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FAQs
1. How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you have a venue booked, you should book a photographer. Generally, I book 6 to 24 months in advance. If it’s an elopement that doesn’t fall on a Saturday, 1 to 6 months is plenty of time.
2. When should we have our engagement photos taken and what should we wear?
I like to set this date within a month of booking, but if you know your wedding won’t be for a couple years, there is no harm in waiting. Maybe it’s only June but you’ve always dreamed off cozy, fall engagement photos surrounded by golden Aspens—why not wait? I always recommend having them done before you send out invites so I have time to edit the photos for you to put on your wedding website. Some couples even use the images for a Save the Date card!
3. We had engagement photos taken before we booked. Can I get discount on the services for not needing engagement photos?
The engagement session is complimentary to the wedding service, so it’s not a dollar amount that can be reduced from the overall price. I include them because I like the opportunity to photograph you both before the big day. It gives me a chance to practice with you so I know your best angles, the poses that suit you well, and the ones that don’t, and to see how you ‘play’ best. It helps me to know how you jive so there is no need for warm up shots on the day of the wedding. And, it’s one more opportunity for me to spend with you so you’re comfortable with me sticking a camera in your face.
4. What’s a Pre-Bridal shoot?
Pre-Bridal is a term I use to describe an hour long photo shoot of the bride. It’s often aligned with the day you have your trial hair and make-up session. We make sure your hubby-to-be is nowhere to be found, and do a mini-shoot of just you in the dress. Pre-Bridal could also be swapped for a boudoir shoot.
5. What is your included travel radius?
Everywhere! Because I develop packages specifically for you and your wedding details, I include travel costs in the packages prices so there are no added on fees for you to sort through.
6. Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes! In fact, I’m a travel lover (over eighty countries and counting) and as such offer a special Destination Wedding Rates. Set up a Package Design Call so we can discuss details.
7. What are your thoughts about a First Look?
I love them! There are downsides, of course. The train of the bride’s dress can get a little dirty before the aisle walk, and the “moment” when the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle won’t be the first time. But I think the benefits outweigh it. One, you get that “moment” all to yourselves (well, and me, but I promise I’ll be quiet). Two, you get all the location shots out of the way so that you can just enjoy your guests after the ceremony. Three, your bridal party will thank you when they can join in for cocktail hour.
8. Do your fees include a second shooter?
That's something we discuss in our package design call. If you want one, I'll give you an option that includes one in your price range.
9. How many photos can I expect to receive?
This varies greatly depending on how many hours you hire me for. Generally, I’ve found I give about fifty photos per hour, but that also varies depending on the activities of the hour.
10. Do you give RAW or unedited images?
My packages don’t include them because they don’t represent my art. I want to give you the best of the best of my work. That said, I edit and include almost all of my images, other than near-duplicates and test shots for lighting, so I can’t really think of a reason you’d want unedited or RAW images. If you do have a really good reason, let me know and maybe I can work with you on it.
11. How much editing/ retouching do you do on your photos?
The majority of my images will be color and light corrected to bring out the best of the shot. Ceremonies and receptions in flat or fluorescent lighting, or in harsh mid-day sunlight, will require more tweaking to give them the art feel that I like all my photos to carry. I aim to make every photo something you would want to hang on your wall. When needed, I’ll remove spots and smooth skin and fly-aways. And while I don’t give tummy tucks, I do correct for unflattering camera distortions or illusions that sometimes happen.
12. How long will it take before I see my photos?
I always put out a ~6 image sneak peek within 24 hours of the wedding. I prioritize this so that you have something to use for a Thank You card, and to make your exciting social media posts. The full gallery will be available in 6-8 weeks, which is when we will schedule your gallery reveal appointment. Prints can take up to three months depending on the package.
There are no sneak peeks with engagement photos, but I promise a swift 3 week turn around.
13. Do you make prints?
I do! All of my packages include a wedding album, and I have print packages available separately. You can decide to purchase them at the time of booking me for your wedding (bonuses apply if you do!) or you can tack it on when we do your gallery reveal after the wedding.
14. What's your approach to the wedding day?
I’m not going to pretend to be a fly on the wall. I’m there. I’m going to be taking lots of pictures. It’s hard to ignore me. Therefore I approach the day with professionalism and tact so you feel calm with me around, but also with a large dose fun so you don’t mind me putting the camera in your face as often as I do (trust me, you’ll thank me later).
During the actual ceremony, I try to snap all the good shots up front before the vows take place, and then only sneak a few so I’m not distracting during the more sentimental moments.
I like to have a plan for the location shots—where we’re going and about how many sets we can do with how many people. That way I can ensure I’m getting as many great shots as possible, and I always leave a bit of room for improvising.
If you’ve got a big family and you want lots of different family shots, schedule time for that! It’s very important to go over this with your wedding photographer before the day. Don’t spring individual best friend photos at the last minute and expect to stay on schedule.
15. Do you accept shot lists?
Absolutely! I love them. In fact, I have a special shot list checklist I like to send out to Brides and Grooms so they can wrap their head around everything I do and what needs to be communicated with me.
On this note, I also love Pinterest boards. I set one up with each of my brides so that they can add to it and show me what they like. You’d be surprised how different all the boards end up! That said, I don’t copy any images directly for copyright reasons. It’s more the aesthetic and personality that I use to help me create the best art for you.