Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What styles of photography and videography do you prefer?

We focus on a classic and timeless style: natural colors, elegant light, and balanced composition. At the same time, we capture creative angles and unique moments that make your story feel personal.

Our films follow a storytelling approach — weaving vows, speeches, and candid sounds into visuals that go far beyond a simple chronological record.

2. How do you edit photos and videos?

Photos: We carefully select the best frames, color-correct tones, retouch distractions, and give each photo a refined, timeless look. Black-and-white edits are always included.

Videos: We review all footage, shape the narrative, color-grade, enhance audio, and polish every detail. The result is cinematic storytelling with rhythm and emotion.

3. How many photos will I receive?

We guarantee 50+ edited photos per hour. For an 8-hour wedding, couples usually receive 800–1,000 images — often more, depending on the pace of the day.

4. How soon will I get my photos and videos?

You’ll receive a sneak peek gallery within 72 hours. The full gallery and your final film are ready within one month — quick, but never rushed.

5. How does payment work?

A non-refundable retainer secures your date:

  • $400 — one photographer
  • $800 — two photographers
  • $1600 — full team (2 photo + 2 video)

The remaining balance is due one day before the wedding.

6. Can I customize a package to fit my needs?

Absolutely. We can design a personalized package, add hours, bring in extra photographers or videographers, or include additional sound coverage.

We also offer payment plans — for example: retainer + second payment before the wedding + final payment a month later (before delivery). Other flexible options can be discussed to fit your needs.

7. What if I feel uncomfortable in front of the camera?

You’re not alone. We can guide you with gentle posing, or take a documentary approach — staying in the background and capturing events as they naturally unfold. Either way, the focus is on making you feel relaxed and authentic.

8. Is travel time during the wedding day counted as working hours?

Yes, but only travel that happens during the wedding day (e.g., from ceremony to reception) is counted as working time. Travel before the coverage begins and after it ends is not included.

9. How are transportation costs calculated?

At $0.70 per mile (round trip), based on 2025 IRS guidelines. Example: LA → Santa Barbara (90 miles each way = 180 miles). 180 × $0.70 = $126.

Costs are calculated per team member if they travel separately, though we always try to carpool to keep fees lower.

10. Can we order additional video content?

Yes. Beyond the highlight film, you can add a documentary edit, extended speeches, full dances, or other special requests.

11. Do you recommend hiring more photographers and videographers for larger events?

Yes. For weddings with 80–100+ guests, we recommend at least two photographers and two videographers to fully capture multiple angles and all key moments.

Cultural weddings (Jewish, Armenian, Indian, etc.) often require larger teams due to simultaneous traditions — we’ll advise based on your schedule.

12. Can we get access to the RAW footage or unedited photos?

Normally, we deliver only curated, polished work. However, RAW files can be provided upon request for an additional fee, with storage and delivery logistics discussed individually.

13. Do you ensure privacy for personal moments, like vows or letters?

Yes. If you prefer to keep certain moments (like vows or letters) private, we’ll exclude them from online trailers but include them in your artistic film.

14. Do you use lighting equipment?

Yes, when needed — especially for speeches, first dances, or evening receptions — to ensure people and moments are beautifully lit.

15. What is your experience in wedding photography and videography?

We’ve been capturing weddings for over 12 years. Each team member brings 5–14 years of expertise, which means we anticipate moments before they happen and ensure nothing is missed.

16. Can I order a wedding album?

Yes! We offer hand-crafted albums starting at $350, with multiple styles and formats. We’ll guide you in choosing the perfect one for your story.

17. Do you have insurance? Can you add our venue to it?

Yes, we carry full liability insurance — and adding your venue as an Additional Insured is completely free. Many venues require this, and we’re happy to provide it.

Some venues ask for special endorsements (primary endorsement, waiver of subrogation, etc.). These can also be arranged for an additional fee (usually $165).

18. How do you ensure high-quality audio in our wedding films?

We take audio seriously — vows, speeches, and live sound are what bring your film to life. We use lavalier microphones on the groom, officiant, and sometimes parents, and we also connect directly to the DJ’s or venue’s sound system whenever possible.

If the DJ or venue technician allows access, we record a clean audio feed from their microphone system. This ensures your vows and speeches sound clear, crisp, and emotional — not muffled or lost in the background.

19. Can we trust your business and payments?

Yes — trust and transparency are at the core of everything we do. Zatonsky Moments LLC is a fully registered company in California, and all of your data and payments are protected by secure, industry-standard systems.

  • Official Registration: Verify us in the California Secretary of State Registry (search: Zatonsky Moments LLC).
  • Secure Payments: All transactions go through Stripe, ensuring encrypted processing.
  • Trusted Platform: Contracts & invoices are managed with HoneyBook.
  • Verified Reviews: See real feedback on Google Reviews.
  • Privacy & Data: We follow our Privacy Policy — your data is safe, never sold or shared.

In short: we are a legally registered LLC, we use secure and reputable platforms, and we safeguard your privacy at every step.

20. Can we ask you not to share our photos or videos online? What about copyright?

Yes, absolutely — if you let us know in advance, we will respect your privacy and not use your photos or videos in our portfolio, website, or social media.

As for copyright: by law, all photographs and films remain the intellectual property of the creators, even after they are delivered to you. This is standard practice in the wedding industry and ensures your memories are preserved with professional protection.

If you would like to fully own the copyrights (so that no rights remain with us), this can be arranged through a separate agreement with an additional fee — typically starting at $2,000–$3,000 depending on the scope. This is because transferring copyright means giving up all future rights of usage.

Most couples do not find this necessary, but the option is available for those who specifically require it.