WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ

I’m guessing you’re new to this process, so I want to help you feel comfortable about hiring a wedding photographer. There are so many articles out there about hiring the right photographer, but the truth is that every wedding photographer is different. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, and hopefully this will help you determine if we’re a good fit for each other!

How did you get into the wedding business?

I graduated from Lynchburg College in 2011 with a degree in Studio Art and a concentration in Photography. As soon as I graduated, I began second shooting for Steve Coates Photography. He is a fine art and wedding photographer based in Lynchburg, Virginia. I also interned at Sam Stroud Photography while I was still in college. Throughout this process, I learned the ins and outs of wedding photography and realized that I enjoyed being around weddings. As soon as I moved to Portland in 2012, I started my own photography business and have been shooting ever since! My work is definitely influenced by my background in Studio Art. I’m interested in creating photos that are truly unique and I find art to be a constant learning process based on experimentation and the ability to trust your intuition.

Where are you based?

Currently Richmond, Virginia but I have family in Portland, Oregon so I often fly back for weddings there too. I’m also open to travel anywhere in the world to photograph your wedding!

What makes you different than other photographers?

I shoot both film and digital images at your wedding. This means that I usually show up with 5 or 6 different kinds of cameras to give you a variety of images. The majority of the day is shot digitally, but I like to use my film cameras during the one-on-one time with the couple. You will get polaroids, holga images, and double exposures. To me, this is the time to take the images that truly capture your relationship with each other. My favorite film camera of all time is the Holga, and you can see of my fine art holga work here.

I notice you take a lot of candids. Will I still get the posed family shots?

Yes! I will ask you for a list of family/group shots that you would like to have taken at your wedding. There is usually 30 minutes or so before or after the wedding that is designated to do family portraits. This is when these group shots will be taken. If you want to get this part done quickly and efficiently or if you have a large family, the best thing to do is give the list to a bridal party member or family member who knows everyone to help gather the troops during this time. Overall, I do consider myself a candid, photojournalistic photographer. The posed family photos are definitely important, but the rest of the time will be spent capturing the emotion, interactions and general mood of the event.

Do you bring an assistant / second shooter with you?

All of my full coverage wedding packages include a second photographer. However, if you book the Photography & DJ package I offer with my husband, Chris, that package includes only one photographer (me)!

Do I get to keep every image?

After the wedding, I will go through the images and get rid of any unusable ones (blurry or overexposed) and I will lightly edit the rest to make them cohesive. Portrait shots and group shots might involve a little extra editing. Typically, couples receive about 200 images per hour of shooting. So a 6 hour wedding would end up being around 1200 final images. Then I upload the final images to an online album, and as soon as it’s done I will send you the link! From there you can download the high-resolution images directly to your computer, or you can share the link with friends and family. For some packages, I will also mail you a USB drive with the high-resolution images and a certificate of printing rights. For examples of full wedding albums, visit here.

Okay, we want to hire you. What’s next?

Yay! If we haven’t met, I usually suggest meeting up for coffee or a zoom call so we can get to know each other. Once you’re ready to book, the next step is to secure the date. The deposit is 25% of the total (including travel fees or additional charges such as engagement shoots). Typically, couples will mail the deposit in check form along with the final contract. Once this is received, your date is officially booked! I block off the whole day to make room for schedule changes and travel time. The remainder of the balance is due either before the wedding day, or on the wedding day.

Do you need anything else from us?

The only things I need are a family/group shot list and an itinerary of the wedding day. No rush on these, just as long as I have them before the wedding day.

How long does it take to receive the photos after the wedding day?

It usually takes about 8-12 weeks after the wedding to receive the final images. It depends on the time of the year and how many hours of photography took place at your wedding. I edit all of the images myself so please be patient. I want to give you the highest quality images possible and I set very high standards for myself. It also takes time to receive the film images back once I send them out to be processed.

What is your personality type?

I’m extremely self-motivated and I’m quite a perfectionist. I’m observant, honest and in love with love. I want your wedding day to be as relaxed, simple and easygoing as possible because that’s what I would want. I can get along with just about anybody. I’m reserved, but I will do whatever it takes to get a good shot. I tend to notice the details and the in-between moments in life, which is how I approach weddings. If you’re looking for a loud, demanding photographer I might not be your girl. But rest assured because all of my couples so far have loved their photos and your wedding will be fully covered in a creative and beautiful way. If you want to read reviews from previous clients, take a peek here.

Do you photograph weddings full time?

Yes, but I also work in fashion and fine art photography. I also model from time to time! I just love everything related to photography and it’s what I was meant to do with my life!

Do you have an instagram?

Yes, I love instagram! @myleskatherine or @thetravelingholga

More questions? Feel free to contact me here.