Some frequently asked questions, specific to and answered by Michael

 

 

Question: 

What is Nilas? Is your name Nilas?

 

Answer: 

When I was a teen, I came across the word and it was described as thin flat ice that surrounds sea borders and could bend with the waves without breaking. To me, it represents resilience and I took the name as an artist's pseudonym. I've since named my first son Nilas, so that he is named after his father, but not directly. My name is Michael. 

 

 

 

Question: 

What is your shooting style?

 

Answer: 

Extremely laid back and down to Earth. I love to get to know my clients and I want you to feel comfortable. I don't try to overcontrol a shoot. I usually try to set clients in position and then set a mood. I'll grab a few posed shots and then focus on grabbing those perfect, organic candids. 

 

 

 

Question: 

Do you shoot more than just weddings?

 

Answer: 

Absolutely. I especially love darker portraits. I hope you check out the other work.

https://www.nilasphotography.com/

 

 

 

Question: 

Are you LGBTQ+-friendly?

 

Answer: 

Absolutely.

 

 

 

Question: 

What equipment do you use?

 

Answer: 

I love this question.

 

If you're unfamiliar with cameras, the best way to describe my equipment would be various lenses on full-frame Canon cameras. I am able to shoot in full sun or low light, without excessive use of flash. Actually, pre-2023 I would avoid flash like a plague, using natural light as often as possible to create organic images. I use reliable memory card brands to avoid any loss of images.

 

If you're a photographer or a person who enjoys cameras, here is the list of the equipment I most commonly use. I try to keep it up-to-date, but if you're curios about an image or want to know, please reach out.

 

Body:

• Canon 5D MII, III, and IV (looking into that dreamy R5 in 2023)

• Zenmuse X5 (drone)

• GoPro Hero 7 Black

 

Lenses:

• Canon 85mm f1.2 L

• Canon 24-105mm f4 L (x2)

• Canon 50mm f1.4 & f1.8

• Canon Macro 100mm f2.8 L

• Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L

• Sigma 35mm f1.4

• Rokinon 14mm f2.8

• DJI 15mm f1.7

• Olympus 25mm f1.8

• Olympus 45mm f1.8

 

Cards:

• Lexar & San Disk

 

Drone:

• DJI Inspire 1

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Flash:

• Godox AD200 x2

• Canon

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Post Production:

• Adobe Lightroom 

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Premiere Pro

 

And then some... If you have any further questions about the equipment, feel free to reach out!

 

 

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Question: 

Are you insured?

 

Answer: 

Absolutely. I have million-dollar coverage, which means I'm good to shoot in national parks and then some. 

 

 

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Question: 

What are past clients saying about you? Can you supply references?

 

Answer: 

I am very happy to have 5-star ratings across multiple platforms.  Make sure to drop by my review page. I collect every review I find across the web and place it here.  I update reviews about 3 times a year. I aim to create a comfortable and professional experience while delivering amazing images, in every set. According to past clients, I've been doing a good job! If you need additional references, simply let me know and I can contact some past clients who have had sessions similar to what you're looking to have done.

 

 

 

Wedding Specific

 

 

Question: 

How much do weddings cost?

 

Answer: 

Pricing may vary, but the most common package is roughly $2500. Engagements are usually $300. Please check or contact for updated pricing. (written January 2023, pre-2023 pricing update) 

 

 

 

Question: 

When did you begin shooting weddings? How many weddings have you shot?

 

Answer: 

I started shooting weddings in 2015 and I'm around 200 weddings. (January 2023)

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Question: 

How do I book you for my big day?

 

Answer: 

Most importantly, we set a consultation to make sure we mesh well. The next step is confirming availability. After we've confirmed availability and you choose your package, we set a 25% deposit/retainer. Optional extras can be included or covered separately. For example, if you book coverage for $2000, your deposit will be $500, regardless of any additional sessions or prints. Venmo is the most common, and cash is preferred. Other options are available as well.

 

 

 

Question: 

Why should I pay a professional? My friend/family member has a camera.

 

Answer: 

Capturing weddings is no easy task. It takes skill, patience, knowledge, stamina, and a lot more. There are so many moments that happen only once. Moments you'll want to see, share and keep for a very long time. So, my strongest recommendation whether you choose me, a friend, or another photographer - make sure you have an experienced professional.

 

 

 

Question: 

Why Choose you?

 

Answer: 

Probably the most important question, and a question that has a fairly broad answer, so I'll break it up into a few sections.

 

Your photographer can make or break your wedding, so make sure you do your due diligence and choose the best fit for you.

 

Here's me.

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My approach:

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I take an unobtrusive documentative approach to weddings, allowing the day to flow naturally while capturing all the organic moments that unfold. That way, you'll be able to experience your big day the way it's supposed to be. When I cover bridal parties, family, and bride and groom shots, I keep things fun and focus on authenticity, using the energy to capture genuine emotions. Of course, some clients do prefer a bit more direction, and I am very happy and able to provide it. 

 

My experience:

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My experience is extensive. I've photographed roughly 200 weddings in venues and environments of all kinds. I've handled small elopements and huge weddings with hundreds of guests. I am very happy to maintain a 5-star rating on various platforms. I've seen tons of different wedding styles and layouts and I'm happy to use my knowledge to help you in any way I can.

 

My personality:

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Unapologetically myself, as I hope you can feel around me. I'm a bit fearless, enabling me to be vocal when necessary, so I can position large groups, tell you when something is out of place, or even help make an announcement. Clients are always invited to treat me as a friend. If I'm not taking a picture during downtime, you can feel free to ask me to assist with other tasks. You don't have to worry about what you say or do around me. I promise nothing will phase me. I'm extremely open-minded, very laid back, and almost impossible to offend. If you're oldest friend just flew in from across the country, there is no need to hold back the excited and crazy inner-self just because I am in the room. I promise I've seen and heard it all, and I definitely have a dark sense of humor that you're more than welcome to tap into. I'll probably use humor to surprise some guests for good candids, given the vibe is right. I also have an adventurous spirit, so I'm not afraid to climb a tree, hike up a mountain, swim in the ocean, or play in the mud. All these things I do without hesitation. I've definitely put myself in some sketchy or mucky positions to get the right angle, but hey, anything to get the shot. I've got great insurance, so no worries. I'm a dad from a large and rowdy family, so I'm patient with children and calm in the chaos. An anchor if you need one.

 

A few additional reasons:

• I do not force clients to utilize my printing services. 

• Multiple editing options

• I deliver images in a timely manner, and deliver sneak peeks quickly so you can share images shortly after the wedding.

• You are guaranteed a minimum amount of images, but there is currently no image maximum. I edit everything I can with no limitations. (January 2023)

 

 

Other than that, let's chat and see if we're a good fit.

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Question: 

Is there a contract? 

 

Answer: 

There will be 3. A model release, a client service agreement, and a wedding questionnaire.   

 

 

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Question: 

Do you back up images? 

 

Answer: 

Yes. To date, I've never deleted or lost an edited wedding. I also keep RAW files for roughly 3 years. Files are saved on 2 separate hard drives on my own custom server.   

 

 

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Question: 

Do you shoot alone or do you have a second shooter? 

 

Answer: 

I don't recommend second shooters for weddings with less than 250 guests but can add a second shooter to any wedding upon request. In the roughly 200 weddings (Jan. 2023) I've captured, only a small handful have included a second photographer. Out of all of my remaining solo weddings, I've never had a client feel as though they've missed a special moment. Contact me at any time to discuss whether or not you might want to include a second photographer.   

 

 

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Question: 

Do you offer albums and prints? 

 

Answer: 

I do. And I believe albums/prints are beyond important. These are the things that may be passed down for generations, not digital files. However, my goal is not to force anyone to print through me. You are welcome to design your album with us or from another company once you have your images. We would love to help though! 

 

 

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Question: 

Do you shoot in RAW or Jpeg? Will you deliver all the RAW Images? 

 

Answer: 

RAW all the way. I then cull and edit hundreds of these RAW files, delivering high-resolution Jpegs. I do not provide clients with RAW files. If you have any questions about the difference between RAW and Jpeg, feel free to contact me.    

 

 

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Question: 

What do you wear to weddings? 

 

Answer: 

I have an option on my wedding questionnaire that will allow you to request attire. I can come dressed in anything within reason. A suit and tie, a t-shirt and shorts... I've even attended a pirate wedding in full pirate attire. I'm game for just about anything. If no specific attire is requested, I'll likely come in black chinos, a black dress shirt, Docs, suspenders, and, of course, strapped with a ton of camera gear.   

 

 

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Question: 

Should I provide a shot list? 

 

Answer: 

I do recommend a group list, for quick group setup during the family and friend shots. Other than that, I can either go through my own internal checklist or you can provide the dream shots and I will make that a primary focus. (I am working on adding a shot list during our early 2023 site and business updates) 

 

 

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Question: 

What is the turnaround time for images? 

 

Answer: 

I do my best to have sneak peeks online within a few days to a week and the full image gallery in the mail within a couple of weeks.   

 

 

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Question: 

How do you deliver images? 

 

Answer: 

Pixieset, which offers full resolution and web-size downloads.

 

 

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Question: 

How do you calculate travel charges? 

 

Answer: 

Any travel charges would be included in the original quote, though they are minimal. I don't charge hotel or food costs if the wedding is far from my home. I like to travel and use weddings as an excuse to do so. Therefore, I take care of myself.  The only time I might request any additional travel fee is for weddings of great distance or that would require an expensive flight. 

 

 

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Question: 

Do you shoot destination weddings? 

 

Answer: 

I'll shoot anywhere in the world. A wanderlust like myself is always craving the next trip, so yes, please take me on your adventure