Ahoy There! Welcome! If you’ve stumbled across this page, you’re likely engaged to marry your best friend! I’m hoping that you’ve already stopped by The Blog to see some of my recent weddings and added me as a friend on Facebook + (my personal favorite) Instagram!
Below are a few of the questions that couples often have when booking their photographer! If you have any questions that are not covered below, feel free to email me directly! I’d absolutely love to chat more, get to know you, and make sure we’re a perfect fit!
Where are you located? Do you travel?
I am located out of Annapolis, Maryland, but I am passport ready to travel wherever your wedding takes me! I’ve photographed weddings from the Caribbean to Seattle, Washington and love the inspiration that comes with photographing in new places!
What is your photographic style?
I consider my style to be a timeless and artistic blend. I love capturing the candid moments that unfold naturally throughout the day – but I also enjoy the more posed photographs that require a small bit of planning and creative thought. I’m a mix between fine art photographer and photojournalist, between creative entrepreneur and hopeless romantic.
What are your rates for Weddings?
I offer wedding collections beginning at $5000 and have most couples invest in The Wedding Experience for 6400. If you would like specific information on what I offer, please click “Contact” from the options above to send me an email. I’d be happy to help you find the perfect wedding photography collection!
I love your work! How do I reserve you to photograph my wedding?
Once I receive a signed copy of your wedding contract and an $1500 non-refundable retainer – the date is saved! Please note that email inquiries do not guarantee any client to a particular date. It is not unusual for me to receive four to five inquiries for most dates during wedding season, and therefore the date remains open until a contract is signed!
Should we consider adding a second photographer to the Ala Carte Collection?
Having second photographer gives you another artistic eye to capture your special day. I can never be in two places at once, but when there is another photographer – it gives me the ability to do just that. With two photographers, I can send the second photographer off to capture the groom and groomsmen getting ready – while I stay to photograph the bride. It aids in the storytelling process by giving you a second artistic eye to interpret your day and document the precious moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Do we get to choose our second photographer?
I have a strong group of photographers that second shoot for me on a regular basis! Every photographer has a very unique shooting style and I have found quite a few fantastic professionals who work well with my style and whose images serve as a great compliment my own. It is for this reason that I exclusively select and reserve the second photographer.
How much time should we set aside on our wedding day for portraits?
I recommend anywhere from 25-35 minutes of time to take pictures of the two of you! This does not include the time needed for formal portraits of the family and bridal party.
If you love the look of the wedding portraits on my blog, be sure to give me as much time as possible to capture the two of you on your special day! I tell all of my couples that by blocking out 30 minutes with your photographer will give you both a beautiful collection of photographs and a chance to spend time together, just the two of you – apart from the hustle and bustle of your wedding day.
Do you have a back-up camera & lenses? Do you have liability insurance?
These are two of the most important questions that you need to ask each and every photographer that you consider for your wedding day! I have not only a backup camera body but a wide assortment of different lenses ranging from wide angles to telephotos, primes to zoom lenses.
I also have full equipment and liability insurance! *Many venues require other vendors to carry their own insurance! If your venue requests a copy of my insurance documents, I ask that you please give me 30 days notice, the contact information of your Wedding Coordinator, and I will take care of submitting everything on time!
What happens if there is an emergency situation and you are unable to photograph my wedding?
In the highly unlikely event that I am unable to photograph your wedding, I will do everything in my power to secure a replacement. As a member of numerous photography organizations, along with my strong personal connections in the Chesapeake Area, I have hundreds of professional photographers at my fingertips incase something horrible or unforeseen should happen.
Do you shoot more than one event on my wedding day?
When a couple reserves me for their wedding date, they are my only clients that day! I give my weddings the utmost priority and I do not book additional portrait sessions or other events on the same day as a couple’s wedding. For that entire day – my energy, heart and focus is theirs.
How long does it take to receive my photos?
On average, weddings take 3-4 weeks for full completion. During the busiest parts of the wedding season, editing can take longer. I do my best to sneak peek a few of my personal favorites to the client from the session or wedding within a 10 to 14 days. This gives you a sneak peek to hold you over until the entire gallery is ready!
Do I have permission to print the photos? Can I use them online?
With each of my weddings + portrait sessions, I release the photographs for personal use after final payment. This allows you to print the images at any photo lab of your choice for friends & family and use the images online. You may not however – sell, edit, or advertise the images in any way. This includes submitting images to wedding blogs or publications – I love publishing my couples, but I ask that you contact me first before submitting to ensure that I have not already submitted the images for publication! I also ask that if you post your images online (such as on Facebook) – that you state clearly, “By Natalie Franke Photography” below or beside the image.
Engagement Sessions – what are they? Why should we schedule one?
Engagement sessions are my favorite. They give me a chance, as the photographer, to capture  your love story in a more natural environment. I recommend reading, Should We Get Engagement Pictures Done? - which describes all of the lovely reasons for booking a shoot in more detail! In Summary, engagement sessions are the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day! You get to see me in action, ask any questions that come to mind, & create an album full of new memories.
Where should we schedule our engagement session? What time of day is best?
One of the great things about engagement sessions, is the ability to be flexible on location! I recommend choosing locations that are important or significant to you! Maybe a first date location, a beach you love to visit, your favorite summer picnic spot – selecting a location that fits your personality is a great way to capture you both in a candid and natural way! The best time of day for engagement sessions are during “golden hour” – which stretches during the first two hours after sunrise and in the last two hours before sunset. This time of day is sacred to photographers for it’s soft natural light and soft color tones!
Do you offer products such as canvas prints, coffee table books, and albums?
Of course! I work with the best vendors in the industry to bring my clients products that show off their beautiful photographs.
Great Posts for Reference:
© 2023 Natalie Franke
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