10 Questions with Jose Mena

La Vie Studios

Photographer - Jose Mena

10 Questions with Jose Mena
  • Business: La Vie Studios
  • Location: Miami, Florida FL
  • Experience: 10 Years
  • Photography Types: Engagements, Family, Weddings
  • Profile: La Vie Studios
  • Website: www.laviestudios.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Anything in life can be beautiful, interesting or meaningful. Our goal on your wedding day is to capture those aspects of life through strong compositions to create unique images showcasing your special moments. We're total goofballs that are 100% committed to our art.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

We always get asked what sets us aside from other photographers. The experience - plain and simple. Not just the years of experience and hundreds of weddings we have under our belts, but the experience you’ll have with us as your photographers. We treat every wedding we photograph as if it’s for our closest friends or family. We photograph exactly how we would like to have our weddings captured one day. It’s not just what you get on the wedding day that matters. We ALWAYS reply to emails within 24 hours even if we are out of the country. Beyond the big day we deliver sneak peeks within 48 hours and make sure to have your full gallery edited and delivered within 4 to 6 weeks. Turnaround time for albums is no longer than 30 days upon approval of a layout.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

Candids are our thing. So are beautiful portraits. You’re not professional models - we get it. We’ll make posing easy and interactive while making sure you look your best. We believe in REAL. AUTHENTIC. PHOTOS. Wedding photography should NOT be safe and boring. We see every wedding as an opportunity to create differently, and capturing the essence of who you are together is what it's all about. All we ask is your trust in allowing us to express our creativity and document your wedding day for what it actually is. We'll be there for you when you need us, and out of your way when you don't.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

Like with any relationship, communication, trust, and collaboration will lead to a better experience. We want to capture photographs that speak your truth and show your best self. You’re not getting married to us but this is a commitment. We encourage that you play the field and go on more dates to see who you really vibe with as your photographer soulmates but if we’re love at first sight then we’re ready to get to know you! Slide in our DM’s! The best time to book a photographer is immediately after booking your venue. Most of our couples book about a year in advance. Our peak months are usually October - June.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

Since every wedding is unique, we prefer to not box people in with set packages. Instead we build custom proposals for every client, based on how much coverage they need. That way you never have to pay for something you don't need. Most weddings require at least 8 hours of coverage with 2 photographers, for which our rates start at $3490.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

You are guaranteed Jose or Jess as your lead photographers. In the event that both Jose and Jess are booked for your wedding date, associate photographers with the LVS style are available to photograph your wedding.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Nothing excites us more than going on new adventures to stimulate our creativity. Working at places we’ve never been and taking on new experiences drives our passion for photography. Culture and diversity is something we strive to express in our photographs. We have photographed within the united states from Florida’s east coast to the California West coast. Internationally we have been commissioned to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean among other beautiful destinations. Travel is included in our pricing within a 75 mile radius of Miami, FL. Please contact us for custom interstate and international travel rates.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Our coverage always includes high resolution digital images without any watermarks/logos, and full reprint rights. These images are delivered via online gallery, and can be easily downloaded. USB’s are available à la carte, as well as high quality prints, and albums through our professional photo labs.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Fast! Jimmy John’s fast. We deliver sneak peeks within the first week of the event date, and the final gallery between 6-8 weeks. Depending on your wedding, we usually edit, and deliver 50-100 images per hour of photography. We also include black & white copies of our favorite portraits, details, and moments.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Security deposits are non-refundable, but we get it, these are trying times. Should you have to cancel, or postpone your wedding due to COVID-19, please just reach out to us and we'll be as helpful as we can in providing you with some options.

Gallery

Awards

WeddingRule Editor’s Choice 2020