I started in the wedding industry way back in 2014. I still remember my first client consult. Woah, was I ever a mess back then! I’ve got to say, I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m ready to share some of that info with you.
For each client consult, I bring a journal and record a list of client questions. I’ve discovered that clients ask me the same five questions again and again. These questions must be pretty darn important, so today I’m sharing these five questions and their answers.
Question #1: What Camera Do You Use?
I shoot with not one, but two professional Nikon D750s. My Hold Fast Money Maker harness let’s me strap these two bad boys to my body so they’re ready to go at any time. They’re kind of like fancy holsters. I use a variety of lenses so that I can capture your day swiftly, without fiddling around with lenses too often. My favourite is the 1.4 35mm Nikkor. It’s the closest a lens gets to the human eye. I think…
I also use off camera flash for your reception but prefer to shoot with natural or ambient light when possible. My triggers allow me to fire an off camera flash from the other side of the room. This is my favourite way to create dramatic light for your first dance.
Question #2: How many images will we receive?
After your wedding day I carefully go through your images. I choose only the best to edit and tell the experience of your wedding day. Not all images taken on the day of your wedding will be delivered in the final product. When I shoot an 8 hour wedding as a solo photographer, clients receive an average of approximately 500 edited images. When I’m with you for a longer period of time, that number increases.
I don’t guarantee an exact or certain number of images for any wedding. That’s like handing someone a quota, and no one does their best work when they’re stuck to a quota.
Question #3: When will we receive our images?
Editing is a multistep process. After your wedding, I back up your images several times. I’m talking on at least three hard drives because I’m paranoid. Next, I sort your files and prepare to import for Lightroom. Once in Lightroom I review your wedding as an entire story. I look through all the pieces to make sure that when I start editing, I know the ins and outs of the images I’ll work with. In order to make the moments of your wedding day feel cohesive, I’ll need to carefully edit to ensure that each shot has a similar feel to the last.
Like I said, it’s a long process, but you’ll receive your wedding images 3 months after your wedding day. I know it seems like forever to wait, but it’ll be worth it, trust me.
Question #4: Will You Use a Shot List?
I don’t use a shot list. I will not follow a 200 item list of must have photos on your wedding day. There is nothing I find more stressful than checking off a list of shots all day when I could be capturing moments as they happen. Shot lists are essential when storyboarding a film or production, but a wedding day halts for no one. It’s an event and a celebration and it’s going to have it’s own beats. Yes, I favour unposed over posed.
I do work with my own standard flow, the natural rhythm of storytelling. With that in mind, I always make room for special requests, like re-creating photos from the past or trying out something you loved online!
Question #5: Is the Duck Real?
Okay, so this question has only come up in the last few years, but if you follow me over on Instagram, you’ll know that we have a Duck at home. Her name is Duck, and yes she is in fact real. Does she cuddle? Not so much. She’s more of a loyal shadow than a cuddle critter. Duck came into our life in 2015 when a family friend hatched ducklings for her kindergarten class. When it came time to find homes for the ducklings, our acreage was an obvious choice. Since then the Duck is in love with my Mom. She follows my Mom into the garden, around the yard, pretty much everywhere. She’s also best friends with our pup Maddy.
Are you thinking “did Janelle write this entire post just so she could talk about Duck?” If you’re thinking that, you’re probably right. TLDR: Janelle wanted to talk about her Duck.
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Hi, my name is Janelle, I’m an photographer hailing from Edmonton Alberta.I’m all about connection and celebration. Seriously, it’s my focus from our first client meeting till the chicken dance starts. I make an effort to get to know your closest friends and family on your wedding day. Why? First, they’re probably cool people, and second, when they know me as “Janelle” the gal who plays Dungeons and Dragons and has a pet Duck, they’re going to let me into their world. My favourite moment of every wedding is right after the ceremony. This is when your friends and family smother or possibly crush you with either love or cheerful embrace. Bring on all the candid moments.
I value connection and celebration of moments over a big production.
