Question 1

Why should we hire YOU? What makes you stand out in this world of a gazillion photographers?

Accepted Answer

1) I value moments above poses. Posed photos are important -and I'll get them! - but you are going to cherish the hugs, laughter & tears that you shared with your loved ones above all else. 2) I have great problem-solving skills and creativity. My background has prepared me for any situation that could surprise us on your wedding day. 3) I know what it’s like to feel awkward in front of the camera and I approach my photography with an empathy & lightheartedness that puts my couples at ease! 4) I offer COMPLETE coverage for my non-elopement packages. I’ll be there to capture every moment of your celebration, from mimosas to the last dance.

Question 2

How experienced are you?

Accepted Answer

I have photographed over 500 weddings since I officially registered my business back in 2012. I have photographed church weddings, backyard weddings, country club weddings, barn weddings, beach weddings, city hall weddings, intimate elopements, ginormous celebrations, weddings in the rain and snow, weddings in the sunshine, and weddings by candlelight. Regardless of the location, size, weather, or lighting - I got you.

Question 3

Have you ever photographed at my venue?

Accepted Answer

Good question! Regardless of my answer, it truly doesn’t matter. Every year I document weddings at places I have never been before. Or, I may have been there, but at a completely different season or in different lighting conditions than those that will exist on your wedding day. I am not photographing your venue, I am capturing you, your family, and your friends on YOUR day. What other photographers have captured there honestly does not matter. You are what matters. Of course, if there are the classic/popular spots you would like us to use as backdrops, no problem, we’ll be sure to get those.

Question 4

How far out do you book?

Accepted Answer

I have booked weddings as far out as 2.5 years, and as close as 1 week. In general, couples tend to book me 10-15 months prior to their wedding date. If you think you might be interested in working with me, please reach out as soon as possible, and we will begin the booking process.

Question 5

I'm planning a surprise proposal, will you shoot that?

Accepted Answer

I would love to photograph your proposal! I am only available for portrait sessions on Mondays through Thursdays, and my calendar usually books up 6-8 weeks out. I reserve my weekends for weddings (and family time on my very rare weekend day off). Plan ahead, and reach out asap if you are planning a proposal that you would like me to photograph!

Question 6

Do you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Love is love is love. I’ll shoot it with the same passion and creativity that I pour into any other wedding day.

Question 7

Do you photograph Christian/Jewish/Indian/Etc. weddings?

Accepted Answer

I do! For traditional ceremonies in places of worship, just be sure to touch base with your officiant to see if they have any photography or flash restrictions that I should be aware of ahead of time.

Question 8

Do you send sneak peeks?

Accepted Answer

I try to send a number of sneak peeks within 24 hours of every portrait session and wedding. In the event that I have back-to-back weddings, sneak peeks could take up to 72 hours. If you haven’t seen new work posted on my social media accounts lately, it’s because I’m placing a priority on delivering full galleries (while maintaining a healthy balance with my own personal well-being). Sneak peeks are often delivered behind-the-scenes and shared on my socials (with client permission) when my schedule allows.

Question 9

How long will we have to wait for the gallery to be finished?

Accepted Answer

This answer varies throughout the year. The editing process takes exponentially longer than the number of hours I spend photographing your wedding. If your wedding takes place earlier in the year, it will generally take less time than weddings happening in the fall. Generally speaking, I try to return engagement sessions within 2-4 weeks and weddings within 8-12 weeks. I always aim to get galleries delivered as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality or quantity of the images - or my sanity. If you REALLY have to have your images back in record time, I do offer an expedited editing service at an additional charge.

Question 10

Do you edit all the photos?

Accepted Answer

Not every image that I take will make it into your final gallery - including duplicates, test shots, and images that are very unflattering. You will get all of the images that meet my “keeper” criteria, and I personally edit every single image that gets uploaded into your gallery. Every image that I deliver gets color corrected and cleaned up, and some selected images turned into black-and-white copies. If you wake up on your wedding day with a giant pimple on your nose, don’t sweat it - I’ll edit it out of the photos where it is obvious. If I missed one that you love, just let me know and I’ll happily go back and re-edit it for you.

Question 11

How many images will we get?

Accepted Answer

In a wedding gallery, I typically deliver between 800-1200 images on average. If you have a giant wedding with every tradition imaginable, you might get more. If you have a simple, intimate elopement, you might receive less. The image count will also vary with the number of photographers included in your package. In an engagement gallery, I deliver between 75 and 125 images. The image count varies according to the session length, number of outfit changes, and number of locations.

Question 12

Do you give out unedited (RAW) images?

Accepted Answer

It is my policy to NOT give out unedited (aka RAW) files. Simply put, you don't ask a professional photographer to give you their RAW photos because that would be giving you only half of an unfinished work of art. The editing process is part of what makes my work MY work, and I wouldn’t want to deliver anything less. That being said, if you absolutely must have the RAW files, I will never say never - but understand that they will only be sold at a hefty price.

Question 13

Who owns the images?

Accepted Answer

Everyone receives digital downloads with the reproduction rights for personal use. I retain the legal “ownership” and copyright of the images, which only means that you cannot sell your wedding photos without my consent — but who really does that anyway?

Question 14

Do you work with videographers/content creators?

Accepted Answer

I do! I don’t currently offer videography/content creation services myself, but I am happy to recommend some incredible colleagues who I have worked well with over the years. PRO TIP: Regardless of who you decide to hire as your photographer and videographer, I think it’s SUPER important to hire artists who have similar approaches to documenting a wedding day (capturing candid moments versus staging poses). The same is true for hiring a content creator! I work best with CCs who sit back and let moments naturally unfold versus creating inauthentic moments for social media views.

Question 15

I'm working with a wedding planner, is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Heck yeah, that’s okay! I love working with planners, because they understand the intricacies of the day, what’s important, what isn’t important, and are usually timeline ninjas. If you need a recommendation, I am happy to refer some planners to you.

Question 16

Can we incorporate our pets into our engagement session or wedding day?

Accepted Answer

100% heck yes to the engagement session! I LOVE animals!!! I do recommend bringing along someone to chaperone your pet(s) during your session so that we can capture a few images that don’t include them, as well. Your venue would have to make the final call regarding any wedding day plans with your pets.

Question 17

Do we need to prepare a "shot list" for you?

Accepted Answer

The only shot list that I work from on your wedding day is a list of your desired family formal portraits (which I help you create while I’m working on your photography timeline). Because I take a predominantly hands-off approach, most of the images captured throughout the day are done so naturally and organically. That being said, I absolutely want to make sure you get all the photos you want. If you or a guest want a picture taken at a certain moment, come and find me or the second photographer and we’ll make it happen!

Question 18

Do you have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yup! I have liability insurance and am happy to send a COI to your venue if it requires one. It’s not a problem at all, but please give me at least 1 month’s notice to get that delivered to your venue.

Question 19

What is your image back-up process like?

Accepted Answer

Keeping your images safe is a top priority of mine. I never, ever, EVER want to have to break the news to a couple that I lost their images from their wedding day. I shoot on dual camera bodies, each one recording to two memory cards at once. As soon as I get home from your wedding, I back up all of the images in multiple locations, and I do not write over the memory cards until your final gallery has been delivered.

Question 20

What's your ideal wedding?

Accepted Answer

I love all kinds of weddings - from intimate self-uniting ceremonies in the mountains where it’s just me and the couple and I have signed their marriage license as their witness, to elaborate city weddings with 30+ wedding party members. My favorite weddings are those where my couples are present in the moment, having a great time, spending time with their loved ones, embracing all of the emotions of the day, and respecting everyone who came together to make their wedding day vision come alive. Those are the best weddings.

Question 21

What's your opinion on "first looks"?

Accepted Answer

I personally love first looks, but I also value couples who choose to wait to see each other until the ceremony begins. The decision to have or forego a first look does impact the timeline for the day, so I’m happy to chat about what the schedule might look like in either scenario if you are on the fence. That being said- if you choose to have a “first look” or “first reveal” it allows you to have that special time for just each other on your wedding day. We get all the portrait photos done of you both, your wedding party, and your family before the ceremony. That way you can completely enjoy your wedding including the full cocktail hour.

Question 22

Do you travel, and is there a travel fee?

Accepted Answer

I am happy to stretch my legs outside of my homebase! I keep my gas tank full and my passport current. Each package has an included travel radius originating from zip code 19608. Anything in excess of that distance may incur a fee based on the current IRS mileage rate. I might request that a hotel be provided for weddings located over 2.5 hours away, starting super early in the morning, or ending very late at night. Does your wedding require flights and hotel stays? Not a problem, as long as those fees are covered for me.

Question 23

We love you and want you, how do we book you?

Accepted Answer

After you reach out to me, I’ll respond & we can set up a Zoom chat. After we figure out the best coverage for you, you’ll electronically sign your contract and pay your retainer ($1500). Half of your remaining balance will be due 4 months before your wedding, and your final balance will be due 1 month before your wedding. Leading up to your wedding day, I’ll help you create your timeline (or will work with your planner on that), I’ll answer any questions you might have, and I’ll do whatever I can to help you get the most out of your wedding day. Let’s get this party started!

Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

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Elopement pricing

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About Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC