There are an infinite amount of details a couple must consider before their big day such as guest count, venue, the dynamics in ceremony, the reception, the details such as flowers, the wine and beverage choices, the invitations, the wedding attire for groom and dress for bride [and the bridal parties] and the other dresses, and most important of decisions to make is your vendors, amongst them your wedding photographer. 

Oh! and your photographer, this is the one person you will closely work with. You will learn more about them, and they will learn about you and your fiancé and family dynamics... You must make sure they are the right fit!

When you are planning this special day, you run into an opportunity and get to explore your taste in photographs a bit further -  During this time. is great to do some research, indulge and understand how you will value what your vendors offer.

Your photographer will lead you to feel comfortable in front of the camera, continuing to be you, tell your story on your wedding day.

Questions You May Want to Ask

Do you want that rehearsed, invasive approach or nah? Posed or Candid?

There is always a time and place for all and perhaps, you may want to pretend the camera isn't there, or possibly prefer a more documentary approach or maybe a bit of both, accordingly... Not too in your face; however, well-versed and adaptive. 

Real Fact:  Best wedding photographers will hear what matters to y'all [ ALWAYS! ] for your day and will adjust according to the needs of the dynamics in timeline, or whatever is presently happening in the present space, I am here to listen!

Should they know the venue?

Truth, you can still hire a photographer, even if they have not shot at your venue - Something, I have learned in the past 10+ years, it is part of the job.  A good photographer should immediately think learning about the venue, even as the inquiry come in, also, scouting the area before the date of coverage, this is very important - Doing that research must be due diligence, even for destination weddings - I know there are infinite resources to explore - How I know this? I know this, because if in case it is a new venue for me and my team, we first research the inter-webs and also, we connect and follow with a short visit/introduction on site - if it is all possible. 

Real Fact:  I have been known to travel to the venues - I am a little passionate like that!

How about moments missed? 

This is a bit tricky, either way the photographer should NOT make you re-enact 'the' KEY moments... They may may guide and advise through some of the poses and such, or probably a quick portrait just because - But,  re-doing of any FIRST LOOKS - It's not OK!  Well, in my opinion - Weddings can be fast paced, a seasoned creator will document based on the real moments as they happen and that should be the center of attention - Let's not interrupt sans logical approach - The real MOMENTS, should stay as REAL as possible!  

Real Fact:  We document the day from the moment we arrive on site, from your preparations to the ceremony, following professional formal portraits all the way to reception, speeches, dances and other activities in timeline.  We interfere priorly to sunset time [if allowed] to create your creative portraits [10 min s max] and we get back to reception and after as well as your last dances and EXIT.  However, we are adaptive to the dynamics and changes that may occur.

How about Digital-Proofing delivery times? 

Honestly, a couple should NEVER wonder when their images would be delivered and communication is key! I have heard the stories of the lengthiest of deliveries [ 4 months and above!] Therefore, it is essential to have the best rapport with your photographer and feel utterly comfortable asking all and any of the questions -  In our industry average delivery times range between 6-10 weeks - 

Real Fact:  We aim to have your digital-proof album in 45-60 working days - And, I deliver about 200+ sneak peeks from the day's fun within 24-48 hrs [most times the same day!] to kinda make your heart a bit happier, plus a LINK to the Journal so that you can share with friends, family and those who may not have made it... All this while your day is still vivid! -  As soon as we leave the venue - Images are uploaded to be color corrected and then retouched and ready for LINK delivery!v

Is there such a thing as being OVER-PREPARED?

The answer is NO!  Any seasoned photographer should have ALL the information needed at least 1.5 weeks before the BiG day - These include your formal lists, adjusted timelines, additional details for the day, all the plans! And above ALL - Working and reliable equipment - The preparations is not just limited to what they use during the day... But, back-up equipment Also, their second shooter should be as prepared and able to LEAD along with Camera Bodies, Lens, SD/XD cards, Flashes, triggers, Batteries, and all other peripherals.   

Real Fact: Our reality, the wedding happens only ONCE - We pride ourselves in being over-prepared - Not only we will have a call 2 weeks prior - I also keep up with my clients personally in many ways as possible Social media, text, calls, emails in order to understand better what is going on currently.  I am never too busy!  I will follow with your planner, coordinators and the venue in order to avoid surprises.

Also, the day of, I carry 2 full body cameras and, my gear bag stores within 4 additional FULL camera bodies, a PRO-35mm FILM camera with loaded 36exp film and additional lenses, 8 flashes, 4 Triggers etc. and endless peripherals and stands [ We are gear geeks at heart ♥ ]  That mentioned, my second LEAD carries as much equipment as well

LIABILITY INSURANCE - Should they have one?

Valid and current Commercial General Liability Business Insurance - Because, you cannot be too careful or too prepared... Every professional business operating and selling services MUST have one!

Real Fact: I carry $2,000,000 to provide peace of mind not just to our clients, but also the venue in which we will be working at - Certificate is always available upon request. [ equipment and individuals in team are insured as well!]

Hopefully We Can Help...

I am so glad you are here and I am here for all the planning, the portrait sessions & obviously YES! to A FULL Wedding Day EXPERIENCING all the excitement that will follow even after delivery has been made!

Looking forward to all the questions, and to connecting with you!

Cheers!

Allie + The Team