Amy Straka Photography

219-210-2563

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5.0 out of 5.0

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7 reviews

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Categories: michigan city photography Address: Michigan City, IN 46360
(map) Phone: 219-210-2563

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Reviews for Amy Straka Photography

Megan
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10/01/2011

I first came across Amy's photography when I was looking at pictures of my wedding venue (Mill Creek Barns). Her work really stood out to me. She puts so much thought and creativity into each photograph she takes. I'm so proud to show my engagement and wedding photographs to friends and family. She captured every moment perfectly and I will be able to cherish those moments forever because of her photographs.

Not only is Amy an amazingly talented photographer, but she was so wonderful to work with. She has a genuine personality and is so professional with communication. She was one of the only wedding vendors I used that was responsive. I would barely hit send on a email and I would have an answer back from her. She is one of the most organized people I know!

Hands down, hiring Amy was the best decision I made in planning my...

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Kristin
GUEST

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06/18/2011

I met Amy at a local bridal expo and was instantly drawn in by her amazing photographs. My husband and I booked her to do our engagement session as a warm up for the big day. It was a great experience working with her. She kept in contact with me through the plannnig process and was interested in all of my wedding details. Amy helped me create a wedding package that fit my bridal budget. I knew I was in good hands because of her professionalism and creativity. I am proud to say that I have amazing wedding photos because of her. She does whatever it takes to make sure that you are pleased with your photos. I look forward to working with her again for more photo sessions!

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Kieran
GUEST

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06/06/2010

Amy stood in for her friend Heather, our original photographer, when she was sent to the hospital with appendicitis days before our wedding. You would never have known that she had been recruited on such short notice! She must have read my mind, because every photo that I wanted to take, but was told not to because it might mess up my dress, she proposed and took! Amy is unbelievably creative and talented. She came early to scope out the property for where to take the best shots, and she didn't let herself get bossed around by a certain someone (Very proud of her for that!). The day after the wedding she has already posted 17 photos to facebook for my family, friends, and myself and new husband to see. I could not have asked for better photos! I will certainly remember Amy as a great photographer, a good friend to someone in need, and one of the easiest people to get along with. Thank you, Amy!

Vendor response to review

Thank you, Kieran! You two are wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better couple to be matched up with by chance! Congrats, and the best to you!

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Jackosun
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08/01/2009

Amy is an amazing photographer! She was super helpful and open to any suggestions that we had. She now has a "build your own" package option so that you only pay for what you need/want. Her ideas for locations and poses are great and she is super versatile. All of our photos were beautiful and she is super outgoing and fun to have around. Her assistant was awesome too! We got our album that she designed and we love it! She is highly recommended!!! She books quickly so make sure that you get a hold of her ASAP. Amy also did a really fun engagement shoot for us and those photos were also beautiful!!

Vendor response to review

Thanks lady!

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many2022
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05/29/2009

Amy did my engagement photos and wedding! She is very open-minded, creative, and hip! We did our photos at the Coffee Creek Watershed and you can tell she was completely in her element, awesome nature shots! I also love her many package options to fit a wide variety of budgets. If you are looking for total customization and professionalism let Amy Straka shoot your wedding!

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ashleybaughan
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12/28/2008

Amy was a HUGE blessing! I was planning my wedding from FL and the wedding with up near Chicago. My original photographer backed out a MONTH before the wedding. GOOD THING because with some research I found AMY! Thank goodness! Luckily she was available for our wedding. She was able to accomodate to our needs and requests even though every thing was so last minute. I have recommended Amy to MANY friends and family and will continue to. She has helped capture many memories to which I am grateful! Thanks Amy, you rock!

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Cindy Lou
GUEST

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4.8 out of 5.0

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10/17/2008

Amy photographed our engagement and wedding photos. She did a wonderful job. She was so creative and would do just about anything to capture that perfect shot! Her personality is very upbeat and kind, she has a wonderful sense of humor, she is professional, her style is cutting edge and her customer service is great. We are very happy with her work, she has created so many amazing memories of our special day through her photos. If I were to do it all over again, she would be at the top of my list of necessities for an amazing, unforgettable wedding!

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Vendor recommendation from Earthbound Wedding Officiants

What a pleasure it was to work with Amy! Very warm, friendly, fun and talented! She really knows how to capture the moment!

Photos for Amy Straka Photography

About Amy Straka Photography

I’m Amy.

I’m a real Midwest girl. I was raised in rural Indiana, on a few acres carved out of the woods, at the end of a dead end road. But when I was a kid, I always dreamed I’d end up with some bigger-than-life career, making huge changes with my name in the headline or the by-line.

Then I realized that there’s nothing bigger than life.

I couldn’t bear to leave LaPorte County. The country is my heart. No city skyline could ever compete with the simple beauty of a county road disappearing through woods and fields. I studied journalism in college, but I never bothered with that career. I have no interest in chasing huge stories anymore, only yours.

I feel blessed everyday that I turned my hobby into my career. Whenever I look at my wedding photos I feel everything, all over again. How lucky am I to make a living giving those feelings back to you, forever!

Photography isn’t making people look pretty in pretty places. It’s way more than that. You don’t live your life in front of a grey muslin sheet. That’s why I don’t do backdrops and I don’t have a studio.

You don’t want to look at your wedding photos and think, “How pretty.” You want to taste the wine and hear the cello. You want to say, “How US.”

Build your custom collection here:

https://app.shootq.com/public/amy_straka_photography/pricing

FAQ for Amy Straka Photography

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary, Photojournalism

What do your packages include?

Albums, Digital Files, Flush Mount, High Resolution Images, Prints

Do you have liability insurance?

Is your media preference film or digital?

Digital

How many photographers do you work with?

I always photograph every wedding I book, and bring one of three assistant photographers with me.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?

It wouldn't be Amy Straka Photography without me!

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?

Your wedding will always be my only commitment of the day.

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?

Only in absolute emergency, like hospitalization or death, will I not be there to photograph your wedding. I have arrangements made in case of such an awful emergency, but luckily, have never had to use them.

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?

I always bring three cameras, a variety of lenses, enough memory to shoot four weddings, multiple flashes, video lights, and ample extra batteries with chargers.

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?

Absolutely! I don't just have a back-up camera, but also back-up flashes, batteries, memory, and multiple lenses.

Do you charge hourly or full day?

Mostly, wedding coverage ranges between five and twelve hours. The base for every package varies slightly in regard to time, but is not presented in hourly increments.

Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?

If you decide at your event that you wish for me to stay longer than the previously agreed upon length of time, additional hours are no problem and will cost $200 for each additional hour. This amount will be due two weeks after the wedding, so I won't be rushing you to your checkbook on your wedding day!

What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?

We eat when you eat, and of course, you don't want photos of you eating anyway! We require two meals, and seating in the same room as all of your guests is preferred. Towards the end of the reception, during dancing, the other photographer and I will take alternate breaks, always making sure someone has their eyes on the dancefloor!

Do you charge for travel?

A modest travel fee applies to weddings more than one hour driving distance of Michigan City, Indiana according to Google Maps. A travel fee based on distance is assessed. Depending on the wedding day timeline, a hotel for the night before, after, or both may be required. We book our own hotel reservations, which will be for one room within a reputable network of nationally recognized hotel chains. We will, of course, calculate travel cost fairly and prior to booking. We love travel and we are always down for new locations!

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?

Depending on the timeline and access to electricity, a small preview slideshow may go up on my laptop after dinner AT your wedding! I usually choose between 20-100 photos to share, and if we plan the details ahead of time, for $150, I can do this on a flat-screen television or projector!

A preview of select images will also be published to Facebook and my blog within a day or two of the wedding! All of the proofs will be online typically within one week, often sooner. I've never taken more than two weeks to share proofs! I'm just as excited as you are to see the finished product! (Well maybe not, but still VERY excited!)

In what format are the initial proofs offered?

I offer online proofing through Pictage.com, which will make viewing and sharing your proofs incredibly easy. The day you book you already know the address where your proofs can be found. You and your guests can register to receive an e-mail the minute the proofs are ready, and if you register prior to the wedding, you get a $5 print credit! Guests are welcome to make folders of their favorites, and are welcome to place their orders directly through me, saving you the hassle. Additionally, whether you are paying for your prints with a collection credit or a-la-carte, you can easily place your order online through Pictage. Also, when I design your album, you can make a folder on Pictage for your must-haves, as well as some photos from which I can choose, to make the perfect album design!

How long can the client keep the proofs?

The proofs are online for two months.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?

While you receive a disk containing high-resolution images and permission to make your personal prints with every wedding, I retain the copyright. If you do make consumer-quality prints yourself in addition to ordering professional-quality prints, I suggest using MPIX.com. They are fairly priced and have a good reputation. The quality is not equal to the professional prints I offer, but is much better than quickie labs like Wal-Mart or CVS.

Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?

I will always want to show you off in my blog, website, or marketing materials. If you aren't into this, just let me know, though I will be so sad.

Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?

You will receive a disk containing high-resolution images and permission to make your personal prints with every wedding. If you do make consumer-quality prints yourself in addition to ordering professional-quality prints, I suggest using MPIX.com. They are fairly priced and have a good reputation. The quality is not equal to the professional prints I offer, but is much better than quickie labs like Wal-Mart or CVS. I want you to look your best!

Will images be available for viewing online?

I offer online proofing through Pictage.com.

What kind of albums do you offer?

I offer three different styles of albums. I offer Finao ONE flush-mount albums, Seldex Gallery Matted Albums, and PhotoBooks (lay-flat pressbooks) by Miller's Lab. Each is incredibly different, and all with a wide range of cover, size, and unique style options.

When will the client get the final album?

Album design is something I don't rush through. You may choose whether to have me design the entire album, or design it using a few or all of your picture choices. Depending on how many revisions you request and the type of album, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Albums aren't the thing to do quickly, so you'll appreciate the wait when we both think it is perfect!

Additional Advice

You brides & grooms have absolutely created unique weddings, and you deserve unique wedding photography. So like you designed your event, you can design your collection. See something you love, add it. Want to see something, ask me. Together we'll make it perfect. All collections start at $2300 and include:

- eight hours of wedding photography by Amy Straka
- on-location engagement session
- sneak peek images within hours
- two-hundred dollar print & product credit
- online proofing through pictage
- add albums & other goodies to your custom collection
- archival dvd with quality files and print permission

Start yours here: https://app.shootq.com/public/amy_straka_photography/pricing/current

Keep it simple, fun, and you. That's the only advice I can offer. That AND don't use an aisle runner outside.