COLLECTIONS
Thank you for your patronage. A complete brochure of my current packages and rates is available to download. Answers to frequently asked questions for wedding and portrait bookings can be found below. Please email me at Jen@JenHuangPhoto.com if you need more information or have additional questions.
Studio visits are welcome by appointment.
1703 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101
347.323.5736
FAQ
Do you shoot film or digital?
I shoot the majority of my work on medium format and 35mm film. I find that film gives my photos a classic, fine art look, and sets my work apart. Most photographers do not shoot film anymore, which I find to be such a pity as it is extremely beautiful. I also deliver some digital work in monochrome as the high ISO in digital cameras allows for beautiful tones in low light and will not look out of place alongside color negative film. All images (film and digital) are shared with you in full resolution as digital jpeg files for safe keeping and sharing.
How do I know which wedding or portrait package is right for me?
Weddings: While every wedding is different, my most popular wedding packages are the ones that include 7 or 8 hours of wedding coverage. I find that brides and grooms like to have me begin in the early afternoon and depart just a little after sundown - but of course that changes with seasons and locations. I can advise you on package choices after reviewing your preliminary wedding schedule.
Portraits: I offer two options for portraits - you can schedule a shoot hourly a la carte, or you can book what I call an "editorial session." The editorial session is an intimate experience that redefines engagement, glamour, boudoir and pre-wedding bridal portraits. The process begins with a conversation that determines your personal style and vision. From there, I design a project scope that details the aesthetic direction and mood of our session. I also advise on wardrobe, lighting and scheduling. Creative direction, hair and makeup, and floral details are included in the fee. The pampered experience lasts a half day and is always enhanced by music and sparkling wine.
Is hourly coverage continuous?
Hourly coverage is continuous for both weddings and portrait sessions. For example a 4 hour session would begin at 1pm and end at 5pm regardless of travel time between multiple locations.
What is the best time and location for a portrait session?
Most of my clients like to travel to Santa Barbara, California for their portrait sessions. In my studio and home I offer an indoor space with neutral colors, styled rooms and professional backdrops. There are also beautiful private homes and villas nearby. If you wish to shoot outdoors, Santa Barbara boasts picturesque landscapes with plentiful natural light. But I travel often and am frequently in the New York area as well. Depending on the location, I will advise you on the optimal timing for our shoot. Usually, indoor shoots are scheduled in the morning, and outdoor shoots are scheduled in the afternoon.
Do you recommend that I hire a hair and makeup artist?
I do. A talented hair and makeup artist can make you feel more confident and carefree so you can make the most out of your photos. I would be happy to refer artists that I know and love.
How do you handle low light situations, what if my wedding has limited natural light?
Color film looks best when there is plenty of natural light. However, black and white film and digital monochrome have an equally soulful quality. You will receive more monochrome images on rainy/cloudy days and after sundown during your reception. I always choose the best film type for every situation and shoot what I think will create the best image.
What if we have inclement weather on our scheduled date?
For portraits: In the case of rain or heavy clouds, I always recommend rescheduling for an alternate date as color film looks best when there is plenty of natural light. However, if there is no option to reschedule, high speed black and white film will be used in lieu of color negative film as it has a classic and romantic feel and excels in low light.
For Weddings: Rain or shine, the show must go on! If we cannot shoot outdoors, I recommend that you secure a backup location for formal portraits that is indoors with plentiful window light. I am happy to advise you on locations during the planning stages. If natural light is severely limited, high speed black and white film will be used in lieu of color negative film as it has a classic and romantic feel and excels in low light. No matter what, your wedding will be an amazing experience and your photos will reflect the unique beauty of your day.
Do you shoot alone or do you bring additional team members?
For basic wedding and portrait packages, I shoot with my assistant. At times my assistant will take photographs, but their primary job is to stay by my side to help with set up, organization and film preparation. Longer wedding packages will include additional assistants, second shooters and associates.
What is the difference between a second shooter and an associate?
Second shooters and associates are both professional, courteous and skilled artists. However, I consider associates to be capable of taking on the role of a lead photographer. They can photograph weddings and events skillfully without my direction and they have valuable real-wedding experience from operating their own businesses. They act as my ambassadors, and work under my studio for the dates that I am booked. They are also contracted for larger, or longer weddings that require multiple photographers and will work with their own assistants. While second shooters also have the ability to shoot solo, they primarily shadow and provide back-up images for the main photographer. I usually recommend additional second shooters for large weddings, and associates for events such as rehearsal dinners or wedding brunches.
Will you advise us on our wedding timeline?
I always try to provide a proposed photography schedule for your consideration and approval. I also work closely with your venue/caterer/planner to ensure that all your important moments are happening at the optimal time with regards to the available natural light.
Can I add on a la carte items to my package later on?
Yes. A la carte items can be added on to a package either before or after your event date.
Can I alter an existing package or create a custom package?
Packages can be altered to an extent, for example, you can trade albums for additional hours of coverage. If you would like to alter a package or create a custom package, please email me with the items you would like included and I can send you a quote.
What are your travel fees?
Travel and lodging fees apply for sessions and weddings occurring outside of the Los Angeles and New York metropolitan areas. These fees take care of the cost of flights for myself and assistant, at least two nights lodging at a hotel nearby, as well as airport transfer fees. Business class flights, longer stays, and a per diem for dates of travel are requested for all international destinations.
What is your cancellation policy?
All weddings and portraits require a non-refundable retainer which is 50% of the package fee plus any additional costs to book travel and lodging. Final payments and any additional travel invoices are due a month prior to the event date and are non-refundable at that time. Specifics on my cancellation policy will be outlined in your contract.
When and how are our images delivered?
Images are typically delivered two months after your event or session, but it can take longer if I am traveling extensively or if there are holiday delays with my print shop or my lab. Images are delivered as high res jpegs on a USB card or via an online gallery. You may make personal prints from these files or share them with friends and family online, but commercial use is prohibited. Some packages include a selection of six-inch prints with white borders, which are shipped in an Heirloom Bindery print box. If albums are included, the process is separate and can take up to six months.
How many images should we expect to receive from our wedding? How many images should we expect to receive from a portrait session?
The number of images that you will receive from your wedding will depend on factors such as length of coverage in your package and your overall schedule. For an 8 hour wedding, you can expect to receive a minimum of 400 images but usually I deliver between 600 to 800 images.
The number of images that you receive from your portrait session will also depend on similar factors such as the number of hours you have booked, the locations we are traveling to, and the number of outfits or hair and makeup changes. Usually you can expect to receive about 80 images per hour of shoot time.
I live overseas, how will I receive my images or albums?
Deliverables such as USBs, prints and albums are shipped via UPS or USPS to overseas addresses. You are responsible for any extra shipping or customs fees. If you prefer, hi res digital files can be delivered and transferred online.
Do you edit or retouch photos?
All images are edited for color, consistency and style and they will resemble the images that you see on my website and in my portfolio. If you need fashion retouching or photoshop work, I can refer you to a professional retoucher.
Do you give direction during our wedding or portrait session?
Absolutely. I give you as much guidance and direction as possible, not only during your wedding or photoshoot but also beforehand, advising on vendors and scheduling, and/or liaising with planners so that important moments are captured as beautifully and efficiently as possible. I have a cinematic way of shooting live events and am very specific about the way that I elicit candid, natural poses. I bring a stylist's point of view to much of the day as well and often help my brides and grooms design their nuptials to look and feel the most beautiful that it can. This way, you are comfortable and relaxed during the time we are together and the resulting photos will be natural and authentic.
What type of prints and albums do you offer?
I provide prints and albums through Heirloom Bindery, a fine art print shop and bindery that produces beautiful, cotton rag art prints and hand made linen albums.
Do I own the rights to make prints and albums on my own with the images that you deliver?
As an artist, I retain the rights to all of my images. However, if high res images are included in your package, they are delivered in high resolution without any watermarking. Personal use is permitted - you can make your own prints and albums and share these images with family and friends. You cannot sell or license my images commercially.
Do you design my album and choose the images?
You are welcome to choose the images for your album so that I can design/print it with your favorite photos. You will be able to preview/approve the layout and select your cover fabric and style before it is submitted. I am also happy to choose your images and design your album from start to finish. Click here to download my sample design PDF to see how I typically layout an album. Click here for fabric and cover options from Heirloom Bindery.
What is the difference between an Heirloom folio album and an Heirloom bound album?
All Heirloom Bindery albums are hand made with traditional book binding methods. A folio album is a purist's album that resembles antique artist portfolios. Images are printed on heavy cotton rag paper and presented in a linen clamshell box with protective vellum sheets. Heirloom bound albums are printed on double sided cotton rag and sewn/bound into fine art books with linen covers. I primarily provide folio albums but you are welcome to any variety of Heirloom products through their website directly.
What is the best way to reach you? Can we schedule a time to speak?
The best way to reach me is to email jen@jenhuangphoto.com. The majority of our correspondence will be online but we can also schedule a time to speak on the phone, or you can make an appointment to visit my studio in Santa Barbara, California. Your patience is appreciated as my response times may vary during busy wedding seasons - I answer all my emails personally.
If I'm ready to book, what are the next steps?
Once you're ready to book, please send me your final details and package of choice. I will draft a contract for you to review which will be attached to an invoice for your retainer payment. Dates are booked with a signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer. Final payments are due a month prior to your wedding or portrait session date. Sorry, alterations and edits to my contract are not permitted and dates cannot be held without a paid retainer.
What type of payments do you accept?
Payments are accepted by cash or check. Bank transfers or online payment services such as Venmo are also accepted. Please note Venmo has a daily transfer limit. Additional service fees apply for CC payments or wire transfers.
TESTIMONIALS
“The way Jen’s photographs capture an essence and have an airiness to them, it makes for a beautiful memory. Her approach is an artful one that you’d be lucky to have at your own wedding or event.”
Shira Savada, Weddings Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine
“The beauty of Jen's talent lies in the nuances and fleeting moments she captures in a harmony of light, movement, and emotion. Having the opportunity to be both editor and client on different occasions has made me even more appreciative of the passion that she exudes through her work.”
Amanda Nistor, Founder, Ruffled Blog
“Choosing Jen was absolutely the best choice. She made us feel at ease and full of confidence all at once, and each photo we took was carefully considered and styled effortlessly by her expert hand. Her amazing attention to detail and her eye for beauty resulted in images that we will always treasure.”
Patricia & David Kim, Fourteen Forty NYC
"We have had Jen shoot our family twice and they are hands down, the best, most treasured photos we've had taken of us. As a photographer myself, you can imagine our standards being pretty high and Jen has exceeded our expectations each time. Her use of light is perfect and she directs in a way that gets us to let down our guards, play with our kids, and just be us. Those are the photos we look at and think, yes, that is our family."
Braedon Flynn & Family, Braedon Flynn Photography
“From the first point of contact to the day-of and beyond, Jen is an absolute dream to work with! Everything she does is executed so beautifully and thoughtfully, it’s clear that so much passion and energy goes into her work. Jen perfectly captured the story of our wedding day through a timeless and elegant lens, from beautiful moments to the subtle details and everything in between. A true reflection of her artistry, the images we received were romantic, light-filled, and nothing short of stunning. We are so grateful to be able to relive and share these special memories again and again!”
Brittany & Brett Forrest, Westerley, RI
“I am so thankful that Jen captured our special day. She is kind, creative, detail-oriented and extremely talented. Jen is simply amazing. With her guidance, I felt comfortable in front of the camera. Our Heirloom Bindery album also turned out so beautifully - truly a piece to treasure for a lifetime. We could not be happier with our choice!”
Rebecca & David Cheney, Los Angeles, CA
"Jen was our wedding photographer and we have continued to work with her for all our family, maternity and newborn sessions. Jen is not only a talented photographer but an amazing person. We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experiences with her!"
Judy & Jack Heng, Pasadena, CA
Working with Jen is a dream - she's the perfect balance of artistic and organized and I never hesitate to recommend her to my clients. Her work is gorgeous - from the exquisitely styled detail shots, to the stunning portraits of the bride and groom. She knows how to make couples feel completely at ease, and helps direct them so they look natural rather than posed. I know that my clients will love working with Jen both for her artistry, and her laid-back and warm personality - I certainly do!
Elise Johnson, Lead Planner, Shannon Leahy Events
"There is a classic, timeless approach to Jen's art that truly stands the test of time. Every frame is captured so softly and tells its own story. When combined each moment & every detail tell the most romantic of tales. Jen is one of the most meticulous artist I have had the absolute honor or working with, she creates heirloom pieces you will treasure for decades & generations to come. I know that I can trust her to capture photographs more beautifully than I could ever hope."
Davia Lee, Owner, Davia Lee Events