FAQs & Booking Guide
We know choosing a photographer or videographer is a big decision. Here is how Ember Media works, what you get, and why many couples and clients book us.
1. General & Booking
What do you actually do?
We cover weddings, corporate and private events, portraits, and social-media content (reels + photos). You can book us for photo only, video only, photo + video, and for many events we also offer multi-camera livestream.
When should I book?
We recommend booking as soon as your date is confirmed, especially for wedding peak seasons (roughly March–June and September–December). Popular weekend dates often fill 6–12 months in advance.
For corporate and private events, we can often accommodate shorter notice depending on our schedule, but earlier is always better if you want your choice of date and coverage.
How do I check if you are available?
Fill in the contact form with your date, venue(s), and what you are looking for. We usually reply within 24 hours with availability, a suggested package, and a clear quote. If you prefer, we can jump on a quick call to walk through your options.
How do I secure my date?
Once you are happy with the package, we will send:
- a simple online agreement, and
- an invoice for a 50% retainer.
Your booking is confirmed once both are completed. The remaining balance is typically due about one week before your event (details will be in your agreement).
What is your payment structure and how do I pay?
For most bookings, a 50% deposit is required to reserve your date, with the balance due shortly before the event (usually one week prior). For large or custom projects, payment schedules may be adjusted and will be outlined clearly in your quote.
We accept bank transfers and PayNow for local clients. All payment details are included in your invoice so you know exactly what to do and when.
Do you meet us before we book?
If you would like, yes. We are happy to do a quick video call or meet over coffee (subject to schedule) so you can ask questions and see if we are the right fit before you commit.
2. Weddings
What is your approach to shooting weddings?
Our style is calm, guided-when-needed documentary. We will give light direction for portraits and formals, but spend most of the day capturing honest moments so you can actually enjoy your wedding rather than pose for it.
Do you offer photo, video, and photo + video bundles?
Yes. You can book photo only, video only, or combined photo + video packages for:
- proposal or engagement coverage,
- pre-wedding sessions in Singapore,
- actual day weddings.
We also offer bundles across these if you want everything under one team and one consistent style.
Do I need a second photographer or videographer (second shooter)?
For most weddings, we are solo-first by default to keep the footprint small, the cost sensible, and the day relaxed. A second shooter adds value if:
- you have multiple locations or large guest numbers,
- both sides are getting ready at the same time in different places, or
- you want more angles of key moments (processional, vows, speeches, tea ceremony).
If a second shooter will not genuinely improve your coverage, we will say so instead of upselling you for no reason.
Can you handle church weddings and low-light ballrooms?
Yes. Our gear and workflow are tuned for churches, hotel ballrooms, and evening banquets. We prioritise natural skin tones and realistic ambience rather than over-flashed or muddy images. Low light is part of the story, not something to fight against.
Can my parents or relatives talk to you directly?
We are used to liaising with parents, siblings, and the bridal party. We are happy to be calm, respectful, and patient, especially with older folks and kids who may need a little extra time or reassurance.
3. Corporate & Private Events
What kinds of events do you cover?
We handle corporate conferences, dinners, product launches, seminars, team days, birthday parties, anniversaries, church events, and more. Most services are available as photo, video, or photo + video, with optional multi-camera livestream.
Can you provide multi-camera livestream for our event?
Yes. We can stream to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, or your own player. We will advise on internet requirements, camera positions, and audio so that both in-person and online audiences have a smooth experience.
Do you provide reels or highlight edits for corporate events?
Yes. Many clients add on short vertical reels or a highlight film for internal comms, social media, or recap emails. We can build this into your package from the start so it is properly planned and not a last-minute scramble.
Do you work with our AV or event agency?
Absolutely. We are vendor-friendly and used to coordinating with planners, MCs, AV teams, and hotel staff so that everything runs smoothly and house rules are respected.
4. Social Media & Content Packages
Do you offer ongoing social media content packages?
Yes. We offer content production packages such as:
- batches of short reels / vertical videos,
- combined photo + reel content for campaigns or retainers,
- brand introduction films and simple brand visuals.
Tell us your goals (awareness, trust, conversions) and we will propose a package structure and schedule that makes sense for the way you work.
Can you help with concepts and scripts?
Yes. We do not just turn up and roll camera. We can work with you to shape hooks, simple scripts, shot lists, and posting ideas so your content is usable, on brand, and realistic to produce consistently.
5. Pricing, Packages & Payment
How are your packages structured?
We keep pricing transparent:
- clear packages for weddings, events, portraits, and content,
- each with stated hours of coverage, deliverables, and turnaround.
You can then add optional extras like a second shooter, same-day edit, extra hours, livestream, or drone coverage if it genuinely adds value to your plans.
Do you charge GST?
At the moment, we do not charge GST. All prices are in SGD and clearly shown on your quote and invoice so you know exactly what you are paying.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees. The only extras you may see are incidentals (for example venue permits, parking, paid shooting locations) which are passed through at cost with receipts where applicable and flagged in advance wherever possible.
Do you offer discounts?
We sometimes offer a Weekday Saver rate for Tuesday–Thursday daytime events, and occasionally bundle pricing if you book multiple services (for example pre-wedding + actual day, or photo + video + livestream). Tell us your situation and we will advise what makes sense.
6. Process & Timeline
What does the process look like from enquiry to delivery?
The typical flow looks like this:
- Enquiry: you send us your date, venues, and what you need.
- Proposal: we respond with availability, suggested package(s), and a clear quote.
- Booking: you sign the agreement and pay the 50% retainer.
- Pre-brief: nearer the date, we do a timeline and shot-priority call and collect key details (family list, vendor contacts, house rules).
- Event day: we show up early, keep things relaxed, and follow the plan while staying flexible.
- Delivery: you receive previews, then full galleries or films, via a private online link.
How fast do we get our photos and videos?
Typical timelines (unless otherwise stated in your agreement):
- Weddings: preview favourites usually within 24–48 hours; full gallery and films in about 10–14 days. In very busy periods or for complex multi-day coverage this can extend towards 3 weeks.
- Corporate / private events: usually 3–7 days depending on scope.
- Social-media content batches: scheduled in the agreement, especially if content is tied to a campaign.
If you need things urgently, we can often expedite delivery. Larger or same-day / next-day preview sets beyond our usual favourites can be added as a rush delivery option for an additional fee.
Can we request specific shots?
Yes. In the pre-brief we will ask for:
- your must-have shots (people, moments, details), and
- any family or group combinations that are important.
We will aim to cover these while still leaving space for genuine, unscripted moments and documentary coverage of the day.
7. On the Day: Logistics & Expectations
What time will you arrive?
We plan to arrive early (typically 15–30 minutes before the agreed start time) to settle in, check the light, and coordinate with your planner, MC, or AV team before things get busy.
Do we need to provide meals or breaks on long days?
For bookings of 8 hours and above, a short meal break helps us stay sharp (and many venues require vendor meals). A simple hot meal and drink for each team member during a natural break is ideal.
During this break we normally pause shooting unless we have agreed in advance to cover something specific (for example speeches continuing in another room).
Can I extend coverage on the day and what is your overtime policy?
Yes, subject to availability. If your programme runs long and you would like us to stay, we charge our standard hourly overtime rate as stated in your quote (for example photography often starts around S$150 per extra hour).
We will always check with you or your appointed contact before rolling into overtime so there are no surprises. Overtime is billed in hourly blocks and rounded up to the next hour.
How do you handle group photos and family formals?
Send us a concise family list (ideally 10–15 groups) and appoint one helper who knows the key people. We will stage things efficiently, starting with older relatives and VIPs, so you can get back to your guests quickly without missing anyone important.
Venue, church, or ROM rules may be strict. How do you handle that?
We always comply with house rules. Some venues restrict movement, flash, or where we can stand. We adapt and prioritise key angles, but certain rules may affect what is possible. We will explain any limitations honestly so expectations are clear.
What if there is bad weather on my outdoor shoot? Can we reschedule?
Singapore weather can be unpredictable. For weddings and events, we will work with your indoor or covered backup plan and bring gear that can handle light rain where safe.
For dedicated outdoor shoots (for example engagement sessions or portraits), we are happy to reschedule for severe weather subject to availability, at no extra charge. Light rain can sometimes be used creatively if you are open to it.
What should we wear and bring for outdoor portraits?
In general, solid colours, minimal logos, and comfortable shoes work best. Coordinate tones rather than wearing identical outfits, and avoid very tiny stripes or patterns that can cause visual artefacts on camera.
Practical things to bring:
- water and a small towel,
- touch-up items (makeup, hairbrush),
- a light jacket or umbrella in case of sudden rain.
If you like, we can share a quick moodboard or simple outfit guidelines to match the location and time of day.
Do you carry backup equipment?
Always. We bring multiple camera bodies, lenses, lighting, and memory cards to every shoot. Equipment failure is rare, but we plan for it so your memories are never dependent on a single body or card.
8. Editing, Style & Files
What is your editing style?
We focus on real colour and clean, timeless edits:
- natural skin tones,
- no heavy trendy filters by default,
- subtle contrast and clarity that age well.
If you have a specific aesthetic you like, you can share references and we will see how closely we can match while keeping things natural and consistent across the whole story.
What does editing include? Do you do heavy retouching?
Standard editing includes colour correction, exposure, white balance, cropping, and a clean natural look on every delivered image. Light skin tidying and distraction cleanup on key portraits is included at our discretion.
Detailed or heavy retouching (for example significant body reshaping, complex object removal, or extensive skin work) is not included by default but can be added as a separate paid service if needed.
Do you provide RAW or unedited files?
As a rule, we do not deliver RAW files, because the curation and editing are an integral part of our craft and brand. All packages include professionally edited, colour-corrected images in high resolution.
In special cases, a set of RAW files can be provided for an archival fee (for example around S$288), subject to a separate written agreement on how they will be used. If you think you need RAWs, let us know and we can discuss whether it is really necessary.
How many photos and videos will we receive?
As a rough guideline, you can expect around 50–100 edited photos per hour of coverage. For a full-day wedding (8–10 hours), that often works out to 600–800+ images, depending on your programme and guest count.
For video, highlight reels are usually in the 3–5 minute range, while full ceremony or event films can be 20–30 minutes or more, depending on what is included in your package.
We prefer to deliver a generous but curated set rather than chase an artificial number or flood you with near-duplicates.
Do we get to choose music for the highlight film?
We use properly licensed music only, so the track list is limited to what can be used legally online. You are welcome to share the vibe, tempo, or artists you like, and we will pick a song in a similar mood from our licensed libraries.
This keeps your film sharable without copyright issues on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
What formats do you deliver?
Photos: high-resolution JPEGs delivered via a private online gallery, with both web-sized and full-resolution downloads available.
Video: MP4 (H.264 or H.265) in 4K or 1080p depending on your package and needs. Additional formats or aspect ratios (for example vertical reels) can be provided where agreed.
Do you include revision rounds for video?
Yes. We include one round of minor revisions (for example small timing changes or text tweaks) within around one week of delivery. Additional or major revisions can be done at our standard edit rate.
Do you offer albums or prints?
Yes. Premium albums typically start around S$688, and we can also arrange custom prints or canvases. After your gallery is delivered, we will send you album and print options so you can decide if you would like a physical keepsake.
9. Livestream, Drones & Technical Questions
What do you need from the venue to livestream?
We will need:
- a stable internet connection (wired preferred; good Wi-Fi sometimes workable),
- space for our cameras and tripods, and
- an audio feed from the sound desk where possible.
We will coordinate with your venue or AV provider to make this smooth and to minimise disruption to your guests.
What if the internet drops during the stream?
We record a local backup of the stream on site. If the connection fails or fluctuates, we can upload the full-quality recording after the event so your guests can still watch the full programme.
Can you stream to multiple platforms at once?
Often, yes. We can discuss whether a single platform or a multi-stream approach (for example YouTube + Facebook) makes the most sense for your audience, budget, and technical constraints.
Do you fly drones?
Where it is permitted and safe, yes. Drone use depends on weather, venue rules, and local regulations. If approved, we will add it as an optional line item on your quote and advise realistically on when it will or will not be possible.
10. Travel & Overseas Shoots
Are there any travel fees?
Travel within Singapore is included in all standard packages. For locations outside Singapore (for example Malaysia, Indonesia, or other parts of Asia), we add a travel fee – typically at cost for transport and accommodation where required.
We will give you a clear breakdown and, for bigger trips, a fixed travel quote so that there are no surprise surcharges later.
Do you travel for overseas shoots and destination weddings?
Yes. We are happy to travel for overseas weddings, pre-wedding shoots, retreats, and events. We will propose a fixed travel quote covering flights, accommodation, and local transport so you have full cost visibility upfront.
How early do you arrive for overseas jobs?
We typically arrive at least one day before the main event to buffer against flight delays and, where practical, to scout locations and check light so that we are not seeing everything for the first time on the day itself.
11. Changes, Rescheduling & Cancellation
What if we need to change our date?
If you need to postpone, let us know as soon as possible. We will:
- check availability for your new date, and
- move your booking where we can.
The retainer is generally non-refundable but may be transferable once to a new date (often within about 12 months), subject to availability and any date-change terms stated in your agreement.
What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens. If you need to cancel outright, your deposit is non-refundable because we have reserved the date for you and turned away other enquiries.
Any additional payments beyond the deposit may be partially refundable depending on how close we are to the event and any work already carried out. We try to be fair in genuine emergencies and are always open to a conversation.
12. Data Safety, Privacy & Image Use
How do you back up our files and how long do you keep them?
We use dual recording and on-site backups while shooting (for example two cards per camera, plus a copy to an SSD before we leave the venue), then store your files using a 3-2-1 backup strategy (multiple copies, different media, and off-site) by the end of the day.
Online galleries typically stay live for at least 60 days so you can download and back everything up on your side. We keep local archives for longer, but long-term storage of source files is not guaranteed unless you arrange an extended archive as an add-on.
Can I share the photos on social media?
Absolutely. For private clients, your package includes a perpetual personal-use licence. You are welcome to share images on social media, in chats, and in printed albums for family and friends. We simply appreciate a credit such as @embermedia.sg when posting publicly.
Personal vs commercial use – can my business run ads with the photos or videos?
Private clients receive a personal-use licence (sharing and prints are fine, but not resale or using the imagery to advertise other brands).
Brands and businesses receive a usage licence tailored to your channels, duration, and territory. Running paid ads is usually allowed within that licence, as long as it is specified clearly in your quote and agreement.
Tell us where you plan to use the assets (website, social, ads, print, third-party platforms) and we will include the correct licence so you are covered.
Will you post our photos or videos online? Can we request privacy?
We love sharing our work, but we also respect privacy. By default our agreement usually includes permission to use selected images or films in our portfolio, website, and social media.
You can request limited or no public use for sensitive events, or if you simply prefer to keep things private, and we will usually honour that (except where third-party obligations apply, for example certain venue or brand collaborations).
Are you compliant with privacy regulations (for example PDPA in Singapore)?
Yes. We only collect the personal data needed to manage your booking and deliver your project. We do not sell your data to third parties. If you have specific internal policies (for example for corporate or church events), let us know so we can align with them.
Did we miss your question? Tell us your date, venue, and what you have in mind, and we will recommend a package that fits and walk you through the details step by step. We're happy to answer any questions you have!
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