Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why choose Robert Bowen Photography?
A: Robert Bowen Photography was voted, “Among Washington’s Best Photographers”, for the past 15 years by Washingtonian Magazine. Our philosophy is to create dramatic and compelling portraits at the synagogue and, candid and detail photographs that captures the fun and excitement of your party. After the mitzvah, our goal is to provide exceptional service , in delivering your previews and a beautiful hand-made album.
Q: Who will photograph my mitzvah?
A: This is really the best question you can ask. Robert Bowen, with over 22 years of experience photographing mitzvahs, will create beautiful portraits at your synagogue and, along with an assistant/photographer, will photograph your entire party, usually beginning an hour before the cocktail hour with family portraits. Experience is critical, as Robert has been to almost every synagogue in the Washington, DC area and knows the challenges and opportunities that each present. It is also important for you to know that there are photography studios that have a large team of photographers and often times it isn’t known who will photograph your mitzvah until a few weeks before the event. Are the sample mitzvah albums that you viewed actually the work of the person who is going to photograph your mitzvah? It is too important of a day to be left to chance.
Q: What’s your style?
A: Our style is very unobtrusive. With over 22 years of experience we are able to take advantage of the unique photographic opportunities that every synagogue has to offer and are aware of all of the critical moments that must be captured. Our photographic style incorporates environmental portraiture, photojournalism, candid and detail photography at the synagogue and the party. We work very closely with you to determine which styles best fit your needs and to make sure that all of the important images are captured.
Q: How does the album design process work and when will I receive my album?
A: Approximately 7 to 10 days after your mitzvah, all of your images will be posted to a password protected web site for you to view. Once you have put your favorite images in to the “Favorites” folder, we will design the album and put all of the album pages online for you to view. If you prefer, we can select the images for you and create the design. We know, from experience, which images will best tell the story of your mitzvah. Once the initial design is complete, we will work closely with you to go over each page to make sure you are happy with the design. Once you approve the design, the album takes 4 weeks to produce and will be delivered directly to your home.
Q: What type of camera do you use and will you bring backup equipment?
A: We use the very best Canon digital cameras and lenses. These cameras are terrific in low light situations, which are prevalent at most mitzvahs. We also bring various types of lighting so that we can produce terrific images in any lighting condition. Backup equipment is a must and we bring it to every mitzvah. In addition, multiple backup copies are made of your mitzvah images with on-site and off-site storage.
Q: Do I get the digital files?
A: Yes. A DVD containing all of the high-resolution digital files will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 days following your mitzvah. You will have full rights to reproduce these files.
Q: What types of packages do you offer?
A: Our mitzvah package includes:
* A portrait session at your synagogue during the week prior to the service
* Coverage of the service when permitted
* Complete coverage of your party, usually beginning an hour before cocktail hour with family portraits
* One custom-designed, hand-made 10×10 album containing 80 images
* Complete set of images posted to a password protected web site
* Custom album design by Robert Bowen
* Color & Black and White coverage
* Complete set of high-resolution digital files
Q: How can I book you to photograph my mitzvah?
A: You can go to the “Book Online!” section of our web site and fill out the proposal form. We will contact you within 24 hours with pricing for your event. Of course, we can also set up an appointment for you to come in to the studio. Please call us at 301-260-2549.