+ Frequently Asked Questions about your Wedding Photography

Let’s talk about the engagement session first, because there are things you should know! This is the first step into your future with your ‘other half’ anyway…

a Pivotal Moment that You Must make yours…

Often people don’t have a clear understanding on what an Engagement session entails, and that might be a deciding factor if they will go ahead and schedule their lifetime memories to be documented or put them on hold. There’s enough stress preparing for the wedding itself, so knowing ahead of time what to expect, will help relieve some of that stress. An engagement session should be well timed, relaxed and taken place in a beautiful (preferably shaded) location, that is meaningful to you. That can be anywhere, even in your parent’s backyard.

What’s most important though is that (ideally) you want to get to know your photographer before the wedding, because you will spend a lot of time together that day and it’s best to get to know them ahead of time a bit, so you can feel more comfortable when the big day comes. That way you can see what works and what doesn’t when you are being given instructions how to pose in front of the camera. We, photographers, all have our different styles working with people and we encounter some that are shy, and some that are OK with being photographed. But if you fall into the first category, then you should more-so consider having an engagement session done.

Some couples do it for the ‘Save the Date’ cards, or to be displayed at the wedding for slideshows and such, other times, just having some professional photographs done is just enough to keep that moment alive for the rest of your lives. The engagement session is one of the sweetest special moments commemorating your love, definitely a must-do!

LOGISTICS

• If you have chosen a regular engagement either booked on its own or part of a wedding package, we will find a location based on the scenery you’d like to have. Florida beaches are gorgeous and we mostly book the engagement sessions around sunset hour, to take full advantage of the Golden Light.

• Whether we’re in Florida or the PNW, there are many beautiful spots where we can photograph. From downtown locations, like Pensacola’s historic sites and beautiful places like Seville Square, Brew Ha Ha or Fort Pickens, to romantic moments on the beach at sunset, we have plenty to choose from.

• Please prepare to take some time off work during the week to have the photos taken, as my weekend availability is very limited due to the wedding schedule, so I am not able to book engagements during that time.

• The photo session will last about 1.5 hours. We can even walk to a secondary location, that way you can consider an outfit change.

• Please keep in mind that any locations one hour drive or more outside Pensacola are considered an Upgrade, and the session fee will have a $75/hr additional charge.

• SEATTLE COUPLES: THE ADVENTURE package offers a choice of one of 4 locations: Rattlesnake Ridge, Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Falls and Gold Creek Pond. It takes into consideration mileage, hiking time and shooting time. It includes all the best high resolution images, fast turnaround and an option to add an engagement album!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and How will I receive my photos?

Within 6 weeks you will receive an online gallery that will allow you to directly download the files in one straight shot or choose your selects. The gallery can be shared with friends and family, and offers options for print orders. Gallery navigation instructions will be included at the time of delivery.

2. How many photos will I get? 

Depends on each package – however, to give you an idea, an estimated number for the 9 hour package is around 1,000 photos.

3. Will I get any prints? 

You will not receive prints. However, as mentioned above, the gallery will have the option for any size print orders mounted on a wide variety of displays (i.e. Standouts, Metal prints, Canvases, Ornaments, Image Cubes, Float Wraps and so much more) – My favorite way to print images is on enlarged metals. Ask me more about it. 

4. Will a print release letter be included with my images? 

You have full print rights to the images you receive, but the release is not automatically included. I’ll be more than happy to send you one after the wedding, or sign a form that a certain lab of your choice is requesting.

5. Do you do Destination Weddings? What are other traveling expenses? 

YES! The standard fee for any destination Wedding is $7,000 + tax.

Although, Weddings by Adina is Pensacola, Florida based, I love to travel, meet people that are in love, and document their special day. I usually arrive 2 days before the wedding and leave the second day, so the package will include Flight, Hotel, Car, Food, and other miscellaneous expenses.

6. What’s the deal with the second photographer?

A second photographer is not always required, in spite of what some people or friends may say. I always ask about the flow of your wedding day, to get a better understanding on how busy or full of events it is. Based on that answer, we can decide together if adding a second photographer is recommended or not. Due to COVID, the packages I offer have been altered to keep everyone safe by minimizing exposure to our team and our clients, and so they do not include a second photographer.

When a second photographer is typically needed:

• Large weddings (over 100 guests)

• Weddings with short ceremonies

• When there are a lot of events scheduled throughout the day

• Large bridal parties // Large families attending the wedding (if time is short, groups may be split between the lead photographer and the second photographer)

• When the chosen coverage is not enough and there is also travel time between locations

Benefits of having a second photographer, aside from being necessary:

• Multiple angle coverage throughout the day

• Time efficiency

7. How many hours do you suggest we need to set aside for wedding day photos? 

• The formal portrait session generally takes place in several stages. It can take 45 minutes at one time, perhaps followed by a second time of the day after the ceremony that would take 20-30 minutes. Lastly if weather allows, before the sunset takes place, I assign 10-15 last minutes for those gorgeous golden hour shots. All these times can vary however. Some couples only want to have photos done one time, and enjoy the rest of the day with family and friends.

• Family portraits are kept slightly more traditional, while the bridal party, along with the Bride and Groom portraits are usually a bit more playful and contemporary. I ask the bride to put together a list with groups of family members that she and her groom would like to be photograph with. On wedding day, we hand that list to a family member or friend that knows the people and can call them when their turn comes.

The portrait session is one of the most essential elements of your photography, so the more time which can be put aside, the more freedom we’ll have to visit multiple locations and keep it fun and creative. The key is not to rush this stage so that you don’t feel any added stress, as being more relaxed will translate into better images. Once I know the details of your event we’ll work together to set aside an appropriate amount of time to achieve the images you want.

8. When should we do our engagement session? 

The Engagement sessions are usually done no less than 3 months before the wedding, but it really depends on how you want to use the photos. In all honesty, you can also take your engagement photos after the wedding – I’m OK with that!  If you need to send out invitations, then you will have to get those photos done at least 6 – 9 months in advance, to make sure your planning goes smoothly.

One thing to keep in mind – please be prepared to have the engagement session during the week, because during the high season, the weekends are saved and booked for weddings. A weekend engagement is not guaranteed.

9. Do you travel to meet clients? 

Because I have had a few ‘no-shows’ in the past without any notice, I do not travel anymore. Our first consultation will take place either on the phone or Skype/FaceTime, or close to my studio in Navarre, FL. The wedding season is usually very demanding, and meeting with everyone is very hard to accomplish due to time limitations. I have connected successfully with lots of couples via online and we have had very successful collaborations till the end. If a second consultation is required, or you would like me to visit the venue prior to the wedding, then both travel ($50 in the Pensacola area, $150 out-bounds) and time charges apply ($50/hr). It is not necessary for me to see the venue ahead of time, but if there are special circumstances, and you need me there, I will certainly be there.

10. What kind of equipment are you shooting with? 

Top of the line Canon gear – 3 camera bodies: (1) CANON R5 + (1) CANON 5D Mk IVs and all my lenses are prime lenses. I am a pretty thrifty photographer and I am a Canon fanatic, so I made sure I only got the best of the best in order to offer you gorgeous images and no less!

11. Are you licensed and insured? 

Yes!

12. Are you comfortable shooting in dark situations? 

Yes, we have tons of experience juggling different lighting situations. We have photographed weddings in all environments, from beach weddings to hotel, restaurants, backyard and venues with no natural light. Our gear is ready for pretty much any type of location, no matter how dark it is. Just understand that certain things may be limited in dark situations and some churches or other venues might have restrictions and rules we need to follow.

13. Park Permits & Parking Fees – do I take care of them, or do you?

Park permits might be required sometimes. I have never been asked to present one while I was photographing any of my sessions in Seattle or Florida, but it’s the client’s responsibility to do the research and acquire one if necessary. If there is a park ranger on site or anyone is walking the grounds, this is something that needs to be researched prior to us going there. Also, parking must be covered by the client at the time of the session.

Good Luck with everything! And please make sure you sign up!

Stay Fab!

A.