Frequently Asked Questions
The big question...
What are your rates?
Our rates vary depending on the amount of time you need and where your wedding is located. Please contact me for a full price list.
Just like any investment, your wedding photography is about enjoying the present and planning for the future. If you appreciate high-quality photography, you probably also appreciate the equipment, experience, and education that a professional photographer offers.
- Equipment -
I've invested more in my camera equipment than I have in my car. I have quality cameras, lenses, lights, software... the list goes on and on and I keep all of it in top condition. I'm carefree about a lot of things, but I take my gear seriously! - Experience -
I worked as a full-time, professional newspaper photographer right out of college. I've photographed numerous weddings, so I understand how your day is likely to flow, and I can help you develop a schedule so you can be sure to get the pictures you want without feeling rushed. - Education -
I studied photojournalism at the University of Missouri - Columbia and I've continued to learn by taking studio lighting classes and by assisting and collaborating with other photographers. I'm constantly experimenting with new techniques. I also firmly believe that, in the digital age, a photographer's Photoshop skills are almost as important as his or her skills with a camera -- so I'm enrolled in on-going training to keep up with the latest trends and techniques.
What to expect before the wedding
I like to meet well in advance of your wedding day, preferably at your venue. This allows us to get to know each other a bit better, look at the space, and discuss your timeline and preferences. This consultation session helps everyone out so much that I include it for free with all our packages.
About a month before your wedding day, I'll send you a detailed timeline worksheet to fill out. It's also helpful if you can attach a list of posed pictures you want (ie, bride with grandmother, groom with nephews, etc.).
What to expect on your wedding day
I really love weddings and I think it shows! Every wedding is different, so we'll discuss the details of your day in person or online. Past clients have remarked that they appreciated my calming yet joyous presence on their wedding day -- particularly in the sometimes-stressful hours before the ceremony. And while I'll have plenty of ideas for poses while we're taking formal pictures, for the rest of the day I'll try to blend into the background and capture genuine moments between you, your family, and your guests.
Should we do our formal photos before or after the ceremony?
That's up to you, but I like to do as many photos
as possible before the ceremony. There are many reasons for this:
1 - You'll get more photographs of the two of you together.
2 - You'll be able to go to the reception sooner.
3 - You'll have fun taking the photos without everyone waiting for
you to join the party.
4 - And trust me: You'll be happier and more relaxed as soon as you see each other.
If you're open to seeing each other before the ceremony, let's talk about a "First Sight" session! There will always be that moment when he first sees you -- it can be in private or in front of everyone... it's up to you!
It's really important that we don't see each other before the ceremony. If we want to do formals after the ceremony, how much time should we allow?
Every wedding -- and every family! -- is different, so it's best for us to discuss the details one-on-one.
Regardless of when we schedule your group photos, it's very useful if you can appoint someone to help round people up for them. This should be someone who isn't in the wedding party but who knows everyone in the family. He or she needs to have lots of energy, a loud voice, and no patience with stragglers ;-) Be sure to give him or her a list of the shots you want that's identical to the list you give me. It's also helpful if you can tell people approximately when they'll be needed.
What to expect after the wedding
My dedication to service continues long after the last dance! Couples who order the "social butterfly" add-on will receive 10 of our favorite images the day after their wedding (!!!) sized perfectly for sharing on facebook or e-mail. Your slideshow and proofs will be online within two weeks of your wedding, and I'll be happy to assist you in selecting prints for your album or for display.
Proofs, prints, albums, and other products
Be sure to check out the Products section so you can see some of the beautiful products we have on offer!
Do you offer digital negatives?
Yes, we do. They're included in selected packages, and they can also be purchased as add-ons. E-mail me for a price sheet, or call 920-397-9749 to request one by mail.
Can you do creative effects on my images?
Sure! While Photoshop should never be used as a "crutch" to try to salvage bad images, its skillful use can make great images even better.
Let me know what you have in mind and we'll create a truly unique work of art!
How will our proofs be presented?
Our proof prints are real 4x6 prints on quality photographic paper. They can be presented in a box if you want them loose, or bound in spiral booklets if you want to keep them organized. Of course you can also see your proofs online, and you can purchase a DVD of the proofs for $25. If you order your proofs in a box, they'll be ready in about 4-6 weeks after you select the photo you would like printed on the box. If you order your proofs spiral-bound, you'll have them about 3-4 weeks after your wedding.
Can you make an online slideshow that we can share with friends?
Yes -- I love making slideshows (here's a sample - opens in new window), and you're more than welcome to share the link. Your slideshow will be set to the song played for your first dance, unless you request a different song, and it'll be online within one week of your wedding.
Should I order an album or make my own?
That's up to you, but let me just say that I wish I had a professionally-designed album of my own wedding photos! The prints are gathering dust in the attic at this very moment because Eric and I never got around to making an album. That's because after our honeymoon we moved to a new house, I started a new job, and within a year we were expecting our first baby, and... well, let's just say life has a way of kicking into high gear after the bouquet toss. If you or someone in your family is a super scrapbooker, by all means go for it and make your own. Otherwise please do learn from my experience -- I want you to enjoy your photographs!
Should I order an album before the wedding?
You can add an album later, but buying a package that includes an album is beneficial for several reasons.
- You save money if you order your album as part of a package.
- If I know what album format you want (square, tall and narrow, etc.) I can "shoot for the album" during your wedding.
- Ditto for the "look and feel" of your album. If you want a bright, colorful album, tell me ahead of time and I'll emphasize those aspects in the photography. If you're after a calmer, more subdued look, I'll shoot photos in that style.
- Ordering ahead of time helps you plan your budget. If you get the album locked in before the wedding, then you don't have to stress about it later.
Will I have input in the album design process?
Yes! You choose the album size, number of pages, cover styling, and of course the photos! You can choose one set of images as "must-haves" and specify others that are optional. I can provide insight as to which photos will work best with your chosen album size, but the ultimate decision is up to you. I generally suggest a mix of close-up detail shots, candids, portraits, and wide overviews.
What is the album design process like?
- You choose the photos you want (how many you choose depends on how many pages you'd like). Usually this is around 40 images for the standard 10-insert, 20-side album.
- I send your selections, as well as your preferences regarding color, layout style, etc. to the designer.
- The designer creates a preliminary design.
- I send you the preliminary album design for comment.
- If you want to make changes, the designer will make your suggested changes and send us the revised design. At that point you can approve the design or send it back to the designer for one more round of revisions.
- The designer sends the final design.
- You approve the design and I send it to the printer.
- Your album is printed, bound, and delivered to me.
- I inspect the album and notify you that it's ready to be picked up or shipped.
My mom saw the preliminary album design and she loves it! She wants an album for herself. Can I get one for her?
Sure, no problem! I can even get you a discount if you let me know before I send the final design to the printer.
Add-on sessions: Engagement, bridal, boudoir, trash the dress
What's an engagement session?
Your engagement session will result in a picture for your parents and the newspaper, sure. But after we get the traditional stuff out of the way we'll set out on a custom photography session that's all about you -- where you like to go, what you like to do -- and who you are as a couple. It's so nice to have a record of your "dating years." It's also a great way for us to get to know each other before the busy wedding day.
What's a bridal session?
Bridal sessions are portraits of the bride alone, outdoors or in the studio, wearing her wedding dress. These sessions are popular in the South, where it's traditional to hang a large framed portrait of the bride at the reception. This portrait later hangs in her parents' home.
A bridal session typically occurs about a month before the wedding and it's a good chance for you to be sure your dress and accessories look just the way you want them to. It's also a chance to relax and enjoy your dress before the big day!
Do you offer boudoir sessions?
Yes, I offer boudoir sessions at your home (or another location of your choice) or in studio. We can make a small album of your favorite images as a sexy gift for your sweetie ;-)
What does "trash the dress" mean -- will my dress really be ruined?
I think "trash the dress" is a misnomer -- think of it as "enjoy the dress" or "don't worry about the dress." This session takes place after the wedding, so you can go wading in the water, walking through the woods, whatever, without too much concern for the dress. You can take it easy on the dress or really give it a workout -- that's up to you. Obviously if you want to save your dress in its original state for future generations this would not be a good option for you.
How much do the add-on sessions cost?
$200 for each two-hour session. Boudoir sessions in studio cost more unless you come to my home studio in Fort Atkinson.
Let me know if you want special albums made from these sessions. These are really fun!
About Lori
Please read my bio page to learn more about me. Thanks and I hope to meet you soon!
