FAQ’S

General

How long have I been a professional photographer?

Kirsty Joy Photography has been operating in New Zealand since 2017.

I started as a portrait photographer in 2015 in Australia, becoming NZIPP Accredited in 2018 and Accredited with The Portrait Masters in 2021. I expanded into Weddings due to strong demand in 2018 and have loved every minute of it!

Can I have all of my RAW/Un-Edited images?

Unfortunately, no.

RAW files are un-touched, straight out of camera files with no editing.

There is a process a professional photographer will follow from taking the image, processing, retouching, editing, converting, delivery (and so much more) to ensure the image given to you is a true representation of the service and product paid for. If I was to hand over RAW images this is not a true representation of my work.

Do I travel?

Short answer – YES!!

I’ve been lucky enough to travel from the Cape down to the South Island and even across to Australia for Portraits and Weddings.

Although extensive travel does incur a travel fee but it is kept at an affordable rate.

Why is a non-refundable deposit/retainer necessary?

A deposit secures your booking so that date cannot be given to another client. This is also security for the photographer; If a client was to cancel days out from the booking the photographer would have little to no chance of re-booking that date and potential clients would have already been turned away, thus insuring the photographer is compensated for loss of income/bookings.

Where are you located?

Our physical address is 10 Rust Ave, Whangarei with the best park directly outside the studio or across at the Whangarei Library.

Wedding

What type of approach do I take or what is my style? 

I describe my style as being a relaxed creative documentary style . I like to capture your special day as it unfolds, the true and authentic moments, this resulting in a beautiful natural representation of your day.
I want you to have images that tell the story of one of the most memorable days of your life, the tears, the laughs, the nerves and the joy! BUT don’t worry I do offer guidance through posed bridal shots and I’m always up for a laugh to help you relax.

How many wedding images will I receive?

Your wedding package will always state a minimum number of images to expect in your finished gallery BUT there is no maximum to the amount of images I will deliver if there are plenty of good ones from your special day!!!

How long will it take to receive my images after my wedding?

As you can appreciate in peak wedding season it does take a fair amount of time to cull through your photos, retouch and professional edit your gallery ready to be admired by you and your family and friends. I want to make sure I am happy with every photo I deliver, and this does take time. Please expect to wait up-to 8 weeks in peak season (Spring-Summer) and up-to 6 weeks in off peak season (Autumn- Winter). Sneak peeks are available within 48 hours.

Can I (the client) give other Vendors the wedding photos?

As I retain the copyright to the images and you have a personal use print release license your other vendors just need to get in touch with me for a commercial use license to use the images I have taken.
I’m always happy to provide these images as I love to support other small business but do ask that I am *credited for the use of images (*Credited- Name of photographer attached to the photo in a post on social media ect).

Do we need to provide you a meal on the day?

If you have chosen a package that runs through a dinner service, then I do ask you please provide a vendor meal. Usually this will be the first time all day that I have had a chance to sit down and refuel. Having this small break and food allows me to recharge my batteries (me – not my camera, I have back up batteries for that! ha!) so I can continue to provide an excellent service throughout the evening.

How much of a deposit do I need to pay?

A non-refundable 30% deposit is required with return of signed contract- This then secures your wedding booking. Outstanding balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding.

Can you recommend other wedding vendors for my special day?

Most definitely! I have worked with many amazing vendors and would be more than happy to give you recommendations for makeup artists, hair dressers, florists, caterers, decorators and more..

Portrait

What should we wear?

Depending on the time of the year and our photo session location I will guide you in what tones to accommodate into your clothing choices.
But please try and stay away from large logos and distracting patterns. If in doubt, neutrals and earthy tones are great!

Please click here for a basic style guide!

Are Maternity gowns provided?

Yes, I have a selection of designer gowns to fit all body shapes and sizes for your maternity session. 

Best time for Maternity photos?

Any time between 30 and 35 weeks before mummy-to-be gets to uncomfortable in the third trimester. 

How long until I receive my viewing gallery?

You will receive your proofing (Not edited) gallery within 48 hours of your session along with a few edited sneak peeks. Once you have chosen the images you’d like me to edit as part of your pre-purchased package or products you wish to invest in then I can usually have these turned around for you within 5 days.

How long will my viewing gallery stay valid for?

Your viewing gallery will be available online to view and/or purchase products from for 30 days from gallery delivery date.

How much of a deposit do I need to pay?

$250 non-refundable deposit/retainer and is required at time of booking to secure your date.

Can siblings and family be apart of the Newborn session?

Yes, we encourage family and siblings to be apart of these images. The sibling photos will be taken at the start of a newborn session. If the siblings are young and get irritable there are parks and playgrounds close by.