Stephane Lemaire Photography: 10 Questions with Stephane Lemaire

Photographer - Stephane Lemaire

Business: Stephane Lemaire Photography
Location: El Paso, Texas TX
Experience: 16 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Stephane Lemaire Photography
Website: stephanelemaire.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hey there, my name is Stephane, I am French and Live in El Paso, TX.

After I graduated from a photography school in Paris in 2001, my first job was to photograph buildings, the studio I was working for was specialized in making architects' portfolios.

Digital was still in the early stages, so I learned photography using film and chemistry.

In 2004, I left that studio and worked for another one.

It was then that I photographed my first wedding. I loved it right away! I enjoyed photographing couples having the best day of their lives.

My life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when I met a girl on Myspace and started to build a relationship, in 2008 I decided to leave France and come live in El Paso, Texas to be with her.

I started my wedding photography business in 2010 and have been blessed to do what I love for a living since then.

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

I photographed my first wedding in 2004.

In the last 16 years I have photographed over 250 weddings.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I want to photograph your wedding in the most genuine way.

My style is mostly candid but I enjoy giving you images that could be in a magazine.

I definitely want those beautiful and genuine smiles but I will also guide you in what to do with your hands and body if you need.

I want to give you the most vibrant memories so you can relive the day over and over.

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

The right time to book is around 12 months before your wedding.
I have couples that book 24 months in advance sometimes, I also have couples booking 6 months before.

I think a year before is a good timeframe.

Living in west Texas, you can get married pretty much all year round, but May and October are the most popular months.

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

I used to have collection A,B,C,D ... but I found out it was more confusion for my couples, I was offering too many options.

I decided to simplify everything and only offer 2 collections:

1) Full day Collection, includes up to 12 hours of coverage.
High resolution digital files. $200 print credit. 1 hour complimentary engagement session.

2) 4 Hours Elopement/Micro wedding Collection.

High resolution digital files.

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

I always bring an assistant/second photographer with me to all events. But I will not send my second photographer to photograph the groom. Bride and groom will have me to photograph their getting ready.

My assistant will help with my gears and lighting and also second shoot during the ceremony or reception.

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

Travel fees may apply for destinations further than 1 hour drive from El Paso, Texas which is where I am based.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums or Wall art is not included in the collection but available a la carte.

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

It ususally takes around 2 weeks after the engagement session and 6 weeks after the wedding to receive your online gallery.

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

Cancellation by Client

If, for any reason, Client cancels this Contract prior to or on the wedding date, the Photographer shall keep the non-refundable retainer and ALL monies paid as of the date of cancellation. Additionally, due to the high demand for the Photographer and the likelihood that the Photographer has turned down several inquiries for the wedding date, the cancellation leaves an unfilled opening in the Photographer’s calendar which results in unascertainable damages. Client agrees these cancellation fees are reasonable to accommodate the unfilled opening in the Photographer’s calendar and that they are not punitive in nature. Therefore, the following cancellation fees will be assessed:

(a) if the wedding is canceled 9 months before the wedding date, Client agrees to forfeit the non-refundable retainer and all monies paid.

(b) if the wedding is canceled 6 months before the wedding date, Client agrees to forfeit the non-refundable retainer, all monies paid, and pay 50% of the remaining balance of the Contract.

(c) if the wedding is canceled 3 months before the wedding date, Client agrees to forfeit the non-refundable retainer, all monies paid, and pay 75% of the remaining balance of the Contract.

(d) if the wedding is canceled 0 days - 30 days before the wedding date, Client agrees to forfeit the non-refundable retainer, all monies paid, and pay 100% of the remaining balance of the Contract.

All cancellations must be made in writing and signed by all contracted parties. If the Client fails to supply written cancellation, the Client shall be required to pay the full balance of the Contract.