Preserving Your Timeless Memories with Top-Notch Data Backup

Welcome to Arch Visual Studio, where we turn your precious moments into everlasting memories. As your dedicated wedding photography studio, we take great pride in our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of your cherished memories. Let's take a closer look at how we go above and beyond to safeguard your wedding photos with our top-notch data backup process.

Your Wedding Photos: Treasures Beyond Compare

At Arch Visual Studio, we understand the immense value of your wedding photos – they are priceless treasures that encapsulate the love, joy, and emotions shared on your special day. We consider it an honor to be entrusted with preserving these extraordinary moments for you and your future generations.

A Multi-Layered Fortress of Data Backup

Our data backup process is akin to a fortress, designed to withstand any challenges and protect your memories from all angles. We leave no stone unturned to ensure your peace of mind.

1. On-Site Data Guardians: From the very moment we start capturing your wedding day, our vigilant on-site data guardians kick into action. Your images are promptly and securely backed up to our specialized storage systems, safeguarding them from any potential mishaps.

2. Fortified Redundant Storage: We believe in the power of redundancy, which is why your photos are stored across multiple fortified hard drives. This multiplies the layers of protection, minimizing the risk of data loss to an absolute minimum.

3. Off-Site Fortresses: As an added layer of defense, we go the extra mile by transferring your cherished memories to off-site fortresses, distributed across different secure locations. This strategy ensures that your photos remain unscathed, no matter what challenges come our way.

Encryption: Your Memories, Your Privacy

Your privacy is of paramount importance to us. As part of our commitment to safeguarding your data, all transfers and storage are encrypted using cutting-edge technology. Your wedding photos are for your eyes only, and we make sure it stays that way.

Rigorous Data Backup Testing and Drills

Just like knights honing their skills, we regularly conduct rigorous data backup testing and drills. These ensure that our backup process is in perfect shape and ready to protect your memories at a moment's notice. Our meticulous approach leaves no room for surprises.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Our Disaster Recovery Plan

While we always strive for the best, we also prepare for the unexpected. Arch Visual Studio has a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place, outlining the precise steps to take in case of any unforeseen events. Rest assured that we are prepared to face any challenges head-on, leaving no room for data loss to affect your cherished memories.

Our Promise to You: A Timeless Keepsake

At Arch Visual Studio, our promise is simple: to deliver not just beautiful images, but a timeless keepsake that will make your heart skip a beat for years to come. Our data backup process is an integral part of this promise, ensuring that your wedding memories are forever preserved and protected.

Your love story is a masterpiece, and we consider it an honor to play a part in capturing its essence. Trust Arch Visual Studio to safeguard your memories with our top-notch data backup process, so you can relive the magic of your wedding day, time and time again.

Your timeless memories, our timeless commitment. Welcome to Arch Visual Studio, where your love story becomes an eternal work of art.

As you embark on your journey of eternal love, let me take you on a magical tour of one of my all-time favorite wedding venues – the mesmerizing Madison Green House! Picture this: a place where the lush gardens and charming spaces set the stage for your most cherished memories. I've been lucky enough to capture numerous love stories here, and each time, it feels like stepping into a fairytale!

Unveiling Nature's Artistry

Let me tell you, the Madison Green House is nature's canvas – a masterpiece in every sense. The moment you set foot on its grounds, you're surrounded by beauty that seems straight out of a romance novel. The gardens are a vision of perfection, with delicate blooms, enchanting pathways, and verdant greenery as far as the eye can see. For a photographer like me, it's an absolute dream come true! Every turn offers a picture-perfect backdrop for your love story – be it an intimate elopement or a grand celebration with all your loved ones.

Pros: Where Beauty Knows No Bounds

One of the many reasons I'm head over heels for this venue is its sheer beauty! The lush gardens and serene ambiance make for the most romantic setting you could ever imagine. It's like Mother Nature herself stepped in to ensure your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary. And let me tell you, capturing your love amidst this natural splendor is an absolute delight! The soft, natural light filtering through the greenery creates a dreamy and ethereal vibe, making your wedding photos a true work of art.

Cons: Embracing Challenges with Love

Now, let's get real for a moment. While the Madison Green House is undeniably beautiful, it does come with a few quirks. When the warm months roll in, the interior can get a tad steamy. But fret not, dear couple! As your trusty wedding photographer, I've got your back. I've learned to navigate the humidity like a pro, ensuring you stay cool, calm, and collected throughout your special day. After all, love conquers all – even a little heat!

Making Music with Microphones

Ah, the sweet sound of love – and the occasional microphone system challenge! Don't worry; I've got it covered. At the Madison Green House, we're dealing with a slightly tricky microphone setup. But fear not! With my trusty bag of tricks, I'll connect those 1/4 cables like a maestro. And your vows, speeches, and heartfelt words will ring out crystal clear, leaving not a dry eye in the house!

Bathroom Breaks and Friendly Vibes

Now, let's talk about washrooms – a topic we don't always discuss openly, but it's essential, right? Rest assured, I'll make sure your guests have a pleasant experience, even in that department. I'll discreetly capture the moments that matter while keeping the washroom smells far away from your wedding album.

And oh, the bar staff! While they could be a tad more friendly to us vendors, I'll make sure the positive energy of your day shines through every photograph. Love and joy are contagious, and together, we'll create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that no one can resist.

So, my lovely couples, if you're searching for a place where love blooms, laughter echoes, and nature dances to the rhythm of your heart, Madison Green House is the perfect spot. With my camera in hand and my heart full of excitement, I can't wait to capture the timeless moments of your love story in this enchanting haven. Let's make magic together and create memories that will make your hearts skip a beat for years to come!

As couples embark on their journey of planning the perfect wedding, one crucial decision often takes center stage: choosing the right studio to capture their unforgettable moments. In a world where visuals hold immense power, it's essential to select a wedding studio that offers not just a photographer or a videographer, but both! Don't settle for half measures when you can have the perfect duo by your side, capturing every smile, tear, and stolen glance.

When it comes to wedding memories, why limit yourself to just one medium? Photography freezes moments in time, capturing the essence and beauty of each frame. However, videos bring those moments to life, enabling you to relive the laughter, the vows, and the heartfelt speeches in all their heartfelt glory. By combining both photography and videography, you create a treasure trove of memories that transcend the boundaries of still images.

Picture this: a team of talented photographers and videographers working in tandem to document your wedding day from every angle. They seamlessly coordinate, ensuring that no detail escapes their lenses. The unity between photographers and videographers guarantees that your memories are captured in a way that both delights the eye and tugs at the heartstrings.

Consistency is key, especially when it comes to your wedding memories. By selecting a studio that offers both photography and videography, you ensure that your visual narrative remains intact. Each photograph and video clip harmoniously complements the other, painting a complete picture of your special day. The result? A collection of imagery that not only captures your unique story but also exudes a cohesive style and vision.

Time is a precious commodity on your wedding day. Having a dedicated team of photographers and videographers working together means they can efficiently manage their time. While one captures the first kiss, the other immortalizes the tearful hug between the bride and her father. The coordination between the two ensures that no moment is missed, allowing you to bask in the joy of your wedding without worrying about missing a beat.

Let's not forget about the magic that happens after the wedding. Post-production is an art form in itself, requiring an understanding of how photography and videography can seamlessly intertwine. When your wedding documentation is entrusted to a studio offering both services, they possess the expertise to edit and retouch your visuals consistently. This results in a final product that encapsulates the emotions and beauty of your day, ready to be cherished for years to come.

So, dear couples-to-be, as you embark on the journey of choosing the perfect studio for your wedding, remember not to settle for halfway memories. Seek a team that offers both photography and videography, a dynamic duo that will capture your love story in all its breathtaking glory. Embrace the magic of photography and the enchantment of videography, and let your memories unfold with the perfect harmony of sights and sounds. Your wedding day deserves nothing less.

You have just found the right page for one of the most important questions when you search for a photographer for your wedding!

“What is the average price for wedding photography services in Toronto?”

Wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the level of experience and reputation of the photographer/videographer, the amount of coverage required, the type of package selected, and the number of photographers/videographers required.

Most wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto include a set number of hours of coverage, edited digital files, and a selection of prints or an album. Some packages may also include additional features such as engagement sessions, second shooters, aerial footage, or same-day editing.

It's important to research and compare different photographers/videographers to find the right package that meets your needs and budget. Many photographers/videographers offer custom packages tailored to individual requirements, so don't hesitate to reach out and ask for a quote.

Wedding photography and videography is a crucial aspect of any wedding ceremony, as it captures the memories and moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. The cost of wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto can vary greatly depending on several factors such as:

1. Experience and Reputation: Established photographers with a good reputation and experience in the industry tend to charge higher fees than those just starting out.

2. Coverage and Package Selected: The amount of coverage required, such as hours of shooting, additional shoots, and extras such as prints or albums, can significantly impact the package's price.

3. Number of Photographers/Videographers: Some wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto include a second shooter, drone footage or an assistant, which can impact the overall cost.

4. Location: Wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto can vary depending on the location and travel expenses.

It's important to do your research and compare various photographers/videographers to find a package that meets your requirements and budget. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and ask to see sample albums or videos to ensure that their style and quality of work align with your preferences.

When selecting a photographer or videographer, it's crucial to consider their style, personality, and communication skills as they will be working closely with you on your special day. Ensure that you discuss all details, including timeline, expectations, and shot list before the wedding day to avoid any misunderstandings.

In conclusion, wedding photography and videography packages in Toronto can vary depending on several factors. It's essential to do your research, compare various photographers/videographers, and communicate your requirements to ensure that you receive the best possible package at the most reasonable price.

Did an event at Markham Convention Centre recently and I wanted to share my experience here.

I was running a photobooth and a man asked me to take a picture using his cell phone. I declined and the man wasn’t happy and kept asking why. I explained that I am a professional photographer and I will be happy to shoot him a picture using my camera, but not his phone. He insisted and I said no again. This man claims he was the owner of the venue, and I again offered to take a picture using my camera, but he was not very happy. This was so rude because I felt being pressed to do something that I’m not obligated to do for him.

During the event, my server missed to serve food twice until I asked for it.

The entrance does not have an access button, so lugging in my gears took some effort.

The entrance of the banquet halls at the side does not feature an air lock. It only have one set of doors, so cold air keeps coming in to the photo booth area, making it very comfortable.

Another annoying fact that I discovered during the event was that, the wall divider didn’t seem doing a great job keeping sound from the event next door out. This is a huge downside for me.

It's important to ask your speech givers to occasionally pause and look at you or your guests for a second. If they are looking at their scripts  all the time, it's hard to get a good shot.

Julius Banquet Centre  
2201 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M9M 2Y9

Just did a wedding at Julius Banquet Centre and felt good about it. So I'm writing a review from a photographer's perspective.

Pros

• Parking is free, convenient, lots available spots.
• Venue staff would hold the door open for guests - but for a limited time. They are not present when I arrive for setup neither after the party ends.
• Servers are trained not to cross in front of cameras -  this is a huge plus!!!
• All wall outlet are working - good! Comparing to some other venues you often find bad outlets or ones with very weak load. Where the outlets are located is very important for me to decide where to place my studio strobes. Ideally, four lights on each corner would be great but it depends on how the tables are setup on the day of.
• There are spotlights on the ceiling to light up areas such as the head table and podium - need work with DJ to control those lights.
• Ceiling and walls are in light colour, which is helpful for bouncing lights.
• Nice washroom.
•  

Cons

• There is no wheelchair accessible door opener. I often depend on the button to open the doors and hold it open for me so I can drag my equipment cart through. I had to use sandbags to hold the door open. Not a big deal though.

The Experience

The ceremony and reception are held in the same hall. So it's divided into two halves. The head table side was setup with chairs and the couple along with the officiant stood right in front of the head table. The rest of the space was filled with chairs in a typical setting. The other half of the room was filled with already-setup dining tables - ready to be moved to the other half the room after the ceremony is done.

I found the space is really tight due to this setup, some people have to be standing in the back during the ceremony. The space is quite good for the reception though.

I would recommend this venue, however, do consult the photographer about the table chart so wall outlets are not blocked by tables.

It appears that many videographers out there are still offering DVDs to their clients. However, in my opinion, DVD videos are sub-quality, difficult to share and most importantly, will eventually become obsolete. If you can't imagine yourself watching your wedding video from a tape today, then don't go with a DVD. At Arch Visual Studio, we offer 4K UHD format videos to future-proof your memories.

DVDs generally have a capacity of 4GB. Our full-length videos are often exceeds 8GB per section i.e. ceremony, part one of your reception and part two of your reception. Plus the highlight video, these videos often adds up to over ten or twenty GB of data. Burning all these data to a single DVD disc means significant loss of quality. We are proud of delivering at the highest bitrate possible, so DVDs are not one of our options.

How do you share your wedding video to family members and friends? Videographers often charge a lot for extra copies. Don't you want to make your own copies instead? We've thought about it! With cloud storage, you don't even have to make duplicates to share it with friends or family members. All you need to do is to send them a sharing link, so they can download the video at their convenience.

How about watching your video on a TV? You may connect your laptop to your TV via a HDMI cable. For some TVs, you can connect a USB key to it. For best viewing experience of our 4K videos, you will need a 4K TV to see all these amazing details.

Talk to us today to learn technologies we use for high quality wedding photo and videos.

A client has recently asked me about what do I shoot during "getting ready" part in the morning on their wedding day I thought I should write an article about it.

When I arrive at the groom's/bride's house, I start by introducing myself and my team members to the parents, groomsmen and any guest in the house. Getting to know who's who allows me to pay special attention to their reactions during the ceremony and reception. Then I will find the best spot for taking photos/videos - usually by a large window, outside in the yard or deck, or on a balcony.

Some hotels has inspiring architectural designs, which is perfect for wedding photos!

Here is a suggested list 

• Groom's getting ready: grooming, putting on shirt, tie, jacket, parents or best man helping etc...
• Groom's accessories: watches, ties, socks, belts, cufflinks, shoes etc...
• Bride's getting ready: makeup (last a few stroke of brush, eyelash - mascara, lipstick), hair, jewelries, getting in the the wedding gown (the last pull or zipping up by the mom), installation of the vale, flowers, rings (both the groom's and the bride's)
• Candid shots
• Gift giving
• Have a few drinks
• Photos with the parents
• Photos with the bridal party
• Card reading - write some of your thoughts on a card and read it out in front of the camera - the bride/groom won't see it until the video is delivered

The First Look

Basically this part gives the groom an opportunity to be amazed by the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony begins. However, some culture or religion insists that the groom does not see the bride until the ceremony begins.

Location wise, here are a few ideas:

• Steps in front of the church
• A park or garden
• A location where guests can't see the bride

Basically the the groom will be standing with his back facing the the direction where the bride is coming in. The bride comes in and taps the groom on his shoulder and the groom turns around and sees the bride for the first time in her wedding dress.

Checkout our sample videos to get an idea.

Some Photo/Video Shoot

If time allows, we could go to a park or garden even just outside of the venue for some photos and video shots.

Environmental Shots

We will take some environmental shots of the venue without asking. 

I often look at other wedding videographer's posted packages and I've been feeling it's time to clarify common types of wedding videography packages on the market as well as the idea behind how I design my wedding video packages and why it's better.

There are several types of video packages you will find online:

Highlight Video Only

What you get: A highlight video of your day. Usually 3-6 minutes long, This should include all important and fun moments of the day plus some designed b-roll and insert shots.

What it takes:

• One videographer with one or two video cameras.
• An on-camera directional microphone and/or
• a wireless lavaliere microphone and/or
• a small audio recorder hide in the groom's jack pocket
• In terms of editing, first of all, all footage from different cameras and audio files recorded separately have to be synced up. This is very time-consuming if doing by hand. Or it could be fast by using specialized software. Then a series of artistic decision are made to arrange the footages and cuts are made to preserve desired part of the footage. Then music track is introduced and markers are placed according to the mood, tempo and beats to have video clips dropped in later. This is usually the most time-consuming part of the project. Creativity is critical. The color-grading is applied for styles. In addition, sound works is important too. Then the video is polished with transition effects and additional fine-tuning. An editor usually go over the same footage at least 10 times and there is a reason behind every editing decision.

What to watch for: 

• This type of package usually does not offer a full-coverage of your event. Which means you lose memories of lots details of your wedding over time and it's forever gone.

Highlight Video + Raw Footage

What you get: The highlight video plus all the raw footages captured on the day of.

What to look for: The downside of getting raw footage is that, you have to be patient and forgiving about watching parts of footages that is supposed to discarded. For example, when you press down the record button, it takes a few seconds to get focus, stabilize movement and some undesired sound may also be recorded. In my opinion, it's a pain to watch these footages. I don't understand why other videographers are offering this option, it's like selling a sour dough instead of a freshly baked loaf.

Highlight Video + Documentary 

What you get: You get the highlight, of course plus some edited segment of your wedding - say ceremony and the speeches.

What it takes: One or maybe two videographers

What to look for: Do you also get the grand entrance, live performances if you have any, games, first dance, cake cutting? All of which are important parts of your wedding.

How I design my package

What you get: The highlight plus edited full-length edited videos of your ceremony and entire reception.

What it takes: At least two camera setup, but I usually do at least three. During the ceremony, one camera focuses on the bride, the other focuses on the groom and the third is mobile getting reactions of parents and guests and other environment shots.

What to look for: I offer a 3-videographer package and a 2-videographer package. Having the 2nd and 3rd videographer watching the camera the whole time, I can do creative shots from different angles and get people's reaction shots.

Having shot over a hundred weddings so far, which means I've been through many challenging situations.

When I was only hired for takings photos or videos on a wedding, I have the opportunity to watch how other photographers / videographers do their job and I would assess the situation and think about how I would handle it. Quite often I felt how lucky I was cuz I've got the gears capable of handling the challenges.

Nailing the shot when everything goes against you is what I mean by reliability. This is backed up by years of experience, learning from my own mistakes and of others, investing on the right gears, always be prepared and always be willing to help other photographers.

"Engagement Shoot"

You may already have heard about the "magic hours". However, when the sky is filled with the last bit of sunlight there is no light to light up the subjects.

Even shooting during a sunny day without cloud can be challenging - harsh shadows on faces, blueish hue is the enemy of skin tone. 

My solution is a battery powered studio strobe with a 135cm Octa softbox as key light for even head to toe lighting. It's capable of overpowering the sun, so time of the day doesn't limit my and my client's schedule. I've also got 3 other smallers lights for fill and hair light if needed.

In my opinion, this is a must-have for photographers.

What about the reflectors? They are difficult to use and the result is inconsistent. However, it's quite good to be used as a sunshade for my assistant and the couple.

"Getting Ready"

Nowhere to hang the wedding dress? I've got the 3M Command series hooks with removable tabs, which can be removed easily after the dress is photographed. I got a box of it from Costco.

Depending on the material, men suites can be a lint attractor. I always bring a 3M lint roller, still got from Costco. I also bring a small precision scissors to cut fly-out threads. The last thing I want about men's suite is that I have to remove a spot on every single picture I take of them.

Gears

Backup Cameras: I bring at least 3 cameras for a photo shoot and 3 video cameras for a video shoot. If you count my hand-held gimbal and drone as a camera, then I may have up to 8 cameras on a shoot. For bigger weddings, my 2nd, 3rd or even 4th cameraman would bring their own cameras. 

Batteries: Got a ton of batteries and chargers of all kinds. All fully charged the day before. I use rechargable batteries whenever I can, but I also keep some disposables just in case (other people may need it and I'm not expecting them to return it)

Cards: Plenty of 64GB and 128GB cards. Other photographers or videographers may borrow mine if they need it.

Post-processing: backed up on two independent hard drives.

Lens wipe, alcohol spraying bottles, even baby wipes. I don't remember how many time they've saved my day. 

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Having read several articles written by a professional wedding photographer. She wrote so much about how her experience is so important and anyone who has less experiences seems incompetent. While I agree that experience is important and appreciated, but it's only important to some extent. Any photographer who keeps shooting weddings will gain experience over time, but it also traps one from stepping out his/her own comfort zone. Among many seasoned photographers, only those who are, after so many years of shooting, still willing to go the extra mile to get a great picture, will stand out from the crowd. Creativity is the king.

Lets go straight into the real stuff...

Pros

Contemporary architecture - will upload some picture at a later date.

Really friendly staff willing to help. One of their staffs even helped me monitoring my audio recorder and adjusting gain knobs on the fly! He also asked me for a XLR cable and a pair of 1/4 cable - wow I'm impressed! Even so, I suggest that you make sure that audio connectors are connected to the right channel - especially when you are running 48v phantom power on some channels, so you don't fry their mixer board. Another staff member who looked like a manager - even held one of the heavy doors open for me for 5 minutes when I was executing a group shot. I know managers are usually busy running all over the places, I do appreciate that she spent 5 minutes even just holding the doors.

Guests can go for a tour in the museum when they are waiting. I wish that I could visit some of the exhibition and take pictures for my wedding clients but we spent a lot time shooting outdoors. I guess it's just a trade off.

All exhibition rooms can be opened upon request for pictures although they may not allow flash in some of the rooms. 

Cons

The ceremony was held at the courtyard - surrounded by glass walls and an open-space ceiling. The main concern was the weather - like all outdoor ceremony sites. In fact we've got ice hails a hour before the ceremony. Everyone was worried but luckily enough, it stopped, so we didn't have to go with plan B. Sound echo is an issue - due to the fact of that glass tend to bounce back sound waves instead of absorbing them. In situations like this, placing an audio recorder anywhere in the courtyard will give you reverberate sound. So it's best grab the sound right at the source of it. I clipped a wireless Sennheiser G3 lavalier mic on the groom,  covered the tip with mole skin to prevent from friction noise. The bride will speak into the groom's mic because they will be standing close to each other. In fact I do have an extra G3 for backup in case I absolutely have to mic-up the bride or plant it somewhere - say in an overhead chandelier, in this wedding I didn't have to use it. I didn't mic-up the officiant as I used to because he's holding a reliable Sennheiser G3 handheld mic, which was offered by the venue or the DJ and connected to my audio recorder. During the ceremony, I do expect the officiant to share his mic with the bride and groom when they are saying their vows, but he didn't - I could hardly hear their vows through the speaker but luckily, I had a mic on the groom, it turned out the audio recording was wonderful. Oh, did I mention there was wind noise and airplane engine noise? I can hardly notice these noise in my audio file because the signal to noise ration is pretty high when you place the mic right by the source. 

Electric outlet is hard to find along the reception hallway area. Yes tables are placed in the HALLWAYs which surrounds the courtyard. Depending on how tables are setup, it could be hard to find a space to place lights and cameras. I brought two extension cords reels and they saved my day. I even had to crouch underneath a coffee bar to access power... alright I do what I have to do. Ok, here are the places that you can find power - the reception desk of the museum, behind the bars... and in the courtyard - they are like weather sealed pillars, there are four of them on each corner of the courtyard and there are four sockets in each pillar. I thought that I could even place my studio strobes in the courtyard and let them shine through the glass walls to light up the reception tables - as long as it's not raining in the courtyard.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading!

You may kiss your bride now...it happens fast and yet it may be the most memorized moments during your wedding.

Wait a second or two to allow the officiant to step aside. The last thing you want in the picture or video is the officiant standing in the middle of two of you while you kiss for the first time as husband and wife. Think about hanging that picture on the wall. Make sure to communicate this with your officiant during your meeting and before the ceremony. Most officiant will do so without asking. 

Where to put your hands - groom holds the bride's waist with both hands, and the bride puts all her fingers on the groom's shoulders and her palms on his chest. From a picture-savvy point, we do not recommend grabbing her cheek... However, do get as close as you can, even if you have to put your feet underneath her dress.

The kiss - not too long and not too short. 8 seconds would be the best. Resist from a wet kiss - you know...a spit-trail is so embrassing. 

A drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) brings stunning images or video footages into your memory. 

Unlike other vendors out there, at Arch Visual Studio, drone photo and video is always offered as a bonus, as we believe our clients deserve the best regardless what package they choose.

However, it's important for clients to understand that these factors may limited or prohibit drone flight.

Safety

Safety is always our first priority. Our season pilots assess the location and situation for safety concerns before every flight.

Weather

 Rain, snow, wind, and fog causes concerns to flight safety.

Permits

It is the client's responsibility to obtain permits if the venue requires one.

We reserve the right to cancel a flight.

While the cost of hiring a wedding photographer falls in a range where it starts from either free by asking a friend who has a decent camera, or a few thousand dollars a day quoted by a dedicated professional wedding photographer.

For many engaged couples, it's time-consuming to inquire every single photographer out there back and forth for pricing and hidden costs before you can find your favorite photographer.

At Arch Visual Studio, we put everything on the table - all of our offerings is on the Package Deals page and there is no hidden cost whatsoever. 

Here is a list of market price range of hiring a wedding photographer an what your expectation would be:

$0 - A friend who shoots for free

$500-$1000 a day - For couples in a budget or small weddings

$1000 - $2000 a day - Around 100 guests. No more than 8 hours.

$2000 - $4000 - Over 150 guests and usually requires at least two photographers

Over $4000 - Typically charged by an established studio, an album and enlargements are included

$0 - A friend who shoots for free.

Asking a friend who owns a decent camera to shoot your wedding is actually a good idea as long as you plan some extra time for each stage of your wedding. After an entire day of shooting, you treat him/her with a dinner would be sufficient. This sounds all good, however,  it's retouching that gives a picture its soul. Every year, I personally shoot a few weddings for friends for free. However, most people don't realize that it actually costs more time in post-processing than just shooting.

At Arch Visual Studio, we never deliver images straight out of the camera to clients. They have to go through our digital developing stage to look good. If you are interested in meeting us to talk about your wedding plan, we will be glad to show you a before/after look of the same photograph we took, so you get get a glimpse of what's happening after the shutter button is pressed down, as well as learning what it takes for us to retouch a photo.

If you happen to have the budget for artistically-produced photographs and cinematic wedding films, you may want to turn to some professionals on the market. After all, it takes time and skills rather than just pressing down the shutter button.

$500-$1000 a day - For couples in a budget or small weddings

Within this price range, there are many options out there. Look for the best quality possible. Good photographers within this range get booked up fast.

At Arch Visual Studio, we offer a two-hour package that will capture both photo and video at an unbeaten price point to provide you the most value. Check out our Package Deals page for details.

$1000 - $2000 a day - Around 100 guests

Most couples' budget fall in this range. 

At Arch Visual Studio, we offer competitive packages within this price range. If you love the idea of unlimited cover on your day, go ahead and check out our Package Deals page on the top of the page.

$2000 - $4000 - Over 150 guests and usually requires at least two photographers

When you have over 150 guests and a long wedding day, it's important to make sure you get a second photographer. This allows the primary photographer to focus on the couple and the second photographer can shoot from a different angle and cover some of your guests. There are just so many moments as a bride/groom that you won't see on your day! This is where the second photographer proves his/her value.

Most photographers out there charge by the hour. At Arch Visual Studio, we offer unlimited coverage plans so you don't ever worry about going over the hours. We stay until the end of your party!

Over $4000

It becomes increasingly difficult to justify the values of packages that cost over $4000. One thing to keep in mind is that, make sure you communicate with the photographer and get educated about the value of the package before you make an impulsive buying decision.

At Arch Visual Studio, this range is where we offer the most of our value. You get unlimited coverage of your day for both photography and a cinematic wedding film. It even comes with a pre-wedding photo session. Check out our Package Deals page for more information.

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We have worked with so many wedding couples in the past few years. As things get less busy during the off-peak season, I'd like to share some tips with new potential clients to better plan their wedding day.

Plan enough time for the following:

For the ceremony and reception, we need 30 minutes to setup up lighting as well as audio if you require video.

Here is why it takes 30 minutes:

• For a photo and video package, we have to bring a lot of equipment, this generally requires 3 crew members for a full coverage session. 
• One or two studio strobes, with large light-shaping umbrella or softbox to ensure ample light for good picture quality and a sense of dimension. This will take about 15 minutes to setup and testing for each location.
• Video lights are different from studio strobes. Proper diffusion will be beneficial for even-lit scenes. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
• Great audio is generally considered a given, but takes efforts to make it right. We use industrial standard wireless lavalier mics and top-of-the-line audio recorders. This takes 10 minutes work with the audio/video staff of the venue or the DJ on site. We also need to wire up the groom and the officiant for their speeches.
• We found sometimes it's challenging for us to rush from the the "getting ready" location to the ceremony venue, while at the same time, we were asked to capture the bride getting in/out of the limo, most of the time it involves lone waitings. This will sacrifice our setup time and even postpone the start of the ceremony. The best option is to having a second-shooter to help. Most of packages inlcude a second-shooter. Of course planning for some extra time is the easiest.
• Working together is the key. You may hire a bunch of vendors such as the officiant, DJ, the photographer and videographer. It takes team work for a seamless execution. Introducing vendors to each other and share your plan is expected. A rehearsal would be ideal to allow us spotting issues and come up with a solution.

Arch Visual Studio will be shooting at Casa Loma over this weekend!

Casa Loma is known for its majestic architecture and its historical importance to Toronto.

Holding weddings at Casa Loma has been many people's dreams. We have been carefully planning for months for this rare opportunity. Studio-grade lighting, professional hi-def audio recording and drone technology will be used to produce hight quality photographs and cinematic video footage. Stay tuned for updates.