I would like to describe my wedding photography style as “traditional photojournalism.” My Brooks education was hardcore. My class began with 45 students. 12 of us graduated. Ask anyone about Brooks and they will say that Brooks graduates are some of the best photographers anywhere in the field. Bar None. Through years of practice, I learned how to capture a persons good side and their better side. I work from the heart. If you ask me what kind of photos to expect I would say I have no idea. However, everything will be covered as we only have one shot at it. I cannot “Think” photography and portraiture. We must “Feel” it together. I would also say expect wonderful, beautiful imagery. Expect to have your blood pressure go up.
Each photograph is density-adjusted, and / or color-corrected with either Adobe Photoshop CS4 or Adobe Lightroom to ensure a high quality of work. If you would like a CDR also in B&W and Sepia this can be arranged for an extra $40.00
Absolutely. I am comfortable with any lighting conditions. Indoor environment (church, hotel, etc) is easy to work in. Outdoor lighting is a balancing act one in which I am well versed in.
I typically work alone for small weddings (less than 200 people). One person is typically enough and is much less intrusive. I will bring an assistant photographer when the number of guests is more than 200 per the bride and groom’s request. I have been known on occasion to loan a camera to a wedding guest for fun.
Absolutely. I typically arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than scheduled to get familiar with the environment and take a breath.
I have been to most locations many times.
Never, I am yours and only yours for the day, and that’s it.
Yes.
I have three professional cameras that stay with me:
Extra everything, yes and yes.
I offer several standard wedding photography packages. Please see the service page for details. Customized packages are also available per request.
Yes I am happy to work overtime. The overtime hourly rate is charged based on the package price.
Yes. A photographer with a full tummy is a happy photographer. Typically, when the guests start eating, the photographer and the DJ will also start eating.
No I work all over The Big Island of Hawai’i.
Typically 2-3 weeks. Post production, editing (very light), printing, proof book assembly, etc…
In a beautiful professional proof album.
Forever is a long time.
Yes, however you may print them for personal (no publishing) purposes only.
Yes. It is important for an artist to show people his work so that I reserve the right to show the work in print and digital media.
RW Smith Photography uses high-end professional labs to provide customized high quality wedding albums. All albums are lay-flat. For detailed pricing of wedding albums, please contact us directly.
The DVD is typically ready within 2 / 3 weeks. The prints will be ready in one to two weeks after the customer selects the photos to print. The proof album and DVD / CDR will be mailed together to my bride in one package.
Yes, I use a photo-journalistic style that documents the whole event. I look for surprises.
The non-refundable deposit rate is 50% of the package. It should be paid as early as possible to reserve the date exclusively for you. Because the particular date is reserved for the client exclusively, the retainer is not refundable even if the event is canceled.
Oh, one more thing: I will absolutely under NO circumstance mail or deliver the proof album or DVD / CDR to any person other than you, the bride. You and your husband will be the first to see your beautiful wedding portraits. No exceptions.
Mahalo Nui Loa Ralph
