Will you travel for my wedding or portrait session?
Yes! There is no charge for travel within 50 miles of Asheville, but I do charge only $45 per additional 30 miles to cover costs of gas, mileage, and time. Please contact the studio for distances o ver 120 miles. I am also available to travel with you to your destination wedding anywhere in the world!

Are you the wedding photographer that will actually be taking the photos during our event?
Yes. Castell Photography is a small studio that accepts only a limited number of weddings and
events each year to maintain the highest quality and personalized customer attention. I am the principal photographer, and will always, usually with the assistance of a second shooter/assistant,
be the exclusive photographer at your event.

What cameras do you use?
Over the years, I have collected a range of various tools, and I really enjoy the creative freedom I have when using them. In film cameras, I own a variety of Nikon 35mm, Hasselblad and Mamiya medium format, large format cameras, and “alternative” film cameras such as Holga, Diana, Polaroid, Pinhole, and “spy” cameras. I adore working with film and printing in my darkroom and I am proud to be able to offer these rare and creative services to my clients. Of course I shoot with digital cameras as well, and am currently using the Nikon D2X.

Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong?
Everything that is utilized for your wedding - camera bodies and lenses, strobes, memory cards, hard drives, etc. - is backed up to make sure nothing is missed!

If my wedding lasts longer than originally scheduled, will you stay? Is there an extra fee for this?
The base wedding fee includes unlimited coverage for your day with no extra charges.

Why should I get a Bridal Portrait?
This is something that many brides choose to do, but is not necessarily for everyone. The Bridal Portrait Session is an opportunity for you to have your own special and private time with a professional photographer who can make you look your best and create an image that will become an heirloom. With my expertise in traditional black and white processes, it also allows me to have enough time to make a one-of-a-kind handprinted portrait. Some choose to display the framed photograph(s) at the reception for everyone to view. Of course if you choose not to have the session, there will be plenty of opportunities during your wedding day to create meaningful portraits as well.

Why should we choose to do an Engagement Portrait Session?
For me as a photographer, and aside from having the opportunity to create images of you as a soon-to-be married couple, the biggest reason is to establish a relationship. The engagement session is a great way for the three of us to get to know each other better. It helps me to understand who you are as a couple and what your personal style is, which will in turn have a major impact on your wedding photos. The more I know about you both, the easier it will be for me to create a final product that will truly represent you and your day.

How long after the event will my proofs be ready?
To be on the safe side, I usually tell my clients they will be ready within 2 weeks after the wedding. However, it is more likely they will be online and ready to view within just a few days, so be on the lookout for an internet connection when you’re at your honeymoon destination!

Do I receive a set of printed proofs as part of the basic fees?
For every wedding I shoot, I provide online proofing at no extra charge. Also, upon delivery of your finished album, you will also receive a complimentary hardcover press-printed proof book of 400 images. Printed proofs are available in a variety of formats and pricing levels which we can discuss in detail.

How much assistance do you provide in the planning of the album?
This is a big part of why you hired me! First, it is my business philosophy that my job, other than the very important task of providing the client with great images, is to take the burden of photos and design off your shoulders. Second, I have extensive academic and formal training in imaging and design, and also have a creative design team to help out every step of the way. Each album or image box is custom designed to be an original, expressive, and artistic story of your day.

Will I receive a copyright free CD of all of my images?
To keep my basic prices as affordable as they are, I do not include a high resolution CD as part of that pricing, but can with an additional fee. With the advent of digital technology, many people request this, but it is critical to understand that owning the files does not guarantee the best images for the best price. In other words, quantity does not always equal quality! It should also be noted that a photographer who does not freely give away their images and rights is a photographer that creates images with value, and I am one of those people. I do offer a low resolution CD of select photos for emailing and internet posting for no additional fee.

What kind of portraits do you do?
My absolute favorite subject to photograph is people, and I am skilled at creating many different styles such as abstract black and white, environmental, and colorful and contemporary. I do not have a set “formula” for any portrait, and one never looks like the other. A portrait should express something of one’s life and personality, not just what they physically look like. My goal is to get to know the client as much as possible in order to decide what style will best suit him or her, and so that I can be better equipped to make a portrait that is meaningful. I am available to photograph infants, children, maternity, boudoir, couples, families, pets, etc. If it’s alive, I can make a portrait.

In what locations can we shoot my portrait?
Anywhere! While we can arrange for a formal studio session, sometimes the more meaningful shots happen in the spaces you love. We can arrange for photography in the comfort of your home, your back yard, a local park, or wherever! Asheville and western NC is such an extraordinarily beautiful environment-- the possibilities for incredible settings are endless. Bring your ideas, and I will bring mine.

How should I prepare for my portrait session?
Everything you need to know for preparing for your portrait will be discussed and planned out in detail at your consultation. Some basic ideas, however... for clothing, make sure to wear what you love and what is a normal part of your wardrobe. The most important thing is to avoid clothing with distracting elements such as text and/or pattern. Jewelry can sometimes be distracting as well, so think carefully about your choices. For nude portraits, make sure to avoid any binding clothing the day of the shoot that might leave marks on your skin.

Do you have a question that is not answered here?Ask me by phone or e-mail.
If it gets posted on this page, I’ll give you a $50 gift certificate good for any service or product!