FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Welcome to the FAQ section, which covers the questions most commonly asked during our first contact. I realize you might have many more questions for me. I will gladly answer all of them via email, messenger, or preferably over the phone or during a personal meeting with you.
WHY YOU, AND NOT SOMEONE ELSE?
In photography, you and your emotions are what matter most. That is why I prioritize discretion, good manners, and composure in my work. I operate in a way that doesn't disrupt important moments, yet captures them with the utmost precision. I respect your time and money, which is why I offer honest craftsmanship rather than experiments. I don't blindly follow fleeting trends that will look dated in a few months. I create photographs you won't be ashamed of in 10 or 20 years—classic, natural, and technically perfect. For me, photography is not just a passion; it is, above all, years of experience and technical knowledge. By choosing me, you are entrusting your memories to a professional who simply knows what they are doing. I am here to do a solid, honest job for you discreetly and with deep respect for the significance of the event you entrust to me.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS?
The safety of your memories is my absolute priority. I secure this on two levels:
Technical security: I work exclusively with professional equipment that writes photos to two memory cards simultaneously. This eliminates the risk of data loss if one card fails. Additionally, I always carry a backup camera body and an extra set of lenses. Immediately after the assignment, the photos are transferred to several independent hard drives and—with your consent—to an encrypted cloud server (Dropbox). I am prepared for any technical failure, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Privacy: I respect your privacy and image. I never publish photos (on my website or social media) without your explicit consent. This also applies to cloud backups—they are stored there solely for archiving purposes until the final material is delivered to you, as strictly regulated by our contract.
To summarize: Hardware redundancy:
My cameras record every frame on two storage media simultaneously.
Backup gear: On every assignment, I have a "backup for the backup"—spare cameras and lenses, ready to shoot in a second.
Archiving: Photos are copied to external drives and the cloud immediately after the assignment is completed (and, circumstances permitting, even while it's ongoing).
Discretion: Your photos are your property. I do not share them with anyone or publish them in my portfolio without your consent. Cloud storage (as a secure backup) is only done with your approval, as outlined in the contract.
DO WE GET THE ORIGINAL RAW FILES? WHAT IS THE EDITING PROCESS LIKE, AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? HOW QUICKLY WILL WE GET THE FINAL PHOTOS?
No, I deliver only a finished, fully refined product to my clients. Raw files (RAW, NEF formats, etc.) are the modern equivalent of "digital negatives." On their own, they are not finished photographs—they require "developing," which involves advanced color grading and technical editing to give them their final, signature look. There is also a significant technical factor. Raw files are massive. A single photo from a 24-megapixel sensor (standard in wedding photography) is about 30 MB. For a full wedding reportage (assuming around 5,000 shots), that equals about 150 GB of raw data. These formats cannot be opened by standard image viewers without specialized software. For your convenience, you receive curated JPG files (8-10 MB), which are easy to view, print, and share with loved ones, while maintaining the highest possible quality. My work on your photos doesn't end when I turn off the camera. That's only halfway there. I divide the post-production process into two key stages:
Curated Selection: Out of thousands of shots, I select the ones that tell a cohesive story. I discard technically imperfect, repetitive, or unflattering frames (e.g., blinking eyes). You receive the essence of the reportage—only the absolute best shots.
Advanced Editing: This is the most time-consuming stage. Every selected photo undergoes individual correction for framing, color, exposure, and geometry. Each image is processed separately. Even in the age of AI and various software enhancements for culling and editing, every single photo is personally corrected and reviewed by me, ensuring it reflects my unique style and character.
Regarding delivery time—I prioritize quality over speed. I usually deliver the finished material within 30 days of the session. However, during the peak wedding season, to maintain the highest standard of editing for every single photo, I reserve a timeframe of up to 3 months in the contract. I guarantee it is worth the wait—you will receive a product polished in every detail.
DO WE SIGN A CONTRACT? DO WE PAY A DEPOSIT?
Absolutely. We sign a contract, and the client pays a non-refundable retainer/deposit of 30% of the total service price. This protects the interests of both parties and serves as a firm confirmation of your booking.
DO YOU POST OUR PHOTOS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE?
would love to feature selected photos on my FERRACUORE social media channels and website, but I will only do so with the client's explicit permission.
CAN WE MEET IN PERSON BEFORE THE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS?
Of course. I believe it is always best to meet in person, get to know each other, and talk things through. It is a great opportunity to answer all your questions, clear up any doubts, and often, to make the final decision about hiring me. I can come to your home or meet you at any other location that is convenient for you.
THERE WILL BE GUESTS FROM ABROAD AT MY WEDDING, OR MY PARTNER DOESN'T SPEAK POLISH. WHAT FOREIGN LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEM IF NEEDED?
My primary foreign language is English, which I speak fluently and naturally. I also have a basic knowledge of Croatian and am continuing to learn it. Additionally, I started learning Italian last year.
IS THE EQUIPMENT YOU USE PROFESSIONAL?
believe that professional equipment is gear that doesn't fail and allows you to execute your vision without obstacles. That is why I work on proven systems that set the quality standard in the world of professional photography. I use full-frame DSLR and mirrorless Nikon cameras with Nikkor and Sigma Art lenses, as well as medium format Fujifilm cameras with Fujinon lenses, alongside Irix and Hasselblad with Carl Zeiss optics. I choose the tool for the job—sometimes I need Nikon's reportage speed, and other times I need the unparalleled depth and quality of medium format. These are rugged, reliable builds, designed to work in all weather conditions, offering the highest quality in imaging. However, "professionalism" isn't just about the camera. It’s the entire security infrastructure: from writing to dual memory cards simultaneously, to the professional workstations, servers, and drives where I safely store your memories.
THERE WILL BE FULL SUN AT 12:00 PM, SO MAYBE WE CAN DO THE PHOTOS THEN?
If you really want to—OK, but I would highly advise against it :) In photography, light is everything; it "draws" the picture. That is why, for outdoor sessions, I always recommend the Golden Hour. This is the time shortly after sunrise or about an hour before sunset. The light is soft, dimensional, and has a beautiful, warm tone that is incredibly flattering to the skin. I strongly advise against midday sessions (between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM) when the sun is at its zenith. Harsh overhead light creates unflattering, deep shadows under the eyes and nose, and the contrast of the scene often exceeds the capabilities of even the best camera sensors. The only exception is overcast days—clouds act as a giant, natural diffuser, allowing for beautiful, even lighting at any time of day. Of course, if we are planning an indoor session, around noon might actually be ideal to let as much natural light inside as possible. We always set the final time individually, taking the season and chosen location into account. Remember, though, that I am flexible. If the weather plays a trick on us and the day is cloudy—that's great news! Soft light breaking through the clouds allows for perfect portraits at any hour. Generally, we are not afraid of "bad weather" or cloudy days. For photography, this is usually a huge advantage. That doesn't mean we only want and expect clouds :) — we just have to remember that harsh sunlight rarely looks good in photos. On sunny days or in sunny climates, we will just need to wake up earlier for a beautiful morning session, and utilize the warm, golden light of the Golden Hour in the late afternoon and evening.
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INSTEAD OF A FRIEND WHO HAS SIMILAR EQUIPMENT?
It is wonderful to have photography enthusiasts among your family and friends. However, professional wedding (or event) photography is about much more than owning an expensive camera. Above all, it is about responsibility and consistency. I often answer this question with a culinary comparison: does owning the best pots and knives make someone a head chef at a renowned restaurant? Equipment is just a tool. Even the best camera (and I work on top-tier systems) is useless without a trained eye and the knowledge of how to use it. When you choose me, you aren't just paying for someone to press the shutter button, but for:
Guaranteed Security: I carry backup gear, I duplicate files the moment they are taken, and my experience allows me to handle any lighting situation, no matter how difficult.
Full Commitment: During the assignment, I am not a wedding guest trying to party. I am at work, fully focused on catching fleeting moments and interesting frames.
Experience: I know where to stand before something important happens, and I know how to direct you so you look your absolute best.
An amateur might take a few brilliant photos if they get lucky. A professional guarantees a cohesive, high-quality gallery from start to finish, regardless of the conditions.