Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of questions, and choosing your photographer shouldn’t feel complicated. Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If you don’t see yours here, I’d love to hear from you.
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Fast Turnaround Times
I know how exciting it is to relive your wedding day, and I don’t believe you should have to wait months to see your photos. While most photographers deliver wedding galleries in two to three months, I deliver your full wedding gallery within just two weeks, without compromising the consistent editing style you see throughout my portfolio. Engagement, family, individual, and courthouse sessions are delivered within just one week.
Natural Retouching Included
If you have a temporary breakout, bug bite, bruise, or another temporary skin imperfection on the day of your session, I'll naturally retouch those details where they're noticeable and appropriate, at no additional cost. This includes temporary distractions—not permanent features or extensive skin retouching.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise costs. Washington State sales tax and travel within 30 miles of downtown Seattle are already included in every package, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect.
Quality Over Quantity
I don't believe a great gallery is defined by the number of photos you receive. Instead, I focus on providing an exceptional experience, a fast turnaround time, and beautifully edited images that tell the complete story of your day. Every photo in your gallery is included with intention and care.
A Relaxed, Guided Experience
Most of my couples have never been professionally photographed before. I’ll gently guide you throughout the day with natural prompts while also capturing genuine, candid moments as they unfold, so you’ll never have to wonder what to do with your hands or where to look.
A Photography Timeline Designed Around Your Wedding
Your wedding day should never feel like one long photoshoot.
Before your wedding, I’ll send you a detailed questionnaire to learn about your plans, priorities, and the moments that matter most to you. Based on your answers, I’ll create a personalized photography timeline that fits naturally into your wedding day, rather than planning your wedding day around photos.
My goal is to capture everything that’s important to you while leaving plenty of time for you to celebrate with your family and friends.
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How do I book a photography session with you?
To get started, simply fill out the contact form on my website. I'll reach out within 48 hours to go over the details of your session. Once we determine we're a good fit, I will send you a contract and request a retainer payment to secure your booking. Once the contract is signed and the retainer is paid, your date is officially reserved.
How much is the retainer?
For engagement, family, individual, courthouse, and other portrait sessions, a non-refundable retainer of 50% of the total fee is required to reserve your date. For weddings, the non-refundable retainer is $1,500.
Why is the retainer non-refundable?
Your retainer reserves your date exclusively for you, meaning I turn away other inquiries for that time. It also covers the planning and preparation that begins long before your session. Because of this, the retainer is non-refundable. If something unexpected comes up, I'm always happy to work with you to reschedule whenever possible, according to the terms of my contract.
What payment methods do you accept?
Zelle is my preferred payment method. If Zelle isn't convenient, I also accept Venmo.
When is the remaining balance due?
For portrait, family, engagement, and other portrait sessions, the remaining balance is due immediately after your session.
For weddings, elopements, and other larger events, the remaining balance is due two weeks before your event. If you'd prefer to split the remaining balance into multiple payments leading up to your date, I'm happy to provide a custom payment schedule upon request.
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How do we choose a location for the shoot?
The location depends on your vision and the story you'd like your photos to tell. Whether you're envisioning a scenic park, the comfort of your home, an urban setting, or a rented studio, I'm happy to help you find the perfect location. If you're not sure where to start, I can recommend locations based on the style and atmosphere you're looking for.
What should I wear to my session?
Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. I recommend choosing outfits without large logos or busy patterns, as they can distract from the photos. Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully in most locations, but the best wardrobe also depends on your session location and overall vision. If you're deciding between a few outfits, feel free to send me photos—I'm always happy to help you choose.
How can I prepare for my session?
A little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel relaxed and confident during your session. Here are a few simple tips:
Eat before your session so you have plenty of energy.
Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
If you wear makeup, choose a look that feels like you and makes you feel confident.
Freshly groomed nails are a nice touch since hands often appear in close-up photos.
If you have inspiration photos or ideas you'd like to incorporate, send them to me before your session.
Most importantly, don't worry about knowing how to pose. I'll guide you throughout the session with natural direction, so no modeling experience is necessary.
What is the best time of day for a photoshoot?
The most flattering natural light is typically found around sunrise or during the two hours leading up to sunset, often referred to as "golden hour." These times create soft, warm light that is ideal for portraits.
Cloudy days are also excellent for photography because the clouds act as a natural diffuser, creating soft, even light throughout the day. This helps minimize harsh shadows, squinting, and the dark shadows under the eyes that bright midday sun can create.
The most challenging lighting conditions are usually bright, sunny days around midday, when the sun is directly overhead. While beautiful photos are still absolutely possible, I'll often recommend choosing a shaded location or adjusting the timing whenever possible to achieve the best results.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the forecast calls for heavy rain, high winds, or other unsafe weather conditions, we'll work together to reschedule your session at no additional cost. If the weather is simply overcast, we'll most likely continue as planned, as cloudy skies often create beautiful, soft light that's ideal for photography.
For weddings, rescheduling usually isn't an option, so I'll adapt to the conditions and make the most of whatever weather the day brings. Rain, clouds, or sunshine, I'll ensure your photos are beautiful and reflect your day naturally.
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How long does a photoshoot usually last?
I prefer relaxed sessions over rushed ones because it gives you time to settle in and feel comfortable in front of the camera. The first 15–20 minutes are often spent easing into the session, and that's completely normal. Family sessions may take a little longer since children tend to set the pace. Most individual sessions last around one hour, while couples and family sessions typically last up to 90 minutes. If we capture everything sooner, that's perfectly fine, and if we need a few extra minutes to finish naturally, I'm never watching the clock.
Do you help with posing?
Absolutely! Most of my clients have never been professionally photographed before, so you don't need any modeling experience. I'll guide you with natural prompts and poses throughout the session while still leaving room for genuine, candid moments. If you're already comfortable in front of the camera, I'll simply offer light direction to help you look your best.
Can I provide input or suggestions during the photoshoot?
Absolutely! I love collaborating with my clients and encourage you to share any ideas or inspiration you have. At the same time, I hope you'll trust my creative eye and guidance throughout the session. Together, we'll create images that feel authentic to you while staying true to my photography style.
What sets your photography approach apart?
Every person has angles and features they naturally feel most confident about. Before we begin, I'll ask about your preferences, including your favorite side or anything you'd like me to be mindful of during the session. Throughout the shoot, I'll also show you previews on the back of my camera so we can make small adjustments along the way and ensure you love how everything looks.
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How would you describe your photography style?
My photography blends thoughtful direction with genuine, unscripted moments. I'll guide you throughout the session so you never have to wonder what to do, while also leaving room for authentic interactions and natural emotion to unfold. I love combining timeless portraits with candid moments to tell the complete story of your day. My editing is true to color with warm, nostalgic tones and a subtle film-inspired look, creating images that feel cinematic, emotional, and authentic rather than overly posed or heavily edited.
How do you edit your images, and what is included in the standard package?
Every image you receive is professionally edited for color, exposure, white balance, cropping, and overall consistency with my signature style. Temporary skin imperfections, such as breakouts, bug bites, or bruises, are naturally retouched when appropriate. More extensive retouching, including object removal, body reshaping, or advanced skin retouching, is available for an additional fee.
Do I get to choose which photos are edited?
Generally, no. I personally curate every gallery to ensure you receive the strongest images that best tell the story of your session. Rather than asking you to sort through hundreds of similar photos, I carefully select and edit all of the images worth keeping. I intentionally include a generous variety of moments, expressions, and compositions, giving you plenty of beautiful images to choose from without overwhelming you with duplicates.
For smaller sessions, there may occasionally be exceptions, and I'm always happy to discuss those on a case-by-case basis.
Do you deliver RAW images?
No. RAW files are unfinished and do not reflect my editing style or the quality of the final product. Just as a film isn't released without editing, my editing process is an essential part of my artistic vision. Every image you receive is carefully selected and professionally edited to match the look and consistency you see throughout my portfolio.
How will I receive my photos?
Your images are delivered through Pic-Time, an online gallery platform where you can easily view, download, and share your photos from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Every gallery includes both high-resolution images for printing and web-sized images for easy online sharing. You can also order professional-quality prints and albums directly through your gallery if you'd like.
How long will my gallery remain available?
Your online gallery will remain available for three months after delivery. I recommend downloading and backing up your images as soon as you receive them to ensure you always have a copy.
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Do you travel for sessions and weddings?
Absolutely! I photograph weddings and sessions throughout Washington and frequently travel to other states. I also travel internationally for weddings. If your dream location is outside the Seattle area, I'd love to hear about it.
Is there a travel fee?
Sessions and weddings within 30 miles of downtown Seattle are included in my standard pricing. For locations beyond that, a travel fee may apply depending on the distance and any associated travel expenses. You'll always receive a clear quote before booking, so there are no surprises.
What does the travel fee include?
Depending on the location, travel fees may include mileage, ferry tickets, parking, lodging, airfare, or other transportation expenses. I only charge for the travel required to reach your session or wedding, and all travel costs will be discussed with you before you book.
Ready to book or have a few questions first?
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, planning a courthouse ceremony, an engagement session, a family photoshoot, or simply want updated portraits, fill out the form below. I’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours with availability and the next steps.
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