Your questions

Wedding Photographer FAQ Guide

1. General Information

• How far in advance should we book you?
  Most couples book 9–18 months before their wedding, especially for popular dates. The sooner you reach out, the better chance we have of securing your date.

   

• Do you travel for weddings?
  Absolutely! I love capturing love stories wherever they take place. Inquire about traveling, as they can vary from wedding to wedding.

   

• Where are you based?
  I’m based in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, but I regularly photograph weddings throughout the United States  and beyond.

   

• Do you photograph elopements or micro weddings?
  Yes! I offer tailored packages for intimate celebrations.

   

2. Packages & Pricing

• What’s included in your wedding packages?
  All packages include full-day coverage, high-resolution images, an online gallery for easy sharing and downloading, and timeline assistance. Some packages also include engagement sessions, albums, or second photographers.

   

• Do you offer custom packages?
  Yes, if your wedding needs something unique, we can create a package that fits perfectly.

   

• Do you require a retainer?
  A retainer fee and a signed contract are required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding.

    

• Do you offer payment plans?
  Yes! I offer flexible installment options to make things easier for you. Financing is also available.

   

• What’s your pricing?
  I set up a video call to go over my pricing options. Because there is so much involved, I prefer to communicate everything that’s included.

   

3. Booking & Planning

• How do we book you?
  Once you’ve chosen your package, I’ll send over a contract and invoice for the retainer. Once those are complete, your date is officially reserved!

   

• Will you help us create a wedding timeline?
  Absolutely! I’ll help plan your timeline to make sure we have plenty of time for portraits, family photos, and candid moments.

   

• Can we meet you before booking?
  Yes! I love connecting with couples over coffee or a video call to ensure we’re a great fit.

   

• What happens if we need to reschedule?
  I’ll do my best to accommodate a new date. Policies vary depending on availability and timing, which we’ll outline in the contract.

   

4. Engagement Sessions

• Do you include engagement sessions?
  Engagement sessions are included in some packages or can be added on. They’re a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.

   

• When should we schedule our engagement session?
  Ideally, 6–9 months before your wedding, especially if you want to use the photos for save-the-dates.

5. Wedding Day

• How many hours of coverage do we need?
  Most couples choose full-day coverage, from getting ready through the grand exit. I do offer 8 to 10 hour coverage options as well.

   

• Do you work with a second photographer?
  Yes! Having a second photographer ensures we capture every angle and moment, especially during large weddings.

   

• Do you take family portraits?
  Absolutely. I’ll work with you ahead of time to create a shot list for family photos to keep things smooth and efficient.

   

• What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
  I’ll help you plan for beautiful indoor or covered locations. Sometimes, rainy weddings make for stunning, romantic photos!

   

6. Deliverables

• How long will it take to receive our photos?
  Sneak peeks are sent within 2 business days, and your full gallery will be delivered within 4 weeks.

   

• How will we receive our photos?
  You’ll get access to a private online gallery where you can view, share, and download all your images.

   

• Do you offer albums or prints?
  Yes! I offer heirloom-quality albums and professional prints so you can preserve your memories beautifully.

   

• Do we get printing rights?
  Yes, you’ll receive full printing rights for personal use.

   

7. Policies

• What’s your cancellation policy?
  If you need to cancel, the retainer is non-refundable, but we’ll work with you to reschedule whenever possible.

   

• What happens if you’re unable to shoot our wedding?
  In the very rare case of an emergency, I have a trusted network of professional photographers who can step in, and I’ll ensure you’re fully taken care of.

   

• Are you insured?
  Yes, I’m fully insured and can provide proof of insurance to your venue if needed.

   

8. Style & Experience

• What’s your photography style?
  My style is a mix of candid, storytelling moments and timeless portraits, capturing the genuine emotions of your day.

   

• How do you make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
  I focus on creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere and giving simple prompts instead of stiff poses. My goal is to capture natural, authentic moments.

   

• Why should we choose you as our photographer?
  I value not only beautiful photos but also your experience. I’m here to serve you, guide you, and help make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable. You can learn more here – https://www.wesshinn.com/about-wes-shinn

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