10 Common Questions About Elopement Photography
If you’re reading this post, it means you’re thinking about booking me as your photographer, and I am WAY honoured to be on your shortlist. Let me use this post to make the photographer-hiring decision easier on you, by answering the 10 most common questions couples have.
#1 Do You Travel? And How Far?
Um, heck ya I travel! I travel all over the world for elopements, with a few exceptions, and all my elopement packages include travel fees. When you inquire about your elopement, let me know where your dream destination is and we’ll get started planning your amazing day!
#2 Do You Photograph Weddings Indoors Or In Churches?
At this time, I'm only accepting outdoor weddings. I specialize in natural light, outdoor photography, and elopements and intimate weddings that have a cozy, close-knit atmosphere. My candid work is simply not at its best with indoor locations.
If you’re getting married in a church, at a golf course, or anywhere indoors, just send me an email and I’ll recommend someone who would absolutely nail it for you.
#3 What Does Full-Day Wedding Photography Coverage Mean?
I know that full-day coverage can sound like a LOT of coverage—especially if you’re not super comfortable being in front of the camera. So before the anxiety sets in, let me assure you that full-day photography isn’t full-day posing or full-day being-super-aware-of-the-camera. It just gives us enough time and coverage to capture ALL the key moments of your day. (If you’re a logical decision maker, what it literally means is a max of 10 continuous hours of coverage.)
Full-Day Coverage Lets Us Capture:
Getting ready
Traveling to your ceremony spot (could be hiking, boating, etc.)
Saying your vows
Portrait-style photos
A celebratory meal
Any elopement-day activities or adventures
Your reception or after-elopement celebration (which could be a full reception, a post-elopement party, or even just a cozy evening at the cabin or camping with just the two of you)
#4 How Soon Will We Get Our Photos Back?
My current turnaround time is 8-12 weeks for your entire gallery, but I try REALLY hard to get your photos back to you before that.
Why does it take that long? Well, because I go through and edit each photo individually, with tons of care and attention. I perfect your skin, look for closed eyes, remove any weird parts of photos like people walking in the background, and all that jazz. So I promise it’s worth the time it takes—even though I know it can feel long in the moment.
#5 Will We Get A Couple Sneak-Peek Photos?
OMG, yas! I totally get how hard it is to wait, especially when you’re dying to share the news with our friends and family. I always commit to getting you at least a couple of sneak-peek photos within 24 hours of your elopement.
#6 Can I Get The Raw Image Files?
Well to start with, just so we’re on the same page, let me define what raw files actually are.
Truly RAW image files that are straight from the camera. They’re rough-around-the-edges, unedited shots that actually require special software to even open! And although I know digital storage isn’t that expensive anymore, the files are usually rather large and clunky. In fact, they can’t be sent to friends and family (or a photo printer) as they are. They need to be converted to JPG format first—which is all part of my editing process.
Typically, most couples don’t really want the raw image files. In a typical elopement, I can snap thousands upon thousands of images. As we edit, I “cull” them (meaning I delete the blurry ones, the ones where you’re sneezing, no one’s looking, someone’s picking their nose, etc. 😂 ), to leave you with just the ones that are worthy of your elopement gallery. (Which is still hundreds!) Then, I edit each photo individually, perfecting them and converting them into more compact, JPEG files you can use, share, print, and save.
Bottom line: the road between the photos I shoot and the images you receive is a long one, so it’s super worthwhile to have me navigate it for you.
If you REALLY know you want the raw files though, just send me an email and we’ll figure out a way to get them to you.
#7 Can We Opt-Out Of The Engagement Session?
Absolutely! I have a bunch of REALLY good reasons to go for booking an engagement session if you haven’t already. But, I get that life is busy and you might not be a fan of being in front of the camera any more than you really need to be.
When you inquire with me, let me know your engagement session preference and I’ll create a custom photography quote that includes exactly—and only—what you want on your day.
#8 Do We Really Need Two Photographers?
First of all, if you didn’t know, most of my elopement packages include two photographers: me (the lead) and my hubby, Dennis. And there are a few really good reasons why!
Having both of us as your photographers is super beneficial to you because it allows us to capture every moment from different angles, making sure we never miss a reaction. (Think: one partner walking down the “aisle” or coming out of the dressing room, and the other taking it all in. Without the two of us, we’d have to choose which person to photograph!) Also, having both of us there means we can get more photography coverage in less time, which can ultimately save you money.
#9 Do You Offer Albums?
100% I do! I LOVE albums, and any prints and wall art pieces that let you turn your photos into heirlooms and memories instead of letting them collect digital dust.
For elopements, albums in particular are the bomb.com. They’re the best way to tell the story of your day and to include ALL the photos you love! They can also make great gifts for parents and people who you’d want to have feel like they were right there with you.
My albums start at $550. They’re professionally-designed and made, they range from 6x6 to 12x12, and they include a minimum of 20 pages. If you’re interested in an album, let me know when you inquire with me, or send me an email.
#10 What If We Don’t Want Our Photos Posted Online?
You might have seen that I share a lot of my clients’ photos on Instagram and on my blog, but that’s only because they’ve consented to have their photos shared. There’s no stress if that’s not for you. Your comfort and privacy is super important to me, so if you want your photos to remain private, then no one but you (and any fam and friends you share them with) will see them.
It's your day, and if keeping your photos private will ease concern, make the day more enjoyable, and just make you feel better, I'm in. Just let me know when you inquire with me that you'd prefer I don't share your photos online, and you can consider it done.
I’m Here To Help You Dream, Plan & Make Easier Decisions
I know you’re making a LOT of decisions right now when it comes to your elopement. So I want you to rest easy knowing that if—or maybe I should say when—you decide to book with me 😉 I become your unofficial BFF, MOH, and planning assistant if you want me to be.
In search of ideas for where to elope? I’ve got you.
Want help planning an elopement-day timeline? I’m your girl.
Not sure how to tell the fam you’re eloping? I can help!
Need someone to hold your dress while you pee on the side of a mountain during your hiking elopement? Yep, it’s happened, and yep, I was happy to help!
So once you make this one decision, all the others will start to come so much easier, too.
Let’s Make This Happen
Ready to book? Still have questions? Just drop me a line. We’ll either set up a time to have a virtual coffee or bevvy over Zoom—a time to get you ALL the deets and answers—or, we’ll jump right in and get your elopement date on my calendar!