Will Ruth Silver be the one photographing my wedding/event/photo session?
We now offer both photography by Ruth Silver and photography by our associates. If you are interested in Ruth Silver being your wedding photographer, please check out our pricing page. We offer wedding packages suitable to all budgets.
I’d like two photographers at my wedding, can you do that?
Sure! If a second photographer is available for your wedding date, just add $995 to the package cost.
Will I be able to meet with you, the photographer, for a consultation before our wedding?
Yes! If you are hiring Ruth Silver, you will receive a free in-studio consultation where we may go over your schedule, expectations, view samples and any other details that you’re interested in finding out. All visits are by appointment only so please contact me so I can set up a time that works for both of us! If you are hiring an associate and wish to meet your photographer before your wedding, you will need to set up a time and book an engagement session! You are always welcome to come to the studio if you are hiring as associate to see our albums and sample products before booking with us!
Do you photograph commitment ceremonies?
Yes. I would love to be a part of your special day and would be honored to be chosen as your photographer.
Is travel included in the cost of your wedding packages? Do you travel outside of the Chicago area for weddings? Do you do destination weddings?
Our pricing includes travel within the Chicagoland area. This generally includes travel up as far north as Kenosha, Wisconsin; as far west as Rockford, Illinois; Ottawa, Illinois; and as far south as Pontiac, Illinois.
Are you available on my wedding date? How long will you hold it for me?
You can contact me by email or phone to see if I have your date currently available. I will hold your date only with a signed contract and non-refundable retainer.
How much is the deposit? What is the payment schedule?
I require a non-refundable retainer of 50% upfront at the time of booking for weddings and 100% retainer for portrait sessions. This reserves your date so that I will not book any other clients on your day. The remainder for weddings/events is due 30 days before your event. This gives adequate time for the check to clear and keeps us from having to deal with collecting money on your wedding day. My focus is on providing you with the best photography coverage and not worrying about collecting payments. I like to make your wedding day as stress free as possible! Payment is accepted by cash, check, paypal or any major credit card.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
Yes! I am a member of Professional Photographers of America, Wedding and Portrait Photographers International and the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce. As an active member, I attend conferences, referral groups, meetings, conventions, and webinars. You can verify my listings on ppa.com, wppionline.com and plainfieldchamber.com
Do you have insurance?
Yes! I have liability, indemnity, and equipment coverage. Though I hope to never need any of it, I do believe that every professional business should be prepared. Also many venues require photographers and other vendors to carry at least liability. All associates are required to carry liability coverage.
Do you give a full copyright release to all the images?
I give a personal print release when purchasing the digital images. They are high resolution and in JPG format, ready for printing. The personal print release included allows you to use the photos for any personal use (making your own album, cards, prints, etc). Ruth Silver Photography still owns the copyright to the images.
How long will you keep my files for storage?
I promise to keep your images for three years in storage! We’re the longest in the industry. Most studios guarantee up to one year! We do charge a small fee for image retrieval after we have provided you with your disc.
How long do I have to order prints?
You will have an online ordering gallery for three months. You should intend on purchasing any prints and albums during this time. By having access to the gallery, you will be able to choose the images you would like in your wedding album.
Can you photograph in black and white?
All my work is digital so yes, all images can be converted to black and white. Any prints you purchase will be professionally color corrected by an expert lab technician and will have the option of color or black and white.
Do you require a meal at our wedding?
If I am there four hours or more, I require a hot meal. Often times it’s been six hours or longer since I’ve eaten, given travel times and arriving early. Typically when the bride and groom sit down to eat, no one wants their picture taken with food getting shoved in their mouth. It’s a great time for your photographer to eat as well. Usually there is an empty seat from a guest that couldn’t make it and I’m happy to sit there so you don’t have to pay for an extra plate. However, if there isn’t a seat or your unable to feed me, please note that I (along with any second photographers or assistants) will leave the premise for an hour when the bride and groom sit down to eat so that I may grab a hot meal.
What kind of camera do you have? Do you have a backup camera?
I use Nikon’s professional series of cameras and lenses. I always carry adequate backup equipment to all weddings and events. All associates are required to carry adequate backup equipment and professional Nikon or Canon gear.
What format do you photograph?
All my pictures are digital and taken in RAW. They are then converted to JPG for printing.
Are all the photographs in your portfolio from actual weddings or are they photographs of models possibly taken at a workshop?
Every photograph in my wedding portfolio is from an actual wedding I’ve photographed. Portrait and boudoir sessions include real clients and models since some clients are uncomfortable with such intimate pictures online.
What happens if you’re sick and can’t make the wedding?
I have a network of professional photographers that I rely on. They photograph in a similiar style with similiar pricing. They would be contacted and you would have the option of going with them should something unforseen occur. If no coverage is found or you choose not to use one of the photographers, you will receive a full refund, including your retainer. Should you choose to hire an associate — another associate will be available should your photographer become ill and unable to attend.
When will I be able to see my pictures?
Online proofs are available within 60 days, often sooner. Portrait sessions can expect a 7-10 day turnaround.
Do you offer Bridal, Boudoir, Engagement, Rehearsal Dinner, and/or Rock the Dress Sessions?
Yes! Please see our portrait pricing for details.
How do I order photographs after my proofs are online?
Please log onto Pictage and scroll to the bottom of the page. Enter your Event Name (Bride & Groom names) along with the event date. You will need to register with a username and password to view your pictures. Once registered you can order professionally edited pictures as well as many other fine art items!
How long do I have to order proofs?
The online gallery is accessible for three months.
What will you wear to our wedding? I’ve heard horror stories about photographers dressing in t-shirts, jeans, and flip flops.
I always wear black or brown slacks, a black dress shirt and black shoes to all the weddings I’ve photographed. It is important that I blend in (as best as I can) and am comfortable because often times I’ll be on my knees as much as I will be standing up taking pictures. I never wear shorts, khaki’s, cargos, flip flops, jeans, or anything else that would be inappropriate for a wedding! I’ve considered wearing a black dress but sometimes I get down on my hands and knees for pictures — might not be the best idea!
Will you arrive on-time for our wedding?
I always arrive early to weddings. This is something that any photographer should be doing. There is a certain amount of “set-up” time required in hooking up and testing all photography equipment. As a professional, I do not shoot on “auto” mode and thus as a result have to spend an adequate amount of time in preparation to set my camera accordingly. Also on the day of the wedding, I like to arrive early so that I might scout out any additional locations that may have otherwise been overlooked.
Will you accept a shot list for my wedding day?
No. Please understand that you are hiring me for my creative and artistic talent as well as my ability as a professional photographer. I will accept a list of formal pictures that you want during the formal session only. This list will include your specific family members for each shot and a designated family member will be involved in gathering the appropriate people when necessary.
I had another photographer shoot my wedding. Can you make an album for me?
You would need to provide me with a high resolution disc and a print release provided from your photographer.
Do you offer any recommendations on other vendors?
I do offer a list of vendor referrals. These are professionals that I have full confidence in their skill, style, experience, professionalism and reputation in the industry. This list is ever-changing and available for viewing here. Please note, I never make any money on vendor referrals. I offer this strictly as a professional courtesy because I believe in the work that they do.
What do you wear to a Boudoir Session? Do you offer Bridal Boudoir?
Yes we do offer Bridal Boudoir which can be planned and done in advance of your wedding day or on your wedding day if given adequate time before you put your gown on. We recommend in advance so you can surprise your husband-to-be with photos on your wedding day. We recommend wearing new lingerie including (but not required) corset, push up bra, thong, pearl necklace, sports jersey, wedding veil, bouquet, hat, tie, stockings/thigh highs, boots, high heels, feather boa, flower petals, or even his work attire if he has a uniform!
If I do a Boudoir Session are my images kept private? Can I bring a friend?
Yes you may bring a friend and yes your images are kept private. You will have access to a password protected gallery that only you (and your spouse) will be able to view. You can put in a private order for prints online as well.
How can I contact you?
You can use the contact button for e-mail or if you’d like to chat on the phone to get information or my availability. Please call 815-556-9886 and if you don’t get ahold of me, do leave a message. I will return all emails/messages within 24 hours. Hours are M-F 9am-7pm. Sat/Sun 9am-2pm. Please remember that if I don’t answer the phone, I’m with a client and I will return your call as soon as possible!
