Elopements - Engagements -Family - Lifestyle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ME
How Did You Learn Photography?
When I first met my husband he was acting and auditioning in San Fransisco almost every weekend. I would sometimes assist him on those excursions and it was then when I told him that I was really into photography and would like to do it one day. He told me that I should pursue it and see what happens. He bought a camera for our trips and we started using it together. He taught me how to use it and I gradually got better and better shooting manually. My husband and I started in the wedding industry as videographers but soon into our new journey my husband started getting busy with other gigs that he wanted to pursue more and I continued capturing weddings by photographs instead of video. I fell in love with capturing weddings and events and wanted to dive into photography as a career and that is what I did.
How would you describe your style?
I would best describe my style as photo journalistic with a lifestyle approach. My images reflect my love of clean composition, beautiful light and real genuine emotion. I can be very low-key and unnoticeable in my coverage of the day, I do believe that there is a time and a place for gorgeous, casually posed images with the bride & groom and family, however I love capturing the couple as natural and genuine as they are in their natural elements. I believe in a delicate balance of knowing when to stay back and capture the action that unfolds or when to step in and take advantage of a beautiful curated moment.
I also strongly believe in capturing all the details of the day from your invites, jewelry, shoes and flowers to your wedding cake, table settings and fine linens. I LOVE details and aspire to capturing it all at my best! My portfolio, albums & even social media will reflect a high amount of detail photos because I feel it is important to tell the wedding day will all the puzzle pieces, like the couple, their story, their day & wonderful details.
What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
I actually really love this question! I think the wedding world and photography is very vast because of the ability to change everything about the images in Lightroom and photoshop. Their are light & airy photographers, dark & moody, more traditional, etc the list can go on! I think my work is distinguished from other photographers definitely because the edit and style of how I compose my images as well as how I pose my clients.
My edit is very light & airy. Feel free to see raw images and edited images here. Also in answering the question, I really like to keep everything as natural as can be. I would consider myself untraditional. I really love capturing the client exactly how they are, as if they are on a date and having the time of their life. When the wedding day comes, I will still capture traditional formal pictures with the family as well as the bride and groom but majority of my Images come from movement within a pose which is reflected in my portfolio.
WEDDING PLANNING
When should I choose my venue and vendors?
I always tell my bride and grooms to choose their venue first. This is so important because typically the venue will have dates when they are available and everything else will revolve around that date. After you book your venue and you have your date it is safe to say that it is a good time to start looking at vendors and booking who you would like to be a part of your big day.
How Far in Advance Should we book you for our wedding?
My calendar fills up quickly so you should plan to book about 12-18 months in advance. If you are planning on a shorter timeframe, please EMAIL ME to check availability!
What are your pricing and packages?
I would love to discuss rates with you! Seeing as that no two weddings are alike and that I have different pricing with hourly rates, add ons and travel fees more than 90 miles from my house. The best way to view at my pricing is by clicking on the CONTACT ME button and emailing me some details about your plans! If I am available on your date, I would be more than happy to email you my rates for your location, as well as chat about putting together a custom package that suits exactly what your wedding requires.
What will you wear to The Wedding or Session?
It depends on the type of wedding/event you are having! If you are planning a formal, black-tie wedding, I'll be dressed in mostly black and probably a jacket. If you are getting married on the beach in Hawaii, probably a long dress or lighter pants and a blouse. If it is a portrait session I am usually in casual jeans and a blouse with sneakers adequate for the location.
Can we book you if we don’t have our date or venue booked?
As much as I want to be there and commit because you guys love me enough to book me before anything else I would sadly decline and this is the reason why. I can’t commit until I know the date because I could already well be booked for that date as well as an associate shooter.
You’re the one for us! How do we reserve our wedding or portrait date?
Great! The next step is to EMAIL ME to let me know your date so I can check my availability. Once we select the best package for you, I will send you a contract to sign and instructions on how to pay the retainer. I cannot hold any date for either a portrait or a wedding without both the retainer and contract completed. I can't wait to work with you!
Can you hold a date for us?
Can't hold the date or pencil you in until a retainer and contract is signed. I sent bookings on a first-come first-served basis.
Can we pay you part of the amount after the wedding?
I do require full payment before the event. Payments for album upgrades, or additional products past your wedding day contract, however, are all due post- wedding. If you are concerned with the payment schedule and your budget, I’d love to chat with you about them!
If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
I will stay for the contracted time from start to finish, however, if you want longer coverage the day of just let me know and I will invoice you the remaining amount later in the week. Please note that I will not release the images of that portion of the wedding until I receive the payment for the extended time that I stayed to capture the remaining time of the wedding.
What if you are sick, pregnant, passing of a loved one or unable to make it from a natural disaster?
I will do everything in my power to make it for your big day as this is my business and what I love to do. In anyway would I ever plan to not show up! If something does happen that would not allow me to shoot your big day I will have a whole crew in place to fill my shoes. I have a whole network of talented photographers who I know would have my back in any situation like this. I would have my contracted second shooter or my associate fill my position and shoot the wedding along with another contracted second shooter, however, will still edit the images. In the 5 years that I have been shooting, I have never gotten sick, or nothing has kept me from shooting a wedding. Again, I want to reiterate that I will always do whatever I can to be there as contracted, however, in an unlikely circumstance I will have back up to take over my role for the day.
If I also become pregnant I will shoot up until the final months of pregnancy and when I deliver, I will find child care or my husband will be on baby duty ;) BUT! Have no fear here because we are not planning on having kids anytime soon. We are still fairly young and would love to have our careers excel before we do so :)
Have you shot at our location before?
I am still pretty new to the Southern California area so there is a chance I have not however, I LOVE shooting at new venues and seeing a location with fresh eyes is very valuable as well! I travel quite frequently for weddings so even if I have not been to your location before, I feel confident that I would do an excellent job capturing it.
How many shooters do you bring to a wedding?
I always bring at least one other photograph to photograph the entire day with me so that nothing gets missed! If you are having a large or logistically complicated wedding, I might have two or three additional shooters, and/or assistants to help as well. I always ensure that I am well-staffed to make sure that your wedding is captured impeccably and that nothing is missed.
Do you carry back-up equipment?
Yes, I do! I will have to cameras with me with many different lenses the day of as well as my second shooters cameras and equipment.
WEDDING DAY
How many pictures will we receive?
The number of photographs delivered relies heavily on the details of the day. Like the hours selected in the package, number of guest and even the number of festivities of the day. My average for eight hour day with the second shooter is 700 images. If you have any questions about this subject matter please feel free to email me with more details about your plans. This would help me provide you with a more detailed explanation and estimate.
Who owns the copyright of the images?
Many photographers include a copyright release in their contracts, which generally just means the same as a release to have your images printed by yourself, or any lab you choose. That’s not the same as obtaining copyright! Copyrights simply means that I am the creator of the images, and I own the Copyright. Selling or obtaining the copyright is not possible but you will have the ability to print and share your images as much as you'd like!
Do we receive the raw, unedited files?
The raw, unedited files aren’t available for viewing or purchase. The images selected for editing and final delivery reflect my very high standards. Please rest assured that any images not delivered truly are outtakes! We do not cull to meet a certain number of delivered images, so every viable image is edited carefully and delivered. I also don’t release to protect my company and its assurance that nobody is stealing my work and claiming it as there own. This has actually happened in the past. So I have a strict policy against releasing raw files. This is why I heavily ask my clients if they have seen my portfolio and have seen my style because my style will be reflected in their images.
Do you attend our Rehearsal?
Rehearsal dinner is available if you'd like to add it to your package; otherwise I do not attend the rehearsals. We will talk about timing of your day and the flow of the event months before as well as a few weeks before the date to go over any last minute details. A wedding planner or a day coordinator is great in this way where they will keep us on track and on schedule if we get carried away with photos.
Do you take posed family portraits?
YES! Of course! As someone who is obsessed with ancestry.com and my family history I strongly believe in these images because they will be seen from generations to come. A few weeks before your wedding I will send you a email among other questions about the day so I can have it on file for the day of as well as to give my second shooter.
What are the documents requested from the bride and groom?
I request that I receive curated family list of family groupings, a final draft of the timeline, all of the vendors information as well as business names, and a map of the reception if on hand.
Can we provide you with a “Shot list” or “Must take pictures”?
Other than the family groupings, I prefer that you didn’t - and let me explain why. Important relatives and friends are coming to your day, and if any event there set special significance, but repeated requests for pose images and having me work from a “Checklist” is counterproductive to the work you seen here on my website, in will result in a very different look to your gallery of images. “Shot Lists” provided by many major bridal magazines are great in theory, please understand I generally will capture those images without prompting. Providing me with a very long list of college groupings are high school friends or extended family at the reception Will result in a lesser amount of documentary coverage and more time spent rounding up guess checked off the list. Also providing me a list of images you seen on Pinterest reduces my ability to capture naturally occurring moments for you, as we've be working from a list instead of creating unique work for you.
Do you do video?
No, I provide photography only. I prefer to do the absolute best job and provide the absolute highest quality of work for you, and there is no way that I could do that if I were trying to do two things at the same time. I am solely focused at your wedding on capturing beautiful photos that you will preserve in your album and frame on your walls. I would be more than happy to give you referrals of excellent videographers who share a similar mindset.
Do you refer vendors?
Yes! Especially in the Los Angeles & Ventura county. I have been here now 3 years and have developed great contacts with many different vendors in the area ranging from florists to bakers to dj’s & videographers. I will gather more details about your day and find out what you stilled to lock down and I can send you a list of vendors in the category you are looking for. If it is not local and I have not shot in the area I can typically ask around with photography groups in the area and gather good referrals and scan through them and send you what I think is a good fit.
Why do I have to provide meals for vendors at my wedding?
Basically, myself and my staff are able to work on a higher level for longer if we've been fed! We require meals to be provided for any coverage over five hours. If you choose not to provide a meal for us, we will take a one hour break at some point during your reception to have a meal.
Can family and friends take pictures with their cameras?
Absolutely they can during certain portions of the wedding day! HOWEVER, I have it in my contract stating that I'm the only photographer that is capturing the formals wether it is with the bride and groom and family. I can tend to be a little lenient with family members and great aunts wanting to keep memories for herself, so I totally get it , however, for many reasons like privacy, distractions and people wanting to expand their portfolios, I kindly ask that during this time that there be no other cameras around. Great times for family members to capture on their cameras are before the wedding, everyone socializing, the ceremony & reception. Those are great times for family to meet when they haven’t seen each other in a while and take a few snapshots.
POST - PROCESSING
What is your editing process?
When I shoot a wedding I typically will have around 2,000-3,000 images between my second shooter and I. First I will back up the images to hard drives, label and store. Then I will cull through the images and select the best images that I feel that reflect my work and help tell the story of the wedding or session. I then will upload to Lightroom and begin retouching and fixing the images. Once I am finished editing the images I will upload them to Pixieset, organize and deliver the images.
Do you offer extensive photoshop touch ups?
Yes & No! I do remove small objects or can fix certain lighting situations, or even blemishes in photoshop however if you want to have more excessive work requests like removing large background objects, liquifying (to make the subject appear slimmer) or have a larger number of requests on a greater amount of images. I will then send you to a retoucher and heres why. Although I have the skills necessary, photoshop can tend to slow down the editing process drastically, especially on numerous images, and will put me behind on my clients galleries. So therefore, depending on your requests, it will determine If I am able to do it or if I will suggest the retoucher.
What is Pixieset?
Pixieset is a website for photographers to share, deliver, proof and sell work to clients. It is a gallery where your wedding photographs will be placed online for you and your family to view, download an order prints from the Pixieset store. It is very user friendly and highlights the wedding galleries in a very simplistic and modern look. Please email me if you would like to see example of the galleries.
How do I order from Pixieset?
While viewing the gallery their is a little shopping cart icon on top of the page as well as photo. Click to bring it to the cart and you are able to pic the sizes as well as mounting options.
What is the lab connected to the store?
The lab is called White House Custom Colour which is a fine photo printing lab. Visit their website here.
Are family & friends able to buy & download images as well?
Yes! All images are placed onto our password-protected site. If you give friends and family the password they can also view, buy & download your images if they’d like.
Why does a photo lab matter vs a quick one hour photo?
labs are great for printing snapshots where you don’t really care about quality, but if you are going to spend money on wedding photos or a great photo session that you can pass on to future generations, I would suggest printing from my store connected to the gallery I send you which is WWCC or a fine photo lab near you. See this blog for example.
Do you deliver Cd’s?
No, and for so many reasons! Number one is, technology is going to COMPLETELY change. Which it already has. My new laptop doesn’t even have a slot for a cd’s so I find them to be a inconvenience. Cd’s also compress the images and down res the images for when it comes time to print.
Do you offer flash drives?
Yes, with an additional $50.00 fee to cover the cost of shipping as well as the gigabytes needed to hold all of the images I deliver which usually ranges from 600-1000 images.
ENNGAGEMENTS / SESSIONS
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes, I do! I absolutely love engagement sessions! Engagement sessions are usually captured in the Southern California area but I am available for travel which would include a travel fee. Engagement sessions are generally shots at 3 PM during during The winter months and 4:30 or 5 PM in the summer months.
Why are Engagement Sessions important?
I strongly feel that engagement sessions are important because this is not only when we get to meet and spend time together but this is also where I will get to know what you're comfortable with, what you like, what you don't like and who you are as a couple. Engagement sessions are a great way to practice being in front of the camera and working with me so that way your wedding photos are much more natural, easy, and fun! This helps tremendously when the wedding day comes because you two will understand how I shoot and will be a breeze to get through the photos faster.
How long will it take to see my images?
Great question! Engagement and family photos will be available for online viewing approximately three weeks after the shoot. Weddings normally take 7-8 weeks, however, If I finish before then, I will defiantly send and deliver.
I don’t photographer well and can tend to be really awkward. Can you help me?
Most definitely! I understand that you might not have experience being in front of the camera and I'm here to help. Through my smooth and easy shooting style and natural posing, I make sure that you look natural and comfortable in your portraits. Some people take longer to warm up, and in those cases I make sure that you feel calm, comfortable and relaxed while we are shooting. I promise, It will be a breeze and it won't be nearly as bad as you think!
Me / My husband/ fiance/ children hate being in front of the camera. Can you help me?
Yes, of course! :) With children, I often bring a bag of treats which I will discuss with you in advance to make sure that you are okay with what I plan to bring. Your three year old is obsessed with Micky Mouse or dinosaurs I might have a stuffed animal or figure in my bag! If you are a grown up who just hates being in front of the camera, I try to shoot as quickly as I can while taking lots of breaks to chat and have fun. I regularly hear from my clients that they are surprised at how easy and
relaxed they felt at their shoot.
We want to take pictures in a super cool location or have a specific place in mind on our wedding day or engagement session, will it require a permit?
I would love to help with this! This entirely depends on the location. Each location is very different than other locations because it varies on the property/ location itself, the city or even state depending on where you would like to shoot. Some places we are fine shooting at and don’t require a permit where as some locations are heavily patrolled with rangers and will ask to see a permit.
Who covers the cost of the permit?
The couple is in charge of the permit fee however I will take the responsibility of getting the permit so it can be in my business name for when the officers or rangers check.
BUSINESS DETAILS
Do you have insurance?
Yes! Absolutely! Wouldn’t leave the house without coverage because you never know what could happen. So yes, yes, yes!
What Kind of Equipment do you use?
Use the top-of-the-line professional Canon bodies as well as a different array of brands for lenses ranging from Canon L series, Canon & Sigma Art Primes. I also have speed lites for on camera and off camera flash.
Can you provide my venue with a certificate of insurance?
Definitely! Each venue has different requirements and we can provide certificates to meet all their needs I do request that you let me know at least a month before the wedding as it does take Time for our insurance company to process and provide that document. Please feel free to put your been you are your coordinator in touch with me and we can work out those details.
What is your payment schedule?
The payment schedule depends entirely on what the price of the package is and what the client wants to do. I typically will require a deposit of $350 for the deposit and break the rest up within 3-5 or even maybe 8 payments with percentages.
OTHER PLANNING
How far out for save the dates?
Send out save-the-date cards 6 to 8 months prior to your wedding and the wedding invitations 10-12 weeks before your big day. Not only do some people have to make travel arrangements and save money, some guests will need to get time off from their jobs, arrange child care, and/or take care of other pesky chores so they can join you on.
When should I send the save-the-dates for a destination wedding?
If you are throwing a destination wedding or getting married on a major holiday, you should give guests extra notice by sending your save-the-dates out nine months to a year in advance. Better yet, as soon as you’ve chosen a venue and set up your wedding website (with a hotel room block), get those save-the-dates in the mail! No one will complain about extra time to book flights and reserve a hotel room they will be so thankful!
What information should I include on the save-the-date card?
Include the bride's and groom's name, of course, along with the date of the wedding, the location, the wedding website, and a note that says "invitation to follow."For a destination wedding, the save-the-date card includes information on the hotel, travel arrangements, etc.
For a weekend wedding, the save-the-date may include the itinerary for the weekend. For example: cocktails on Friday night, wedding on Saturday, and Sunday-morning brunch. The save-the-date will give the time and location for each of these events and sometimes even include the dress code, giving guests an opportunity to plan activities and their wardrobe.
For other tips & tricks by Newlyweds for wedding planning check out this article by Bridal Guide.
For all other questions please email and I would love to be of assistance.