Frequently Asked Questions

What does the LK in LK Photography stand for?
My first names, Laura Karina.

I can't view your photo galleries on this website?
Ensure you have Flash software installed and that your firewall software is not blocking Flash or scripts. If this doesn't work, ask for a sample photo sheet to be emailed to you.

Does LK Photography only offer photography in Lake Macquarie?
All prices are valid for Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland & the Hunter Valley metropolitan regions. For other areas travel fees apply at $95 per hour while travelling outside listed regions.

How much time should I allow for wedding photography?
It depends on the photos you would like after your wedding. Allow one hour for the bride's house, a half hour for the groom's house or if he is to be photographed at the ceremony location, 15 minutes, one hour for the ceremony and congratulations from your guests, half hour for family photos, minimum half hour for bridal party photos, one hour for basic romantic shots or two hours for super fantastic romantic shots that you intend on framing. Don't forget to leave generous travel time for your photographer as I need to pack and unpack a lot of equipment and don't have my own limo driver!

How much time do I need for portrait photography?
Again it depends but one hour is usually sufficient for large family groups to have their whole family photographed together as well as smaller family groups. If you would like to have more shots like couples together, children together, children separately or grandparents/aunties etc with kids, or candids, then allow more time. An additional hour is $95.

Where should I get my photos taken?
Anywhere you like in Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Maitland or Lake Macquarie. There are so many great locations in the Newcastle region that luckily you can choose lake, beach, mountains, valleys, bush, a cool cafe or restaurant, or your home. See the Links page for suggestions keeping in mind that more travel time means less photography time.

What if the weather turns bad and we had planned on outside shots?
Unfortunately we can't control the weather but you should plan to have a backup location ready. If you need suggestions, please contact me or see the Links page.

Can you take studio portraits?
Yes, I have all I need to make almost any spacious indoor room appear like a photographic studio which is handy in case you had planned on an outside location but it rains. See the Portraits Gallery for samples.

I don't understand inches, what are the sizes in centimetres?
5"x7" (12.7x17.8cm) Cropped
5"x7.5" (12.7x cm) Full
8"x12" (20.3x30.5cm) Full (A4)
10"x15" (25.5x38.1cm) Full
16"x16" (40.6x40.6cm) Cropped
16"x24" (40.6x cm) Full (4 A4 pages)
20"x30" (50.8x76.2cm) Full

What do the words 'Full' and 'Cropped' refer to next to the sizes?
Full means your print will show all of your shot. Cropped means that due to the camera dimensions being different to print size, some of the photo will be cropped from the ends. If you order prints from LK Photography, I will ensure that the print will not cut off anything important. eg. top of a head

Can I print from the DVD included in my session?
Yes! At least up to an 8"x12" (A4) for most shots without having to amend files.

But what about larger prints?
If you order through me, I will take care resizing the images for you. Any good printer should know how to enlarge the photo without losing quality. Your files are 300dpi and you can print up to about 30"x40" for most shots if the file is amended correctly. If I gave you the files ready to print at that size, the files would be enormous.

What is the benefit of ordering prints through LK Photography?
Professional prints are all about quality. Home or the typical photo lab prints almost always contain scratches on your paper or hairs/dust in the printing process or colour casts causing your prints to look slightly yellow/blue/green/red. LK Photography has tested and retested the professional printer we use to ensure consistent quality. Plus if you are not happy with your print, call me and will take care of it for you. Print packages start at only $83.  Prints are sold individually too but there is an $80 minimum for internet orders.

When do I need to pay my full session amount by?
For Weddings, $500 retainer and a signed agreement is required to secure date which comes off the price of your session.  For other sessions $250 retainer and a signed agreement is required.  Full payment is due at least 30 days before your session/wedding.  Full payment of Extras are due on ordering if not included in your agreement.

Why do I need to sign an agreement?
A detailed agreement allows both client and photographer to protect their interests and to know before doing a transaction what to expect in any circumstance.  It will detail circumstances like copyright, illnesses, cancellations, guaranteed pricing etc.  If you would like to amend the agreement for your personal circumstances, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss it.

Why are wedding packages different to other photography packages?
Weddings require much more attention to details in the planning, photography stage as well as the editing.  Although the greatest care is taken for all my clients' photos, wedding are more time consuming.

What if I don't want one of the packages listed on the pricelist?
You can build your own from the Extras pricing page or call me to help you customise a package for your needs.

How long do I have to choose my package prints & albums?
Prints must be chosen and albums approved within 12 weeks of viewing

What happens if I book a date far into the future and LK Photography amends their pricelist?
Prices subject to change for new bookings only.  Prices are locked in at the time of booking.  If a product is no longer available, you can receive a similar product or equal value.  All this is detailed in your agreement.

When do I need to pay for additional orders given to LK after the session?
When you order.

I know I want extra prints or albums, can I pre-order something I have never seen?
If you know you would like an album after your event or if you know you would like an enlargement for your wall, you can order, and then give me the negative numbers at a later date after you have been able to view you photos thoroughly.

How can I pay?
Personal cheque, Bank cheque or Money order made out to Laura Zavaroni, or by Credit card via PayPal or Bank deposit via branch or PayPal..  Please ask for address to post to.

Do I have to sign up for a PayPal account?
Paying by Credit card gives you the option to sign up for a PayPal account or not.

How do I pay with PayPal?
Request a PayPal email from me for the amount you wish to pay and then just follow the prompts. Its easy.
Email LK Photography now requesting a PayPal Payment Link email to be sent to you

How long after the session can I expect to view my photos?
2-12 weeks. It depends on whether it is a wedding season.  I try to edit family shots in between doing weddings as they require much less time editing. Some weddings are only 4 hours, some 12 hours, however all require some editing so its hard to give exact dates but you will receive an expected due date at your session.

How many shots do I get back?
For Portraits, between 25-100 dependent on your brief to me regarding what you would like from your session. For Weddings you will receive between 100-500 depending on which package you choose. All the shots will be fully edited by the time you first view them. Additionally you may receive a few different versions of an image where possible.

How long for photo albums and prints to come back to me after I order?
Prints are ordered and album designing usually starts within 24 hours. After album approval, 6-10 weeks for delivery to you depending on the type of album chosen. Prints usually take 1-2 weeks.

What types of photo albums can I choose from?
You can either choose a package that includes a certain type of album or you order your preferred style of album.  I have the popular Coffee table albums, Formal Matted Prints Albums as well as the Luxurious digital albums with a variety of options. Wedding Albums prices start at $340. Other Albums start at $115. Ask for a pricelist to be sent to you for full album details.

Do I get to proof my album?
Yes of course. I can send you emails for you to review and request changes if necessary.

Will I be able to see photo album samples at my consultation?
To keep costs low, and therefore prices to you low, I do not keep physical samples of albums. However you will see many photos of completed albums both inside and out, that I have completed. I also have many client references you can view on the About LK page.

Where is your office?
I come to your home/office.  But if you are still curious, my office is my home in Mirrabooka, on the Morisset peninsula in Lake Macquarie, which is halfway between the Central Coast and Newcastle.  This is another way to keep my costs low and therefore your costs low.

Do you sell Gift Vouchers?
Yes! You can choose from any amount over $20 and the recipient can choose anything with it. You can choose who and where it should be posted to. Gift Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Email LK Photography now regarding purchase of Gift Vouchers

HELP! I can't afford everything I want!
First, call Laura to get ideas on how you could reduce your required session time.
Second, ask family & friends for LK Photography Gift Vouchers as a your presents for birthdays, engagements, weddings etc. To purchase, they only need to click on any of the various Purchase Gift Vouchers Email links throughout this website. I will then send them a Paypal link and they just follow the prompts. It is very easy for them and they can make a gift of as little as $20.
Email LK Photography now regarding purchase of Gift Vouchers

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Laura through the Contact LK page.