FAQ
I recently received a lengthy list of questions from a bride-to-be, and I thought there were so many great questions that other couples may be interested in seeing the answers to as well. So here it goes! A blog post to answer ALL the questions that one might have for their wedding photographer.
- How far in advance do you typically book? 6 months to 1 year
- Can you describe your shooting style?
My approach to photography blends elements of documentary and intentional direction. Throughout the day, I am an observer, capturing candid moments that unfold naturally among family and friends—whether it's a heartfelt embrace, a tear of joy, or a burst of laughter. Additionally, I diligently document the intricate details of your decor, which serves as a reflection of your unique wedding day style.
During the portrait time, I think of myself as a director, capturing both posed and spontaneous moments that reflect your unique connection. Whether we're taking a leisurely stroll, sharing a dance, or indulging in a bit of playful banter, the aim is to create timeless portraits that authentically represent your bond.
Ultimately, my goal is to foster a relaxed, enjoyable environment where you feel comfortable being yourselves. Because when you're at ease, that's when we'll capture the most genuine and unforgettable moments.
- What are your favorite moments to capture
My favorite moments to capture are candid, real, and unposed, like all the moments below
- If your style is mostly candid, will i still get formal, posed portraits and vice versa? Absolutely! My couples receive a great variety of candid moments that happen throughout the day with friends and family along with directed portraits. I don't like to use the word "posed" as I always intend for my couples to be real and in the moment.
- Have you shot a wedding where a dog was involved? Yes, I've photographed a few weddings with dogs present and many engagement sessions
- How much of a deposit is required and when is it due? The deposit is $1500 due at the time of booking and the remainder is due 30 days before the wedding
- Do you offer payment plans? Yes, I am happy to put together a payment plan for those who request it
- Do we have to make a final payment prior to completion of service and prior to receiving images? Yes, full payment is required 30 days before the wedding
- Can you describe your editing style? My editing style is light and bright with true to life colors.
- Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services? I do basic color and white balance adjustment and skin retouching when needed on portraits.
- How many final images should we expect to receive? Is it possible to have more than the typical amount? I typically average between 70-100 photos per hour of coverage. I provide my couples with all passable images.
- How do you handle unforeseen circumstances (i.e wedding gets moved indoors, you are unable to shoot on the day of due to any type of circumstance, etc.)? Having been a wedding photographer for 13+ years, I've encountered every situation possible, including monsoons in Hawaii! A great photographer knows how to adjust quickly, and this is usually achieved by knowing how to use off camera flash. Off camera flash is external lighting that a photographer must be trained in using correctly, and gives the photographer the ability to create beautiful light when natural light is not available. I have encountered weddings where portraits needed to be created inside instead of outside and my couples loved the outcome.
These weddings were "rained out"
- Can we request specific shots/send you a must-have shot list You can definitely request specific shots but due to the nature and unpredictability of a wedding I don't contractually guarantee any specific shot. For much of the day I prefer to work with creative freedom, but I do request a shot list for family portraits which makes that portion of the day much more smooth and organized.
- Have you done many weddings? Yes! I've photographed hundreds of weddings . I've been photographing weddings professionally for 13 years.
- Do you shoot weddings in digital, film or both? digital
- Are you the specific photographer that might shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants/second shooters with you that day? Yes, I am the primary photographer and I have a second shooter with me on full day weddings (8 hours +)
- Do you have backup equipment (cameras, SIM/SID cards etc.)? Yes I have backups for everything
- Do you have liability insurance and does it cover potential assistants/second photographers? Yes
- What is your approach to capturing a wedding day: My photography style is an extension of who I am - clean, bright, and filled with light and color, yet deeply rooted in capturing the authentic essence of each moment. As a storyteller behind the lens, I see myself not just as a photographer but as a curator of love stories, weaving together the intricate threads of connection between couples, families, and friends.
Ultimately my approach is friendly and unobtrusive, making sure to create a relaxed atmosphere for natural and genuine
moments.
- What is it like to work with you on the day of the wedding and
- How do you make people feel comfortable in front of the camera?
- Most of my couples tell me I'm both a calming presence and very fun! I know that being behind the camera can be an uncomfortable situation, so I want my couples to be in a relaxed, non pressured environment. I consider myself a warm personality who enjoys people, so I'm always looking for ways to get my couples to laugh and be candid. I usually have my couples moving a lot with walking shots, maybe some dancing, maybe some running off into the sunset type of photos. My favorite photos, aside from candid hugs and tears, is when I can get a couple laughing and really being themselves. I think if you go through my reviews you'll see that most of my couples say the same thing over and over, about how much fun they had being in front of my camera.
- What would you say sets you apart from other wedding photographers I've been photographing weddings since 2012 and working as a photographer since 2009. I consider myself a veteran expert in my field and my work is consistent from gallery to gallery.
- Have you worked with a videographer before Yes, I've worked with videographers before and can coordinate seamlessly to capture your day from multiple angles.
- Do you have advice for us in terms of selecting the right wedding photographer? Always look at multiple full galleries and ensure that they have adequate experience lighting a reception hall and doing in portraits in less than ideal lighting situations. Choose a photographer whose style resonates with you as a couple.
- What will you need from us before the wedding? I'll need details about the timeline (which I would like to be a part of creating with you), specific shot requests, and any special considerations for the day.
- What is your biggest tip for couples to get the best wedding photos? My tip is to relax and have fun. It's your wedding day! Trust in the pros you've hired and enjoy getting married. Being happy and relaxed makes for the best photos
