Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

I hate having my photo taken. 

I mean, that’s not really a question, but OK. Guess what, friend? ME TOO.  And guess how many times a client has said to me “I can't wait to have my picture taken I am SO photogenic!"  ZERO, dude. Zip, zilch, never ever. So at least you're in good company. But here's the thing: you're going to love your photos, I pinky swear. Because the secret to creating beautiful images of you and your partner is giving you the space to relax and just be you. We’ll take the time to get to know each other long before your wedding day so that I know who you are as a couple and what makes your love story unique.  All you have to do is show up, love each other, and be completely and totally yourselves while I capture your beautiful day filled with a crazy amount of emotion and love.

What does “full day coverage” mean?

The flow of every wedding day timeline is different. Sometimes we fly through everything without a hiccup, sometimes we need a little extra time. I never want you to worry that I won’t be there to capture all of the important moments of your reception.

Full day coverage means that I’ll be there for an hour of your getting ready through an hour after the dance floor opens. It does not mean that I’ll sleep over pajama party style and start documenting from the moment you open your eyes. (Although that does kind of sound like fun.) Typically, we only need about 7-8 hours to capture everything we need, but just in case a speech runs long or or there’s something amazing planned for the end of the reception, I’ll be there.

What sort of collections do you offer?

I offer a variety of options, starting with the basics: one photographer (me, obvs) for six hours. From there, you can add a second photographer, more hours of coverage, an engagement session, and albums. My most popular package includes full day coverage, two photographers, and an engagement session. I also offer hourly coverage for elopements and micro weddings, weekdays, and off season weddings. Reach out for a full list of options and pricing. I’m always happy to talk about what exactly it is that you’re looking for and find a package that will work for all of us.

Do you live outside of New England or are you having a destination wedding? I offer custom packages and special rates for my bucket list travel destinations.

Bride and groom on dance floor at Shining Tides reception by Boston documentary wedding photographer Jennifer Joubert
Boston couple laughing and hugging during relaxed Boston documentary engagement session in Beacon Hill

Are you insured? Do you have backup gear?

Yes! I have business liability insurance, and can provide documents if required by your venue. On your wedding day, I always have two camera bodies on my person, as well as back up lenses, batteries, flash units, and all other important items. I also carry a wedding day emergency kit full of everything you or I could ever possibly need - it’s come in handy many times!

Do you charge a travel fee?

Travel within New England is included. Occasionally, if a wedding takes place more than an hour and a half from my home base in Rehoboth, MA or if you’ll need me to be there after midnight, I’ll ask that you provide a hotel room. If you’re having a destination wedding, or are getting married outside of New England, reach out! I’m always excited for the opportunity to travel and photograph in new places, and will work with you to create a custom package that works for both of us.

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How do you handle family photos on the wedding day?

I always make time for family group photos; when else will all of the people you love most in the world be in one place at one time and looking their fanciest?

Long before your wedding day, we'll talk about who the important people in your life are and we’ll put together a family photo list, as well as a list of any special friend or extended family groups that you’d like to include. For your more formal family group photos, I typically recommend that we stick to a list of immediate family. That includes parents, siblings with their spouses and kids, and grandparents. I’ll put your immediate family photo list into an order that’s most efficient for moving folks in and out, you’ll relax and stand there looking beautiful while I take care of wrangling your family. We’ll move through them typically in about 20 minutes or so, depending on how large your family is. Later on, we’ll pull together your friend and family groups a little more informally during a time that works with the flow of the day. Got a complicated family situation? No worries. We’ll chat ahead of time about how to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

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Do you offer albums?

Yes! You can view the options that I offer here.

When should I consider a second photographer?

A second photographer is a great add-on if you have more than 200 guests, if you want photos of each of you getting ready in different locations, or if you want the cocktail hour photographed while you’re away taking portraits. While I always strive to capture all of the important stuff, having a second photographer can provide a second perspective and an opportunity for a greater variety of photos. While one of us captures you coming down the aisle or walking to your first look, the other can capture your partner’s reaction from over your shoulder, or slip away for a dramatic wide shot of your ceremony from the balcony.

Do I really need an engagement session? 

Your wedding photos will capture your love on one very specific (amazing, whirlwind) day. Engagement photos capture who you are together, how you make each other laugh, your unique and authentic relationship. There will never be another time like this moment at the very beginning of your love story, when you've just decided to spend the rest of your lives together. That's a big deal, we should definitely get some photos of that!

The amazing thing about an engagement session is that the possibilities are endless. My favorite sessions are the ones that say something about who you are and what you love. We have the time to go on an adventure together on your engagement session day, so bring me to the place that’s most special to you, incorporate your pets, bring me hiking, biking, kayaking, bowling, or out for ice cream. The more you can show me who you are, the better!

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What's a first look? Should I have one? 

A first look is when a couple chooses to see each other before the ceremony.  It can be a really beautiful and special moment for the two of you to connect, take a deep breath, and be fully present together before you say "I do".  Sometimes it's the only alone time you'll get all day, so I make sure to shoot from a distance and let you really experience the moment. 

If you do decide to have a first look, we'll also use that time to shoot some portraits of the two of you, and if time allows, your bridal party and family formals, so that after the ceremony, you’ll have more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and guests (and maybe even snag an hors d'oeuvres or two).

There are lots of really great reasons to have a first look, but it's not for everyone, and I won't pressure you either way.  If you choose to wait until the ceremony to see each other, remember to think about the sunset time on the day of your wedding and plan your ceremony time accordingly if it's important to you to have photos outdoors or in natural light.  

I’d prefer an unplugged ceremony, how do I make that happen? 

If you choose to ask your guests to leave their phones and cameras off during your ceremony, I’d be happy to help you put together some kind, thoughtful words that will get your message across without offending.

Ok, you’re ready to do this thing. What’s next?

Reach out! We’ll schedule a conversational phone call or video chat to find out if we’d be right for each other. We’ll talk about the good stuff, like what the most important part of your wedding photography is to you, what you’re most looking forward to about your wedding day, who the important people are. We’ll figure out together what kind of coverage you might need, and chat about collection options. I’m typically in the office and available for calls on weeknights and Friday afternoons.