FAQ - Kalm Photography

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many hours does my wedding package cover?
A: Our Something Borrowed and Something Blue packages provide full wedding coverage. This is defined as from the time the bride puts on her dress, until all the main events of the reception are complete (that means we'll capture your first dance, cutting the cake, tossing the bouquet & garter, speeches, and any other special events you have planned). Our Something New package provides 6 consecutive hours of coverage, and our Something Old package provides 4 consecutive hours of coverage.

Q: What if I do not need two photographers at my wedding?
A: All of our packages include two photographers. This is not only to benefit you but to benefit Kalm Photography. First of all, photographing a wedding is challenging and it always helps to have two people to communicate with clients, carry equipment, and get different angles of all the big events. It is also good to have a second person for us to bounce ideas off each other, and talk about strategies throughout the day, especially in challenging lighting situations. Bonus: it is nice to have another person to talk to during the 'down time' of the big day.

Q: Do I get the rights to my photographs with any of the packages?
A: Digital files and a copyright release come with the Wedding Photo DVD. This item is included in our Something Borrowed and Something Blue packages. The DVD is also available for purchase a la carte.

Q: Do you travel across the state or to locations like Chicago?
A: Yes. We have a small travel fee for locations more than 40 miles from our studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Additionally, any travel fees like tolls, taxis, or ferry rides will be the responsibility of the client. When traveling more than 3 hours away, extra fees such as accommodations for all photographers may be necessary. This is assessed on an individual basis and we take into consideration the package purchased, location, number of hours covered, end time, etc.

Q: What does the Engagement Session include?
A: This includes an hour in our studio or 1-2 hours on location in the Grand Rapids area. We have a few favorite spots such as the Gerald R. Ford museum area, the Blue Bridge, GVSU's Downtown Campus, the Aquinas College Campus, Fallsburg Park in Lowell, and Townshend Park in Cannonsburg. Keep in mind the time of year when selecting your location, as these places can be very populated during the warmer months during the school year or during Art Prize in the fall. We will gladly take suggestions if there is another meaningful location in the area that you would like to visit.

Q: What if I do not need an Engagement Session?
A: If you have decided not to have engagement photos taken, as are included with some of our packages, we can instead offer you a 1 year anniversary portrait session, or another portrait session of your choice, perhaps for the holidays or for Easter pictures with real bunnies right in our studio.

Q: Why are your prices so affordable? My sister, cousin, friend, neighbor, etc. paid a lot more for her wedding photography.
A: We believe the best way to achieve high quality images is to keep the images in the studio and maintain control from the first shot to the last print. Many photographers outsource their editing and printing services. We do all of this right at our studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have professional, archival printers that can print the highest quality photographs right here, instead of using another lab service for our printing. This means we can pass along the savings to you.

Q: What is the Digital Proof Book?
A: This is an 11x8.5 album with thumbnail prints of all of your wedding images. This book is helpful for ordering, as we also include the image name below each photo.

Q: What is the 4x6 Photo Proof Book?
A: This is a traditional album that includes 250-300 of your favorite photos from your wedding. You select the photos, and we print and construct the album in chronological order.

Q: What is an 8x10 Photo Unit?
A: This is a professional print that can be divided up in a number of ways for you to get the print sizes you need for framing, albums, etc. Each unit can be either 1 8x10, 2 5x7s, 3 4x6s, 4 3.5x5s, or 8 wallets.

Q: What is the Signature Mat?
A: This is a large window mat that includes an 8x10 print, that you would set out at your wedding for guests to sign instead of a traditional guestbook.