
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, ALL IN ONE PLACE. I’LL COVER IT HERE TO SAVE US BOTH TIME IN OUR INBOX! IF YOU DON’T SEE YOUR QUESTION BELOW, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT!
THE BASICS
in the midwest of the united state. Lincoln, Nebraska to be exact but I will shoot anywhere in the world!
My approach is documentary, candid, cinematic, and honest. I love that every single time I pick up my camera, the story will be completely different than the last. I am fascinated by people. I focus on connection, chasing light, and documenting those beautiful, in-between moments. I give direction when needed, never having you re-enact something or do a pose you see all over the internet. maybe if you want that and that’s totally okay too, I can make that happen for you, but I want this to be different than anything you’ve ever experienced, whether you have been photographed or not.
For as long as I can remember, which is all the way back in high school when I was a sophomore when my sister got me a point and shoot. over the past 3 years, I’ve invested in some new gears and have been getting more requests to photograph engagements/weddings/families/events and I love every minute I get to spend with the people I work with—I love being able to capture moments for people during the most exciting day of their life...it never gets old. giving the gift of photographs, allowing you to remember that particular day and how you felt. I’m genuinely grateful that I get to do this from time to time as I am not a full-time photographer (yet), but so far this job is the best!
THE COLLECTION
The remainder of your session fees is due immediately following the day after your shoot. no images will be delivered until the final payment is made. the way my booking system is set up is in two increments: deposit + final payment.
The purpose of the deposit is to lock in your date + time. if you cancel last minute, I most likely would have been able to book someone else during that period. I do not write anything down in my calendar until the deposit has been paid, making your desired time slot up for grabs. nothing is booked until the deposit has been paid.
Once you have chosen to book, you will be sent a contract and invoice for a booking fee. the booking fee is what secures your date so please read the contract carefully. you have 7 days to pay your booking fee from the date of signing your contract, then that date will be made available to someone else. You will have 14 days to get in touch if you change your mind.
I am so honored that you would like to book me! head over to my contact page to get the process started. or you can send me an email, tell me all about your vision, who you are, what you’re looking for in a photographer, budget, etc.. I'll check my availability. after, we can either meet at a local coffee shop or video chat on the phone. then I’ll require a 50% retainer/deposit (for weddings only) or a $100 electronic non-refundable deposit to secure your session date + time and a signed contract and we’re set. you’ve officially locked me in for your event/engagement/wedding date! feel free to reach out through the form on my contact page or drop an email to phanguyenphotography.com for more info.
Yes!! Sneak peeks are so fun to deliver and will help tide you over until your full gallery is ready. So I do try and send sneak peeks within a week after the event. or sometimes it’s a surprise. :)
Every engagement/wedding/event is different so I tailor my approach to each and everyone/couple, therefore I don’t like to put a specific number on what I’ll deliver. but in case you’re really curious: for families, I usually deliver on average 80+ images. for couples/engagement photos, I usually say I’ll deliver about 100+ images (but let’s be real, I always deliver much more). for weddings, it depends on your coverage, but on average I usually deliver 300-500+ images (again, I usually deliver way more cause I’m really bad at picking my favorites :) but on average, you can expect 80 images for every hour you book me. not to worry though, I never leave anything out and will include plenty of photos of everything I capture. you will get anything and everything that meets my standards!
As soon as the session is completed, I know you can’t wait to see the photos, so I aim to deliver them online. you will receive all of the files/photos through a private online gallery via pic-time which is an easy + free email service. you then can send them to print, forward to your friends + family, and post online! the online gallery beautifully displays all of your images and gives you the chance to download everything at both high-resolution and web-size images. I also have an online shop where you may order prints, albums, and more! download links do expire after 3 months (max) if you need an extension on the time then please don’t be afraid to reach out. be sure to download your images asap! make sure to save + backup your images on your phone, computer, the cloud, and or external hard drive. I clean out my client files every 6 months and cannot guarantee that I will backup the images for you.
Part of my job is making the image selects and choosing the most flattering photographs. the images I do not deliver are either repeats, blurry, or out of focus, shots of you blinking or mid-sentence speaking. I have no reason to withhold any images if there are additional ones I think you would enjoy! I promise to deliver all of the images you want and need! + unfortunately, no I do not deliver raw, unedited images. I take a lot of time making sure I deliver the best photographs in the gallery presented.
My goal is to deliver your images as quickly as possible while making sure everything looks incredible. I give myself around 4-7 weeks (6-8 weeks during the busy season! for weddings and elopement sessions. for engagement /couples sessions it’s typically 3-5 weeks. for family sessions it’s typically 2-4 weeks. or sometimes it’ll be earlier, so I’ll keep that as a surprise. this gives me plenty of time to make sure all of the colors are just right and the final touches are made.
*times can vary depending on the season and my workload
TRAVEL INFO
There is no travel fee for a shoot/session within a 100 miles radius from the city of Lincoln, Nebraska, and ends after 10 pm. for a distance beyond 100 miles, the client is responsible for reasonably incurred accommodation costs.
Heck yes! I have made it a personal goal to fit more adventuring into my life. whether it’s with my closest friends or my clients, traveling is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world and I am always excited to explore new places. for destination events/weddings prices will vary so if you’re thinking of eloping or having your event/engagement/wedding anywhere outside my local area, my camera and passport are ready to go! let’s get in touch because I am more than happy to package a deal together and I’m confident we can plan something incredible!
Absolutely! in the last couple of years, I’ve had families fly me to them which is such an honor. it allows for us to document a season at your home or in your home state, and it is such a beautiful process. tip: if you want to save on travel fees, try to find other families/mamas in your circle, or in your city, that may be interested in a session as well, and you can split the travel fees to save money!
it truly depends on where we’re going, the season we are in, the timeframe we book the flights, etc. that said, you can estimate by checking Airbnb/hotel costs in the area we will be staying, and seeing how much roundtrip flights are from lincoln (LNK) to the destination. keep in mind that rental cars typically run about $30-50 per day, or less when booked in advance.
I don’t have set travel fees since every destination is different and can have its own unique set of costs. I only have you pay for roundtrip flights, stay, and a rental car. if a rental car isn’t necessary, I just take Uber to and from the location and have you reimburse me. I am also completely open to staying with you or in the same hotel as your guests if this helps save money! I do prefer to book my own flights and transportation, with your approval. you’re more than welcome to book my stay, especially if it’s in a hotel. Airbnb is a little easier to have my book as well since the host will send me everything I need to know to help prepare for my arrival! I make sure to get your approval on the price and logistics before booking anything to ensure there are no surprise costs on your end! after everything is purchased, I will invoice you— the due date on this typically being one week.
MISCELLANEOUS
So many of my clients tell me that they are awkward having their photo taken— even the ones who seem super comfortable, hip, and natural. A huge part of my approach is to make you comfortable by allowing you to be your true selves, and giving light direction & cues when needed. I will create trust between us and let your personality come through. Don’t worry! You just need to be fully present and trust me— remember why you are there, why you hired me, and the rest will fall into place, I promise.
Don’t stress this one at all! stylin’ is my jam. I love creating and selecting outfits— ones that’ll fit the aesthetic of where we are shooting, and finding colors + patterns that photograph well. once you book, I will send you an outfit guide or a Pinterest board with a bunch of outfit examples! that goes over everything between outfits, locations, colors, and textures. this information will be super helpful and educate you on what looks best from my past experiences.
I always encourage embracing whatever the weather ends up being like, especially since I am a seasoned photographer and can play/shoot in any type of light. it’s going to be a unique experience no matter what mother nature throws at us. If the weather is crazy/act of god/i am sick and or could damage my gear or it’s simply just not safe—, we can absolutely reschedule or postpone! however, if you simply don’t show up to the session or if you need to cancel, the deposit will not be refunded. if you have booked a portrait, couple, family, or any other events session [this does not include elopements, weddings, or commercial work] and need to re-schedule your session, your deposit can be put toward a re-schedule as long as I am notified within 15 days of your session. the purpose of the deposit is to lock in your date + time. if you cancel last minute, I could have booked someone else during that period. I do not write anything down in my calendar until the deposit has been paid, making your desired time slot up for grabs. nothing is booked until the deposit has been paid. the remainder of your session + travel fee is due the following day of your shoot after we both depart (or whatever we agreed upon during our meetings.) I get it— life happens. however, if you need to cancel and do not want to re-schedule, your deposit is not refunded. I’m sorry!
Um, yes! No question. we love a hype mate. bring a friend, parent, spouse, dog, cat! whoever, whatever can cheer you on + whatever will make you feel more comfortable, go for it! we also can absolutely have your animals in any of the photos. treats on me :)
The first look is an opportunity for the couple to see and be with each other after being apart most of the morning. it is sometimes the only time that the couple will spend alone with each other for the entire day. it’s a time to hug, have a moment— just the two of them. it tends to get pretty emotional so I give them space, yet still document everything. I like to scout a spot that’s quiet, beautiful, and open where the couple can really take it all in and look at their partner in their wedding attire and just be in awe of them. it’s also a great time to get additional couple portraits. by having the first look, couples can knock out bridal party photos, and sometimes even family portraits, before the ceremony ever begins— allowing them to actually go to cocktail hour and have a drink, hug + high-five their friends and family who have come all this way to celebrate them. from experience, I think a first look is far more emotional, less pressure, and much more intimate. it allows you to have a sense of peace and relaxation before the party begins! it also makes the timeline easily adaptable and allows for more wiggle room. lastly, you’ll receive more photos of yourself and your love.
An unplugged ceremony is when you ask your family, friends, and guests to turn off their phones, iPads, cameras, and other digital distractions during the ceremony as to capture the best quality images possible. this “unplugged” atmosphere allows no hindrance in the ability to capture spur-of-the-moment reactions and provides better quality photographs. no other professional photographers will be hired by the client or located on-site photographing the client during the event unless otherwise approved by the photographer. I would absolutely recommend this. I can’t tell you how many times a ceremony is happening and during the first kiss, or the bride walking down the aisle, there are guests and family members with their phones literally in the aisle that inevitably ruin the shots. it’s always a good idea! you will thank me later.
I have never had a client tell me they were unhappy with my services yet, really. This is because I have clear communication + expectations set beforehand. if you have read my faq thoroughly and done all you can to prepare yourself for your photoshoot, including picked a location you love, an outfit you feel confident in, then this is the best way to ensure you will be happy with the final result. if I have delivered what I promised to you, photography services of your package of choice, and you are not happy with the final outcome there is nothing I can do outside of performing my professional photography services.
Please make it clear to me in your initial contact email if this is the case and let me know the reason. the sole way I market my photography services (and how you found me!) is the internet and I rely on sharing my photography to bring in customers. therefore, I do have a fee if this is something you want to be waved. please inquire.
While I’ve created my packages to be versatile and fit a number of needs, I understand that every portrait, engagement, wedding, and event is unique and some may require something a little bit special. If you don’t see a package that fits the elements of your day, I’d love to talk more with you to see if it’s something I can accommodate.