Hiring your wedding photographer is no easy task, especially when you see those mile long lists online of questions you MUST ask your photographer or your wedding will be a disaster (you can stop worrying now, it won’t be a disaster, your vendors have your back!).
To help with peace of mind for you and your partner, I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked wedding photography questions in my inbox! Enjoy!
How far in advance should we book?
This all depends on the month you’re getting married! Sometimes I book a year or more in advance, especially for popular summer months like June, July and August and September.
I limit the number of weddings that I take on each year to assure that I’ll have ample time to focus on each one individually, so it’s worth reaching out sooner than later to reserve your date.
It’s also worth mentioning that September is my busiest month. If you’re sure I’m the perfect photographer for your wedding celebration, it’s better to book sooner than later. A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer are due to reserve your date.
How many hours of coverage should we book you for?
Most weddings I shoot are either 8 or 10 hour days, usually starting around 12-2pm and finishing around 9-10pm. Booking for full day coverage (12 hours max) is my top recommendation if you want flexibility in your wedding day timeline.
Are your rates flexible?
Out of fairness to all of my clients who pay full price, my rates are not flexible. I do, however, offer a wide range of packages which means that we can certainly sort out wedding day coverage that works with your budget.
No matter the day of the week or month of the year, all weddings are the same amount of work and are therefore all charged at the same price.
How do I know how much time to leave for photos? When should we try to fit in portraits? How does a wedding day normally work?
Trying to sort out a wedding day timeline can definitely be tough, and although I am not a wedding planner, I’m certainly here if you need help organizing a timeline for photos on your wedding day.
I can walk you through how most wedding days progress photography-wise, and I’ll give you a breakdown of how long it normally takes for each type of photo (i.e. portraits, bridal party photos, formal group/family shots, etc.). It’s important to know that each photographer is different, meaning it’s important to talk to the photographer you’ve booked about your wedding day timeline.
Are you the photographer that will be shooting my wedding?
I am! Some photography studios have associate photographers but that isn’t the case here.
What equipment do you bring to a wedding?
I bring a small army of memory cards, my three Nikon D750s, a 35 mm lens, 50 mm lens, 105 mm lens and a 70 – 200 mm lens. For lighting equipment (photography is all about that light!) I use speed lights and a video light for your reception and big party moments!
Do you bring a second photographer?
Not always, it depends on your contract. While my photography packages do not include a second shooter, 2-3 months before your wedding date we can add a second shooter to your wedding day!
Clients can expect to pay $45 – $65 CAD/HR and any travel fees for the second photographer on their final invoice.
Are we able to change the details of our wedding day coverage as our wedding day approaches and we have a better grasp of our timeline?
While you’re welcome to add an hour or two to your coverage (as long as I’m available!) decreasing hours is not within the scope of your contract.
Do you provide retouching, colour adjustment, or other corrective services?
While I do use Lightroom to colour correct images, adjust white balance and make minor tweaks (zapping unwelcome zits or editing out forgotten beer cans), I will not do a significant amount of retouching on your images. I shoot and edit galleries as authentically as possible!
Here’s what NOT to expect from my editing services:
- Reducing or eliminating significant sunburns or tan lines (wear sunscreen before your wedding day!
- Removing unwanted family members or friends from photos. I also won’t alter the appearance of your friends and family.
- Changing your background and replacing it with another background.
- Major wardrobe alterations.
If there is any major retouching you’d like for your images, we will have a separate conversation about your options and additional fees to send your images away for professional retouching! Outsourcing major retouching helps me focus on my workload and leaving the retouching to the retouching pros!
How long after the wedding do we have to wait to get our photos?
Clients can expect their full wedding gallery back within 3-5 months of their wedding date! While I do my best to get your photos back to you as soon as possible, I give myself some wiggle room because sometime life happens! I’d hate to rush through your gallery and not do my best work.
How will we receive our photos?
Your full wedding gallery is delivered via a password protected online gallery. I use and love Pixieset!
How many photos should we expect?
Clients can expect approximately 50 – 70 edited images per hour of coverage! Keep in mind, the more time I spend driving from location to location on your wedding day the less images you’ll receive.
How do we go about printing our images?
Each wedding collection includes a print release, which means you can print your images wherever you’d like! I highly recommend printing through Artifact Uprising.
Will you be posting images of our wedding on your website, Facebook, Instagram, etc..?
Yes! As a wedding photographer, one of the best ways for me to book new business is to share client photos on my website portfolio and on social media.
Can we give you a list of specific shots we want?
Yes BUT I ask that you limit your specific shot list to specific meaningful 5 – 7 images. If I’m asked to work with a shot list with 200+ requested shots, I spend far too much time checking boxes on your wedding day and not enough time capturing raw authentic moments.
What information do you require before the wedding day?
SO MUCH INFO but don’t worry, I ask for it all in questionnaire a month before your wedding! Knowing as much as possible about your wedding timeline and plans helps me prepare to capture your day the best that I can. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important details I’ll need:
- a detailed breakdown of your wedding day timeline
- contact information for a bridesmaid or groomsman that I can reach on your wedding day
- contact info for your wedding vendors ESPECIALLY your wedding planner or day of coordinator
- your family photo list
Image Credit List: Photography: Janelle Dudzic Photography // Styling & Design: Rebekah Bronte Designs // Florals: Lovella Lifestyle // Venue: Sparrow Lane Weddings & Events // Hair & Makeup: Veil Beauty Co // Dress: Lovenotebride // Jewelry: Joanna Bisley Designs // Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes // Stationery: Plush Invitations // Cakes: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
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Hi, my name is Janelle, I’m a photographer from Edmonton Alberta. I’m all about three things: celebration, connection and client education. My style is relaxed and romantic. I love intimate weddings, the kind where I get to know your family and friends. I thrive when meeting new people. 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 the epic dance parties.
I value connection and celebration of moments over a big production.
