Noozhawk’s first annual Santa Barbara Wedding Bliss: Your Complete Guide is officially here! Your big day doesn’t need to include any stress – just bliss and this guide is sure to help make planning your dream wedding easy.
To provide a closer look at the wedding industry in Santa Barbara County, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local businesses for this year’s Wedding Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Monie de Wit, Owner of Monie Photography to learn more about their services.
Monie Photography
Question: What is the name of your business?
Answer: Monie Photography.
Q: What year was your business established?
A: 1988.
Q: What do you specialize in?
A: I specialize in portrait photography, events and weddings. I work on location and in my studio. My clients include many local non profits, theaters, schools, universities and
healthcare. I also enjoy baby, and family photography. In my studio I do head shots, portraits and fashion.
Q: What attracted you to the wedding industry?
A: I enjoy photographing weddings because I love people photography and photojournalism. I also enjoy connecting with people and capturing celebrations. Photographing a wedding is telling a love story visually and that is fun and appeals to my talents and interests. Weddings are wonderful celebrations and beautiful in many ways. The positive energy and joy of the day is something I love capturing and experiencing. Each wedding is unique and has its moments and memories.
Q: Can you share any testimonials from past clients that you have worked with?
A: I get many kind thank you letters and cards. Here are some that have made my day:
From Molly:
Dear Monie,
What a gift you have! For being in the right place with the right camera, at the right moment. For being very “there” without being the least bit obtrusive. For framing the shot just right. And more…Len and I are so pleased with your photography at the San Ysidro Ranch last month. I appreciate you always being a step ahead. You made it easy for me to forget about photography and enjoy the party…no mean feat given my years as a creative director and a high degree of knowing what I want. We hope you are as proud of your work as we are pleased by it. We hope to get back to the ranch for our 10th. Please save the date…. Molly.
From Jamie:
Dear Monie,
We had the perfect wedding we could imagine and out of all that perfectness, your presence was one of the highlights. You were so kind and unassuming and you were always available and helpful in unexpected ways. Thanks for retrieving our toasting glasses. And then there are your pictures that are so artistic- each is better than the last. You captured the flavor of the evening so well and we will forever treasure it.
Q: What is your payment structure and cancellation policy? Do you charge any travel or overtime fees?
A: I ask all clients to sign a contract which includes the estimate and a breakdown of costs.
A 50% non refundable deposit reserves the day. If the client needs to cancel they are
still allowed to use the deposit towards family beach portraits or studio headshots.
For mileage outside of Santa Barbara I charge the IRS rate.
Q: Do you have liability insurance?
A: Yes.
Q: What size weddings do you typically work with?
A: I have photographed large weddings of about 350 people as well as small intimate gatherings of 4. Typically most weddings I do are somewhere in the middle of 150. I like to get to know each couple and learn about their families, guests and any special details.
Q: Do you require a minimum number of hours for a booking?
A: I do not require any minimums.
Q: Do you provide your own equipment or work with other vendors?
A: I provide my own equipment. For large weddings I also include an assistant.
Q: How far in advance do you recommend clients book with you?
A: It is good to have 6 months to a year lead time for popular weekends.
Q: What makes you different from your competitors?
A: I have been a photographer in this community for over 20 years photographing interesting people, events and celebrations. As a Brooks graduate, owner of a downtown studio I am grateful to be doing what I love in Santa Barbara. I start by getting to know my clients and what their expectations and vision are. I have years of experience photographing weddings in an unobtrusive and photojournalistic style. I like unposed, natural images that show the joy and fun people are having. I’ve been taking photos since I was 11 and eventually made my own darkroom. Photojournalism is what drew me to photography. The idea of telling a story in that way still appeals to me and is what I do, visually. To me your wedding is the start of your story. I want to catch all the special and the unexpected moments for you to hold for years to come.
I love using natural light whenever possible. I have a lot of experience doing group photos. Clients tell me they appreciate how fluid and fun they are without taking the couple and family away from their guests for a long time. With good planning and getting to know my clients, I find that it is easy for me to be present and in the moment in an unobtrusive way on your wedding day. I have found a niche in wedding photography – I love the excitement of capturing such an important and unique day in the lives of people in love. It is my goal to capture that love in each of my clients!
Q: Can you describe a memorable experience that you’ve had working in this industry?
A: Being a wedding photographer is fun and heartwarming. I ask couples
how they met and anything they want to share. Some years ago, I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful couple whose love really impacted their immediate and extended families. The bride had left home, became somewhat estranged from her family here in Santa Barbara, and wound up homeless and struggling to raise two children. Then, she fell in love and definitely found her soul mate. The relationship was so healing for the family and parents. I vividly remember when her dad walked her down the aisle, seeing his tears of joy and knowing how precious this moment was to her and everyone there. Love really does change everything sometimes.
Q: What is your average cost?
A: My pricing structure is based on time and editing images and then uploading to dropbox.
A popular wedding coverage includes:
6 hours of photography w/ digital files is $125o.00
Custom albums and packages are available.
Two weeks turnaround.
Q: Do you provide a trial run before the wedding day?
A: I attend rehearsals whenever possible & I also like to meet with the couple and talk about their vision for the day. Things like, do you want to do group photos, or do you want to see each other before, are part of getting to know what’s in your vision. I also go to the location a couple weeks ahead to see what’s in bloom and where the sun will set etc. and am happy to meet couple there for a walk through.
Q: Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that was not mentioned above?
A: My goals for each wedding are:
* that I will be as proud of my work as you are pleased with it.
* that the images of your wedding day will be something you always treasure.
* that the experience of working with me is fun, artistic and professional.
Click here to learn more about Monie Photography!