I realized just last week that the last time I posted a list of my frequently asked questions was in 2017! As I work on overhauling my website with updated work this fall, I thought it might be a good time to post an updated FAQ blog!
How far in advance do we need to book you?
I typically book about a year in advance, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have your date open. I’m currently booking through Fall 2025. Reaching out the earlier the better is usually my motto.
My wedding is not in Tallahassee – do you charge a travel fee?
My home base is in Tallahassee, Florida. 100 miles roundtrip are included. Additional mileage is 0.62/mi! If the trip requires an overnight stay (outside 3.5 hour drive), I ask that you cover my hotel room. For destinations beyond Florida and Georgia that are not within a reasonable driving distance, I will work with you on a custom estimate for photography services.
Are there any testimonials from past brides that I can see?
Yes! I’m very proud of having over 100 five star reviews on Wedding Wire, and being recognized with their Couples Choice Award for the past 8 years in row.
Do you include an engagement session with your wedding packages?
Over the years I’ve realized how important engagement sessions are. It not only allows us to build trust and a relationship, you’ll be able to get a feel for what wedding day will look like, and what poses work well for you. I include a complimentary engagement session in ALL of my wedding collections and always encourage my couples to take advantage of it – even if you’ve already had photos done.
How do we schedule an engagement session?
Once the contract is signed, I’ll provide a few dates to choose from. I’m also happy to make some location suggestions! Engagement sessions include travel within 50 miles of Tallahassee, Florida. Additional mileage is 0.62/mi.
What do your wedding collections include?
I have a comprehensive client guide that goes over all the collections and coverages that I offer! Wedding collections begin at $2600. If you’re interested in getting all the info, please fill out this form!
How long have you been in business? Shooting weddings?
I’ve always been the girl with the camera, but have had my business since 2012. I was primarily a family photographer when I first started in Fort Hood, Texas. Over the years, I developed a love for wedding days and haven’t looked back. Although I mainly shoot weddings, I also offer family and maternity as well as other event photography.
How would you describe your working style?
Adaptable. I’m loud and directive when I need to be, quick if we’re in a time crunch, or I can easily fade into the background to tell your story. My job is to show the emotion, so I fully involve myself in the happenings of the day. If you look at my face behind my camera, I am almost always smiling- because I LIVE for this. I’ll talk you through poses and give you actions to make it easier. I promise I’m not going to take you out for your formals only to ask, “What do you guys want to do?” and leave you hanging.
What about your photography style?
Colorful, full of light and punch. I love bright images rich with color and contrast. Emotional. I want real smiles and laughs and will 100% lose my dignity in an attempt to get someone to smile. I also love light. I live for the afternoons where the golden light drips through the trees. You’ll always see me looking to see where the light is and how I can add it to my photograph. That might put us in an awkward location, like a tight space or strange alley, but I promise I know what I’m doing.
Can I send you my Pinterest board?
You sure can, although I do have a love/hate relationship with Pinerest! I love to see the ideas you have for your day and use it for inspiration. I’ve found that if I work straight from a pinboard the shots can often look strained and stuffy – so trust me to tell YOUR story. I promise you we’ll still have so much fun. The biggest compliment you can give me? When my bride and grooms can say “We COMPLETELY trust you.” I will absolutely pull from your pin board for inspiration but you’re hiring me because you love my images and I’d love to make your wedding day unique and amazing.
How soon will we get a sneak peek?
I take great pride in my editing and post-processing and work to get you a sneak peek as soon as possible. Within 7 days, you’ll receive a preview of 75-150 images (differs based on coverage length).
Can we look at a full wedding gallery or your wedding portfolio?
Absolutely! I have a few ready to send over, just let me know if you’d like to see them.
What will you wear to our event?
I wear the typical photographer uniform – black pants and a black blouse. I do whatever it takes to get the shot, therefore I’m usually laying on my belly in grass, hiding in bushes, climbing through/on top of things. That way, I’m 100% concentrated on capturing your day and not worried about a wardrobe malfunction.
What type of equipment do you use? What’s your favorite lens?
Canon will forever have my heart. I shoot mirrorless and use an R5 and two R6’s . I love to create depth of field and “bokeh” in my images – my very favorite lens is my 85mm 1.2 and it rarely leaves my camera, although my 28-70mm f2.0 is a close second.
Do you have liability insurance?
Absolutely. I have both liability and equipment insurance. Please check with your venue beforehand to see if they require insurance for their vendors. With advance notice, I am happy to provide a certificate of insurance with them specifically named.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. I bring a variety of lenses as well as a backup camera body.
What if it rains on my wedding day?
Rain doesn’t scare me or my team. It’s supposed to be good luck anyway. Although it is definitely important to have a plan B for your guests, especially if you are having an outside ceremony, we will make it work. If that means that I’m completely soaked to keep you and your bridal party dry, so be it. I’ve shot weddings in 100 degrees, freezing and slush, venues with no power, and pouring rain. I’ll bring appropriate weather gear and we’ll make the best of whatever Mother Nature hands us on your day. That’s me on the left in the red rain boots.
Do you offer a second shooter in your wedding collections?
I do not include a second shooter in my wedding collections, but one of my trusted photographers can be added on at an hourly rate.
Do I really need to get a second shooter?
That’s a loaded question. Am I fully capable of shooting a wedding by myself? Yes. BUT, I can’t be in two places at once. There are definitely some specific situations where a second shooter comes in handy.
Most importantly, if you’re doing a first look. I normally stage myself so that I can capture the reaction of the groom seeing the bride. With a second shooter, we can get your first look from both angles. Also, a second shooter is helpful when it comes to walking down the aisle. If I’m a single shooter, I normally ask my couples if they’d prefer me to be up front shooting the bride walking down the aisle OR in the back catching the groom’s look over your shoulder and your beautiful train going down the aisle. With a second shooter, one of us is in the back and one of is in the front (if allowed).
Are all of the photos from your blog posts yours or are some from your second photographer?
The majority of what you see on my blog are my shots. Sometimes, I do send my second photographer to be with the groomsmen or to shoot reception details. If I did use a second shooter, I credit them at the beginning of the blog post.
Do you take other events the same day as my wedding?
Never.
Do you work from a shot list?
I prefer to capture the day as it happens rather than stress about a list of 7000 things to check off. I’m often thinking in my head, “How can I tell this story?” “What visual details do I need to capture to show the viewer what happened that day?”. I do work off a SPECIFIC shot list from my couples, with a list of important items and your family formals. Before your wedding day, I send a long, lengthy questionnaire. Part of the questionnaire is letting me know anything specific that you want to make sure that I shoot. I promise I will photograph your shoes, your florals, + your reception details. Please let me know if you need a special shot of Grandma’s pin on the inside of your dress or other details like that and I will absolutely make sure to get it.
Are there any vendors you recommend or love to work with?
Because I photograph all over, I have different suggestions for each region. These are people that I have worked with in the past and found that we really worked well together. Please reach out if you’re looking for recommendations and I’m happy to send along a list of vendors I know and trust.
How long after our wedding will we receive our wedding photos?
As soon as I leave the night of wedding and get home the first thing I do is upload your photos and work on selecting my favorites for your big sneak peek. Within the 7 business days, you’ll receive at least 75-150 fully edited, high resolution images to download and post! Depending on the time of year, full wedding galleries take between six and twelve weeks to receive back, but you will have plenty to share beforehand while you wait. Every image you receive is edited.
Can I share my images on social media?
Please share your images! I am so excited for you to pass along the images of your day to family, friends, and on your social media. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising, so all I ask is that you give me a quick shoutout when posting on social media!
Are our images print-released?
When your digital images are received, they are high-resolution files that are print-released. You have the ability to print your wedding images wherever you’d like. When you receive your final gallery link, I will activate a shopping cart in case you want to print through me but that is not required.
Why should we choose you?
I truly believe that God put me on this earth to tell stories through my images. Most people that work with me realize that this is my complete and absolute passion. I always have a smile on my face behind the camera. I LOVE to arrive at a wedding and take on my photographer persona and go.
