Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my session?
Well, it kind of depends on what you’re looking for and what time of year! For example, I receive bookings for summer weddings up to a year in advance, and, with my own personal family vacation schedule, sometimes it’s tricky to fit in last minute summer sessions. Fall family sessions tend to fill my weekends in October and November, so I definitely recommend scheduling these a month or so out. If you’re hoping for a session between January and June, I can usually be available with a week or two notice! But really, with anything, the sooner the better! I have no problem getting something on my calendar months in advance to make sure that the date you want/need is available!
Your session fee is too expensive for my budget.
OK, so this isn’t exactly a question, but something that I’d like to address here as well, and explain a bit why professional photography can have a higher-than-expected price tag. First off, quality work. Not only to professional photographers have high-quality equipment (and often, back up equipment!) and editing software, but we also have years of training and know how to make your photos look beautiful! Secondly, our time. For every one hour of actual session time, your photographer is likely spending four to ten hours editing and finalizing your images! This means that eight hours of wedding day coverage could mean an additional 40 hours of work for your photographer behind the scenes!
If you love a photographer’s work, and REALLY want to book them but money is an issue, reach out and ask them about it! Many photographers (myself included!) offer payment plans!
Where do sessions take place?
Anywhere! Seriously! I had a killer session in a parking garage one time. It’s all about creativity! I can travel to your favorite outdoor location, or come to your home. For certain session types, I also have an in-home studio that can be utilized. But really, if you have a vision, I bet we can make something happen!
Do you charge a fee for travel?
Yes and no. If your session is happening in the Vancouver/Portland metro area, there is no charge for travel within 20 miles of the Portland airport. For weddings, I bump this allotment up to 50 miles from the Portland airport OR the Eugene airport. I have family in the Eugene, Oregon area, so love coming down there to photograph weddings and turn it into a little mini vacation! If you’re wanting me to travel outside of mileage radius, I’m totally game, but additional fees may need to be included for mileage, and any travel/lodging expenses. If you’re getting married in some awesome location like Hawaii or Europe though I may be “bought” with a plane ticket and a hotel room! ;)
Do you photographer LGTBQ weddings?
I sure do! Love is love, and I love love!
Are you licensed and insured?
Yup and yup! I’m totally “legit”!
I’d like to book you… now what?
Excellent! First step is to give me a call or send me a message! We’ll get your date on my calendar (tentatively) and talk about location options. I’ll get some information from you, and then send over a contract and invoice. Once the signed contract and your non-refundable retainer are received, your date will be “locked”!
If you’d like to book me for a wedding, this process is a little bit different. When you contact me, I’ll first verify that I’m available on your date, and then we will schedule a consultation. At the consultation, we’ll talk about your wedding, the details that you’ve already planned, and your hopes for the final event. We’ll have a chanced to get to know each other and see if we "mesh”. You’re going to be spending a LOT of time with me on your big day (maybe even more time with me than your fiance!), so it’s important that we’re comfortable with each other. If it’s decided that we’d like to move forward, then I will send over a contract and invoice for the retainer. Once those are back, we’re all set!
Is my retainer refundable?
Retainers on non-refundable, but can be transferred per my discretion. When I receive your signed contract and retainer payment, your date/time is blocked on my calendar and I may need to turn away other clients who need me at that date/time. I understand that things happen, though, so I’m willing to allow for you to reschedule once, or use your retainer toward another session type or product purchase.
What should I wear/bring to the session?
After you’re all booked, I will be sending you a “prep” guide to help answer these questions about styling your session and other day-of information… so don’t stress about this part, I’ve got you covered!
When will I receive my images?
For family and other portrait sessions I promise a two week (or less!) turn around time. Weddings and other large events require up to six weeks for the editing process. If you’re booking me for simple head shots, those can be done for you in a week or less. All that being said, I REALLY like sneak peeks… so you’re probably receive a few of those within 24-48 hours after your session!
How will I receive my images?
Your edited images will be available to you via an online gallery. When editing is complete, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access your gallery. From there, you can download your images and order any prints or products that you may like, as well. Wedding packages include the online gallery, as well as a USB with your edited images, as well.