Hi there! My name is Grace, and I'm so happy that you're interested in working with me. I love people, photography, coffee, dry humor, and kids. I've been married to the love of my life for 18 years, and together we have four kids -- ages 7, 11, 14, and 16. When I'm not chasing my kids or working on photography, you can probably find me curled up in a chair at Starbucks reading a good book (or drooling over killer wedding photography ideas on Pinterest.)
If you're researching photographers, let me help by answering some frequently asked questions.
Weddings
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
If you've had a chance to review my photos, you can get a feel for my style -- natural, crisp, and focused on telling the story of your day. While the eight hour package is the most popular choice among my clients, there are many couples who are just looking for a few hours of coverage. I understand that weddings can be expensive, so I strive to provide beautiful photography at a variety of price points to ensure that you capture the most important moments of your wedding day -- without stretching your budget. I also feel strongly that it's important to click with your wedding photographer! I love to meet couples in advance (if possible) to get to know you, and make sure that you feel confident that you'll love working with me. Your wedding photographer will work closely with you throughout your wedding day, so it's important to be excited about who you choose. I think that I can bring warmth, joy, and enthusiasm to your big day.
How long have you been a photographer?
I've loved photography ever since I can remember. Whether I was playing around with point and shoot cameras or following wedding photographers on social media, I've always been drawn to the beauty and emotion that can be captured in a photograph. It wasn't until 2010 that I got my first "real" camera, and things really took off from there. What began as a hobby turned into a small business, and now I'm thrilled to be sharing what I am passionate about with others!
How many hours do we need on our wedding day?
During our first meeting, I like to get a feel for what your vision is for your wedding. Is it important for you to have plenty of photos of everyone getting ready? Hair and makeup, toasting mimosas in your robes, etc? Have you been saving all of those gorgeous Pinterest images of wedding dresses hanging, close ups of jewelry, your shoes set out, etc? Do you want photos of your guests dancing, celebrating, and enjoying the reception? We can talk through your timeline and your priorities to decide what coverage is best for you. I'm also happy to add additional time as your wedding gets closer, should you and your family decide to increase your coverage.
What is your photography style?
If you've had a chance to look through some of my images, hopefully you can get a feel for my style. I like clean, crisp photography that tells the story of your day. I like to include a mix of candids, details, and "posed" photos to give you a good variety of images. My goal is for your images to look the way you remember them on your wedding day -- just a better version. There are many styles of photography out there, and it's important to make sure that your vision lines up with the style and experience that I can bring to your wedding. Feel free to ask me about any trends, ideas, or inspiration that you're considering. I'd also be happy to review a wedding collection with you, so you can get a feel for what your own wedding images will look like with me.
Can I give you a list of Pinterest photos I love, or request certain poses?
It's always helpful for me to have a sense of what you and your fiance love. Do you gravitate towards candid photos, small details, romantic black and white images, etc? I'd be happy to review some of your ideas, Pinterest boards, and discuss the types of photos that you both enjoy. While I am happy to look to suggested ideas for inspiration, there may be certain images or shots that I simply cannot replicate (for instance, the lighting or weather may be completely different on your wedding day than it is in certain photos you are looking at). There also may be ideas or photos that are inconsistent with my photography style or are outside of my area of expertise.
How long do the family and bridal party photos take on our wedding day?
I encourage couples to plan on a full hour (usually during the cocktail hour, following the ceremony) for family and bridal party portraits, or formal photos. If you are planning a First Look, we can cover some photos of the bride and groom during that time, which will allow for additional family and bridal party photos during the cocktail hour.
What if we run over our time that day?
We can review your timeline and decide on the best coverage for your wedding day, but sometimes the unexpected happens! Family members can arrive late, the ceremony can be delayed, etc. I will coordinate with you prior to your wedding day to ensure that we allow enough time to capture everything that the two of you are looking for, but am happy to stay later than planned if necessary. In the event that you need additional time on your wedding day, I can add additional time at an hourly rate -- which can be paid within 14 days after your wedding.
Do you edit the photos? How many photos do we get?
I edit all photos that I give to my clients, and do not release any unedited images. After photographing your wedding, I will go through all of the images and work on the best ones. You don't need to choose your favorites, select a specific amount, or do anything after your wedding. I simply edit and include all of the best images from your wedding (and toss the images with closed eyes, lighting test shots, etc). Every wedding is different, but you can expect between 50 to 100 images per hour. I perform standard editing in Adobe Lightroom, which includes (but is not limited to) color correction, straightening, cropping, contrast and exposure, sharpening, basic retouching (removing a bruise or a blemish) etc. I do not do complex editing (photoshopping in an absent relative, "taking off ten pounds," removing a messy stain from a checkered tie, etc). Once your images are completed, any requests for additional editing can be done at an additional hourly rate.
Do we have rights to the photos?
Wedding contracts state that you have a print release, which means that you can print your photos, post them online, create your own photo albums, and use your digital images for any personal use that you choose. This is different from owning the copyright on the photos. This means that clients do not own images in the sense that clients can not sell their wedding photos, and I maintain the right to use the images (for instance, I may post pictures on the front page of this website, put a wedding photo on a business card, etc). I do include a standard "Model Release" in wedding contracts, which states that I can use the images I shoot at weddings for marketing use.
How and when do we receive our photos?
Wedding contracts state that your images will take 6 to 8 weeks to process (usually less). Once your photos are finished, I will email you a link to your password protected gallery on my website. From there, you can download your images. They are yours to print, post, etc -- and feel free to share the link with your family and friends so they can enjoy them as well!
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes! Please let me know if you need proof of liability insurance if your venue requests it.
Do you shoot film or digital? Do we get any prints or albums?
I shoot digital, and love my DSLRs! You will receive your wedding photos in the form of digital downloads through an online gallery. You can post, print, and reproduce your wedding photos for your personal use. (I do not sell prints or wedding albums.)
What happens if you get sick?
This is one of the biggest questions that clients have. Like your other vendors (and the two of you on your big day!), the goal is to stay healthy and be on my game for your wedding day. In the event of an emergency, I do have a network of photographers that I can call on in a crisis. I would be happy to go over more details with you when we review a sample contract during a first meeting.
Photography Sessions {Families, Seniors, Newborns, etc.}
What sets me apart from other family photographers?
I have been photographing my own children for over a decade now, and it was my love of chasing children and capturing those sweet moments that led me to begin shooting for others. I absolutely love working with children and families. You can count on plenty of energy, creativity, patience, and kid-approved "knock knock" jokes during your session!
What should we wear for our family pictures?
Make sure and choose clothing that you feel *comfortable* in. This is incredibly important! If you are sweating and sticky because you're in jeans on a hot summer day, you will look as uncomfortable as you feel. Your photo session is also the time to focus on what you feel confident in, so choose something that is tried and true. You'll want your photos to reflect how confident you are, and show off your best self! My second suggestion is to focus on coordinating -- not matching. It used to be very trendy to wear matching white shirts and khakis, or have everyone in one solid color -- but a more modern approach to family photos is to work with with a set of colors and a coordinating style and feel.
How long do sessions last, and what is the difference between a mini session and a full session?
Full sessions are one hour, can be held at a location of your choice, and are scheduled on a date and time that works best for you. Full sessions include digital downloads of the best 30+ edited images, and are great for families who are looking for a variety of photos and groupings. Mini sessions are 30 minutes, held at a designated location, and are on specific dates (usually in the spring and fall). These are a great opportunity to update your family photos or capture a few images for Christmas cards! Minis include digital downloads of approximately 15 edited images.
How many people are included in a family session?
Pricing for family sessions (one hour sessions) include up to 6 people. If you are interested in a larger group (relatives from out of town, events, etc), I would be happy to chat with you to customize something for you that will allow for plenty of time to include all of your family members, different groupings, and additional images.
How and when do we receive our photos?
Family sessions take up to two weeks to process. Once your photos are finished, I will email you a link to your password protected gallery on my website. From there, you can download your images. They are yours to print, post, etc -- and feel free to share the link with your family and friends so they can enjoy them as well! To keep my pricing low, I do not create albums or include any prints with sessions. Once your images are completed, any requests for additional editing can be done at an additional hourly rate.
Can we have any unedited images from our shoot?
I do not release any unedited images. My goal is to provide you with a beautiful finished product, which includes the best edited images from our session.
What if it rains on the day of our family session or mini session? Can we reschedule for other reasons?
We can plan the perfect day, but sometimes the sky opens up and it begins to pour! I keep a close eye on the forecast, and will keep in touch with you regarding any possible changes. In the event of inclement weather for your portrait session, we will find a backup date and reschedule your session for a day that works for everyone. If a session is cancelled for reasons other than weather (travel, sports schedules, last minute changes), we can attempt to find a backup date, but this is not guaranteed (no deposit will be refunded if a client chooses to cancel). If you are scheduled for a mini session, a rain date will be posted at the same time the scheduled mini session dates are announced. In the event that your mini session is cancelled due to inclement weather and you can not make the rain date, your deposit will be refunded (no other date will be offered for a mini session).