Critsey Rowe Photography: 10 Questions with Critsey Rowe

Photographer - Critsey Rowe

Business: Critsey Rowe Photography
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina NC
Experience: 15+ Years
Photography Types: Boudoir, Engagements, Weddings
Profile: Critsey Rowe Photography
Website: www.critseyrowe.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi There! My name is Critsey Rowe and my company is Critsey Rowe Photography, Lovingly abbreviated to CRP by many of my clients. I photographed my first wedding over 15 years ago and have been smitten ever since. I am also a boudoir photographer and adore helping women feel empowered through the art of photography. I have been fortunate enough to photograph weddings around the world and many weddings in my hometown of Charlotte NC. The best part of my job is getting to know my clients and making new friends. It is such a joy to photograph someone's love story and being able to share with them these magical moments captured on film to relive for a lifetime. I can't wait to hear about your story!

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I have been a wedding photographer for over 15 years. I have photographed over 500 weddings in my career. I am an expert in my field and have photographed every type of wedding from Catholic ceremonies to Hindu ceremonies to non-denomination. I am experienced in mixed-faith weddings, LGBTQ+ weddings, as well as small intimate weddings to huge elaborate weddings. I have seen and experience it all and have loved every minute of every wedding. Something you should know about me – I want to photograph you for you. I love getting to know my client's style and personalities so when I capture your event I am capturing you for who you are. My job is to artistically tell the love story of others. My photographic style is documentary with a flair for portraiture. I love photographing moments and telling a story. Whether you are getting married at a country barn, at The Ritz-Carlton, or on the beach, I want to tell YOUR story.

When you see your photos I want to take you back through the day’s events, the roller coaster of emotions from the nervousness of walking down the aisle to the giddy happiness of being just married. I will capture all of your beautiful special moments throughout the day.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

My style is artistic and documentary with a flair for portraiture. My editing style is clean, classic with natural color tones and classic black and whites. I want my client's photos to be timeless and not trendy or dated in just a few years.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

If a couple has chosen a Saturday date for their event they should book their photographer (and other vendors) at least one year in advance. The peak months for weddings in Charlotte NC are the months of June and October. If a client has a Saturday date in June or October they should book their vendors/photographer 16 months in advance to get their top choice vendors. If a couple has a Friday or Sunday date they may have more leeway to book closer to their date. Depending on the month/date my services get book 8 months to 16 months in advance.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

My packages start at $4200 and include two photographers, wedding day coverage, an online gallery of all images, and a USB of all wedding day digital files. I offer custom packages for intimate events with less than 20 guests and/or elopements. I am always happy to discuss making a custom package for clients that have specific needs.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

I am the lead photographer for my company and the second photographer that shoots with me on the wedding day can be one of three people on my team. I also have a reception specialist for bigger events and long wedding days. I also have an associate photographer that may be booked through my company if I am not available. Smaller events and elopements do not typically include my second photographer.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I charge a travel fee for events 30 minutes outside the greater Charlotte area. I do not charge for travel to Gastonia, Belmont, Monroe, Lake Norman, and similar close by towns. For travel outside of the state, I charge for airfare and hotel plus expenses. For travel outside the country, there may be additional permit fees and insurance fees.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums and prints may be purchased a la carte or added to any wedding package that does not include them.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

The digital gallery will be delivered in 6-8 weeks. This process includes hand editing every single file. We do not batch edit as this process does not deliver the quality we want to give our clients so we hand edit every single file for the best quality possible. Images are delivered in an online gallery and a custom USB in a custom case for the couple.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

If the couple cancels their event they will lose their retainer. If the couple postpones their event they will lose 50% of the retainer and the remaining portion will be applied to their new wedding date. Special amendment for Postponement due to COVID19. In the event there is a Postponement of the wedding due to the pandemic and/or County/State/Federal laws that prohibit the event from taking place due to safety and health measures, we will move the retainer to a new date without penalty to the couple. Some special circumstances may apply for the retainer to be returned in full to the couple.