Where do you live? I live “up mauka” (on the mountainside) at 1500ft elevation just outside of a town called Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii with my husband and daughter.
Do you travel for weddings? Yes, I travel everywhere. My travel fees:
* Kona / Waikoloa/ Kohala / Waimea, no fee
* Hilo / Puna / Volcano / Hamakua Coast, $100 (minimum coverage required for travel is 3 hrs, travel fee will be waived for full day bookings)
* Neighbor Islands, $500
* Outside of Hawaii, please contact me! 🙂
Do you need my wedding schedule now? No. I need a start time and the amount of coverage you think you might want. The sooner you can get me your wedding details the better. I need your timeline the week before the wedding.
What do I need to do to book you for a Wedding? I will see if I have your event date open. If I do, I will send you my pricing and we can set up a consultation (in person or on the phone). When you decide to hire me, a retainer is required to hold your date. The retainer is deducted from your coverage fee and the remaining balance is due the day after the event date.
What happens if I don’t pay you on the session/wedding date? You will not receive or see your images until all balances are paid in full.
What is your turn around time? ~ 6 weeks.
Can I get my images back earlier than 6 weeks? You can put a rush on your images and get them back within 12 days for an extra $200.
Do you edit all your work or hire it out? Every shoot is processed in house, I do not outsource editing or color correction. I believe that you hire me not just as your photographer but also to edit and put my custom touches on each photo.
Will you be my photographer or do you have other teams? Yes, when you hire me you get me!
Do you do engagement photos? Yes! I LOVE engagement sessions, they’re all about FUN and CREATIVITY! It’s a great way for me to get to know my couples. If you have something fun, wacky, or super creative in mind…. got props? let’s talk!
Do you offer digital files? Yes. A password protected online gallery and a usb flash drive of all your high resolution edited images is included with any photography session.
How many Images do I get? On average I deliver 100+ final images per hour for weddings and most portrait sessions.
Why do you shoot weddings? Weddings are my favorite! I love the couples. I love the dresses. I love the flowers. I love the dancing.
Do you have a regular second shooter? Yes, bookings of 3 hours or more include a second photographer. My go-to second shooter is Hannah. Hannah is available to be in a different place (i.e. with the groom getting ready) and shooting at the same time as me.
Do you shoot film? No.
Do you shoot in RAW? Yes
How many years of experience do you have as a photographer? I’ve been taking pictures with a SLR camera since I was 16, and working as a professional photographer for 10 years
How do you typically dress for weddings? I wear a modest, dark plain dress or skirt and blouse.
What type of equipment do you use? Professional Canon equipment: Canon EOS 5D Mark III (X2), Canon EOS 7D, Canon 16-38mm 2.8, Canon 100mm 2.8, Canon 50mm 1.2, Canon 70-200mm 2.8, Canon 24-105mm 4, Canon Speedlights 600EX II (X4), Magmod lighting adarpters (diffusers, grids & gels) softbox, vari-angle flash reflector, large 5 in 1 reflector, LED video lights.
Do you bring backup equipment with you to the wedding? Yes.
Are you skilled in diffused lighting? I use a light diffuser for some portraits. I can also “soften” your images in post processing if that is what you prefer.
Can you retouch digital files? Yes I can touch up and/or airbrush selected images for you, retouching is on average about $5/image, depending on the job.
What is your cancellation policy? the retainer is non refundable.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee? Only for situations that come up that are beyond control/acts of God.
Do you use proofs? No, I try to be a green as possible. I do have a password protected online viewing albums for all my clients.
Are you a preferred vendor?
Yes, I’m on the preferred vendor list at several resorts, including Hilton Wakoloa Village, Fairmont Orchid, Sheraton Kona, Mauna Kea Hotel, Westin Hapuna and Royal Kona
Do you have liability insurance? Yes, I have sufficient insurance for wedding photography at any resort.
What if I need an officiant?
I can recommend several officiants:
Becky Ringler provides meaningful, simple and elegant weddings or vow renewals on the beach. 1-888-582-5775 simplekonabeachweddings@gmail.com
Michaela Larson performs beautiful traditional Hawaiian ceremonies that include the blowing of the conch, Hawaiian nose flute, lei exchange and more. Michaela can help you create a truly authentic ceremony that’s sacred and never boring.
Rev. Patrick Thompson has been performing ceremonies in Kona and Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii for over 20 years. Rev. Patrick’s energy and passion for sharing love radiates from the moment you meet him!
Rev. Kevin Eng is an experienced wedding officiant who is very knowledgeable , flexible and accommodating. He goes the extra mile to make your day special.
Can you get me a beach permit? Please ask your wedding coordinator or officiant about beach permits. If you are obtaining a beach permit yourself, applications for a commercial beach wedding permit are available at the DLNR district office, insurance required for the permit is available through wedsafe
What if I need help planning my wedding?
Isle Love Weddings provides full-service coordination and design for weddings and events in Hawaii. Inspired by your love story, they hand pick everything you need for an unforgettable, stress-free day
Tried and True Hawaii provides high end event planning, coordination and execution with the highest level of service. Relax and let Tried & True execute your vision for a dream wedding!
Becky at Simple Kona Beach Weddings specializes in intimate destination weddings here on the Big Island’s Kona Coast.
Have more questions for me? Email me: karen@karenloudon.com