Frequently Asked Questions
Source: sarahkatherinedavis.com/faq
What type of photography do you do?
I would say my style is largely journalistic, with bits of fine art flair throughout. I’m very hands-off in my coverage of the day (and even a bit sneaky to get those candid shots of the guests!) I do however believe that there is a time and place for lovely posed images of the bride and groom together. So while I won’t stop you and make you pose during your first dance or the bouquet toss, I would like about twenty minutes (or more!) alone with you both sometime during the day (usually right after family formals) to create some images of you as a couple without your friends or family around watching. I always make sure to get shots of the details of the wedding; from your centerpieces to your shoes, so my images will capture all those little things you might have missed during the excitement of the day. My photos of the guests at the wedding are almost entirely journalistic. I don’t pull groups away from the fun for posed photos or stop people while eating for those “table shots”, instead I prefer to capture them laughing, dancing, drinking, and generally having a wonderful time.
I don’t see any posed family formals on your website or blog, do you take any family photos at the wedding?
Yes, I take 10-15 minutes right after your ceremony for family formals. I don’t care for blogging those, but I know your moms and grandmas adore them, as they are records of your family at a significant time in their history together! I have a handful of traditional groupings that I photograph, but be sure to let me know if you have any specific groupings you would like. These photos are quick, easy, and largely informal. I try to make them pleasant for everyone involved! Please keep in mind that my overall style is very journalistic, so a long list of posed images will hinder my ability to cover the event in a documentary manner.
Can I give you a list of shots we want on the day?
Other than the family formals, no. I love to know what important relatives and friends will be present, and if any events or details bear special significance to you, but tons of requests for posed images and having a checklist for me to work from is counterproductive to the images you’ve seen here on my website. “Shot lists” provided by most bridal magazines are a great idea, but please know that I generally will capture those images without any prompting.
Do you work with a second shooter?
Not typically. I offer the option if you plan to have an exceptionally large wedding, but I’ve found it unnecessary for 95% of the weddings I’ve photographed. If you’re unsure as to how the day can be documented by only one photographer please check out the weddings posted on my blog— I have an incredible knack for seeming to be in more than one place at once!
Do you travel?
Yes! My passport is up to date and I love nothing more than a good adventure. I’d love to go wherever you are— from your own backyard all the way to Timbuktu. Travel is billed very simply— if airfare, hotel and a rental car are needed you are responsible for a direct reimbursement for those charges and no more. Travel outside of the Louisville area, but still within a few hours drive is priced at 55 cents a mile.
How long does it take to get our products and images?
Typically a couple of online preview images will be posted within a week of the wedding date, a blog post of highlights from the day will be posted within three weeks of the wedding date, and the digital files will be mailed within six weeks of the wedding date. You’ll usually have your images much earlier than when I promise them, but I do like to be safe. The time for fine art products to become available varies depending on many factors, but three to six weeks of the order date is a fairly a safe estimate.
How many pictures will we get?
The number of photographs taken depends on many things – the number of guests, hours of coverage, types of events. My bare minimum is 400 images, but often it’s much higher.
Do we get to keep the negatives?
I provide the selected, edited high-resolution digital files (the digital equivalent of negatives). When the files are released to you they may be used for personal use only. I do retain the copyright to the images and the right to use them for promotional purposes, competition, professional review, and so on. The contract acts as a written release that will allow you to make unlimited personal prints and copies for your friends and families.
Can we upload our photos to Facebook once we get the files?
Yes! Facebook is a wonderful way to share your photos. As stated in the contract, you may use your images for personal use only. If you want to share them on Facebook make sure you put “www.sarahkatherinedavis.com” as a comment or caption under each photo and please don’t crop or alter the photo in any way.
Do we get all the raw, unedited files from the day?
No, these files are not available for viewing or purchase. This is a lot like asking a restaurant to give you the leftover ingredients used to make your dinner. The images selected for editing and final delivery reflect my high standards and everything else is not archived in the studio. I promise you don’t want all the photos of people blinking, walking in front of the lens, or those unfortunate double chins that sometimes sneak up.
I see some people have more images than others. Why is that?
Please understand that the blog posts of different weddings all vary based on many things— length of the day, number of guests, how many events were covered in a day, rehearsal dinner coverage, full weekend coverage, etc. Every wedding is different, so each will result in a differing number of final images.
Do you do engagement sessions?
Yes yes yes! I really enjoy doing engagement sessions with couples prior to their wedding, although I know it’s not always possible. Engagement sessions not only allow you to have images for your save the dates or for placing around the reception, but they also give us a chance to work together before the wedding so you’ll feel more comfortable in front of the camera and so we have a chance get to know each other better. Please take note that most engagement sessions need to be done Monday-Thursday because of wedding scheduling, but there is occasionally additional availability on the weekends.
What do you charge?
All packages are custom made for each individual bride and groom so you can get exactly what you want (and not a whole bunch of stuff you aren’t interested in!) I would love to hear from you and all about what you are looking for so that we can customize a package to fit you. Please fill out this contact form and I will send a price list with any suggestions I have your way.