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FAQ

Bora Bora Photo & Video - Frequently Asked Questions

Should you not find the answer you are looking for please feel free to contact us.

PHOTO PACKAGES & RATES

  • What are your rates & packages? +

    Our packages are specifically designed for each resort to ensure you get the most out of your photo session. We not only establish our rates based on the time allocated for the session and the editing time required to deliver the number of desired images but also consider costs of photography world wide. We will typically shoot weddings and provide other types of photography several times a year in the US and sometime in Asia, thus we are very aware of costs outside of Bora Bora. We are fair M and do not over-inflate our rates simply because of the “Bora Bora” effect.Our packages will start at 50000 XPF while working at a resort and 40000 XPF while shooting on the main island. We offer many options with our packages with length of time for the photo session, land and aquatic photography at your resort as well as a full day tour to focus on aquatic photography with the wild life and include a photo session at your resort prior to going on the tour. Feel free to use this form to request pricing information details.

  • Can we purchase Prints? +

    Yes you will be able to purchase prints directly from your gallery. We work with a pro printing shop in the US who will deliver worldwide to your address. Check out our DEMO gallery

  • Do you have an option & packages for photos in the water? +

    Yes, we do. We have several options & packages available, for shooting in the water at your resort or in the lagoon with the wild life.

  • Is there a cancellation fee? +

    No, we don’t require any down payment so there is nothing to refund or charge – It is also a rare occurrence for us to have cancellations and thus do not have to inflict stringent policies. You are here on vacation, to enjoy YOUR time and we understand things happen. I just kindly ask that you let us know as soon as there is a change on your side. Some resorts may have their own cancellation policy if you booked through them.

  • Are you available to follow us during an excursion? +

    Yes, however there might be an extra cost from the operator. For this type of situation, best is to contact us to let me know your intent and I will work it out with the operator. We have a good working relationship with many operators and would be happy to give you some suggestions.

  • Are you rates more expensive when working with an assistant? +

    No, we are a couple and we are fortunate to love what we do and to be able to live in Bora Bora. We come as a package!
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GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Do we get to select our photos? +

    We have two sets of eyes and are trained at selecting what we think is the best and most flattering photos so our clients typically trust us with the selection. However, we can let you make the selection if you wish. We see no real advantage of doing so and chances are you will be busy once you are back home - That is up to you!

  • Our resort recommended another photographer? +

    Some resorts may have a vested interest to push for a specific photographer. However, just like with any activity or service it remains YOUR choice to choose your photographer. You would not select to have dinner at a restaurant because it was recommended if you don’t feel the menu is right for you. Each photographer has their own philosophy and style, compare and make the selection based on your gut feelings. We have a agreements in place with most resorts and can work with any of them in Bora Bora.

  • When is the best time to have a photo session while in Bora Bora? +

    This is perhaps the most asked question. There is no short answer but the morning will typically render more crisp and vibrant photos while the afternoon will typically make for a softer light with more reflection on the water. This will also depend on the resort’s location.

  • What is the most important aspect of a photo shoot and photography? +

    While composition, exposure and photography techniques are important, capture meaningful and candid expressions and moments of our couples is what we seek.

  • What is your style? +

    Photography remains an art and you are part of the master piece! I believe it is essential to understand and connect with my clients and adapt to the situation and their OWN style. Your personality will also bring different inspiration and thus each session can be quite different. Overhaul, my style is on the photo-journalist / candid side; I believe in movement VS still. Posing is not a given so I will try to minimize it during a session, of course we will coach you through some poses as well.

  • Which language do you speak? +

    Being French-American and having lived in the US most of my life, I speak English & French. Bonnie, my wonderful wife speaks English, Mandarin & Cantonese. 如有需要 我的助理能说国语

  • Do you systematically publish our photos on your web site and/or social media? +

    No, I respect your privacy and I will always request your permission before doing so. It is also not systematic and takes us time to publish them.

  • Can we have a "Trash the Dress" photo session? +

    Of course, these are fun and we would normally do this a end of the session. We can capture such scenes with any of our photo packages while we are on the surface and also in the water with you. We also have packages designed to capture scenes in the lagoon with the wild life.There are few safety considerations and it is always nice to let me know ahead of time.

  • Do you do Boudoir photography? +

    Yes, working as a couple makes it easier for clients to be relaxed in front of the camera. Boudoir photography would be done at your OWB, we can also organize semi-nude and nude session at some private beach locations.

  • Is a one hour photo session enough? +

    This is the most common photo session, yes it is normally enough but the amount of photos you will receive depends on the time you will spend in front of the camera. Many client’s wish to change attire during a session, this is absolutely fine and I actually encourage it but this is a factor to consider. Not all resorts are equals, we carefully designed our packages specifically for each resort. We love what we do and are very generous with the time we spend on location during a shoot. My objective is to always maximize the number of spots at the resort instead of delivering repeat photos at one place. With these considerations in mind, some clients opt to have 2 or 3 hours allocated for the session.

  • Do you shoot weddings in Bora Bora? +

    Yes, this is a good portion of our work along with “honeymoon” shoots. We are available at ALL resorts and when required can also photograph legal ceremonies which take place in Vaitape at the Town Hall. Photographing a traditional Tahitian ceremony is something we love doing, the dancers, musicians, Tahua as well as the decorations can make for amazing scenes.

  • What attire is best? +

    The weather being hot, comfortable and light clothing is ideal! You need to feel comfortable during the session! Long dresses that flow with the air are great as they will provide elegant movement on the photos; colors that contrast with the elements here will make you stand out on the photos. For the men:-) A nice casual shirt is best, due to the hot weather T-Shirts tend to stick to the body.

  • Where can you shoot in Bora Bora? +

    We are available at all resorts in Bora Bora, We predominantly shoot at the resorts but we are also available to shoot on the main Island of course as well as overseas or other Islands in French Polynesia.

  • Do you shoot outside of Bora Bora? +

    Being based here, we predominantly work here but also travel abroad to shoot weddings. We like to spend time in the US East Coast as well as Hong Kong, we typically will shoot in these locations a few times a year.

  • Do you work alone? +

    We are couple photographer and we work together. Bonnie is most helpful demonstrating poses, assisting with wedding dresses as well as handling the light when needed, she also has a good eye for details and composition and a wonderful second shooter when needed.

  • Are you rates more expensive while working as a couple? +

    No, we are a couple and we are fortunate to love what we do and to be able to live in Bora Bora.

  • Do you photograph families? +

    Yes of course.

  • Do you photograph in the water? +

    Yes, this is something we love doing, Bora Bora is a wonderful spot to have aquatic photo sessions. Some resorts offer great spots to achieve stunning photos in the water. It is also possible to have a full day shoot on the lagoon if you wish.

  • Do you photograph maternity? +

    Yes of course and working as a couple is ideal, Bonnie is wonderful at coaching through poses and scenes.

  • How far in advance do we need to book? +

    Many couples here will decide to have a fun last minute casual photo session prior to be leaving Bora Bora. If you are set on having a session, reserving ahead of time will insure availability.

  • Can we re-schedule in the event of inclement weather? +

    Yes, I understand this can happen and try to remain as flexible as I can be. I don’t normally do more than one session in a day to remain flexible. Having moved here from the US for a slower pace of life, I also need not to feel I am doing factory work but enjoy the time I spend with my clients. You having a fun and relaxing shoot is important to me!
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POST PRODUCTION & DELIVERY

  • How do you deliver the photos? +

    Your images will be delivered as a private online gallery. The gallery will remain online for 60 days, you will be able to download and save High Resolution images as well as a web version. The gallery will also give you the possibility to order prints, orders are fulfilled by a US Pro Lab and will be delivered to your doorstep. The gallery can also be shared with friends and family if you wish. Check out our DEMO gallery

  • Can we obtain a Slideshow? +

    Yes, can create a .mp4 Slideshow with Titles and Music if you wish - There is an additional charge as it takes some work to re-format the photos for a TV screen as well create the movie.

  • Do you deliver every photo taken? +

    No we do not. We take many extra photos during a shoot; it is the photographer’s task to carefully select and weed out images with unflattering expressions, eyes closed, poor focus, test shots, repeat shots etc.

  • How many images do you typically deliver? +

    Most commonly, packages in Bora Bora are defined by the hour with the delivery of X photos. A typical photoshoot of one hour will normally yield around 50 photos but please feel free to ask for package details available at your resort.

  • Do you re-touch the photos? +

    Yes, this is an absolute must; I firmly believe that is any the task of any professional photographer! Any photographer not re-touching or only re-touching a certain amount of photos does not do justice to its clients. ALL the images selected for delivery go through post-production re-touching!

  • What does re-touching mean and is there an extra cost? +

    Shooting in RAW will render very flat images which need post production adjustments to be made. Exposition, color, contrast, reducing or enhancing highlights are the basics. It also includes the removal of un-wanted objects in the background, some skin softening on close ups, removal of unflattering skin anomalies (pimples). This is why you hire a professional photographer, details make the difference and that is part of the package – No additional cost.

  • Can we obtain the RAW images? +

    Normally not, there are certain considerations around this subject. I am not opposed to delivering a few and will be happy to have a discussion on the subject.

  • What exactly do we obtain? +

    You will obtain all the images selected for delivery in a digital JPG format. One set in high resolution for printing purposes as well as a set in lower resolution mostly to be used on social media/web. I will also select a few photos and process them with different filters, low tones, sepia, B&W etc.

  • How quickly can we obtain the photos? +

    My philosophy being to deliver quality images rather than quantity, I don’t cut corners during post production work. Depending on workload, and the quantity of photos to deliver; please allow 3 to 7 business days.

  • I see some photos on your portfolio are lower in tones or B&W? +

    While my objective is to deliver REALISTIC photos that are not over saturated, I take advantage of the digital era! All my clients will also get a sub-set based on the original but processed in a different way. This is to give you a variety of photos, which is especially nice when printing a book.

  • Do you archive and keep a copy of the photos? +

    Yes, I archive the RAW photos for a period of 3 months and your gallery will remain online for 3 months as well.
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