Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my pricing? I understand pricing is a huge factor for your wedding day budget.  I don’t put them here on my site for a variety of reasons.  Mainly, because every couple needs a little something different to complete their wedding package.  Additionally, travel costs vary depending on locations, so without sitting down and speaking with you, it’s hard for me to give you an exact price on the website.  At your initial consultation I’ll be able to provide a custom quote for your wedding day so can plan your budget accordingly.

How long will it take to get my images? The contract we sign promises your final images delivered to you by the 90 day mark, however, I always try to get you an online gallery within 30 days, with “sneak peeks”  posted to Facebook and a blog post before that.  I know how anxious you are to see the images from your wedding day.  I promise to do my best to get them to you as quickly as possible!

What extras do you offer? While I deliver your images to you in digital format, I strongly believe in printing out your images.  I offer heirloom albums, prints, slideshow of your engagement session and wedding day as well as a variety of other products.

In addition to products, I offer bridal session, bridal boudoir (in the newly renovated studio), heck, I even offer my old Victorian sofa if you think it’ll be the perfect addition to your wedding day.  Plus, I offer discounts to my wedding clients when they have babies of their own!

Do you have references?  Absolutely.  I have several brides/couples willing to share their experiences with HGP.  They’d love to speak with you to give you insight about their day with HGP.

How many files do we receive?  I’m going to sound like a broken record.  Every wedding is different, therefore everyone will receive a different number of digital images.   I once read that a wedding story can be told with 50 images.  GASP!  But if you really think about it, how many images does it take to tell your wedding day story?  Yes, the detail shots are important, and having the posed family groupings are important as well.  But if you really think about your wedding day, we’re trying to capture the essence of you and your fiance.  Everything else is just a bonus.

But to answer your question.  I’m not going to give you just 50 images.  I’m probably going to give you closer to 300-500 depending on how long you have me at your day.  Of course, you’ll never print that many, and you can’t even fit half of those in an album, but as long as you maintain those files in a safe place, you’ll have them for decades to come.  Every image will be a high resolution, non watermarked, edited image as I do not deliver RAW files.  You will receive a print release (not to be confused with a copyright release) with your gallery.

What does a typical shot list look like? I break up your shot list for your wedding day into two-four different sections.  Each section maaaaaybe has 4-5 bullet points.  I like to have a rough list for my assistant/second shooter to make sure I’ve gotten really specific requests, but otherwise, we’re here to capture the beautiful candid moments of your wedding day.  I’ll absolutely entertain your requests- it is your day after all, but if you have a two page list of Pinterest inspired poses you’d like, I might not be the photographer for you.  While the lists that you’ll find on google are helpful, they can be excessive for my style of photography.

How would you describe your style?  Light, bright, and airy.  With that said, I use a LOT of natural light.  I have no problem busting out my lighting systems when the need calls for it (especially with indoor venues) but we almost always end up outside for portraits, utilizing the beautiful surrounding of Central Illinois.

Over the years, my photographic style has evolved.  From the way I shoot weddings, to the way I pose, to the way I edit.  I’ll never claim to be purely a documentary photographer, but I want to capture natural interactions, the love and joy, and bliss from your wedding day.

How do I have you hold my date?  I require a retainer to be paid and a contract signed for me to hold your date.  Once you commission HGP for your wedding day, I hold your date for you and turn down any future inquiries.  Thus, the retainer is non-refundable.

Do you offer payment plans?  Absolutely.  Weddings are expensive.  Good photography is expensive.  The costs add up so fast.  After the retainer is paid, I can be extremely flexible with your payments up until 30 days before your wedding day.  Besides paying down the balance gradually, I can also set up a bridal registry for your wedding photography.

When should we secure you for our wedding date? As soon as possible!  I have families already booking their fall weekend sessions for next year.  Since it’s a “first come, first serve” policy, those who place retainers lock my schedule down for their wedding/family/milestone session first.  In addition, once you place your retainer, your pricing is locked in, so should you add things, you wouldn’t be affected by any potential year end changes to my pricing structure.

Why do you recommend an unplugged wedding?  Ugh, I could go on and on about this.  The best reason?  Your guests are there to witness you two becoming a family.  Next best? YOU’VE ALREADY HIRED A PHOTOGRAPHER!  One that delivers (if you’ve hired me) digital files that you can share with the family!  Lastly, family members, while well meaning, can interfere with the day unintentionally.  We’ve all seen the viral stories of guests trying to grab shots but blocking the photographer.  Or, guests sometimes don’t turn off their flash, and can quite literally ruin the effect the photographer was trying for.  Moral of the story- unplugged is where it’s at.  I’d gladly provide my sign if you’d like!

So there you have the most frequently asked questions!  Of course, I’m still an open book, feel free to contact me to ask!