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Frequently Asked Questions

non-traditional engagement session in couple's backyard

THE REALLY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You seem great, but I don’t live in Georgia/I’m not getting married in Georgia. What are my options?

I love traveling! Travel is included in all packages for weddings & sessions within four hours of Atlanta and I have super simple travel fees for anything outside of that. See my pricing page for more details.

I and/or my partner hate/s getting their photo taken. Can you still work with us?

Absolutely! I actually specialize in photographing people who don’t like having their photo taken, and I work toward complete comfort in front of the camera in order to get your absolute best photos. I’m also someone who isn’t fully comfortable having my photo taken, so I get it! We play games and laugh and get you out of your head so you can focus on having a blast with your partner.

When do we get our photos?

Your gallery will be delivered 2-3 weeks after a session and 6-8 weeks after a wedding, but I typically post sneak peeks on social media within a week! If you have a print or an album in your package, you should have everything in your hands within three months of the wedding date.

Do we have to have an engagement session?

While you don’t have to do anything, if you and/or your partner dislike taking photos at all, I would absolutely say it’s a must-have. The engagement session is, aside from being a HELL of a lot of fun, the perfect time to get to know each other before the wedding: a practice run, of sorts. And this is exactly why it’s included in all of my pre-built packages.

I want you to be as comfortable as possible while taking photos on wedding day and this is a huge step in that direction! Being more comfortable means more authentic photos and a more fun and better experience overall.

What if we have to cancel or reschedule the wedding?

I completely hear your concerns on this one. It’s a wild world out there and it’s anyone’s guess as to how the next year or so will go with scheduling and rescheduling weddings. Though every rescheduling is on a case-by-case basis depending on availability, I’m allowing all of my couples who need to reschedule or postpone their wedding due to COVID-19 to do so free of charge.

What if I love your work and vibe but your packages are out of my budget?

What’s MOST important to me is working with people who WANT to work with me, so get in touch! It never hurts to ask.

Is my date available?

The absolute best way to find this out is to ask me! I love chatting.

What’s the album-designing process like?

You’ll be sent instructions along with your gallery. Basically, you’ll have a week to mark your favorites in your gallery and then I’ll begin the design process. Two weeks later, I’ll send you the design for proofing and you’ll have a week to get back to me with any changes and there are up to three rounds of revisions total with up to a week of time allowed for each round. After you’ve approved your final design, the files will be prepped and sent to print, after which the album will be printed and sent directly to you within four weeks.

groom pops champagne during at-home elopement celebration

STYLE

Do you have photos of entire weddings that I can see?

I surely do! Check out my examples. If you’re looking for any specific examples, let me know and I’ll rustle up some.

Do you provide retouching?

All of the images you get from me are retouched, finished, and print-ready.

What type of equipment do you use?

I currently shoot with a Nikon D850 and I have a variety of lenses I adore, mostly primes: 105mm, 85mm, 50mm, 28mm, 70-300mm, among others. I also have an unobtrusive light set-up I bring to every wedding for receptions and sunset shots.

How did you get started in photography?

Around 12 years, straight out of college, I was hired as a photo editor at the Medieval Times photo department. My love for photography developed slowly out of that {no pun intended} until I finally mustered the courage to try out a wedding. My first wedding ever was between two 70-year-old people, their second wedding each, who were so laidback and lovely that I fell in love with weddings and never looked back.

BOOKING

What if I’m not ready to make a decision but I do want to talk to you?

Reach out and we’ll jump on a video or phone chat to see if we’re a good fit, and then go from there. My consultations are completely free and no-pressure.

How does the booking process work?

Once we pick or build you a package, you’ll receive a Booking Proposal, which includes your contract & the payment information. It’ll walk you through everything and once we both sign and the first payment is made, we’re officially booked!

How far in advance do I need to book with you?

The sooner, the better! The best time is between 8-12 months before your wedding, but it all just depends on your situation and the timing. Once we’re discussing your wedding, I’ll let you know immediately if someone else contacts me inquiring about your same date. Your date is not held or booked until the contract is signed and the first payment is received, but I will definitely let you know that someone else is interested in that same date.

What if the pre-built packages don’t quite fit us or if we want to make changes to them?

Then let’s build you a custom package! Let me know what you’re looking for.

Do you offer payment plans?

All of my contracts come with the total payment automatically split into thirds, though we can customize that, just let me know what you’re thinking.

wedding photographer You are Raven discusses getting ready options for couples
brides embrace following wedding ceremony at Ark on Lake Lanier photographed by You are Raven
bride in pink wedding gown nuzzles groom in burgundy tux with You are Raven

WEDDING DAY

Do you work with a second shooter?

Yep, almost always! I have a group of talented and like-minded people I pull from, most of whom run their own photography businesses, as well. Having two photographers gives us more coverage, multiple angles, and someone to help me out during the day, though I’m perfectly happy shooting alone, as well. I do shoot alone for shorter days and elopements/microweddings.

Have you ever shot a wedding at my venue? If not, will you check it out in advance?

I’ve photographed all across the state and even the country, so feel free to let me know your venue and I’ll let you know if I’ve shot there before. Regardless, well before the wedding I always discuss plans/layouts with the planner/coordinator, check out images online, and talk to you about specifics, as well as do a walk-through once I arrive on the day of the wedding.

How many pictures will you take?

There’s never any way of knowing how many images will be taken, but you CAN be sure that you’ll walk away with between 300-500 awesome shots. Short answer: PLENTY!

Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

What I would LOVE is a list of things, items, and moments that are important to you that I might not know about walking into your way. What isn’t necessary is a generic list from Google: I’ve got those shots covered! You just let me know if there will be a special moment, like someone being tossed in the air, or a special item, like your grandmother’s antique shoes, and I’ll cover the rest. Rest assured, we’ll have an in-depth conversation about the specific people and details that matter most to you!

Do you take the traditional posed family portraits?

Yep, though I a) make it as quick and painless as possible and b) feed off of you guys. So if you want only one huge group picture and that’s it, we’ll do it. If you want individual shots with everyone who came, we’ll do it. Just know that this time directly affects how much time we have for couple portraits and how soon we can get you to your reception!

Do you bring backup cameras and equipment in case something breaks or goes wrong?

Always. This is also another good reason to always have a second photographer, as well.

Any other questions? Get in touch!

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