FAQs
QUESTIONS?
I’ve got answers
This page is full of FAQ (frequently asked questions) I get asked often. Hopefully reading through these will clarify some common questions you’ll have when seeking out a photographer! I’m here to help! Still have questions? Not a problem. Contact me directly and we’ll get you taken care of.
BOOKING PROCESS FAQ
What is the booking process like?
It’s easy peasy! A paid non-refundable retainer and a signed contract are required to secure your date on my calendar.
I chat with you either via email, phone, FaceTime, or in person. (Your choice!) I get to know your top priorities and find out how I can best serve you on your wedding day.
Once we’ve talked about the main details and are ready to book, I will send the contract and invoice to you via email and you can handle it all online. No need to print, scan, fax, etc.
The invoice will have a breakdown of when each payment is due toward your final balance. Questions are always welcomed. I’m an open book and I’m here to keep it simple.How much do you charge?
You can find this info on my Investment page. Every wedding day is unique, and not all packages are built the same. I build custom packages for couples based on their needs, leaving out the things they don’t.
Once we start chatting and I have a good understanding of what you need, I can send you a few custom package choices.
For family sessions, I offer seasonal mini session lineups in Seattle, Portland and Orange County, CA. You can find out about any upcoming promotions by subscribing to my newsletter.How far in advanced do I need to book you?
We book weddings up to 2 years in advanced. I allow clients to officially book after they’ve booked their wedding venue (since this ultimately determines your date).
I have had couples ask me about my available dates so they could make sure they chose a date with their venue that I had available on my calendar. If that’s the route you’d like to go, reach out to discuss availability.What is an associate photographer?
An associate photographer is a professional photographer who will come to document your love story on my behalf. I personally vet them before they join the team.
They are there to represent my brand, and to provide the tmInspired experience for you. All of your photos will match what you’ve seen in my portfolio.
I currently have multiple photographers who are helping me serve couples along the west coast in the PNW and Southern California.What if I’m in the beginning stages of planning?
Don’t stress! All you need is a venue booked and then we can get me booked, too. Check it off your list and move on for a bit.
There’s no need for you to know all of the details right this second. We can even book the lowest amount of coverage that you think you’ll need and add on more time when the date gets closer. I’m here to help!How many hours of coverage do I need?
I always help my couples figure this out during the initial booking process. Once I know their top priorities, overall vibe, and guest headcount, I can estimate the amount of coverage they’ll want/need. We can always add on more time later.
Our most commonly booked package is 8 hours of coverage. This typically allows us to get the final touches of getting ready, the ceremony, formal portraits, details, and the main events of the reception. (Your DJ can help team up with us to make sure all the main events happens while we’re with you.)
Couples who book 10+ hours are ones who are headed to multiple locations throughout the day, want to prioritize more getting ready moments, or want coverage of the grand exit.How much is it to have you travel for my wedding day?
This can vary. Once I know where your wedding will take place and when, as well as your top priorities and how much coverage you’ll need for your day, I can provide you a specific quote that has all the travel costs included.
Do I need to book your travel arrangements?
Nope. I handle all of this on my end so you don’t have to even think about it. Flights, rental car, a place to stay, food, etc. I’ve got it handled so you can check one more thing off your list.
Do you live in California or Washington?
My husband and I relocated to Seattle, WA in 2019. Prior to that, we were in Southern California where we met and started our lives together. We travel back to Orange County every couple of months to see family and for work. But technically we live in the PNW and we’re loving it.
PLANNING PROCESS FAQ
We’re so awkward! What if we don’t know how to pose?
Awkward is our specialty. My team and I have a documentary style and capture moments as they happen in front of us. We give more guidance than we do strict posing, so they will look/feel more natural to YOU. We strive to make sure you look at the images in your gallery and say, “This is so US!”
90% of my couples tell me they’re awkward in front of the camera. By browsing through our work, could you tell? Don’t worry – we’ve got you.Do you need a list of photos I want?
Nope! There are a bunch of “200+ must-have photos on your wedding day” lists out there, but most of it is just common sense. I have photographed over 200 weddings and I have a set list in my head (Like muscle memory) that I make sure I get for every wedding day. If I’m focused on a check list, it will take away from your day as it naturally unfolds and I might miss genuine and spontaneous moments because I was busy making sure I covered the list.
The only things I will take note of are key details that are extra-special, like a charm on your bouquet, if you want a first look with a parent or guardian, if you’re doing a surprise for your guests during your first dance, etc. These are things I can be mindful about and carve into my custom timeline for your day so I can be ready as they happen.How do you handle family photos?
I have a family shot list questionnaire that I send each couple a few months prior to their wedding day. This list is just for immediate family (grandparents, parents, siblings, chosen family). Extended family and large group can be added to this list as well, but it does get overwhelming the longer the list and the more people involved.
Pro tip: Cut out the chaos. Have whoever might have extra thoughts and strong feelings on this list to sign off on it so everyone is in agreement and not making last minute changes day-of.
From there, we discuss if they will happen before or after the ceremony, and who can be put in charge to help gather family members. I take note of these things on our photo-based timeline and organize the list to flow as seamlessly as possible. Click here to read my tips for planning stress free family photos.
PHOTO GALLERY FAQ
How long until we get our photo gallery?
For engagement sessions, up to 4 weeks. For elopements and weddings, up to 8 weeks. I may need extra time if I’m in the thick of wedding season but you will always get a sneak peek gallery within 48 hours of your session or wedding.
How many photos will be in my gallery?
Hour long engagement sessions will receive 60+ photos. An average 8 hour wedding day will receive 700+ photos. I send all of my favorites so there’s no cap.
Do we have to pay extra to download digital photos?
NOPE. High-resolution digital photos in your online gallery are for you to download and enjoy forever. You also have personal printing rights.
P.S. No more hassle downloading and sending specific candid and formal photos to each individual guest. Anyone with a link can download and order their favorites, too.Do you offer prints and albums?
Yes! You can place an order directly through your gallery and my professional lab will send you the high-quality prints, cards and albums, directly to your door. You can learn more about the albums I offer here.
There is something so astounding in holding a tangible print in your hands of a breathtaking moment, a framed portrait to display in your home, or an album that tells the story of your love.
Fun fact: I have landscapes and other gorgeous photos for sale via my Print Shop.Will I get the RAW files too?
No. I believe that the magic comes from the full creative process of shooting, sorting, editing, and delivering your gallery of photos.
I always deliver all of my favorites, and never leave out photos that I feel like you should have. If you feel like I’m missing a key moment, just ask and I’ll take a look for you. If I have it, it’s yours!Can you photoshop us?
If there is a temporary blemish like a pimple or a bruise, of course I’ll take that out. But I don’t use photoshop to alter bodies. I’m a huge advocate for the natural beauty we all hold.
If you are specifically self-conscious about something, please let me know prior to the shoot/wedding so I can be aware and pose with that in mind.How do you decide on what photos are black and white?
Black and white photos bring the viewers eye directly to the face of the subject in the photo. It can also draw out more emotion in an image. In most cases, if you have a photo in black and white you will likely have a similar one in color.
If lighting or colors are distracting from the moment, I will choose black and white to help make that memory more powerful and stand out in its own.Can I see a full wedding gallery?
OF COURSE. I can only show so much in my portfolio and on blog posts. After you inquire, I’m happy to send a few full galleries for you to browse before making your decision.
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE FAQ
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I picked up a camera when I was a teenager and had my first experience photographing a wedding as a second photographer when I was 18.
In 2012, I was photographing weddings as a primary photographer. In 2017, I officially went full time.Do you shoot film?
Yes! At the end of 2024 I started offering 35mm film as a part of our photography packages. If you work with us for both photography and videography, we can add on Super 8mm to your highlight film, as well.
If you’re interested in adding on film coverage to your wedding day, let me know and we can discuss options!
Film is incredibly nostalgic and a timeless element added to your wedding gallery! Digital is beautiful, but there is nothing quite like film.What equipment do you shoot with?
I have 2 Canon R6 Mark ii’s, and I use a variety of top of the line prime and zoom lenses.
My go-to setup for wedding ceremonies is 2 camera bodies, one with my 24-70mm and one with my 70-200mm.
If you like specifics, we can chat specifics.Is a second photographer necessary?
A second photographer is valuable so I can essentially be in two places at once. It’s specifically helpful if you and your fiancé are getting ready in separate locations, to capture two perspectives for when you walk down the aisle, and for additional candids and details throughout your day.
Do you have certain vendors you like to work with?
I will be the biggest cheerleader for the vendors I consider my friends and get to work with often, but I always love the opportunity to work with new vendors, too!
The best weddings include vendors who have a team mentality with the one goal of working for our client. If you need help finding a florist, HMUA, DJ, etc, and looking for some suggestions, check out my list of my personal go-to’s on my recommended vendors page. (No kick backs, just good vibes.)Do you prefer elopements or big weddings?
This is a tough question for me to answer because I really do love both. Both are celebration of love shared between two people who are promising each other forever and can be totally unique from one event to the next.
Whether a couple desires to have a completely private celebration, if they want to get married surrounded by 200+ guests, or anywhere in between. I’ll be stoked to be the one to capture their memories.
Celebrate in the way that reflects YOU and makes your heart sing.
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