Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page where we try our best to answer all our clients’ questions and concerns.  If you are currently looking for a photographer, our price lists and services are listed below.  Hopefully you will come to find that Alvarado Photography is the best choice when it comes to Reliability, Affordability, Quality and Customer Service.

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1. What is the photographer's style -- traditional, photojournalistic, etc.?
Our styles as photographers are a mixture between a few different styles.  Though we tend to fall more on the commercial and contemporary end, we usually take an approach which we feel will capture the moment and the subject best.
 
2. Does the photographer shoot in mostly color, black and white, or both?
Both. We love to give our clients choices.  Unless specifically requested, we typically edit the photos to match the mood and flow, how the bigger picture would highlight the subjects or if we feel that it would make a bigger statement being edited a particular way.   

3. Does he or she shoot digitally or with film?
Digital

4. How many pictures does he or she expect to take?
It will depend on the event, activity or type of session.  Typical hour shots will be around 400+ (lots of duplicates).

5. Will he or she have an assistant? Will the assistant shoot, too? Can I meet him or her?
Alvarado Photography consists of only Jess and and I (John). I typically take the photos and Jess handles the family, posing and positioning of the subjects.   If the venue requires any additional photographers, Jess can also take photos or another assistant/photographer can be hired at additional cost.
 
6. Can I give a list of shots that I want?
Of course.  Depending on the session, we already have a set of shots we have lined up to take. Usually towards the beginning and end of the session we will ask the clients if there are any particular shots they want taken. 

7. Am I meeting with the person who will be taking photos at my wedding or event? If not, can I meet with the photographer assigned to my wedding or event?
Yes, Jess and I are both open to meeting with the clients.  The initial meet up is a great way for the clients to get a feel of my personality and Jess' personality.  This is also a great opportunity for clients to view some of our printed work.

8. How long has the photographer been shooting?
We started Alvarado photography in August of 2008.  Jess and I have been shooting since then.  Though we have just recently started, we would dare say that our work could rival many professional photographers on island and the quality of our photos surpass some that have been in the business for many years.  Jess and I have the drive, passion, imagination and creativity that make up for the lack of experiences. 

9. Is my session or event the only one scheduled for that day?
We generally try to book no more than 2 event sessions in any given day.  We are very tact and allot ourselves plenty of time to get to each venue.  We also factor in unexpected scenarios in case a photo session goes longer than expected.
 
10. What type of equipment will he or she be using? Will the lighting be intrusive?
We are proud Pentax/Hoya (Pentaxian) Photographers. We currently outfit ourselves with the best camera Pantax has to offer which is currently K20d (and soon the K-7 and Medium Format 645DSLR).   Though very rare, compared to all the Canon and Nikon photographers, we pride ourselves as being different and provide a quality no other can match in price.
 
11. How long will it take to get my proofs?
For smaller sessions (individual, family, maternity, etc…), it takes about 1 week.  For bigger and all day events, it takes about 2 weeks.  Jess and I want to ensure that we carefully choose and edit each photo.

12. Will the photographer mark my proofs?
It will really depend on the venue.  Typically a small subtle brand will be on the proofs.  Clients can request to have it removed but will be at the discretion of Alvarado Photography.

13. Can I buy raws of the images?
Raws can be bought upon request.  Price will vary depending on the event and amount of images.

14. What are your rates?
Our list of rates can be found on our pricing section.

15. What time will the photographer arrive and how long will he or she stay?
Typically, we arrive and are ready to shoot 15 minutes early and stay until about 15 minutes after the schedule time.  We usually ask the clients or their Point of Contact if we would be required to come in earlier or stay a little later.

16. Is there an overtime fee?
We can look over a couple of minutes of delay but would charge normal rate if the delay is excessive or if the client requests to take additional coverage.  

17. What will the photographer and assistant wear?
We will work with the clients to ensure that we are dressed properly for each event.  For formal venues, I will wear long sleeve buttoned shirt (optional tie) with slacks and Jess will wear a professional/conservative evening dress.  For more casual venues, I will typically wear a Hawaiian print shirt or polo with slacks or jeans and Jess will wear dress or a dress shirt and pants.

18. Are albums included in the fee? Are parents' albums included?
Custom albums and Coffee top albums can be made upon requests.  Pricing will vary depending on type, size and pages of the album. 

19. How many photos are included in an album, and what layout will be used?
For custom albums, it will vary depending on size and amount of pages the clients will want their albums to have.

20. Can I look at a sample Alvarado photography has shot?
Yes, of course.  We try to bring in a variety of samples to show clients.