During my time as a photographer, I’ve had many brides contact me with what seems like questionnaires printed on the web on “What to ask your wedding photographer”. Although, I’ve never been hesitant to answer any questions, the only problem when I sat back and thought about it, is they seem to be written by editors and not actual professional photographers so for that reason, I decide to create this post to help educate brides to dig deeper than what you see for face and price value.

1)Do you offer a second shooter option?

Yes, I do! However, I have been a one-person shooter for the most part, my entire career. For every wedding, I come fully prepared with plenty of experience in being able to document every action, reaction and everything else in between, thoughtfully, artistically and beautifully. From the moment I arrive, to my end time, I honed my abilities to be capture it all and to this date, I have never missed any key moments. From the groom's reaction at the end of the altar, to the getting ready photos of both the bride and groom. I want my clients to know, I have never ever felt that my clients were getting subpar wedding coverage because of the lack of a second shooter.

Below you will also find a link to a detailed wedding shot list I created to give clients an insight on all the images I capture as a solo shooter. Hopefully, that can give you some redundancy in my ability as a diligent, hard-working, attentive, careful and thorough solo photographer fully capable to document an event without any assistance.

Wedding Shot List

2)I’m just looking to book an engagement or bridal session. How much does a portrait session cost without the wedding coverage?

Portrait sessions are priced at $565.00 plus tax. That includes one location, max, two outfit changes and digital download of 25-30 high resolution, non-watermarked edited images. with full print release/usage rights. Turn around is about two weeks. As for the locations, you’ll be emailed a list of locations within the Dallas area to choose from once the contract and retainer have been returned. The non refundable retainer fee for the portrait sessions is $35. That amount is applied to the total amount due and the remaining balance can be paid the day of your scheduled session.

The mini portrait session is a 30 minute session and 20 high resolution files, everything else mentioned above for $425.00 plus tax. However, these mini sessions are only hosted at Harry Myers Park in Rockwall or Spring Creek Nature Preserve in Garland.

3)Does the collection price change if I don’t need the engagement or bridal session?
It doesn’t change the price drastically. Collections are, get more, save more. It’ll only discount $150 from the collection price or you’re more than welcome to add that additional time to the wedding day coverage. However, please note, the said discounted amount cannot be combined with any other special or discount.

4) Will you help me find a location for my portrait session?

Yes, most certainly! Once you book, I will email you a list of locations to choose from within the Dallas Metroplex.

5)Have you shot at my venue before?
I’ve photographed at dozens of venues, so there is a good chance that I have. However, if I have not, I will get to the venue early on the day of and be sure to perform a thorough walk-through to scout out the best photography locations so it’s not done during your allotted coverage time

6)Do I have permission to print the photos? Can I use them on Facebook/everywhere else?
Yes, you do! All wedding collections/sessions come with full print release/usage rights. However, I do ask that you please do NOT print your images from a low quality printer like Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Shutterfly, etc. The quality of your images will not reflect how beautiful they really are! You can order high quality fine art prints from your personal gallery! My wedding clients receive 30% off the cost of all printable products I offer! You will receive a COUPON CODE to enter during checkout when you receive your images. These products will be shipped directly to your door. If you post your images online, all I ask is if you can simply credit Lily Hayes Photography.

7)Can I have the unedited files?

Raw images are not usable images – at least to a client. Raw images need to be processed in order to create a final image. Part of my job is to process your images, perfect them and create a finished product. Asking your photographer for the RAW files, is like asking your cake vendor for an extra bag of flour, on the side. It’s only a partial ingredient in the overall product and means nothing on it’s own.

8)What type of camera/equipment do you use? Do you bring backups?
I use professional grade Nikon equipment. Only the best for my brides! I shoot mostly with my Nikon mirrorless z9 and a D5 and also bring my other Nikon D4 for backup. I carry lots of lenses, Nikon 50mm f/1.2L, Sigma 50mm f/1.4L, Nikon Fish Eye Lens, Nikon 35mm f/1.4L, Nikon 85mm f/ 1.4L, 2) 2) Nikon’s 70-200mm f/2.8L, Nikon 105mm f/2.8L Macro, Nikon 24mm f/1.4L and 2) Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8L Wide Angle. Among others, I also bring my Profoto B1 strobes if necessary; tripods, soft-boxes, tons of Nikon Speedlight’s (SB910, 2 SB900’s, 5 SB700’s), 2 ICE lights, and Pocket Wizards. I get my workouts hauling my gear around.

9)I would love to meet with you prior to our engagement shoot or wedding!

I understand life can get busy for us all so no worries. We can handle everything remotely. Just let me know what information you need and I will do my best to accommodate your request. For example, if you would like to see more of my work, I will gladly show you complete events online. If you would like to talk about packages and get a sense of my personality, telephone calls, and skype consultations can be arranged too.

10)How do I book my wedding with you?

Once you’re ready to make it official, I will put together your wedding contract and email it over along with the link to your PayPal invoice for the non-refundable retainer fee of $250. Non-refundable fee is applied to the total amount due. Remaining balance is due 7 days prior to your scheduled wedding.

11)Do you accept payment plans?
Unfortunately, I no longer accepting payment plans.