Every couple I meet has a variety of different questions, many are specific to their own wedding, but there are some trends that seem to pop up in every meeting. I love when a couple has questions for me, but for those of you who don't know where to start, feel free to use this as a guide. Here are some questions I've compiled (and answered!) from various meetings with clients, wedding planners, and some of my favourite wedding blogs!

‍Will you be the one photographing my wedding?Of course! I will be your main photographer. I'm not just a sales person behind a 12 person team, I shoot one wedding per day and will be the one taking your engagement photos and be there from the start of your day to the end. I'll also be editing your photos, designing your album, and be available to respond to your e-mails or calls whenever you need.

‍Is this your part-time job or are you a full-time photographer?This is my full-time "job", if you can call it that! I have lots of creative outlets (as I write this, I'm in the process of launching a documentary I produced, Startup Community) but photography is my main focus/passion/love and I won't let any of my side projects get in the way of your big day.

‍Do you have a portfolio I can view? Are all of the images yours?You can see my portfolio here! I also bring albums with me to meetings to show you more work. If you'd like to see a full wedding from start to finish send me a message and I'll send you a viewing gallery of one of my recent weddings. And yes, every image you see online and anything I send you will be shot and edited by me.

‍How far in advance do I need to book with you?The sooner the better. I'm not sure if it's just a trend, but couples seem to be booking further and further in advance. I would suggest booking your photographer at least a year in advance, especially if you have your eye set on someone. Once you've decided on your photographer secure them as soon as possible.

‍How do you work with videographers?I love videographers, hiring a talented videographer is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Let me know if you need any recommendations! When I get to your wedding I'll chat with your video team to make sure we're on the same page, but it's usually a fairly simple process. We know how to get the shots we need while staying out of each other's way. If you'd like, you can also pass along your videographer's information to me, or vice versa, so we can chat prior to your wedding.

‍What do your packages include and can they be customized?All of my packages include an engagement session as well as wedding day coverage (with amount of time varying). I have packages that include a second photographer, associate photographer, and photo books. You can absolutely customize your package, if you want 10 hours with 2 photographers and 2 photo books I will always offer pricing based on your requests.. just let me know what you're looking for! For further info on packages and pricing send me a message.

‍What type of equipment do you use? Do you have back-ups? Do you bring your own lighting?I use all Nikon equipment. I have back-ups for all of my equipment, and anyone that second shoots for me will also have back-ups for their equipment. There's no worst case scenario I haven't planned for. I will bring lighting with me, although it will be very minimal (and in most cases isn't necessary). I shoot with natural light at any chance I get, but when flash is required I'll use it as sparingly as possible. I'll never over power the ambience/feel of your wedding. One thing I will recommend is to check with your DJ on the lighting they bring. Unless you've specifically requested it, ask that they don't use lasers (at least for your first dance) since this will make you look like a blue/green/purple disco ball!

‍Will you photoshop my photos?The term "photoshop" has been confused in the past few years, so I'll clarify what that means to me:I primarily use Lightroom to edit all of your photos - for those of you that don't speak photography, that means anything that could have traditionally been done in a darkroom with film I will do in Lightroom. Adjust exposures, contrasts, white balance.. all of that stuff. Will I edit out dark circles, blemishes, fire extinguishers? In most cases, I will take your photos in such a way that photoshop isn't necessary. All of the photos in my portfolio and on my blog have the same amount of editing all your photos will have - none have been re-touched with photoshop. However, any photos in albums or prints I will absolutely do further re-touching if necessary. You can also let me know if you are going to enlarge a photo on your own and I would be happy to re-touch anything you'd like. On a closing note: You will be beautiful enough on your wedding day that you will not need to be photoshopped.

‍Will you give me posing advice? We're not models...Trust me, 99% of my clients are not models. I will give you some simple suggestions on posing, but definitely won't over-pose. I will give you posing advice that works for you, that fits with your personality, and that doesn't feel fake. Simple instructions like "throw your arm over his shoulder" or "give her a kiss on the forehead" go a long way, and usually it's the giggles before and after that make for the best photos.

‍What's your photography style?The best way for you to understand my style is to take a look through my portfolio and blog, but if I were to sum it up in to a few words I'd say it's a combination of:Classic, photojournalistic, glamourous, detail-oriented, delicate, bold, timeless, trendy, classy & fabulous. I know some of those things are opposites, but as a wedding photographer I have to be all of those things, and then some. In the end, I want to create photos that you look back on in 20 years and still love and are proud of.

How many photos will we get?You'll get everything that passes quality control. I don't like to say you'll get a certain number of photos/hour because every wedding is so different and I want you to see only the best of the best. On average, a full wedding day will produce anywhere from 400-800 photos. That depends on the number of guests, length of day, if you have a second photographer, and events/details within your day.

‍Do you shoot in colour & black and white?I shoot all digital, so any photo has the capacity to be colour or black and white. When I edit your photos I will use my own judgement to determine if I think it should be in colour or black and white - if I choose to make the image black and white I will also send you the colour version. If you receive a photo in colour that you wish you had the black and white version of, let me know and I'll be happy to edit it for you.

‍When will we receive our photos? I'll deliver your images on USB within 6 weeks of your wedding day. Your engagement photos will be delivered via Dropbox within 2 weeks.

‍Can I give you a list of specific shots we need?For sure, within reason. Keep in mind I shoot a lot of weddings, and I promise I won't forget to take pictures of your flowers or rings. With that said, I am a big fan of family photo lists - two weeks before your wedding is a great time to send me a list of names for family formal photos. Those kinds of lists really help keep us on time and moving things forward so you can get on to the party. As for other types of specifics, I love Pinterest just as much as the next girl. When you send me your list feel free to send me a link to your wedding inspiration board! If there are a few photos you want to "re-create" let me know. Keep in mind there are a lot of factors that go in to a photo, so yours will never look identical, but I'm happy to create styles of photos similar to the ones you love!

‍Will you give us an online viewing gallery to share with friends and family?Absolutely, I post every wedding in an online gallery that you can share. It will be password protected so only those you give your password to can see your photos. The gallery also allows your family to purchase prints, canvases, mugs, calendars, aprons, and all sorts of unnecessary things with your photo on it.Who has the rights to the photos? Can we post them on Facebook?Technically I have the rights to the photos, but you will have limited rights to the photos. Essentially all that means is you can't sell the photos without my permission. Aside from that, you're free to share on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, make as many prints as you want anywhere you want. I don't watermark your images, only those that I post on my blog/social media pages will have my logo on them. You also have every right to ask that I not post your images online, and I promise to keep them between us!Okay, we think you're fab, how do we book you?I think you're fab too! To book I require a 50% retainer and a signed contract. The retainer can be paid via Interac e-transfer, Paypal, credit card, or cash. You can also break up your methods of payment. The signed contract is fairly straight forward, but if there's anything you're unsure of please let me know, the agreement is in place to ensure both of us know what's expected!Did I miss anything? Comment below and I'll be happy to add it to the list & answer any questions you might have!Much Love,Lindsay