Some frequently asked questions

 

 

Question: 

What is Nilas? Is your name Nilas?

 

Answer: 

When I was a teen, I came across the word and it was described as thin flat ice that surrounds sea borders and could bend with the waves without breaking. To me, it represents resilience and I took the name as an artists pseudonym. I've since named my first son Nilas, so that he is named after his father, but not directly. My name is Michael. 

 

 

 

Question: 

What is your shooting style?

 

Answer: 

Extremely laid back and down to Earth. I love to get to know my clients and I want you to feel comfortable. I don't try to over control a shoot. I usually try to set clients in position and then set a mood. I'll grab a few posed shots and then focus on grabbing those perfect, organic candids. 

 

 

 

Question: 

Why do you put all your different styles of work on your site? 

 

Answer: 

I invite my clients to get to know me. I want them to be comfortable with me, so I choose not to fear to lose potential clients because they've seen my other styles. I am a versatile photographer and believe in contrast. Whether I'm shooting weddings, general sessions, landscapes or dark works, photography is my passion and a part of me so I choose to share it all.

 

 

 

Question: 

Are you LGBT friendly?

 

Answer: 

I'm everybody friendly. Sexuality, race, religion, size... personal choices and genetics are not characteristics I take into account, because they don't matter. We're all just people, various as we come. All that matters is how we treat other people and the world around us. I long for the day where nobody will feel like they have to ask questions such as these.

 

 

 

Question: 

What equipment do you use?

 

Answer: 

I love this question.

 

If you're unfamiliar with cameras, the best way to describe my equipment would be various lenses on full frame Canon cameras. I am able to shoot in full sun or low light, without excessive use of flash. Actually, I usually try to avoid flash altogether, using natural light to create organic images. I use reliable memory card brands to avoid any loss of images.

 

If you're a photographer or person who enjoys cameras, here is the list of the equipment I most commonly use.

 

Body:

• Canon 5D MII & III

• Zenmuse X5

• GoPro Hero 7 Black

 

Lenses:

• Canon 85mm f1.2 L

• Canon 24-105mm f4 L (x2)

• Canon 50mm f1.4 & f1.8

• Canon Macro 100mm f2.8 L

• Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L

• Sigma 35mm f1.4

• Rokinon 14mm f2.8

• DJI 15mm f1.7

• Olympus 25mm f1.8

• Olympus 45mm f1.8

 

Cards:

• Lexar & San Disk

 

Drone:

• DJI Inspire 1

 

Post Production:

• Adobe Lightroom 

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Premiere Pro

 

And then some... If you have any further questions about equipment, feel free to reach out!

 

 

 

Question: 

Are you insured?

 

Answer: 

Absolutely. I have million dollar coverage, which means I'm good to shoot on national parks and then some. 

 

 

 

Question: 

What are past clients saying about you? Can you supply references?

 

Answer: 

I am very happy to have 5-star ratings across multiple platforms.  Make sure to drop by my review page. I collect every review I find across the web and place it here. I aim to create a comfortable and professional experience while delivering amazing images, every set. According to past clients, I've been doing a good job! If you need additional references, simply let me know and I can contact some past clients who have had sessions similar to what you're looking to have done.

 

 

 

Wedding Specific

 

 

Question: 

How much do weddings cost?

 

Answer: 

Wedding packages vary depending on a number of factors. That is why they aren't listed directly on the website. Seasons, the demand/popularity of the date, the day of the week, holidays and location can all play a small role in the pricing. Simply reach out through my wedding contact form (click here) to check availability and receive an investment sheet. I make sure to send them out as quickly as I can, usually on the same day unless I'm out hiking or at another wedding. 

 

To give a rough estimate before contact, my lowest priced wedding coverage is usually $1400, not including elopements and weekdays. 

 

 

 

Question: 

When did you begin shooting weddings? How many weddings have you shot?

 

Answer: 

I started shooting weddings in 2015 and I'll soon be capturing wedding number 100.

 

 

 

Question: 

How do I book you for my big day?

 

Answer: 

Simple! After we've confirmed availability and you choose the best package for you, we set a 25% deposit/retainer on the coverage package of your choosing. Optional extras like an engagement session or album don't have any effect on the deposit amount. For example, if you book all day coverage for $2000, your deposit will be $500, regardless of any additional sessions or prints. Deposits are usually set in person, with a check or online via Google Pay, Venmo, etc. At the same time, we will complete a client service agreement and the date will officially be locked in!

 

 

 

Question: 

Why should I pay a professional? My friend/family member has a camera.

 

Answer: 

Capturing weddings is no easy task. It takes skill, patience, knowledge, stamina, and a lot more. There are so many moments that happen only once. Moments you'll want to see, share, and keep for a very long time. So, my strongest recommendation whether you choose myself, a friend, or another person... please make sure you have an experienced professional.

 

 

 

Question: 

Why Choose you?

 

Answer: 

This is a question that has a fairly broad answer, so I'll break it up into a few sections.

 

My approach:

I take an unobtrusive documentative approach to weddings, allowing the day to flow naturally while capturing all the organic moments that unfold. That way, you'll be able to experience your big day the way it's supposed to be. When I cover bridal party, family, and bride and groom shots, I keep things fun and real, using the energy to capture genuine emotions. Of course, some clients do prefer a bit more direction, and I am very happy to provide it. 

 

My experience:

My experience is extensive. I've photographed nearly 100 weddings in venues and environments of all kinds. I've handled small elopements and huge weddings with hundreds of guests. I am very happy to maintain a 5-star rating on various platforms. I've seen tons of different wedding styles and layouts and I'm happy to use my knowledge to help you in any way I can.

 

My personality:

I'm a bit fearless, enabling me to be vocal when necessary, so I can position large groups, tell you when something is out of place, or even help make an announcement. Clients are always invited to treat me as a friend. If I'm not taking a picture during downtime, you can feel free to ask me to assist with other tasks. You don't have to worry about what you say or do around me. I promise nothing will phase me. I'm extremely open-minded, very laid back, and almost impossible to offend. If you're the oldest friend just flew in from across the country, there is no need to hold back the excited and crazy inner-self just because I am in the room. I promise I've seen and heard it all, and I definitely have a sense of humor that you're more than welcome to tap into. I also have an adventurous spirit, so I'm not afraid to climb a tree, hike up a mountain, swim in the ocean, or play in the mud. I'm a dad from a large and rowdy family, so I'm patient with children and calm amongst the chaos.

 

A few additional reasons:

• I do not force clients to utilize my printing services. 

• If you receive an image in black and white or sepia, I can also deliver it in color. (you will also get to choose color preference)

• I deliver images in a timely manner, and deliver sneak peeks quickly so you can share images shortly after the wedding.

• You are guaranteed a minimum of over 200 images, but there is no image maximum. I edit everything I can with no limitation. Clients usually receive 2-5 times the guaranteed amount of final images.

 

 

Beyond that, I can't think of too much else to say. So, as Shia would put it...