FAQ - Weddings
Since opening the studio in 2003, husband and wife super-duo Cat and Adi Benner (that's us!) have embraced this mantra: "No moment missed, no detail overlooked." Sure to capture the unique personality of each couple, we cover both the most intimate and celebratory moments. We are known for putting our clients at ease, for delivering on the promises we make, and for our determined craftsmanship. Whether sophisticated and traditional, or funky and chic: we will work our camera-magic so that your own unique personality shines through each photograph from your wedding day.
Though today's trend in wedding photography leans toward editorial-style photojournalism (which we are pretty darn good at), we also have a penchant for extracting each couple's distinctive personality constructing comfortable poses for the bride and groom and their wedding party, however experienced in front of the camera they may be. We will also formally (or, rather, informally) document your family history using a "must-take" list provided by you.
What is included?
Two photographers, wedding day coverage based on your determined schedule, a personalized online image gallery, all of your edited high-resolution files delivered on a fancy custom flash drive in a super cool custom box and an heirloom bridal album -- if desired. We will deliver your online image gallery no later than 6 weeks after your wedding. Every single image that you receive will be edited individually and adjusted for color saturation, white balance, and sharpened for personal printing.We also offer engagement sessions, parent albums and rehearsal dinner coverage for an additional fee.
Services, Pricing and Packages?
Based on your location (local or destination), the number of hours needed for coverage, and the size of your wedding album you'll want for showing off your stunning images, will determine the cost of your package. Please email Cat to set up a chat to discuss pricing and customize a quote that is perfect for you.
What makes you different from all the other photographers we found?
Boy, that's a tough one. There is so much fierce talent out there on the market today! Personalities and style are two of the most important influences for making your decision on who to hire to photograph your wedding day. If you feel like we are a good match and you love our style (think of it as dating), let's set up a consultation at the studio or even online through skype or google hangout! Of course, budget will also be a key decider in making your choice. We have packages that come in all shapes and sizes.
Who handles Next Exit's production? Do you out source?
Another thing that sets Next Exit apart from other local photographers is that fact that we employ a full-time Studio Manager! What that means is that when you have a burning question Monday-Friday 10am until 6pm, somebody will answer the phone and take amazing care of you. Our full-time Studio Manager, Matt, is a recent transplant from Marin County. An expert photoshopper, colorist and retoucher, he brings Next Exit a lifetime of Mac savvy and incredible design skills. He was married in 2013 and of course, he now wishes that he had hired Next Exit to shoot his wedding!
Who will be taking the photos?
Adi or Cat will be your lead photographer. This will be determined at the time of booking. They will be responsible for 90% of all interactions with your party and family. In addition, they will bring along a 2 nd photographer on the day of. Our trusted team of expert 2nd photographers are considered some of the best in the industry. They will photograph the groomsmen during getting ready, hang back with the bride before she walks down the isle, and of course, capture candid moments throughout the bridal party and family sessions and the rest of the wedding day.
In some cases, when budget precludes you from hiring Cat or Adi, we do offer Next Exit Associate Photographers. Our associates are advanced and trained photographers who shoot in the same Next Exit style as Cat and Adi, but might not have as many years under their belt.
Will you travel to photograph my destination wedding outside of Los Angeles?
To put it simply, we Benners love to travel. We'll visit a shrimp shack in Oahu, a floating bungalow in Tahiti, a vineyard in Napa, a five-star resort in Cabo San Lucas, a farm in the South of France, or the West Village of Manhattan. Oh, the places we'll go to make our clients happy! (It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.)
With passport stamps that would rival a contestant on The Amazing Race, we have made traveling an important part of our lives and our profession. By embracing different cultures and customs, we have become masters at spotting the nuances and traditions that define a couple and their family in any setting.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Of course! Our pre-wedding engagement session allows the bride and groom to settle those butterflies and learn how to work the camera before show time. Call it training day if you must. Talk to any of our past clients and they'll tell you that the engagement session will help relax you before the big day. You certainly don't have an extra 30 minutes to break the ice just before breaking the glass!
You will develop rapport with Cat or Adi as they follow you around for an hour or two, dancing in the urban streets of downtown, twirling under the elm trees at a local park, playing in the sand under the pier, or wherever your fancy.Sure, we'll ask you to do strange and crazy things, like hug and cuddle and smooch, but you'd do that anyway. Trust us, it is so worth it!
What types of equipment do you use?
Our photography gear is constantly updated and serviced throughout the year. We rely mainly on our Nikon D4s, D750s and D700 bodies and boast a wide collection of lenses including 35mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105 Micro 2.0, 12-24mm 2.8, 17-35mm 2.8, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8, and a fisheye lens, too. We also own the latest and greatest profession Nikon series flashes, a Profoto ComPact-R 600 kit, Profoto B2 kit, and a bevy of softboxes and umbrellas.
Will somebody answer the phone if I call the studio?
Next Exit believes that no matter how busy they are shooting an engagement session at the beach on a sunny afternoon or designing the next greatest wedding album, your needs should always be at the top of their list. Our amazing studio manager, Matt, is available to address all of your concerns promptly and efficiently Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm.
Do you offer incentives or discounts for intimate, off-season or last minute weddings?
Yes!
