your
QUESTIONS
A little more info on how I work, what’s included, and more. Please let me know if you have additional questions!
Do you photograph destination weddings?
I do, and I keep my passport up to date!
In 2022 I had weddings in Mexico, North Carolina and Upstate New York, as well as many local New England destinations including Vermont, coastal Maine, and Nantucket.
I’ve previously photographed weddings in Hawaii, the UK, Seattle, Texas, Chicago and Italy.
Do we need a second photographer?
You never *need* a second photographer unless you’re trying to document as many guests as possible; my focus is always on the couple, their wedding party, and their immediate families. My second photographer captures more of the other guests.
I actually love photographing solo, as it allows me to be fully immersed in documenting your day, however I work with kind, brilliant, talented second photographers whenever we decide that it would be a good fit for your wedding.
If you are not having a first look, not extending cocktail hour, and have a large number of guests that you’d like documented, it would probably be smart to add a second photographer.
Can we extend coverage the day of?
I ideally need to know a few days in advance so that I can be adequately prepared.
If you’re having a late finish and would like me there until the end, I will likely need to stay over close by.
I also need to let my second photographer know his hours a week or two in advance, if applicable.
What kind of gear do you use?
I photograph with professional Sony cameras (A1, A9, A7iv) and lenses (all prime lenses including a 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, 135mm 1.8). I have video lights to add a touch of light during toasts and formal dances if you don’t have professional lighting, and flashes that I reserve just for late night dancing.
When will we see our photos?
My turnaround for image delivery following the wedding is typically four weeks, however I will share your wedding highlights or teasers (roughly 100 images) around the 10 day mark (the Tuesday evening a week after a Saturday evening).
I also sometimes post some favorites to Instagram @katemcelweephoto
Do we get the digital files?
Yes. My hourly rate includes the edited high-res print-ready JPEG images, typically 50+ photos per hour of photography. You can download all of the images directly from your online gallery as a zipped folder.
How many photos will we receive?
I typically take thousands of images on a wedding day, and there is no limit to the number of images that you will receive, however it’s usually in the 500-600 range, depending on the length of the day, whether or not you have a first look, how long your ceremony is, how many toasts are given, and so on.
I include everything great, and I edit out any misfires, missed focus images, and images with poor lighting or bad expressions.
I want you to have a collection of fantastic images that fully tells the story of your day.
What happens if you're sick?
I would have to be in pretty dire straits to not attend your wedding, but if I’m very sick I have a network of colleagues to call on to fill in for me, both locally and nationally.
How many weddings do you photograph each month?
I photograph no more than 2-3 weddings each month. I love my job, and my very favorite part of it is the day I spend photographing you and your loved ones. But it’s a long day, with few breaks, and in order to provide the best possible service to you I need to ensure that I’m well-rested and excited to give you my all … so I choose to photograph no more than three weddings each month.
I average around 15-18 weddings per year.
We're eloping! Do you offer any special pricing for smaller weddings?
Congratulations! I love photographing intimate celebrations, and some of my favorite weddings have had fewer than ten guests!
If you’re planning a smaller celebration that takes place mid-week, and/or in the quieter season (December through April), I have a smaller booking minimum.
However, if your intimate celebration takes place on a prime weekend date (a Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the spring, summer, or fall), my regular minimum applies.
