The Tropical Photography FAQ

Answers to the most common questions...

PHOTOGRAPHY

Who exactly will be our photographer?
How long is the actual ceremony and photo shoot?
How long do we have to wait to see our wedding photos?
Where is your office?

CEREMONY LOCATIONS & ARRANGEMENTS

Can you suggest places on Maui to take our (honeymoon, reunion, engagement, portrait) photography?
We are open to the time of day for our photo session. Do you suggest any particular time?
What should we bring to our wedding?
I don't have any arrangements yet for my Maui wedding. Can you make any suggestions?
I also want a video of my wedding. Can you do that too?

WEATHER

If it rains on our wedding day and we have to reschedule, is there an extra fee and is this possible?
What happens if I want a "Sunset" session, but then it's cloudy?

PAYMENT

Do you offer a money-back or a satisfaction guarantee?
Do you require a deposit and if so, how much?
Do you take credit cards? Which ones?
Can I send you a check?

PHOTOGRAPHY

Who exactly will be our photographer?

I try to do as many of my own weddings as possible. I am Linda d'Avella and I have lived on Maui for 18 years. I have been doing photography full time professionally for 12 years. I also have 2-3 photographers who work for my company, trained by me. You will know before the wedding exactly who your photographer is.

How long is the actual ceremony and photo shoot?

The average time is 1 1/2 - 2 hours for everything. This of course is dependent on the size of the wedding package chosen, the size of your wedding party (larger groups take more time) and the course of events. Additional time is billed at $100/hour (i.e. reception). There is a location fee of $50 incurred when the ceremony and the reception are at different sites. A $50 travel fee may be added for weddings on the west side, etc.

How long do we have to wait to see our wedding photos?

It normally takes 2-3 days for me to edit your photos. At that time, I will call and make an appointment for you to come and see them and take them home with you.

Where is your office?

I am centrally located at the north end of Kihei.

CEREMONY LOCATIONS & ARRANGEMENTS

Can you suggest places on Maui to take our (honeymoon, reunion, engagement, portrait) photography?

There are many beautiful and free beaches on Maui which I would be glad to give you directions to once you are on Maui. Some include a grassy area for the ceremony and formals, along with a beach for some fun sunset shots. You may also want to check with the hotel or condo where you are staying on Maui. Their grounds are usually more foliated than a beach, but there may be a fee, so I do suggest that you check with management first. Another option is a tropical garden setting, which also does include a small fee, and is usually best for a morning wedding.

We are open to the time of day for our photo session. Do you suggest any particular time?

Lighting for photography is best in the early morning or late afternoon (right before sunset). The morning will give you bright blue ocean and sky with minimum breezes. The sunset time can be awesome, but the beach parks are generally more crowded and the wind is known to pick up in the afternoons. I am quite used to this condition, but this might be a concern for a bride regarding her hair style and veil choice.

What should we bring to our wedding?

Please be sure to have your rings, your license and the bride's lipstick. We do a lot of kissing and I want the bride to look as beautiful in every photo as she feels on her special day!

I don't have any arrangements yet for my Maui wedding. Can you make any suggestions?

I would be very happy to refer you to locations, ministers, videographers, flowers, wedding coordinators, dove releases, musicians, private catered dinner on the beach, hair and make-up person, licensing agents, etc.

I also want a video of my wedding. Can you do that too?

I would be very happy to refer you to some topnotch videographers.

WEATHER

If it rains on our wedding day and we have to reschedule, is there an extra fee and is this possible?

Although rain is unlikely, during the winter month's it is possible. The Hawaiians consider this a blessing on the union of the couple, even though the couple might not think so on THEIR wedding day! Rescheduling is a possibility as long as I have the available time. There is no extra fee, I want your wedding day to be as perfect as you have imagined! You may wish to have a back-up plan for a different location in the event of rain also.

What happens if I want a "Sunset" session, but then it's cloudy?

I wish I could guarantee a beautiful sunset for all my couples, but I'm not that connected yet! Actually some clouds are preferable for awesome sunset colors.

PAYMENT

Do you offer a money-back or a satisfaction guarantee?

Absolutely!

Do you require a deposit and if so, how much?

Yes, I require a $100 deposit for weddings and a $50 deposit for portrait shoots, both are nonrefundable. This will set your time and date in ink on my calendar.

Do you take credit cards? Which ones?

I accept MasterCard and Visa.

Can I send you a check?

I prefer money orders.