Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you shoot destination weddings/events? What additional fees are associated with destinations weddings?
A. We LOVE destinations weddings and events! David Cheney Photography is based in Dallas, Texas yet we serve clients all around the world. Our destination wedding photography packages are customized on a personal basis to consider the least possible cost of travel and most reasonable accommodations.
Q. Do you provide partial day coverage for shorter events?
A. During peak wedding season, especially on Saturdays, we typically do not provide partial day coverage, though it never hurts to ask for a special consideration. During the regular season and peak season weekdays we can certainly create a custom package that considers less coverage at a discounted rate.
Q. Does your studio do headshots, senior portraits, family shoots, maternity, commercial, or other types of photography?
A. Absolutly, we have degrees, experience, and expertise, to capture whatever you might need.*
Q. Do you shoot weddings only or do you also cover Quinceañeras, Debutants, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, and other parties?
A. Weddings are categorized as event photography, but we regard them as some of the most demanding and important types of events to photograph. In short, if you can capture a premium wedding in a concise and brilliant manner, you can shoot ANYTHING.
Q. We’re very busy and won’t be able to meet. Are there any other options?
A. We would love to meet with you prior to book or shooting a photo session or wedding; however, if you’re too busy or too far away, we can handle everything remotely. Just let us know what information you need and we will do our best to accommodate your request. For example, if you would like to see more of our work, we can gladly show you complete events online. If you would like to talk about packages and get a sense of personality telephone calls and video/virtual meets can be arranged.
Q. Do you travel to meet with client prior to booking?
A. Certainly, within reason. Typically we can find a nice meeting location somewhere between that is convenient for everyone. In extreme cases with longer distances considered, we suggest meeting virtually online. We do this all the time and it’s fantastic.
Q. How do I set up an appointment to meet you in person and see some of your work?
A. Simply reach out via text or a brief phone call and we’ll put it on the calendar.
Q. How do I reserve you for my date?
A. After assuring availability simply email us with the following specific information: Event date, event location name and physical address, couples first and last names, and everything you would like included in your package. (i.e. Base package plus an additional hour of coverage, a bridal session, engagement session, and a book) We will the write your contract and send it to you via email. once we receive your completed contract and your reservation deposit, the date is yours. Congratulations and we are so excited to be working with you!
Q. What if we exceed our contracted time for our engagement shoot and/or wedding day coverage?
A. Events and sessions can sometimes be unpredictable and you might need or want additional coverage. We understand and aim to please. We can negotiate additional time at a session if you feel like you need additional time, honestly we’ve only seen this once. Additional hours of coverage at an event like a wedding is $200 per hour, and this covers the shooting, postproduction, and delivery of all additional work.
Q. What is the best method of payment, and do you accept credit cards? Is there a fee for using a credit card?
A. We love Cash, but most times receive digital payments via Venmo and Zelle. We do accept credit cards via PayPal, but a credit card transaction fee of 3% of the charged amount will be added back into the contract.
Q. Is it necessary for you to charge us tax?
A. Yes. In Texas it is state law collect tax for taxable labor, services, and products”
The term “taxable services” is defined in Tax Code Section 151.0101, Taxable Services to include 17 broad categories of services. Each category encompasses a variety of specific services.
Taxable Labor – Photographers, Draftsmen, Artists, Tailors, Etc.
In addition to the taxable services noted above, other types of sales that may commonly be considered “services” are taxable as the sale, processing or remodeling of tangible personal property.
Examples of labor that result in the sale of a taxable item include the following:
- photography and videography
- producing artwork
- printing
- calligraphy
- embroidering
- custom sewing or tailoring
- woodworking
- welding
- catering
- assembling products such as computer systems, toys, furniture or equipment
Q. If we decide to cancel our wedding will we receive the reservation deposit/retainer fee back?
A. Unfortunately no. Reservation deposits/retainer fees our security deposits for both parties. When we accept a date, we turn away other prospective clients, and even though we suffer a sever loss, the deposit helps cover the lost work opportunity.
Q. If we decide to change our wedding to a different date, will we be able to use our reservation deposit/retainer fees towards a future date?
A. Generally no, but this is reviewed on a case by case basis. We carefully consider your reasoning for wanting/needing to change your date. The decision is ultimately made according to many factors: how long the date was booked, time of year, the perspective future date, and our availability. Also if rates change from your original day to a new date the new rates will apply.
Q. Are there travel fees associated with engagement sessions, bridal sessions, and or wedding events?
A. Yes, travel expenses are a big expense that all companies, especially in today’s climate, have to consider. Local events and sessions within 250 miles of zip code 75402 is figured at the current national average ($.585 per mile as of 08/28/22). Events exceeding 250 miles will be a custom amount that is derived on a case-by-case basis. We consider many factors in order to be as fair to our company and as economical for the client as possible.
Q. Do you offer any discounts on weekday weddings?
A. Depending on workload, perspective date, and time of the year/season, weekday wedding discounts can certainly be a consideration. This is not a guarantee, but it never hurts to ask.
Q. Is it necessary or customary to tip your photographer/s?
A. It is certainly not necessary or expected to receive a tip before, during, or after a session or an event. That being said, David Cheney Photography is highly focused on creating beautiful customer service, building strong relationships, and providing an exceptional experience. Like anyone working in a service industry, to be recognized and tipped is a wonderful display of appreciation and really means a great deal to us.
Q. Do you back up our images? How can we ensure that our images are not lost or damaged?
A. We have never failed to deliver work, lost work from an event or session, and never plan to. We shoot with the highest quality equipment, fresh cards, and actually capture to two cards simultaneously at your event or session. This instantly creates a back up of every single image in the camera. Afterward we separate the primary card from the back up card so if something happens to one set, we have another card in a safe location. After returning to the studio we instantly put the images on a local drive, and set up an additional back up to another separate secure drive. At all times prior to delivery of your images, there are at least two identical copies of all of your files in separate safe locations.
Q. Do you have liability insurance?
A. Yes. Many venues actually require the photographer and other vendors have liability insurance. If you need hey certificate of coverage, please let us know and will send one over via email right away! Before hiring anyone, make sure they are covered, you are covered, and that your venues are covered.
(Coverage as of 07/28/22).
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General Aggregate Limit (Other than Products – Completed Operations) $2,000,000
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Products – Completed Operations Aggregate Limit Excluded
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Personal and Advertising Injury Limit $1,000,000
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Each Occurrence Limit$1,000,000
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Damage to Premises Rented to You Limit (Any One Premises) $300,000
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Medical Expense Limit (Any One Person)$5,000
Have more questions?
Contact us via our contact tab above, or call David at: 903.269.8020, we are excited to help.
