How many photos are typically included and can we print the photos ourselves?

Each wedding is different, but plan on receiving about 80-120 images per hour of shooting.  I'm very thoughtful and mindful of what I shoot and through many years of experience I tend to get it right (thankfully)  in camera right off the bat.  

YES!  You will be able to print the images on your own with a photo release.  I have the latest and greatest canon gear, so you'll be able to print them out to as large as a 30"x40" canvas on your wall.  I can get you amazing prints, canvas and albums as well and offer substantial discounts the first month after you have received your full wedding gallery.

What is your style of shooting and editing?

My photographic style - I use a mixture of guided posing and shoot candid as well.  I'll easily guide you both along the way with prompts to encourage the most natural expressions from you both - hoping that you'll forget that I'm even there!  

My shooting style - What you see is what you get (minus shadows!).  If there is a blue sky, that's what you'll see in your images.  To enable this to happen, I've trained extensively in the art of photography as I know what needs to be done to ensure this happens.  I bring portable lighting as needed on location  as well as use scrims to ensure the least amount of shadows during those sunny California days.  I also ALWAYS have an assistant on hand that helps me with my gear so I move quickly and efficiently.

I edit all images for tone, color and contrast and if needed, will "re-fresh" you if needed. I compose each shot with a trained eye, so I normally don't need to photoshop out elements that are not wanted in the image.  I don't provide RAW images.

I produce images that are seen very similar to the naked eye.  I don't overly expose images and also don't add dark filters to my images.  My goal is that in 25 years time - your images will be as classic
and timeless they are today. 

what makes you unique Heidi? why should we hire you over someone else?

how long should you hire me for?

It's really up to you.  If there are only the two of you (no guests) and hour may be just perfect.  I do require over a certain amount of guests that you hire me for additional time.  On weekends in the summer, I also require a minimum amount of hours.  I do love elopements, small and intimate weddings as well as large 300 person weddings with 24 people in the wedding party.  I've had experience will all types.  Just ask!

I've assisted hundreds of couples with setting up their full day wedding timelines and I would be happy to do the same for you both.  The average wedding is about 4-7 hours.  Please contact me and I can send you a timeline questionnaire... this basically will guide you along in the process of what is possible to be captured during your day.  For example, you could do a first look with your partner before the ceremony down at the beach as well as decide that you really want to throw your bouquet at your reception!  There are many things to consider and I will happily help give you all of the options available and we can plan your memorable day together.    You may decide that you want everything captured during your day and you may decide that not everything is necessary! Let's talk!

Can I stay longer on the day of your wedding?  YES! If for some reason you feel that you'd like me to stay on, I can easily do so.  We can decide right at that point.  I can stay on for even just a 1/2 hour longer if needed.

HOw am i different that other local photographers...

last little thoughts...

Your wedding is such an important time in your lives. It marks the beginning of your new lives together. The two of you have spent countless hours making sure that everything is how you wished it would be. Photography captures all of this. All of the important details. At the end of the day, you will have everything you have worked for in pictures for a lifetime of memories.

Investing in these memories is priceless. For that reason, I highly suggest that you meet/sit/talk with your photographer about these very same things. Ask them what their style is and look at their photo galleries. Ask to look at full photo galleries and not just the one's in the portfolio (ask me too!). As you may see.. I post MANY pictures on my wedding portfolio for just that reason.  I am not the norm.  I want you to know what is possible and how all of my work is similar and cohesive.

Once you know what they technically can do (work in any given situation at hand), you also want to make sure that you "connect" with your photographer. That means that they will be able to connect with you both and work easily with your guest/family members. Only through this real connection will you be able to get lovely moments back through the lens - authentic and real images. I don't do my job because I have to, I do it because I love it.  

Reviews are important too!  I'm honored to have the most amount of five star reviews on Wedding Wire of all of the local wedding photographers.  When people are happy  with the service/product - they tend to share their thoughts!

Side note - I'm also locally based here on the Monterey Peninsula since 1994, so I know all of the side streets, "ins and outs", hotels, locations..... even if you don't hire me, please please consider hiring a local photographer.