FAQs

Kate McElwee, Boston wedding photographer, wife to Josh, and mom to two black labs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

a little more info on how I work, what’s included, and more

Do you photograph details? What about family formals?

Although the majority of my wedding coverage is moment-driven, I also understand the importance of photographing all the little details that make up your day – and I love to provide you with magazine-worthy images of your table settings, reception decor, personal details, and more.

I also feel that a set of  relaxed and natural family photos is an incredible heirloom, and I take as much care with these photos as with the other aspects of your day.

Do you work with an assistant, or a second photographer?

I really enjoy photographing solo; it enables me to focus purely on documenting the day, instead of managing another photographer. That said, if you choose to add a second photographer, I work with a small number of extremely talented and super kind humans who have a similar documentary ethos and will be lovely to spend your day with.

Do you stay until the very end of the wedding?

My coverage is priced by the hour and I rarely recommend booking me for more than the first 30-60 minutes of dancing as you likely won’t get anything particularly great after that time (more drinks are drunk, the same people are dancing). However if you’re having a special exit – sparklers, or similar – then it can be worth having me stay until the very end.

How many images 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 for 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.

When will we see our images?

My turnaround for image delivery following the wedding is typically four weeks, however I will share a wedding slideshow of roughly 100 images around the one week mark. I often post some favorites to Instagram.

Do you have backup equipment?

Of course! I carry with me two professional cameras, plus a bunch of lenses. I shoot prime (fixed focal length) lenses, and I keep a backup of my favorite lens, as well as a third professional camera body, in my reception gear bag.

What happens if you’re sick?

I would have to be in pretty dire straits to not attend your wedding, but if I’m in the hospital I have a network of colleagues to call on to fill in for me, both locally and nationally.

Do you include the digital negatives?

Yes and no. All album collections include the final high-resolution, fully-edited, print-ready files, via digital download from your online gallery, allowing you to print your images anywhere and at any size. I believe that it’s important for you to have an archive of all of the edited images from your wedding. However, I do not provide the RAW files, or the uncorrected digital “negatives”. Nor do I give you every single photograph taken; I first edit out any poor quality images. Everything you receive is edited to the same standard as those photos you see in my portfolio and on my blog.

When you contact me, I can provide you with links to a couple of full galleries from recent weddings, so that you can see what is typically included.

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 weddings per year.

We’re eloping! Do you offer any special collections for elopements and other 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, or in the quieter season (December through April), I have a smaller minimum hours booking. However, if your intimate celebration takes place on a prime weekend date (a Saturday or Sunday during the spring, summer, or fall), my regular rate with a six hour minimum booking applies.

We’re not getting married, but we’d love to hire you for a bar/bat mitzvah, family reunion or couples portrait session. Will you work with us?

Although my focus is on weddings, I love photographing all kinds of sessions and events including mitzvahs. I also photograph several families and non-wedding couples each year too. Please get in touch with me and tell me all about your photography needs and I’ll send you more info including my rates.

We’d love to work with you; what happens next?

I’d love to set up a time to chat on the phone. Please contact me using the “contact me” link. Let me know a few times that work for you to chat (typically weekday evenings).

If you decide to hire me to photograph your wedding, a retainer, and a signed contract, will reserve your date.

Kate McElwee, Boston wedding photographer, wife to Josh, and mom to two black labs