QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


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0. A little bit about me.

I’m Wedding Photographer Kai Kalinin, a dad, a husband, a brother, a dreamer, a globetrotter, and an idealist.

Originally I was born in USSR, Ukraine, I have my russian, ukrainian and polish roots but that doesn’t change anything because I’m sure first you have to be a human being with all the qualities that this implies, nationality comes second.

I was born in a country that doesn’t exist, I have a passport from another country where I no longer live. I have my personal hopes, my dreams and my fears like everyone else. I'm like you, but with a camera in my hands.

I’m a genuine wedding photojournalist and social documentary photographer.  I get a buzz when I see images that have emotion, humour and candour.

Taking my inspiration from classic street photographers and photojournalists across the globe, I love to photograph weddings and see it as a privilege to be involved in your special day.

I can be reached directly at +1 (410) 440 7005, Viber, WhatsApp or Skype. You can write to me on Facebook Messenger too.

1. Where do you do shooting sessions?

I love to travel, to be on a go, meet new people, experience particular cultures, see various characters, participate in different traditions. The couples mainly choose me for weddings in France. Often I work in Nice, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille. I have had clients from France in Paris and Biarritz; Poland, Cracow; French Polynesia - Tahiti and Switzerland. So don't hesitate to contact me and reserve a date for 2022-2023 seasons.

2. What is your photography approach?

I have a photojournalistic approach to wedding photography. I like to work on emotion, light, and reproduce this beautiful moment as it happens.

The vast majority of my photos aren’t done per request. Even during the couple’s photo sessions I try to guide the individuals while enjoying this moment which must be a truly romantic and intimate moment for them.

I also work a lot on all these little details that make a wedding a unique day. So I systematically take shots of small elements of the decorations, shots of the places or even tiny details of a wedding dress or a certain outfit.

3. How do you work on the wedding day?

Discreetly! Being discreet allows me to step back and better capture the moments of your day; I don’t intervene except in case of a request. I also don’t hesitate to get to know and exchange a natural conversation or two with your family and your guests because discretion also depends on trust.

4. Do you have a limit on the number of photos you take at a wedding event?

I have no limit to the number of photos I take. I photograph throughout the entire wedding event and I consider that the very last photo is as an important one as the first one.

5. How many images are delivered and what is the delivery time?

There is no quantity of photos, I photograph an unlimited number, but  I usually provide between 300 and 400 photos for a full service. The processing takes a maximum of two weeks. All the photographs are delivered in two formats: a "Light Format", a downloadable online gallery for easy viewing and sharing with your guests, and a "High Definition Format" for printing downloadable online zip archive.

6. What is the processing?

I start by selecting the right photos (delete those that are repeated or those that aren’t clear, too bright or without enough light), then I work a photo by photo to get the best of each photo by adjusting the image parameters in order to provide you with the most beautiful photos. I also take some photos in Black & White format.

7. Is there a pre-wedding interview?

I want to meet the bride and the groom before signing any paperwork to ensure I understand all your expectations, but also to create this special bond so that we will have it until marriage (and very often even afterwards).

When I can't meet you because of the distance, I use Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, and we do an online talk to discuss all necessary details.

After that, you can send me as many emails as you like, I will always listen and support you in your concerns if you have any. Likewise, we can arrange an on-line meeting a few days before the wedding to make sure everything is in order.

8. Do you do a couple photo sessions before and after the wedding?

A photo session is an opportunity to take a couple of photos a few months/weeks before or after the wedding. The photos can thus be used for your invitations or decorations. During this lifestyle session, we will take natural, spontaneous and emotional photos. Brides and grooms who opt for the engagement session are more relaxed and serene on the day of the wedding, as they are used to the camera objective at this point. A couple of photoshoots after the wedding allow you to choose a place that is close to your heart and that represents what you stand for.

9. Why a photo book?

I offer you a quality photo book, including the best images of your wedding. It’s very important that you can have a printed product that traces your story and that you will pass on to your children. You may not have the time to create an album yourself. I, therefore, suggest that you create a high-end book in a different format, finish and price. You can order your book of your choice online and you can also offer your book to your friends! It's easy!

To receive your photo book the wait time is approximately two weeks after your layout validation. This process involves the time for printing, accuracy check and shipping to the address of your choosing.

10. When should I book?

To reserve the most requested dates (May, June, July, August and September), it’s best to contact me about a year in advance. In any case, ask me for availability, I may still be free.

11. How to book?

Please send the important details: date, venues, event duration, desired options as well as your contact details. I will propose several offers and will reply to you by email within 24 hours. I will then send you the Agreement which you will sign, and send back to me accompanied with a deposit. As soon as the pertinent documents are received your requested date will be reserved for you.

12. Are the photos free of rights?

Once downloaded, you can use the photographs as you see fit, excluding commercial use. If you choose to use them on your social networks, a link to my website would be  appreciated.

By accepting quotes and/or the Agreement, clients agree that certain photographs will be used on the photographer's communication media (website, brochure, facebook, at trade fairs, etc.).  It’s being understood that the photographs won’t be used for purpose to harm the clients represented. No use will be made by the photographer apart from his own communication needs. No rights will be assigned to third parties without the authorization of the clients listed therein.

N.B. By accepting the quote, the client acts as an agent for all the members of the party as well as the guests and grants the photographer the rights to photograph, all rights for the display, the show, the exhibition, the promotion, and the use of all images produced. All photos remain as the exclusive property of the photographer.


Kai Kalinin Documentary Wedding Photographer 2021-2022