1. Why are you worth the amount you charge?

In a world where wedding photography varies greatly in price, I think it’s super important for couples to understand the why. If someone is offering wedding day photography at a super low price tag, it’s even more important to understand why. Does that photographer have professional equipment? Does that photographer have back-up equipment? Does that photographer have galleries of weddings that they have shot themselves? Please know, being an assistant or second shooter to a wedding versus being the lead photographer at a wedding — HUGE DIFFERENCES. When you’re the lead photographer, you are 100% responsible for those images. Weddings days cannot be rescheduled or re-shot. You get ONE chance to capture that first kiss. 

Now, onto answering the question myself! 🙂 I am a sole photographer, which means I take a limited number of weddings per year. This is different to certain companies who take as many people as possible. Since I take a limited number of weddings, I am able to give each couple the time and attention they deserve. I also try to build a relationship with my couple so that they are more relaxed in front of the camera and are more likely to show genuine emotions. Another reason, I personally edit your photos myself, which I feel gives it a personal touch.  I have a back up camera on me at all times, I always have an additional photographer at your wedding, I use a professional computer and a professional photo editing software. 

2. Will I get a DVD of my images?

No. And I shall explain why. The direction technology has moved in the past few years is so amazing to me- but also surprising. Computers are no longer being manufactured with disk drives in them! I just upgraded my computer a few months ago, and there is no drive for disks! I don’t know why that’s so crazy to me, but it is. That being said, your wedding images won’t be much use to you if that’s the only way to access them. I deliver my wedding images digitally, through an online gallery called PASS. What’s so great about this program, is that it hosts your photos online for  10 YEARS. Of course, backing up your wedding photos is crazy important- but knowing PASS will host them for that long is just amazing! Also what I love about PASS, is even if I as photographer stop using them to host my galleries, you will not lose access to your images. Not all companies do that, and that’s so sad to me! Make sure to ask your photographer how your images will be delivered and how long they will be able to be accessed that way!

3. Will you help me with my timeline for my wedding day?

YES. A good photographer should go over and provide you with a timeline for your wedding day. The last thing you want to do is to be rushed on your wedding day! Sitting down together and planning out the order of events and how long things can realistically take is very important! A seasoned photographer should also point out things that can come up that you wouldn’t necessarily think would take much time… such as, that a receiving line can take up to 30-40 minutes. A great photographer should also know when the best light is, and schedule your photos during “golden hour”, even if it’s just for 10 minutes after dinner! Golden hour lighting is really gorgeous and I want every couple to have images like this from their day!

4. When should I expect my wedding photos?

This is super important, guys and gals! I did some research a few months back- asking friends and family how long it took them to get their wedding images back. MOST of them said 4-6 weeks, which is what I promise my couples. During my busy season, I hold pretty true to that timeline. As I mentioned above, I AM ONLY ONE WOMAN. Kidding. But some of them said 3 months and beyond! I was blown. away. I simply cannot imagine waiting that long for my own wedding photos! I so very often try to see things through a client’s perspective – as I think that has truly helped my business become what it is. I think hiring a photographer who has a turn around time that you are comfortable with is extremely important. 

5. Chicken, Beef, or Vegetarian?

YOU KNOW I know I had to include this one! I think it’s important to show that you care about your photographer and we are often there longer than anyone else on your wedding day! That being said, I still think it’s extremely important to feed all of your vendors. My husband is a DJ and even though his start time may be 5pm, he has been at your venue setting up tons of equipment since 1pm. And sadly, I have photographed 10 hour wedding days where we never got fed and mannnn is that not enjoyable. Of course, I now bring snacks, but I am still a human and I need to eat too! 🙂 Bonus points if you arrange a place for your photographers to sit down and enjoy their meal. I have unfortunately seen and heard many sad stories about meals for vendors and I just don’t know why it happens. If you love us, feed us. K? 🙂