered here?  No problem!  

Send me a quick message HERE, and I will get back with you as soon as possible!

 

1.

 

Click through all the tabs.  Read the FAQ.

2.

Request a Collection Menu.  Weddings start at $2800.

3.

Email all. the. questions. to clara@claramellownphotography.com

4.

Sign your contract and pay your retainer fee to reserve your date.

5.

Schedule any included engagement or Bridal sessions! Receive tips on how to prepare!

6.

Fill out your 1st questionnaire and receive a timeline recommendation for your wedding day!! Eeek - this part is exciting!

7.

Have your engagement and bridal sessions!

8.

Order fine art prints or even a fine art canvas for display on your wedding day.

9.

Chat with Clara on the week of your wedding to cover last minute details like weather forecast, etc. BREATHE because we have it under control!!

10.

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN because it is wedding day and we're going to have so much fun celebrating you two!!

Clara Mellown, Alabama Wedding Photographer
Montgomery Wedding Photographer, Clara Mellown
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