Client

TESTIMONIALS

12 Frequently Asked

Questions

• Inclusivity & boundaries:

  My commitment to championing inclusivity, respect, and equality is unwavering. I am dedicated to creating an environment that upholds these core values in my business and in the world. Therefore, I want to make explicitly clear that I do not work with organizations or individuals who are members of any hate group or whose values align with them. It is my resolute belief that diversity, understanding, and compassion should be at the forefront of all interactions. By ardently advocating for these principles, I strive to create an unwaveringly positive and inclusive experience for all my potential clients.

• Can you tell me about your wedding experience?

  I began shooting weddings in 2000 and back then all of my client’s weddings were shot on film. At that time I shot with 35mm Nikon F5s and loved it. I loved it but boy was the contraption for fitting a flash on there bulky! In 2005 I hit pause on shooting weddings for the most part and had my daughter and then son. My husband and I moved to Idaho and bought a house with just enough land for a big garden and a flock of chickens. I homeschooled and shot mostly for myself. When I became an only parent in 2010 I immediately went back to shooting for a living (and moved home to CA) but the industry had changed. It had gone digital. This was a massive change for me but countless 4am nights caught me up to speed. The ability to try and try and try without spending too much meant I could experiment and grow quickly. Since those days I’ve grown deeper in love with documenting tenderness and ephemeral moments.

  I shoot roughly 20-30 weddings each year and have shot more than 400 weddings.

  I received my BA in Art/Photography from SFSU.

• I know you focus on true moments but can you talk about formals?

  Yes, I’m more than happy to follow a list of formals. I totally understand that having a deliberately shot photo of you and your grandmother matters. I ask that you create your shot list of family formals before the wedding so that you can let those folks know when to be where and I can cross those images off as we shoot them. Consider that each of those images takes 1-3 minutes to shoot so create conscientiously. It’s easy to go wild with a list but remember it’s a wedding day for two. It’s not super likely that you’ll print and frame a shot without your new spouse in the image also. There are always exceptions but something to consider.

• Do I really need a second shooter?

  I have photographed 4 person weddings with a second photographer and I have photographed 200 person weddings with a second photographer and I can honestly say, both weddings and their galleries, were enhanced by including a 2nd; especially when that 2nd is Danielle.
  
  For one, we are living in covid times and Danielle isn’t only a second shooter, she’s a second lead photographer. It’s not unfathomable that I, just like anyone else, could potentially test positive for your wedding day. Clients that book her are very lucky to have a dedicated and booked second lead shooter ready to go on their wedding day. Additionally, Danielle has shot and trained with me for over 10 years. She’s by far, the most equipped person for me to send out as a replacement should the need arise. She understands my shooting style, my professional style and how best to support clients day of. This is virtually unheard of in the wedding world. Booking her means that her calendar has your names on it. She’s committed. For clarity, I also do all of the editing should this ever be the case
  
  Secondly, I only have one pair of eyes and can only be in one place at a time by nature of my humanity. Having a second set of eyes offers you, my client, unique perspectives of the same moments (think first kiss and guest reactions) and precious moments happening in separate locations (think getting ready moments in two locations). That alone feels like a tremendous offering to clients.
  
  Lastly, it’s almost as if Danielle can read my mind after having worked together for so many years. If I’m shooting from a balcony, for example, I can give her a little wave and she knows exactly what to shift to make the shot. Maybe that’s fix a dress, move a paper bag, ask the couple to step into the light, this is done quietly and efficiently. I once had a bar full of staff at the end of the aisle. Just before the bride came out I gave her a little finger wave from the front and she knew exactly what I wanted done and asked those folks to move lickity split. Their aisle shot was gorgeous and that only happened because of our team of two. Add in that Danielle is trained to seamlessly contribute photographically to a gallery of my images, I believe, having her available for you pretty incredible.

  
  I’m honored to work with her and always recommend including her if she’s not a part of your current package.

• Do you have travel fees?

  Travel fees depend on where I’m traveling to. Within an hour of my hometown of Healdsburg there are no travel fees. Within a few hours of that, and depending on hourly coverage, I ask that clients book a hotel room for me. Outside of that there are many variables and I’m happy to chat about your specific needs.

• Do you bring backup gear?

  Yep! Plenty of backup gear!

• Do you have liability insurance?

  I certainly do. If your venue requires a certificate I’m happy to provide that.

• When do we see our wedding photos and will they be edited?

  Once I finish photographing your wedding and upload the images, I cull out the images that I don’t plan to deliver. I then color correct and stylistically edit each image before they are uploaded into a private gallery for you. Images are delivered within 8-10 weeks of your wedding day. I do not deliver RAW files.

  I also offer a rush service wherein your edited images will be delivered 10 days from your wedding date. This offer is only available to roughly two clients each month.

• Have you shot at my venue? Do you need to do a walkthrough with us?

  It’s likely that I have shot at your venue but if I haven’t that’s great too! They were all firsts at one point. I always try to arrive an hour before my start time to wander the property, say hello to the team and gather some inspiration. Walkthroughs beforehand are usually unnecessary. If you have a particular set of circumstances that require beforehand knowledge and would like to book a walkthrough we can work together to do so.

  Please inquire for walkthrough pricing.

• How much coverage do I need?

  I’m more than happy to help you create a tentative timeline so that you can answer that question and book the right number of hours. Here are a few sample timelines with common flows of the day. Of course yours will be its own unique celebration.

• Do you have hourly minimums on weekdays or weekends?

  For 2023 I am currently booking 8+ hours Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Monday through Thursday I have some flexibility.

• How do we book you?

  The date is yours with a retainer of 50% of your total and a signed contract. Before both are returned to me your date is considered available to other clients for booking.

Wedding & Engagement

INVESTMENT / 2023

Invest in your loved ones, invest in yourselves & in your memories.

It will always be worth it.