frequently asked questions —

Q. WHAT GEAR DO YOU USE?

A. for photos and video, i shoot primarily using two canon 5D mark IV bodies. go-to lens for portrait sessions is a 35mm lens. i also use my 35mm for weddings, but i tend to switch to a 70-200mm or 85mm during ceremonies. when it comes to lighting, i definitely favor natural light, but i use a flash when necessary for photos - i.e. darker receptions, dramatic silhouettes, etc. for video light i use LED continuous light blocks.

Q. DO WE MEET IN PERSON? OR BOOK VIA EMAIL? HOW DOES THIS WORK?

A. totally up to you! i won’t say no to meeting up with you over coffee and discussing your wedding or session. but i’m also able to book you and discuss things virtually. i can also facetime you — or skype is an option too for non-apple users too!

Q. DO I/WE GET TO KEEP COPYRIGHT FOR MY/OUR PHOTOS?

A. no, as the photographer/videographer amelia charleen retains full copyright on all our work. however, you as the client are granted “usage” rights. basically, this means you can print and post your images and video as you please, as long as it is for personal use and you credit amelia charleen when you post them online! for example, you can print photos for frames or coffee table books, and post them on your facebook and instagram profiles with proper credit!

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO GET MY PHOTOS?

A. you’ll get a sneak peek within 48 hours of your wedding/session. on average, portrait session galleries will be ready within two weeks of the session date. however for weddings, it can take around six to eight weeks for the full gallery. wedding season gets crazy and i ask that you remain patient as i finish photos/videos in the order they were taken. i promise i will deliver your images and videos as soon as they are ready! i don't rush through editing because i hold myself to a certain standard of quality and we don't want to deliver something less than wonderful!

Q. Can you photoshop this?

A. all of my packages only include light retouching. this means i’ll edit out “the temporary.” on people, this includes things like blemishes, bruises, burns, anything that wouldn’t be there on an everyday basis. in the background of images, this would include minor distracting background flaws like trash, cigarette butts, parking meters, etc.

Q. DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

A. most definitely do. i have a policy to cover my gear and a policy to cover liability while on-site so you are in safe hands!

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT WE SHOULD WEAR for photos? WE NEED HELP!

A. yes, yes, and yes! amelia charleen not only has a pinterest board geared towards outfit inspiration, but also an amazon storefront with tons of fun pieces that would photograph well! click here to be directed to those resources!

Q. DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO SPACE?

A. i do! not only do i have access to a nights and weekends multipurpose space in bettendorf, but there are multiple rental studio spaces within the QCA that i also utilize regularly.

in 2017, i made the decision to close my preston, iowa storefront studio to relocate to the quad cities. the business side of things is now operated from my in-home office in bettendorf, iowa.