Pricing and Payment
+ How Much do you Cost?
Our all inclusive pricing starts at $1799 !
+ Do you offer a payment plan?
We are committed to providing payment flexibility. Our standard payment terms indicate that full payment is due on or around the wedding date. However, you are able to pay according to any schedule that you would like. We will support a payment plan by issuing invoices according to the payment schedule of your choosing.**
+ When is final payment due?
On the day of the wedding unless specified otherwise.
+ Can we pay you a portion after the wedding?
I am usually cool with that! Just make a request in advance.
+ Do you offer discounts?
Our pricing may vary based on dates and duration of service. We do extend variable pricing for events scheduled on off-prime dates. Custom pricimg may also apply to celebrations that hhich may necessitate a different service approach. We work hard to ensure that our pricing is all inclusive and makes sense for the date and logistics of the event.
+ Do you charge tax?
The state will impose excise and sales tax on digital services that yield a physical product. The tax is applicable to the balance of the entire service ( not just the product). An accordance, an 8% tax will be applied on all packages that are inclusive of wall art, prints, and/or Album.
+ How much are your Travel Fees?
We work hard to keep the pricing all inclusive. If we accept you as a client, than your quote will apply as extended. Engagement sessions held out of our service area or Pre-wedding celebrations are an exception to this rule and will be billed based on a pre-agreed time or material rate.
Images and Delivery
+ How many photos will we receive?
There is no way to predict how many photos will be captured at any given event. The number of photos can vary depending on the duration of service, the type of photos desired, number of photographers, and enthusiasm of the guests and wedding party.
As an estimate, a typical 9-hour service will generally yield between 700 and 1400 images. 6-hour service is generally between 600-900 images. Some 12-hour services may yield up to 1800 images depending on the activities planned for the day.
As photographeres we do not have a specific volume of images in mind. We will document the day as it unfolds - real-time. We will end the day with a full album.
We edit and deliver every photo that is captured save the duplicates, test shots, etc.
+ Are all photos edited?
Yes. All Photos will be adjusted to have a correct white balance, exposure, and composition. A select number of images will also be retouched by hand and or selected for an artistic modification.
+ Multiple styles are presented in your portfolio. What will my photos look like?
We will typically icorporate a variety of photography styles including Photojournalistic, Traditional, and Modern. We will leverage the planning process to learn more about your wedding day vision. We will select a stylistic approach that matches your personality and vision!
+ Will you photoshop Us?
In a word yes. We can adjust images accoridng to your vision. However, we hold a body positive philosophy and beleive in capturing your beauty as you are. Where you are. Deep photo body and face manipulations are not a part of standard editing process.
+ Can we request the Raw Images?
We do not provide RAW images. Raw images are unfinished work and a form of a negative that is retained by our studio. Unedited images, however, can be provided upon request. Additional charges may apply.
+ How will our images be delivered?
We deliver our photos via an online gallery. The gallery will hold all of your images from the day and allow you to download, view and share. The images will be provide in high resolution.
+ How long will the images be retained in the online gallery?
All images will be retained in the online gallery for at least 90 days.
+ How do I order Prints/albums or products?
Products are available to be ordered easily via our online gallery.
+ How long does it take to receive our images after our event?
We contractually reserve 90 days to perform all edits. In general, we strive to return your photos within 7-14 business days. If we will require additional time, we will reach out to you request permission to hold your images for a little longer. Weddings that employ a second photographer may take slightly longer due to the larger volume of images.
+ Do we receive the copyright to the images.
Federal copyright law stipulates that the copyright of an image lies with the person that took the photo. We will provide you with full rights of use. Full rights to copy, edit, share, and Print with no limitations. We are happy to provide a print release as well if needed.
About SL Studios
+ What type of gear do you use
1. OUR CAMERA SYSTEMS
Starting with camera bodies, our studio uses the most current and high-performing wedding photography camera bodies available to date, the Canon 5D Mark III.
Primary camera body (wedding photography): Canon 5D Mark III
Backup camera body (wedding photography): Canon 5D Mark III
2. OUR LENSES
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM Telephoto Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0 L USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Sigma ART 24mm f/1.4 for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
3. OUR LIGHTING
Flashpoint Lighting System
Godox Lighting System
* MagMod System
+ What safeguards do you take to avoid data loss
Wedding moments are once in a lifetime. While there is always some risk of data loss, careful planning can reduce the likelihood of failure. I, and my second photographers, utilize special cameras are designed to capture each image to two separate storage cards simultaneously. This ensures that every image that is captured is protected in a different medium. All RAW Images are backed up within 36 hours of the event and transferred and stored on two different mediums until your gallery is delivered. All final photos in your gallery will be backed up for at least 90 days after delivery.
+ Are you a single photographer or a team of multiple photographers
The imagery and services displayed on this site are copyrighted to and representative of me - Erika Lachelle. If you choose to pursue services with us, I will be the lead photographer unless you indicate otherwise. Our studio and team will employ other professional photographers as needed to assist with your wedding day.
In circumstances where I may not be available due to schedule or cost, our associate photographers may also be available for your consideration.
+ Are you vaccinated
I am fully vaccinated.
+ Do you wear a mask
Yep. If you would like me to wear a mask - simply let me know. Otherwise, I will just follow your lead!
+ Where are you located. What areas do you serve
We are from Illinois. Our central location provides us with a unique advantage as we are located within a comfortable driving distance of Peoria, St. Louis, Chicago, and Chambana. We are right in the center. WE are fortunate that our client base reaches out to us from other states and locations as well. We are excited to take on new adventures in new places.
+ Are you insured
We are both registered and insured!
+ Can you provide our venue with a certificate of insurance
Absolutely!
Planning and Logistics
+ Where are you located. What areas do you serve
We are from Illinois. Our central location provides us with a unique advantage as we are located within a comfortable driving distance of Peoria, St. Louis, Chicago, and Chambana. We are right in the center. We are fortunate that our client base reaches out to us from other states and locations as well. We are excited to take on new adventures in new places.
+ Do you work with a second photographer?
Usually. We leave this decision up to you as the client. It is not usually required but does add a tremendous value.
+ How many weddings do you take?
I only take on 15-25 weddings and elopements per year, and I only take on a few sessions per month. I don’t feel it’s fair to my clients if I’m overbooking myself because, in the end, they won’t be getting my best work. Most of my couples don’t just book me for one day, I’m typically shooting at least 3 (engagement, wedding Day, and post wedding session). To keep my calendar open for these couples and to keep my turnaround time quick, I limit my schedule.
+ How do you help with our planning process?
While most of my clients have not planned a wedding before. We have literally helped to plan HUNDREDS of weddings. Every wedding is unique and I am happy to consult with you and to collaborate on the timeline for your celebration. In addition, I will also provide some guidance and documented plan for photography timing details. This is to ensure that we have adequate time to capture the images in each segment of the wedding day.
+ What if we have to reschedule our Engagement or Post Wedding Shoot ?
No worries ! Engagement and Post Wedding Session Shoots can be rescheduled at any time even within hours of the shoot. If there is inclement weather, we will likely reach out to you to discuss scheduling options.
+ Do We Need to feed you at the reception?
No. If you elect to provide a meal for us at the reception we will be more than thankful. If you don’t that is okay too. If we have a service duration of 7 hours or more - we do reserve the right to break for a short meal!
+ Do you need to attend our rehearsal?
Not usually. Our planning process which may include a site visit and a meeting with the coordinator is typically complete prior to the time that you would hold rehearsals. We will let you know if we feel we need to go, but typically we do not need to attend unless there is a special circumstance.
+ Can you hold a date for us?
A contract and initial deposit is required to ensure that you have snagged me. However, If you are interested in a date and are reviewing our contract and or terms. We will, upon request, block any reservations to allow you to complete your review.
+ Can our family and friends take photos too?
We welcome your friends and family to take as many photos as they wish. We feel that this can be an important part of the guest experience.
+ Our wedding is not in your hometown. How do you handle the logistics?
We have special process for out of town weddings - contact me !
+ We want to take pictures in a super cool location. How do we handle permits?
If your location is at your venue - then you likely do not need to obtain a permit. If it is not - you may. Let me know and I can help with this!
+ We want EVERYTHING documented - What is the best way to achieve this !
All of our standard packages (>7 hours) are designed to provide full coverage. With that being said, Longer durations and 2 photographer teams optimize our ability to capture those candid and small in-between moments by making sure there is an available and ready photographer at all times and locations.