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FAQ

Hello and welcome to my “Frequently Asked Questions” page. Below are some of the most common questions clients have had when booking me as their wedding photographer. Let me know if you have any other questions not covered here. Thanks!


HOW DO WE BOOK YOU?

$2000 is needed to book any wedding collection along with a signed contract. Everything is done online. When you are ready I will send you a link where you can review the quote, sign the contract, and finally make your payment. If a contract is signed but the retainer isn’t paid within 24 hours your wedding isn’t booked and quote will expire.


HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?

I recommend booking 1 year out if possible, especially if your wedding date is during the months of October and November. If you wait too late to book your photographer you may find yourself needing an engagement session during the summer. Unfortunately I don’t offer outdoor engagement sessions in Texas during June 01-Sept 15.



WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENTS DO YOU TAKE?

All payments must be made using PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay. I do not accept cash or check. You can use credit cards with PayPal.



WHEN IS THE REMAINING BALANCE DUE?

Balance is due 20 days prior to your wedding day but you can always pay it in payments or pay it off early.



DO YOU GIVE YOUR CLIENTS DIRECTIONS AND HELP WITH POSING?

Absolutely, I give you good vibes and good direction so you can look and feel your best. I work hard to make your session or wedding day enjoyable!

WILL YOU BE OUR ACTUAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Absolutely! I am the lead photographer at every session and wedding unless specified otherwise in your contract. For example, there are times where I might send an associate photographer in my place for something like an engagement party or rehearsal dinner.



CAN WE HAVE A GAP IN WEDDING DAY COVERAGE?

Unfortunately I don’t offer split sessions. Your coverage would have to be continuous from start to finish. Once wedding photography has begun, your coverage will not stop for travel or downtime. For example, driving from your hotel to your church, and from your church to your venue will use your coverage time.



WHO IS YOUR SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?

I have a small team of 2nd photographers I work with routinely, depending on the wedding and availability. My 2nd photographers are all fully independent and can step into the role of lead photographer at any time. My 2nd photographer usually works with the groom/groomsmen while I work with the bride/bridesmaids.




DO YOU HAVE GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Yes I do have the standard general liability coverage and will make this available to venues when required.

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE GET WITH OUR PACKAGE?

It depends on your coverage but on average I deliver approximately 600 to 800 final images for a wedding. For sessions you will get at least 100 images.

CAN WE REQUEST YOU EDIT OUR PHOTOS IN A DIFFERENT STYLE?

All edits will reflect my current style and brand. If you are looking for a “light and airy” photographer there are plenty of amazing photographers more suitable for your taste. My photos are not always dark but would be considered moody.

CAN YOU RESHAPE MY BODY OR MAKE CERTAIN FEATURES SMALLER UPON REQUEST?

Unfortunately my services do not involve body modification type editing or edits where Photoshop would be needed.



WHEN AND HOW WILL WE GET OUR PHOTOS?

Your high resolution digital images will be delivered via an online gallery approximately 4 months after your wedding day, depending on the time of year. Engagement session photos are also delivered via an online gallery in about 3 to 4 weeks. Your gallery will expire on your one year wedding anniversary so be sure to save all your images before that time.


CAN WE GET OUR RAW FILES?

I do not give RAW files to clients. You will receive edited high resolution jpeg images via your online gallery.


WHAT IS AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION ? BRIDAL SESSION?

Engagement and bridal sessions are done on a separate day from your wedding day. An engagement session is your opportunity to take couples photos in a casual setting of your choice. You can make your engagement session as unique and personal as you like and it’s a great way to get connect with your photographer before the wedding day. During a bridal session the bride takes photos in her wedding dress and often trials her wedding day hair and makeup. Don’t for get to have a bouquet if you are doing bridals. Bridals sessions are usually done at your venue but aren’t always necessary because bridal photos can be done on the wedding day if your timeline allows.


CAN WE SHARE OUR PHOTO IDEAS OR PINTEREST BOARDS?

Absolutely, please do! A picture really is worth a thousand words and can give me more insight into what photos are more important to you. Obviously, its also good to have realistic expectations when considering the location of your session or wedding. There are no guarantees but I will certainly try my best to incorporate your ideas and must have shots. Honestly, I feel that clients with photos ideas usually get more of what they really want in the end. Photos are a great way to share your vision.


HOW MANY HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE DO WE NEED?

8 hours of coverage is perfect for 90% of my weddings. If you need to add an extra hour it’s $350.

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED FOR GETTING READY & PRE CEREMONY PHOTOS?

I usually arrive about 2 hours before ceremony to start details and getting ready photos. Having your details together helps. I recommend having hair and makeup done 2 hrs before ceremony. When brides run late in getting ready they tend to have less opportunity for doing bridals and photos with their bridesmaids. Unfortunately you can’t always count on doing these after the ceremony because timelines are often tight. When a first look is done it is significant because it gives more opportunity for photos of the bride alone, bride with groom, and entire bridal party. The quality of photos are often better as well when the bride is able to leave the bridal room for locations with better natural light.


WHAT CAN WE DO TO EXPEDITE POST CEREMONY FORMAL PHOTOS?

Make sure family knows to return to the ceremony site or designated location for formal photos immediately following recessional (exit). If you have a large groups of family members it can help to have a someone designated to wrangle and call groups up as needed. Sometimes coordinators are able to help during this process. My goal is to get family formals done first so that older family members don’t have to wait as long and can make their way to the reception. Make sure bridal party is present and ready. Bridesmaids should have their flowers. I usually do family formals first, then bridal party, and finally the bride & groom alone. I like to dismiss everyone at this point so I can maximize what little time l have left with the bride & groom. When people remain in area where bride & groom formals are to be done this often hinders the progress. I work hard to help create photos reflecting a couples love and romance but this can prove difficult when guests or family members distract them. At times I may be firm in directing traffic so that you get more of the photos that you will treasure the most for years to come.

WHEN SHOULD WE SCHEDULE OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?

Engagement sessions should be scheduled at least a month prior to your wedding day but most recommend 6 months out so that photos can be used for save the dates or invitation purposes. I highly recommend doing engagement sessions sometime between October and April. I’m not available for outdoor session in TEXAS from June 1 to Sept 15.

WHAT TIME OF THE DAY DO YOU SHOOT SESSIONS?

The majority of my outdoor sessions are done during the last two hours of sunlight. This rule doesn’t always apply for cloudy days.


CAN OUR SESSION BE DONE IN A STUDIO OR INDOORS?

Absolutely! I thought you’d never ask. :) Most of my clients want outdoor sessions but I love shooting in studios, hotels, or even homes. Spaces with natural window light work the best but flash/studio lighting can be used if needed. Securing this space would be responsibility of the client.

CAN SESSIONS BE RESCHEDULED?

Yes sessions can be rescheduled but are subject to availability. I understand that life happens and sometimes bad weather does to. In the case of bad weather, I usually wait until the day before to check forecast and then make a decision. Sometimes rain can be fun and add an extra element of magic to a session or wedding day. Some of my favorite photos were done in the rain.



CAN OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION BE DONE IN GALVESTON?

Unfortunately I no longer travel to Galveston for engagement sessions or weddings.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A HURRICANE?

In the case of a hurricane/ natural disaster, a percentage of your total investment will be refunded, depending on services rendered up until that point, and the contract.

DO WE GET OUR RETAINER BACK IF WE CALL OFF OUR WEDDING?

Additional payments made after the retainer are refunded but the retainer itself would not be refunded.


WHAT ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TIPS?

  • Put thought into your engagement session and outfits. This is YOUR love story so make it unique. Do your research and get permission if you want to have your session in an establishment like a bar or restaurant. Secure the appropriate photography permits ahead of time if you are utilizing places like Glassell School of Arts or McGovern Centennial Gardens.

  • Always plan to arrive early to a session. Sometimes parking may be limited and walking may be required. Being late directly affects the number of final photos and possibly the quality of photos, since many sessions are dependent on natural light.

  • Plan your wedding around the sun, the availability of good light, and bearable temperatures.

  • Consider doing a FIRST LOOK. Depending on your timeline and the time of year, it may be the only way for you to get bride & groom photos in natural light.

  • Be ready early on your wedding day! Make sure hair and makeup are done at least 2 hours before ceremony. This will increase the chances for doing bridals and bride & bridesmaid photos. When a bride & groom run late it can make the day more stressful and start to show on their faces. You deserve to look back on photos that reflect the joy and happiness of your special day.

  • Do yourself a favor and hire a wedding planner or day of coordinator! You will never regret it, I promise!