Here are my most frequently asked questions relating to wedding photography and my business in general! If your question isn’t listed here or if you want to ask about a specific answer/question, reach out to me at nick@mehn.net. Feel free to click on the specific question you’d like the answer to or browse them all!
SECONDARY PHOTOGRAPHER / SECOND SHOOTERS
What is a second shooter?
Should i have a second shooter?
Do you include a secondary photographer?
Who is typically your secondary?
PAYMENT / COST
PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE / APPROACH
What is candid wedding photography?
What is the benefit of having a candid documentary wedding photographer instead of a traditional wedding photographer?
Will you take detail photos for me of my stationary/decorations/dress?
Will you still do group/family/bridal party photos if you don’t pose anything?
Can you take a specific photo/pose for me that i found on pinterest?
WEDDING PLANNING
POST-WEDDING
OTHER
SECONDARY PHOTOGRAPHER / SECOND SHOOTER
What is a second shooter?
A second shooter is a secondary photographer that wedding photographers hire out to assist them in photographing your wedding.
Should i have a second shooter?
They’re very convenient because the ‘photographer’ can be in two places at once on your day — and schedules can be much more easily managed. However, it’s entirely up to you and your wedding day needs. I’ve photographed many weddings solo and many with a secondary.
Do you include a secondary photographer?
I have packages available that include a second shooter and packages that are covered by only me.
Who is typically your secondary?
I have a list of secondary photographers, all consisting of photographers that I have personal and professional relationships with — all are running a full time photography business of their own, so you’re guaranteed a professional that’s more than capable of handling any situation we throw at them!
PAYMENT / COST
What is a deposit? Do you require a RETAINER?
A deposit is a non-refundable fee paid to your wedding photographer to hold your date. This payment is calculated as a percentage of your total cost owed.
I typically require a 50% retainer at the signing of the contract which serves as a security deposit for your date. However, there have been certain circumstances in which I’ve offered a payment plan for couples. I do everything in my power to help take any stress of your wedding day planning, so if this is something you’re needing, feel free to ask!
How do payments work?
Typical payment methods include cash, check, or bank transfer (via invoice). I accept all of these as payment.
What does wedding photography cost?
In general, good wedding photography can cost anywhere between $3,000 - $10,000+. It all depends on packaging, experience of your photographer, wedding location, and more.
These prices are always based on base costs - including camera gear, editing and computer equipment, advertising and web maintenance, training, and of course — my time spent performing at my best for my couples while helping them plan their weddings, photographing them, editing their photos, and delivering the best product.
It’s a cliché but it’s true: when it comes to a wedding photographer, you get what you pay for. There are many amateur photographers that might cost considerably less but this is my full-time career and as my client, you’ll receive my full attention and expertise. With my years of expertise, you’ll be able to fully trust in your wedding photographer.
PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE / APPROACH
WHAT IS candid wedding photography?
Candid wedding photography is a style of wedding photography in which the people and natural interactions of those people on your wedding day are prioritized of being photographed — instead the priority leaning on posed photographs and planning your timeline around photography.
What is the benefit of having a candid documentary wedding photographer instead of a traditional wedding photographer?
The benefit of having a documentary approach instead of a traditional approach all comes down to a bigger discussion about the purpose of your wedding day. Ask yourself what you truly want from your wedding photos a year from now, 5 years from now, or 20 years from now.
If you choose a documentary photographer for your wedding, the photographs you’ll receive will remind you of honest moments and real interactions between your family, friends, and loved ones on your wedding day. This also allows you the opportunity to relax on your wedding day and not have to worry about meeting a quota of photos taken, taking time out of your wedding day to uncomfortably pose in front of a camera, hoping the photographer is capturing your ‘good side.’
As a documentary and candid photographer, I try to be a witness to the love and interactions going on around me and I photograph those moments — moments you’ll cherish years from now — instead of photographing theatrical poses and photos that stop being cherished the moment they hit the Instagram feed.
will you take detail photos for me of my stationary/decorations/dress?
Absolutely. It is YOUR wedding day, after all! You’re paying me for a service. I’ll do anything to make sure you get everything you’d like on your big day. However, I do like to make sure that my couples trust me with documenting their day and they align their visions with me so that they don’t even have to ask for specific photographs — and can fully trust that their photographer is meeting all of their expectations.
will you still do group/family/bridal party photos if you don’t pose anything?
See answer to question above.
can you take a specific photo/pose for me that i found on pinterest?
See answer to question above.
WEDDING PLANNING
do i need a wedding photography shot list?
No. You should have a conversation with your wedding photographer to make sure you are both on the same page and your visions for the photographs are aligned. As long as this conversation has been had, you should trust your photographer to take care of you. Any competent wedding photographer with expertise and experience will know the most important moments to capture on your big day.
Personally, I have a conversation with my clients about our visions aligning before they book me as their photographer. Part of this conversation typically also includes going over any specific photographs they'd like me to get outside of what I’d naturally capture from a general wedding perspective.
I’d rather spend my time with you on your wedding day creating unique photographs for you instead of checking boxes off of a list.
do you have a list of recommended vendors?
I have recommendations I’d love to give you on wedding planners, florists, venues, and more!
POST-WEDDING
What’s your turnaround time on photos?
As for engagement photos, 1 - 2 weeks — but usually delivered within a week. As for weddings, my contract states 90 days — as different wedding seasons get extremely busy. It really depends on the time of the year and my workload. However, most weddings are delivered within 4-5 weeks.
Will I receive printing rights to my images?
Of course! If you want to print your photos yourselves, they are your photographs and you can absolutely choose to do that if you wish! However, I guarantee that if you print your photographs through me, I can provide the best quality for your photographs.
Printing at Walgreens, Walmart, etc. will be cheaper but I guarantee the highest quality for you if you choose to print through the print store that will be attached to the gallery in which I deliver your photos — that way it’s more convenient for you, you get the best quality, and you know you’re submitting the right file type/sizes because it’s automated through that storefront.
OTHER
Where are you available?
I’m absolutely available to travel anywhere worldwide.
I love to travel and I’ve gone as far as Chicago, Los Angeles, and more for wedding photography or engagement photos!
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FAMILY PHOTOS, SENIOR PHOTOS, OR PORTRAITS?
Absolutely! I photograph weddings full-time, so I market myself and my business for that specifically. However, I have extensive experience and expertise in many other branches of photography. Feel free to contact me!
