Candid Studios

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking, our process, pricing, and delivery. Don’t see your question answered? Reach out and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Booking & Scheduling

  • For weddings and major events, we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to lock in your preferred photographer and date. Peak wedding season (May-October) and Saturday dates fill up especially fast. For corporate, branding, and family sessions, 2-4 weeks notice is usually plenty. We sometimes have last-minute availability — reach out even on short notice and we'll do our best to make it work.

  • A signed contract and 50% retainer secure your date exclusively. The retainer is applied to your final invoice. We accept all major credit cards, ACH transfers, and personal checks.

  • Absolutely. We've shot from the Rocky Mountains to South Florida beaches to international destinations. Travel fees vary by location but typically include flight, accommodation, and a per diem. Destination wedding photography is one of our specialties.

  • We have a network of vetted backup photographers and shoot with redundant equipment (two camera bodies, multiple memory cards) on every job. In the unlikely event your assigned photographer is unable to attend due to emergency, we'll provide a comparable substitute at no extra cost.

Process & Day-Of

  • Every booking includes a complimentary pre-event consultation where we walk through your timeline, shot list priorities, and creative vision. For weddings, we also do venue scouting (when local) and coordinate with your planner. The goal is for the day to feel effortless — we know exactly where to be and when.

  • Rain creates some of the most dramatic and romantic photos. We carry weather-sealed equipment, umbrellas, and have backup indoor plans for every outdoor shoot. We work closely with venue coordinators on weather contingencies, so your day is covered no matter what the forecast says.

  • Both. We direct when needed for family formals, group portraits, and posed couple shots. For everything else, we use a documentary approach — we step back and let genuine moments unfold. Most clients say we 'disappear' once the event starts, which is exactly the point.

  • Standard packages include one lead photographer. For weddings with 150+ guests, multi-location events, or simultaneous getting-ready coverage, we strongly recommend a second shooter. Our pricing tiers reflect this — adding a second photographer is one of the most common add-ons.

Pricing & Packages

  • Hourly rates start at $297.50/hr (discounted from $350/hr for new clients). Wedding day coverage typically runs 6-10 hours. Single sessions (engagement, family, headshot) are usually 1-3 hours. Every event is unique, so we always customize a quote based on your specific needs rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all package.

  • Every booking includes: pre-event consultation, professional editing of every delivered image, a private high-resolution online gallery (live for 60 days), full print release, and access to our pro print lab (Miller's Professional Imaging). FAA Part 107 drone coverage, second photographers, and rush delivery are available add-ons.

  • Yes. We accept a 50% retainer to lock in your date, with the balance due before your event. For larger weddings, we can split the balance into two payments. Talk to us if you need flexibility — we work with most reasonable payment schedules.

  • Your retainer secures your date exclusively, so we have to decline other inquiries for that day. If you need to reschedule, we'll transfer your retainer to the new date at no charge (subject to availability). Cancellations forfeit the retainer, but we always handle individual circumstances with empathy.

Delivery & Files

  • You'll receive a sneak-peek of 20-30 highlights within 48-72 hours of your event. The full gallery is delivered within 4-6 weeks for most sessions. Weddings can take 6-8 weeks during peak season. Rush processing (72-hour photo turnaround, 2-week video) is available for an additional fee.

  • Every client gets a private, password-protected online gallery. You can download full-resolution files, share with family and friends, order professional prints directly from Miller's lab, and even pick favorites with collaborators. Galleries stay live for 60 days; we can extend on request.

  • You receive a full print release allowing unlimited personal printing. We retain the underlying copyright (so we can use select images in our portfolio and marketing) but you have complete freedom to print, share, and post your photos however you wish.

  • RAW files are available as an add-on. Most clients prefer the polished JPEGs we deliver since they're already professionally edited and color-graded, but we understand some clients want every frame for archival or post-processing flexibility.

Coverage Areas

  • Candid Studios serves clients nationwide with offices in Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins), Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville), and additional coverage in Austin, Columbus, Cleveland, Chicago, and New York. We also travel for destination events worldwide.

  • Yes. We regularly travel for destination weddings and large events outside our regular service areas. Travel fees apply (flight, accommodation, per diem) and we'll provide a transparent quote upfront. Some of our most memorable work has been on the road.

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