Q: What is the average cost of a wedding photographer?

A: This can depend on the experience of the photographer, where you’re getting married, how many hours you want to book your photographer for, etc. Overwhelming, I know. 

No sweat, I got you! I would say, on average, you can book a great photographer and not break the bank for $600 an hour of wedding day coverage. So that can look, in total, $4,800 for 8 hours of coverage on your wedding day itself.

Photographers often have the option to add things on, whether that be rehearsal dinner coverage, a second shooter, or an engagement shoot. The options are endless! 

All that to say, some photographers do offer a free engagement session with each package. Yes, I am one of those photographers 😉 

Q: Do you tip your wedding photographer?

A: This can be a loaded question, but the short answer is that it is never expected; however, it is always a nice surprise when it does happen! 

Some people choose to, and some don’t, but that doesn’t change how we feel about our clients in the slightest!! I would say that whether you decide to or not is completely up to you as a couple and how your experience with your photographer went from beginning to end! 

Q: Is there anything you need to provide on site for a wedding photographer?

A: Not really, no! There are two things that come to mind when I think of day-of photo coverage. The first being any specific requests you have for your photographer in terms of detail shots, especially if you have talked about getting flat-lay photos. If you haven’t thought about that before the day of, don’t stress! Most often, the detail shots are of things you’d already be planning to have with you on the big day.

And the second (and arguably one of the most important) is DINNER!!!! Yes, you should absolutely count your photographer and all of your vendors in the final head count for dinner.

I think one of the most amazing things that the married couple can do for the team who works so hard to make their big day go off without a hitch is to thank us with a nice, warm meal. Vendors make your big day possible! Dinner is always a non-negotiable in my contract, and for many other vendors as well.

Q: What’s the difference between a microwedding and an elopement?

A: The main difference? Your guest count. I would say elopements are either just you, your person, and your photographer or videographer (or both) and sometimes your closest people but no more than 10 total bodies! 

For micro weddings, you have more flexibility with who you invite, but it’s still not a big crowd; usually around 30 total people. From there, intimate weddings are anywhere from 30-50 total people celebrating with you! There are so many wonderful options out there for couples to explore for their big day–and I love being part of each and every experience.

Q: How long should I plan for an engagement photo session to be?

A: Every photographer is different, but I would say it’s safe to assume anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour OR an hour and a half if you guys are really having fun!! 

Q: What should you wear for engagement photos?

A: I always tell my couples to wear something you feel confident and comfortable in. Why? If you don’t love your outfit before photos, you probably won’t love your outfit once you get the final edits. So to eliminate that feeling altogether, go into the session wearing something that feels truly like you! I always say you can’t go wrong with neutral colors; if you’re someone who loves color, it could be fun to add a slight pop of color in your shoes, accessories or makeup! The most important thing is that you show up looking and feeling like your authentic self, because that’s what will make you feel the best in front of the camera.

Q: Will my photographer direct me during my engagement photos and on my wedding day? 

A: This really depends on the photographer you hired, but I can tell you if you book me you will never be wondering what to do next!! I love offering directions and posing ideas. More often than not, this has led to some of my favorite unexpected shots of the day! I always try to get a mixture of candid shots, documentary-style photos, as well as the editorial posed moments. Who doesn’t love a mix of all of the above? I know I do, and you will too when you get your final gallery back. 🙂