Minneapolis photographer Carina Photographics specializes in fine art wedding and portrait photography. Here are some answers to a few common questions:

WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE?

Fine Art – My fine art style has been described as everything from dramatic and vibrant to etheric and elegant. This artistry is present in each step of portrait creation, from composition, cropping, posing, and lighting, all the way through to final photo editing and finishing.

Editorial – Taking cues from magazine editorial photographs, I work to create photos that reflect the beauty of your loved ones and your big day. Rather than a traditional series of posed pictures, I initiate your interaction with your loved ones. I then direct as needed and am known for my ability to put people at ease. The result is photographs that are natural, relaxed and compelling.

Storytelling – I capture photos in a progression to tell the complete story of your photo session or wedding day. The images convey your story — not only the major events of your day, but also the tiniest details in-between. This brings your emotions flooding back each time you view them.

You can read a more detailed description of my photography style in this article.

HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHY COMMISSIONS DO YOU TAKE?

As a premier, luxury fine art portrait and wedding photographer, I accept a limited number of weddings and portrait commissions so I can give my complete service and attention to each client.

HOW FAR OUT DO YOU BOOK?

I often book dates 12-18 months in advance, and dates are not held based on inquiries. It is not unusual for me to receive more than one inquiry for the same date, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to discuss working together.

Please note that pricing is subject to change at any time without notice. Once session fee or retainer is received, pricing is guaranteed.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?

I use professional Canon camera bodies and L-Series lenses, and a full line of portable lighting. I always bring backup equipment as well. 

ARE YOU INSURED?

Yes, I am fully insured for liability, equipment, etc. If your venue requires a certificate of insurance, just let me know and I will send it directly to them.

DO YOU CHARGE FOR MILEAGE OR HOTEL?

I cover the entire 50-mile radius from 55114 free of charge. Beyond that, I charge $1 per mile each way. If your wedding or portrait venue is beyond a two hour drive, I would also request overnight accommodation (preferably at the same hotel you offer to your guests.)

DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES?

Absolutely! Let me know if you'd like to speak to any of my former/current clients and I'll send you their contact info.

In the meantime, check out online profiles and reviews for personal stories of working together:
Google Reviews

Yelp

HOW DO WE RESERVE YOU AS OUR PHOTOGRAPHER?

Once I receive a signed copy of your wedding or portrait contract, along with the portrait session fee or wedding retainer, your session or date is booked! Please note that emails or verbal agreements do not guarantee a particular date. It is not unusual for me to receive more than one inquiry for the same date, so it remains open until I receive the fee and contract. The remaining wedding photography balance is due 30 days prior to the wedding. Cash, personal check and credit cards are accepted. Any monies paid are non-refundable in event of cancellation, although can be applied toward a new date or session if one is chosen (as long as I have availability on that date). Pricing subject to change at any time without notice. Once deposit is received, it guarantees pricing at time of booking.

WHEN WOULD WE SEE OUR FINAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARTWORK?

Approximately 4-6 weeks after your wedding day, or as soon as IMMEDIATELY following your portrait session, we meet at my St Paul photography studio for a Cinematic Reveal + Design Consultation where we review your photos. For wedding clients, you also receive a flash drive of your final photographs at this time. For portrait clients, you choose your favorite photos and then we design your custom heirloom artwork.

When you order custom heirloom artwork, we also review samples and material choices during our meeting. I design an initial draft based on your choices and send it to you via email. You are then be free to make edits to the photos and design. Once you approve the design, the files are sent to Italy for production.

About 4–8 weeks after placing your final order, we meet one more time for the delivery appointment where you receive your custom, artisan heirlooms that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.  Wall art collections will be hung by my professional artwork installation company.

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE SEE/RECEIVE?

With any wedding or portrait session, I will cull images down to "the best-of-the-best." For an average 8-10 hour wedding day, clients will receive around 500-750 final photos on a flash drive and online gallery. Portrait session clients will see around 25-50 photos at their Cinematic Premier + Design Consultation. Estimated totals are based on average sessions/weddings, so final totals can vary based upon your session/event.

DO YOU EDIT ALL THE PHOTOGRAPHS?

Absolutely! All photos are edited to look like those that you see in my portfolio galleries. Photographs receive a mixture of color balancing, cropping, straightening, and my signature artistry. Many of my portraits receive extra attention, including my master art retouching, based upon my artistic vision. I want all photos polished and perfected by the time you receive them.

HOW DO YOU SAFEGUARD/STORE OUR PHOTOS?

My cameras use two cards. I immediately copy all photos onto my main hard drive after your wedding or portrait session. The photos are then backed up onto a second drive, as well as to a cloud online backup system. I will maintain copies of all your photos for a minimum of one year after your wedding or portrait session. (Usually much longer.) Please note that photo retention is not guaranteed after the initial one year minimum due to unforeseen circumstances (ex. hardware damage, data loss, server malfunction, changing technology, etc.)

WE'RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE - WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

Contact me! Emails or phone calls are a great way to start the conversation. We could also schedule a consultation at my Minneapolis-St Paul photo studio.

A face-to-face meeting helps us get to know one another. I’d also be happy to show you my portfolio and hear about what you envision for your wedding or portrait photography. When you visit the studio, you can also see our beautiful range of heirloom artwork. Contact me soon - I would love to help celebrate your life and love!