FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) Where is Photo Phactory Studios based? Do you travel worldwide?
Photo Phactory Studios is based in Surat, India, but we are passionate about capturing love stories around the world. We’ve had the pleasure of shooting pre-weddings and weddings in stunning destinations such as Bali, Paris, Santorini, Dubai, Udaipur, and many more. No matter where your special day takes place, we’re ready to travel anywhere to document your unique wedding story.
2) What is the typical team strength of Photo Phactory Studios team that will be traveling to cover my wedding? Will a reduction in crew affect the cost?
We usually film with a crew of 3-4 cinematographers (candid style) and 2-3 photographers (candid and documentary style) along with a director, a production manager and an aerial drone operator. The crew works as one coherent team with different cameramen specializing in different lenses and styles including aerial, time-lapse and underwater filming.
For a larger scale wedding, we don’t recommend a reduction in the size of the crew as this is likely to affect the quality and grandeur of the film. This choreographed, multi-camera setup allows us to position ourselves strategically to capture ceremonies more naturally as they take place, without any hindrance.
However, there are certain advantages to having a smaller team too! For more intimate weddings, a crew size of 4-5 people is enough. This allows for a greater, non-obtrusive individual control of filming for each crew member and this can lead to better, unobstructed views of the festivities especially when the party is on a smaller scale involving lesser people. This also creates a warmer bond between the crew and families as there are lesser people to co-ordinate with. There is an obvious reduction in cost too!
3) Is Photo Phactory Studios involved in wedding planning or just coverage?
Currently, we focus solely on coverage (photos and videos). However, having collaborated with some of the best wedding management teams, we’re happy to recommend a few trusted names at no additional cost. A talented management and décor team can truly enhance the beauty of your wedding film.
4) Can we also have additional photographers/videographers along with Photo Phactory Studios?
We highly recommend against it. Not only can it be uneconomical, but it may also interfere with our work. The benefit of having a single team is that we can capture clean, unobstructed shots without other photographers accidentally stepping into our frames and potentially disrupting important moments.
5) Apart from the photography & videography costs, what are the other costs to be kept in mind?
The expenses for the travel, food and accommodation for the crew members are usually borne by the client unless decided otherwise or factored in as a package deal. In addition, the hard-drives for the final delivery are paid for by the clients too. Any additional days / hours of shooting (not mentioned in contract) are charged extra as per the rates in the contract. There are no other hidden costs.
6) What is a pre-wedding shoot and how do we go about it?
A pre-wedding shoot is a photo/video shoot of the couple done before the wedding that portrays the bond they share with each other. Since the wedding is a hectic time to be together, the couple get this day off with each other to shoot some “Relaxed, Together & Fun” images and videos and these can be used in the highlight film or as a separate two-minute pre-wedding film that can be shown during the sangeet or the wedding. A typical pre-wedding shoot lasts between 4-8 hours. The clothes / styling / makeup for this shoot is usually arranged by the client.
7) Is it possible just to get a pre-wedding shoot without opting for the complete wedding package?
We believe in start-to-end wedding coverage and hence refrain from undertaking stand-alone pre-wedding shoots. We shoot pre-weddings for clients whose weddings we have been commissioned to film. This serves as a great start to the final highlight film, and also strengthens the team’s bond with our clients before their wedding day.
8)What is the starting package rate?
Our packages are totally customized based on your days of events, number of events, guest count, and location. We feel if each wedding film is unique so should their packages be. For more details kindly fill out our contact form and we will be happy to assist you further.
9)Any Dos and Don’ts we should keep in mind when looking to book you?
We are ARTISTS and not mere shooters with an expensive camera, we have had months of training for documenting your big day. Kindly do not ask us to take images of people eating food. Respect us and we will be gamboling with high spirits and happy hearts all over the place.
10) During the wedding, who do we communicate with regarding all our photo & video requirements?
The Wedding Director or the Director of Photography is usually the prime point of contact with the family. He/she is the sole person that co-ordinates with the couple and the event planner regarding all aspects of the events and conducts interviews etc. Also, from the couple’s side, we need to have a singular point of contact for all wedding shoot co-ordination. The bride’s / groom’s siblings or the best friends are the best people for the job.
11)What if our deliveries are delayed by Photo Phactory Studios?
It is rare that the delivery of the film is delayed beyond 100 days. However, there may be instances where the director of the film feels that certain portions could be improved and requests a revision or re-edit. In such cases, a delay might occur. Rest assured, this is done with the aim of delivering a final product that both we and you will love. Many iconic films have benefitted from additional editing time, and we believe that quality comes first. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused, but we promise that we will not release anything unless we are completely satisfied with it. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to create something truly special for you.
12) Can we come and see the RAW footage and select our shots?
We shoot thousands and thousands of film clips from multiple cameras and typically the total duration of these raw clips exceeds 50-60 hours of footage for a standard sized three-day wedding. At the studio, these clips undergo careful conversion & screening and a battery of editors work relentlessly to create a first cut of the best clips for the chief editor. This process is almost factory-like with editor stations brimming with activity through odd hours. Client interference at this stage not only delays the final edit considerably but also disrupts the zen-like concentration of the editors going through the footage in their own space and time. Therefore, we strictly do not permit clients to sit through the raw footage selection. This is the reason we have one round of edit changes. In case of any alterations, the couple can communicate this after the first screening of their film and the changes shall be incorporated.
13) Will our Trailer or Highlight film be released on Social Media as well?
Highlight films are usually password-protected and uploaded on our Vimeo channel. We do not release / upload the highlight films on our Facebook / YouTube channel. Trailers are shorter versions and more exciting videos and hence we release them worldwide on our YouTube page. However, the release depends upon a few factors. Firstly, we do not release trailers of couples who don’t want them to be shown publicly. We respect your privacy but this clause has to be specified at the time of signing the contract. On an average, one out of every five films is released on our public channel depending on the strength of its story or its uniqueness in any other aspect ranging from décor to destination.
14) What is a copyright? Can Photo Phactory Studios use our images and footage on its social media handles?
All original works of art, including photos and videos, are protected by copyright law. This means that the creator of the image or video (in this case, Photo Phactory Studios) owns the copyright. As such, Photo Phactory Studios may use images or videos on our social media channels for purposes we deem appropriate. Rest assured, these posts always present our clients in the best light and often become a source of pride for both the couple and the vendors involved. If you do not wish to have your images or videos shared publicly, this must be explicitly stated at the time of signing the contract.
“Perfection is found in the finer details.”