Dark & Moody – Dramatic shadows, dark/rich tones, darker skin tones, dramatic contrast, warmer/earthly colors. Skin tones can sometimes appear altered, and details may be lost in darker areas of the image.
Bright, Light & Airy - Light, overexposed, soft colors, romantic feel, pastel colors. Bright whites and sometimes lose detail in dresses and skies. Pastel and muted tones with slightly desaturated look. Skin tones may also appear lighter or slightly washed out.
Timeless & True-to-Color - Heidi's Style – Skin tones that feel real, balanced color, and accurate representation of the scene. Blues stay blue, skin looks as it does in real life, and details are preserved. Rather than following trends, this approach creates images that feel classic, honest, and enduring — images that remain relevant and beautiful for generations.
lighting: the difference between
good & Great photography
When choosing a photographer, it’s helpful to understand how much direction you want during your session. Some clients love being gently guided, while others prefer a more hands-off, candid approach. True candid or editorial moments happen when there is no direction at all, and that choice naturally shows in the final images. Over the past 20 years, most all of the couples/people I’ve worked with have enjoyed light prompting and thoughtful guidance into natural poses that reflect their connection and relationship with one another. Posing is a skill developed over time through experience, communication, and creating a relaxed atmosphere—understanding a photographer’s approach helps ensure your images feel authentic, comfortable, and true to you.
Do they live on the Monterey Peninsula?
Local Knowledge Matters
Local experience makes a meaningful difference. Understanding weather patterns, traffic, seasonal events, and beach or park closures allows for quick, calm decisions — whether that means adjusting timing or having a solid plan B.
All state park locations (beaches) require photography and event photography permits. If you work locally here, your photographer can guide you.
step five
Three most Common Photography Styles
dark & moody
Bright, light & airy
Timeless, true to
life color
adorama image
SLR Image
storm santos - vogue
jaypeg photo
via one fab day
before with no lighting to show example
- by heidi
after with proper balanced lighting
- by heidi
lighting: the difference between
good & Great photography
Your wedding day unfolds in real-world conditions, not a controlled studio. Lighting changes constantly — from bright midday sun to shaded ceremonies and dimly lit receptions. A skilled photographer knows how to adapt seamlessly in every situation.
Some photographers rely solely on available light. Others use external lighting selectively, when conditions call for it — as I do. And some use artificial lighting at all times. There’s no single “right” approach, but how a photographer works with light directly affects clarity, color accuracy, and the final look of your images.
Capturing the image is only part of the process. Each photographer also edits their images with a specific intention and style — and those styles can change over time. My approach to both lighting and editing has remained consistent for over 20 years, allowing me to deliver images that feel natural, clear, and true to life, regardless of the conditions.
Trust your instincts. After your initial conversation, you should feel comfortable, understood, and at ease. You’ll spend many hours together on your wedding day — choosing someone you genuinely like and connect with matters.
Consider:
• Did they respond promptly and clearly to your inquiry?
• Do they seem easy to work with?
• Do they feel calm, friendly, and reassuring?
• Does their energy feel similar to yours?
• Do you trust them, based on reviews and conversation?
• Are they comfortable speaking confidently in front of large groups?
Professionalism also shows in presentation. Your photographer is a visible part of your wedding day, interacting with guests, vendors, and family.
true story
If accurate, true-to-life color matters to you (see Step One above), choosing a photographer with the right experience is essential. True color means blue skies stay blue, skin tones look natural, and your surroundings appear exactly as they did on your wedding day.
A simple—but important—question to ask is this:
Can your photographer photograph you in bright sun, with the ocean behind you, and still show your faces clearly while keeping the sky blue?
A Real Wedding-Day Scenario - watched this happen first hand at a wedding on the Monterey Peninsula
Imagine spending $10,000 on altar florals, choosing the perfect ceremony location, and then being told immediately after the ceremony that you’ll need to move to a shaded area for portraits because the sun is “too bright.”
Unfortunately, this happens more often than couples realize. It’s usually not because the light is impossible—but because the photographer doesn’t have the proper equipment or experience to work in bright, backlit conditions.
With professional off-camera strobes, it’s absolutely possible to photograph in full sun without sacrificing image quality or relocating you away from the moment. These lighting tools allow me to balance bright skies and strong sunlight while keeping skin tones natural and faces beautifully lit—right where your ceremony actually took place.
The only limitation is when the camera lens is positioned directly into the sun itself. To resolve this, I simply shift an inch or two to one side or the other, preserving your location while still capturing clear faces and beautifully blue skies.
I’ve never had to move a couple away from their altar after a ceremony due to lighting challenges. With high-end professional lighting and an assistant to help manage equipment, I work with the sun, not against it.
Your wedding happens once.
Let’s capture it exactly the way it looked—and the way you remember it.
Heidi Borgia Photography
seven important things to consider you start your search for your wedding photographer
before
Timeless, true to
life color
Define the Style That Speaks to YOU
Which style speaks to you? Photography is an art, and it’s subjective — choose what you truly love.
Your photos should reflect your vision and still feel beautiful decades from now.
Before comparing photographers, it’s important to understand the most common photography styles you’ll see — and decide which one truly resonates with you.
step one - the most important step
step four
Have you seen multiple full wedding galleries of the venue or location you are getting married at?
This is especially important: make sure you’re viewing real wedding days, not just editorial or stylized shoots. Styled imagery is often carefully curated and doesn’t reflect the pace, timelines, or lighting challenges of an actual wedding day.
Real weddings unfold quickly and unpredictably. Knowing how long things take at a venue, how light changes throughout the day, and how to work seamlessly with venue staff plays a major role in keeping the day running smoothly. Photographers who are trusted by venues and planners — and appear on multiple preferred vendor lists — have typically earned that trust through experience and professionalism.
What is their stance on posing/prompts?
Natural and Gentle Guidance is Key
step six
How do you FEEL when you talk to them?
step seven
Are they transparent in what they offer?
A photographer’s website should provide clear, upfront information. You shouldn’t need multiple phone calls or video meetings just to understand starting pricing, what’s included, or how coverage works.
Transparency respects your time and helps you determine early on whether a photographer aligns with your needs and budget.
Phone calls should be about connection and priorities — not basic clarity. When expectations are clear from the beginning, conversations become more meaningful and the experience feels easier and more professional.
step two
What do they deliver?
Before choosing a photographer, it’s important to understand exactly what you’ll receive.
• Are high-resolution digital files included, or are they an additional purchase?
• Are all of the images edited that you receive or will you have to choose which one's you want edited?
• How many images are delivered per hour?
Some photographers deliver as few as 50 images per hour, while others deliver significantly more.
step three
Do they live on the Monterey Peninsula?
Local Knowledge Matters
What is their stance on posing/prompts?
Natural and Gentle Guidance is Key
Bright, light & airy
