FAQ
I've compiled a list of frequently asked questions, keep scrolling for weddings.
General Photo questions:
Q: What is your pricing?
I offer several options for families and graduating seniors. Please see my pricing page for more details. Wedding and engagement information can also be found there.
Q. How long does it take to get my photos?
I know your excited to see your photos, I am equally excited to get them to you! I guarantee delivery within 7 days of your session.
Q: Will you edit or re-touch my photos?
Yes. I edit every delivered image for consistency and beauty. I do what's called a clean edit meaning I don't run crazy filters or actions, instead I edit for color, skin tones, lighting etc. Don't worry I'll totally take care of that blemish!
Q: Do I have to order prints through you?
No, you're not required to print through my lab. However, I highly recommend it! The lab I use is one of the best in the nation, you can definitely see the high quality and they're priced competitively so you'll be well taken care of.
Q: How many photos can I expect?
I hesitate to give a hard number as every shoot is a little different, but I average 30-40 for families and seniors. I don’t with hold any images only to upsell them back to you - I deliver everything that gets edited.
Q: My family members don't like being in photos, can you help?
Yes! I understand that not everyone likes to have their photo taken and that's okay. I shoot in a very relaxed way that allow us to have conversation and stop every so often for breaks. Knowing this ahead of time helps me better plan my time with you so we can finish quick and painlessly! I hear quite often from clients (especially guys) that they had a great time and felt very comfortable.
Q: I don't know where to take photos, can you offer suggestions?
Yes! I shoot all over Arizona and would love to chat with you about some options.
Wedding Questions:
I'm sure by now your knee deep in wedding blogs, magazines and opinions from all your friends. I tell clients all the time, planning a wedding is like a full time job. This is probably the first time you've had to hire a wedding photographer and you're not sure on what to ask and maybe even feeling a bit overwhelmed? Well, I am here to help! I've put together a list of "everything you should ask" and some honest questions you might not know to ask :)
Q: What is your style of photography?
My style of photography would be considered photojournalistic. I spend most of the time capturing moments as they happen to tell the story of your day. However, I know some people don't know what to do...after all this is probably your first time getting married! I do offer some directing to create interaction and beautiful moments to be captured in a very authentic way.
Q: How many other events or wedding will you shoot the weekend of my wedding?
None! I am completely committed to being at my best both creatively and physically on your wedding day.
Q: Will there be a contract?
Yes, for our mutual protection there is a contract that we will go over and sign together.
Q: How long will it take to receive all my photos? How many will I get?
I pride myself on working as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. My goal is have all of your images completed and delivered within 4 weeks. However, I always send a few sneak peeks to you via email as quickly as the next day…I know how anxious you are to see them! I typically shoot 80-100 photos per hour. I can assure you that every image you get will be my best!
Q: Will you have an assistant or second photographer with you?
Yes, all of my full day wedding collections include a second photographer for maximum coverage.
Q: I am on a budget, can you give me a discount?
All of my packages are curated according to their value so the short answer is "no", however I know not every wedding is alike and as such I am more than happy to create a custom quote for you! I typically do this for most of my clients, please don't hesitate to ask!
Q: I see you offer complimentary engagement photos but I don't need them, can you discount my wedding?
I include engagements at no charge for a variety of reasons. The most important one being, I want you spend time with you guys and I want you get to know me and how I work. Your wedding day is going to be (arguably) your most memorable and important day of your life! The person you choose to photograph your wedding will be with you that entire day. What if you don't get along with them? What if they are rude to your family? What if they show up in sweat pants!? I believe spending some time together on the front end, capturing you in a relaxed environment is the best way to get to know each other :)
Q: Can I give you a list of shots I want?
Yes! We will work on this together, however, I cannot guarantee every single shot. As an artist, I typically work in the moment and do my best when I am not stressed trying to check off shots from a list.
Q: Do you travel for weddings? Is there an additional fee?
Yes, absolutely! There may be some travel fees its all very dependent on where. Shoot me an email, I'd love to talk more about this! summermontoyaphoto@gmail.com
Q: How are you under pressure? How do you handle family tension?
Honestly, I thrive under pressure. By saying that I don't mean I react to pressure or stress by being stressed out, I actually remain calm. Maybe its my personality? I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade and LOVE it...and the pressures it brings. I have learned how to remain chill with a smile on my face and a good attitude, I don't just stuff it down or fake it. I actually deal with family tensions at weddings by giving grace and genuine kindness...seems to help all around.
Q: How many hours of coverage do I really need?
There are many considerations when deciding this. My typical client books me for 6 - 8 hours. When we meet to discuss your day we will surely talk through this!
Q: How far in advance should I book you? Do you require a deposit?
I don't really have a rule of thumb on how far in advance, however peak wedding months in Arizona are October - May, I'd say as soon as you have a date. I do require a $500 non refundable deposit to hold your date with the balance due 30 days prior to the wedding day.
Q:Why should I choose you to shoot my wedding?
If you've read this far hopefully you know a little more about me and what to expect from a professional photographer. Have you had time look at my website or IG? Do you feel like I'm someone you'd like to hang out with? If you're thinking yes or even maybe, you should totally contact me, I'd love to buy you coffee and chat in person!
At the end of the day you need to be able to completely trust your photographer. Don't get caught up in pinterest land and set an expectation that no one can deliver on. Wedding photographers LOVE what they do and are in this business to capture just that. You should feel 100% comfortable with them as a person as well as how they work, otherwise you may end up adding more stress to what should be a fun, stress-free day!