Get in touch.
Let's make some magic together!
Take a moment to complete the contact form or email me at info@milalowe.com or call at 508.560.6312 during work hours.
Mailing address: P.O.Box 914, West Tisbury, MA 02575
F.A.Q
When did you know you want to become a photographer?
I was sitting on a bench in a park in my home-town Chisinau, Moldova next to a photographer who was going through some prints that he had with him. As he went through his work I peeked over at the photographs and became so interested that decided to introduce myself. I asked him how he learned to capture such beautiful moments and he responded that he learned from his father who was planning on opening a photo school. His work left an unforgettable impression in my mind and although we didn't exchange any contact information, I luckily met him again at the same park, and he told me his father’s school had an open enrollment. I think this was the moment when I knew that I wanted to become a photographer. After this local school and during university I also finished a one year photography program at the National Academy For Theatre and Film Arts in Bulgaria. I continue to take various online photography workshops and classes till this day. Never stop learning, and never stop growing!
How long have you been a photographer?
I started photography at around 15 years old. I can't believe it's going to be 16 years since the day I developed my first roll of black-and-white film. I established my photography business on Martha's Vineyard in 2016.
How many images do you deliver?
Quality over quantity is my post-production rule. For elopements and weddings, the number of images always varies. It depends on the package you have selected. For an hour family, engagement, proposal, newborn, or maternity session, the numbers run up to 200 images per gallery. Each session is unique and produces a different number of photos. It's hard to say specifically. I mostly delete the junk photographs in post-production/editing that have closed eyes or when something is wrong with the image aesthetically.
What is the expected wait time to receive the photographs?
For an hour family, engagement, proposal, newborn, or maternity session, 15 business days will be required for all post-production services. The turnaround depends on how many sessions I had before your session and how busy is the summer season is on the island. We have sessions almost every day during the summer season. There is an order in post-production that I follow, and I can't start editing your session before the unedited session from a week ago.
For elopements and weddings, 30-60 business days will be required for all post-production services. It all depends on your wedding date. For example, if the wedding season starts in September and your wedding is during the first weekend, then it should take up to 15 days for me to edit it, but if your wedding is the last weekend of the season then it might take 30-60 days for me to edit it because there are ten weddings to finish. I'll generally try to share at least a few sneak peaks from your wedding or elopement during the first week.
I try to get the photographs to you as soon as possible while making sure it's the best work, and not rushed work. Once you have the link to your photo gallery, you will have your photos for life!Can you give us the raw, unedited photographs?
No, and honestly this is not an acceptable question. I work hard to establish trust and connection between the people I photograph. I am very mindful of every image that goes into the gallery and think deeply about the selection, editing style and the entire post-production process. Trust me, you get plenty of photographs in your gallery. Just like my client Jesse Straus said, “She knows exactly how to get those memorable photographs you dream of for your wedding day. The biggest problem? Narrowing down our shots for our album!”.
How do we pay you?
You'll receive an online proposal through the service Honeybook where you will be able to pay deposit and final payment online.
For an hour family, engagement, proposal, newborn, or maternity session, deposit fee which is 30%, and the remaining balance of 70% on the day before the session.
For weddings and elopements, the retainer deposit is 30%, and then the remaining balance of 70% is due 30 days before your date. I do offer an option to split the payment into three payments. We can always talk, and I am happy to provide an opportunity to work with your schedule.Do you photoshop photographs?
My packages include moderate retouching in Lightroom. They do not include photoshop retouching. I charge separately per image for photoshop services.
What happens if we need to cancel/reschedule our photo session or postpone the wedding?
In the event of postponement or cancellation of the Event by the Client, the deposits paid are non-refundable. Deposits are transferable if a date change is agreed upon, and the company is available for the new date(s). Forty-eight hours (48) notice of postponements or cancellations is required. Notification of any changes in schedule or location shall be made in a timely manner, and the Client must obtain the Company's written confirmation of receipt. If it is not possible for the Event to take place on a scheduled day due to weather, Company and Client may reschedule on an agreed earliest possible date, with no additional charge.
What safety measures do you take with covid 19?
95% of my sessions are outdoor. I'll be wearing a mask + 6 feet apart during the session, using a 70-200mm lens to bring the subject closer and do my best to keep a long distance. I am planning to test myself frequently during the summer season as well. I ask my clients kindly to wear a mask when we are not taking the photographs. I’ll e-mail a Covid screening questionnaire. I had my second doze of Pfizer Covid vaccine on May 6th 2021 at MV Hospital. All of our immediate family members are vaccinated as well.
You have a beautiful accent, where are you from?
I was born and raised in Chisinau, Moldova. It's a country in the northeastern corner of the Balkan region of Europe. I left the country after high-school to pursue my education in Bulgaria. I spent the summers working on the island as a student during my college years, and that's where I met my husband. We live in West Tisbury with our son Maxim who was born during the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Do you photograph destination weddings?
I am currently only photographing weddings on Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and other New England areas. I would have to add travel expenses like gas, accommodation, ferry reservation for the car, tickets, etc.
What should we wear for our session?
I'll e-mail you a what to wear guide.
What happens if you can't make it to our wedding?
If I get sick or any other Act of God event occurs, I will do my best to find a replacement photographer that I trust to take my place. If for some reason I can't find anyone, your money will be refunded. We work in great community of photographers that work together and help if a situation like this occurs.
What if it's a rainy/stormy day?
I highly recommend booking your session towards the beginning of your stay, so we have wiggle room if there is rain or other challenges. I do have spots on my calendar for rainy days. You are in good hands. I'll worry about the rain.
Do you help in the planning process?
Absolutely. You'll get a questionnaire to fill out, and we will schedule a phone call to plan your session. For elopements and weddings, we prepare phone call and/or in-person meetings for photography planning. I create a photography wedding timeline for every couple and do location scouting. By the time you get married we will be comfortable with each other and in good contact. I care about providing the best experience to every single couple or family I get a chance to meet and photograph.
Do you offer discounts for your sessions?
I do not provide discounts.
Do you offer discounts for your photo products like the album, print, etc.?
Yes. Sometimes I have special promotions for images and other photo products.
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