why
experience and lighting mastery applied to real-world photography - from weddings to portraits, and everything in between
Choosing a photographer can feel overwhelming — especially when everything looks beautiful online. This page exists to offer clarity: the experience, lighting knowledge, and real-world understanding that make the difference when moments can’t be repeated. While much of this page references weddings, the principles behind my work apply to every session I photograph — from wedding days to families and personal milestones.
heidi
not
award winning wedding and portrait photographer with 20 years of experience in carmel, big sur and monterey
Capturing Authentic & Genuine Memories with True-to-Life Color
No awkward posing, just real beautiful moments
wedding pricing at $850 per hour • seniors at $650 per hour • other portraits at $675 per hour
elevated photography elevated pricing
ALL REAL SESSIONS AND NO STYLIZED OR EDITORIAL IMAGERY
why this matters here
21 +
500 +
400 +
3,500 +
sessions
photographed
recent favorites
Rusty & Ben
Barns at Cooper Molera
Wedding • Family • Senior
dee dee & Rich
Holman Ranch
Family Session
Carmel River State Beach
Family Session
Carmel Valley Ranch
Kayhon & Lizi
Bernardus Lodge
Senior Session
Carmel River State Beach
& CSUMB
Senior Session
Carmel River State Beach
Cat & Ivan
Inn at Spanish Bay & Pasadera Country Club
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
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 - from start to finish.
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
look for consistency across an entire day
When looking at a photographer's galleries, look within their galleries closely. Can they photograph in harsh sun, dark receptions, family photos, details, portraits, and chaos, at a high and consistent level?
THAT IS WHAT REAL EXPERIENCE LOOKS LIKE.
...last extra step for good measure
Reviews are everything... do they have them and what do they say?
Reviews matter because they show the experience behind the photos.
They tell you how a photographer communicates, handles the day, and makes clients feel—things you can’t see in a portfolio. They also show consistency and help you feel confident in your decision.
It’s also a good idea to ask for references from past clients—a professional photographer should be able to connect you with couples they’ve actually worked with. If they can’t, that can be a red flag.
In short: photos show you what a photographer can do—reviews show you what it’s actually like to work with them.
Also ask for references from other local vendors. Planners, florists, makeup artists, videographers and the like. People in the industry know who actually show's up, is professional and reliable.
Socials - Pay attention to who they tag and ask questions
If they tag a ton of venues, wedding publications, but never the planner, never the couple, and never anyone who can verify the wedding was real.. be wary.
A legitimate photographer will have no problem answering any questions.
what are stylized shoots and why you should care
$675
$650
$850
(sometimes many more)
$675
$350 +
headshots start at $40 per
$125+
$350
pricing
CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER
DOES HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT
Once you understand what to look for in a wedding or portrait photographer, it becomes much easier to recognize the right fit for you.
not
why
heidi
Define the Style That Speaks to You - Mine is true to color & Classic
step one - the most important step
I create true-to-color imagery at the moment the photo is taken, using intentional lighting rather than relying on heavy editing afterward. By working with professional-grade cameras, portable strobes, softboxes, and having an assistant by my side, I’m able to preserve natural skin tones and accurate color in any setting—from bright blue skies to dim, candlelit receptions.
Because I capture images correctly in-camera from the start, only minimal editing is needed. This allows for a more efficient, thoughtful, and quicker delivery process. While my wedding collections outline a 6–8 week turnaround, most full wedding galleries are delivered within 3–4 weeks, portrait sessions within two weeks, and proposals in just a couple of days.
The result is timeless imagery that feels natural, balanced, and true to how your day actually unfolded.
I value clarity and openness, which is why all pricing and collection details are thoughtfully shared on my website since 2005. This allows couples to explore everything in advance, so when we connect, our conversation can feel relaxed, comfortable, and focused on whether we are the right fit.
I deliver high-resolution digital files and a generous, thoughtfully curated collection of images. While my wedding collections outline an estimated delivery of approximately 80–110 images per hour shot, most couples receive closer to 200 images per hour - well above industry norm. This is made possible by the way I work—photographing with two cameras and lenses (via a harness), always having an assistant at my side, and using intentional lighting techniques that allow images to be captured beautifully in camera (less editing time). Using strobes in my photography also assists in not getting any blurry imagery, so for this reason you will receive many images per hour. This approach creates a relaxed, efficient flow throughout the day and results in a cohesive gallery that reflects the full story of the wedding with care and consistency.
With over 17 years of experience photographing weddings locally, I share full wedding galleries from start to finish so couples can truly see what it’s like to work together throughout an entire day. Having lived and worked on the Monterey Peninsula for decades, I’ve built long-standing relationships with many local venues and wedding professionals and am grateful to be included on numerous preferred vendor lists. Over the years, many of these professionals have become trusted friendors—people I genuinely enjoy working alongside. That familiarity creates an ease on wedding days, as we work seamlessly together behind the scenes—anticipating needs, solving small problems before they’re noticed, and keeping everything moving smoothly—so couples can remain present and enjoy every moment of their celebration.
Do they live on the Monterey Peninsula? - Yes, have lived here for over 32 years.
step five
Having lived and worked on the Monterey Peninsula for decades, I bring a level of local awareness that goes far beyond familiarity with venues alone. From understanding how light and tides affect beach ceremonies, to anticipating coastal weather patterns, traffic flow, and unexpected local events, preparation is an essential part of my process. There have been wedding days where adjusting the timeline—sometimes even moving the ceremony earlier—was necessary due to incoming weather patterns that only become clear when you’re closely following local radar and conditions. This is the kind of insight that comes from being here, watching the weather in real time, and knowing how quickly things can shift along the coast. I also stay connected through local resources such as Nextdoor, allowing potential issues to be anticipated and quietly handled. Combined with long-standing relationships with venues and trusted friendors, this local knowledge helps ensure that everything flows smoothly behind the scenes—often before couples ever realize there was something to manage—so they can remain present and enjoy their day. I personally am a 20 minutes drive to anywhere on the peninsula from my office.
What is their stance on posing/prompts? Candid or posed? - I promise you, you will not feel awkward and posed. I always use natural prompts that gently guide you and allow you to be in the moment and perfect behind the camera.
I offer gentle guidance and subtle prompts designed to help couples feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly themselves in front of the camera. Your connection with your photographer plays a meaningful role in this—when you feel at ease, you’re able to stay present, enjoy one another, and let moments unfold naturally. My goal is for you to live fully in the moment while I quietly support the story as it’s happening. This balance of guidance and freedom allows real connection and emotion to come through, something many couples reflect on in their reviews as they describe how natural, joyful, and authentic their images feel.
step seven
How do you FEEL when you talk to them?
step seven
How do you FEEL when you talk to them?
step seven
How do you FEEL when you talk to them?
How do you feel when you talk to them? - They say...Easy to work with, Super Responsive, Friendly, kind, calm and knowledgable
Many couples have shared that my calm presence and experience helped them feel at ease throughout our conversations and on their wedding day. Every wedding is unique, and moments of uncertainty can naturally arise, but years of experience creating and guiding timelines—along with a deep familiarity with local venues and trusted friendors, and the support of an assistant by my side—allow me to move through the day with steadiness and care. Together, we help keep everything flowing naturally, making quiet adjustments and thoughtful backup plans when needed, so couples never feel the weight of those decisions. With clear communication, an efficient approach with families and large groups, and a professional presence throughout the day, my goal is to help couples stay present and enjoy their celebration—something consistently reflected in the kind words shared in my five-star reviews.
One thing I get asked is "what do you wear on our wedding day Heidi?". I wear classic outfits with slacks/jackets and blouses. My assistants and second shooters wear the same. We don't want to "stand out" on a wedding day by wearing something that would make you or your guests uncomfortable (shorts, t-shirts, crop tops). This my take on a wedding day and not everyone's... I dress as appropriately as possible for the event I am fortunate enough to document.
Here’s how my approach on the seven questions posed above on what you should consider before hiring a photographer
step two
Are they transparent in what they offer? - Everything is on my website.
No gatekeeping ever.
What do they deliver? - For over 20 years, I have exclusively delivered all edited - high resolution digital JPEGs with photo release with private online gallery for sharing.
step three
Have you seen full wedding galleries of the venue or location you are getting married at? Ask for multiple full galleries. - Just ask me!
step four
step seven
step six
You deserve a photographer who helps you feel at ease and not awkward in front of the camera—guiding you when needed and giving you space to simply be yourselves. Helps you be present in your moment and focused on the love around you. You deserve to enjoy your day without worrying about what’s being captured or what might be missed. That’s my responsibility, not yours.
my vows to you
"My husband doesn't typically enjoy photoshoots, but even he was able to relax and have a great time. Heidi made us feel so comfortable (it felt more like hanging out with a friend)!"
Wedding Rock Wedding - Carmel
you
to feel comfortable, confident, and present on your day—without ever feeling awkward.
deserve
their kind words
On a wedding day, I’m doing way more than taking photos. I’m calming nerves, hyping you up, fixing flyaway hairs, straightening dresses, pinning boutonnieres, and quietly keeping things moving behind the scenes. I’m watching the timeline, reading the room, and stepping in with solutions before little hiccups turn into stress. Whether it’s gathering family for portraits, smoothing wrinkles, adjusting details, or rolling seamlessly into plan B without anyone noticing, I’ve got your back. My job is to keep the energy good, the experience smooth, and you feeling confident, supported, and fully present on your day. Plus, consider that there are TWO of us as I always have an assistant with me to help.
my vows to you
you
a hype girl... what does that mean?
deserve
their kind words
"We were impressed with her positive energy, professionalism, and portfolio from the start, so we knew we were in good hands. She made us feel comfortable and carefree during out fun engagement shoot with our dog Dexter at Pebble Beach, The photos were delivered on time and came out beautifully for both our engagement shoot and for our wedding at Intercontinental the Clement in Monterey. It was fun to work with Heidi because you can tell she LOVES her job and it truly shows in her work. Thanks Heidi for capturing our wedding day, we will treasure your photos forever!"
The Clement- Intercon Wedding - Monterey
You deserve help creating a realistic timeline and a plan that truly supports your day—one that allows space for meaningful moments without feeling rushed or overextended. Since I began shooting over two decades ago, I have put together thousands of timelines. Everyone is a little bit different based upon your needs and vision for your day. As I thankfully have shot at most every local venue, I also understand what their timing is for food and beverage on their day - which helps greatly when planning. My goal is always to guide you toward the right amount of coverage for your day, so nothing feels unnecessary and everything feels intentional.
my vows to you
you
thoughtful planning and clear guidance
deserve
"Heidi was such a pleasure working with! We loved every step leading up to the wedding with her at the Carmel mission and reception at the Cooper Molera Barns. She helped us lay out a realistic timeline for the day to make sure that we were fitting everything needed into the timeslot for photos. And following up from the wedding she got us the photos quicker than expected! She is so sweet, so friendly, and very good with customer service to ensure a great relationship and "vibe" throughout the wedding day. We did engagement photos with her before the big day which really helped big time to get to know her and feel more comfortable when our big day arrived! HIGHLY recommend. Thank you Heidi! We love you!!!!"
Wedding at the Carmel Mission Basilica and Reception at the Barns at Cooper Molera in Monterey
their kind words
You deserve someone who brings calm to your day—who knows what to expect, adapts when plans shift (weather shifts), and keeps everything moving with confidence and ease. Experience means you don’t have to worry when something changes, because it’s already being handled. It’s the quiet reassurance that lets you stay present, knowing your memories are in steady, capable hands.
experience you can trust
my vows to you
you
deserve
their kind words
Heidi was fantastic!
Her expertise in capturing natural beautiful photos was amazing,
It was a cool, windy day for our ceremony and she still managed to get some great photos including breaching whales in the ocean behind us.. She went over and above in every aspect of this special day for us.
Garrapata Big Sur
You deserve professional equipment, backups, permits, and insurance—so nothing is left to chance on a day that can’t be repeated.
your memories protected
my vows to you
you
deserve
their kind words...
Wonderful experience!
It was an absolute treat to have Heidi photograph our wedding! She couldn't have been nicer and more responsive throughout the entire process. She had wonderful ideas for poses, even getting some great shots out of two people who are typically camera-shy! She really captured our day, and we will cherish our photos for many years to come!
Folktale Winery
You deserve photographs that honor your day as it truly was—natural skin tones, honest color, and moments captured with care. Free from passing trends and heavy styling, your images should feel just as meaningful years from now, allowing you to return to them and recognize yourselves, your people, and the way it all felt.
Wonderful experience!
It was an absolute treat to have Heidi photograph our wedding! She couldn't have been nicer and more responsive throughout the entire process. She had wonderful ideas for poses, even getting some great shots out of two people who are typically camera-shy! She really captured our day, and we will cherish our photos for many years to come!
Wedding Rock in Carmel
true to life, timeless images
my vows to you
you
deserve
their kind words...
You deserve to see my pricing and offerings clearly and comfortably, without pressure or confusion. My approach to pricing is thoughtful and balanced—rooted in experience and care, while remaining grounded and fair. Above all, I want you to feel respected and confident in both the investment you’re making and the experience you’re receiving.
transparency and fair pricing
my vows to you
you
deserve
their kind words...
You deserve to see my pricing and offerings clearly and comfortably, without pressure or confusion. My approach to pricing is thoughtful and balanced—rooted in experience and care, while remaining grounded and fair. Above all, I want you to feel respected and confident in both the investment you’re making and the experience you’re receiving.
all portrait collections include
Photography sessions in California State Parks require permits. We are properly permitted at Garrapata State Park (Big Sur) and Carmel River State Beach and handle all permit requirements for sessions at these locations.
Proposal/Venue planning location advice. Beach, park, cliff or perhaps beautiful and elegant venue. Think winery, golf resort or an ocean view private deck all to yourself.
Your proposal session includes a sneak peek gallery of approximately 20 images, delivered within 24–48 hours so you can relive and share the excitement right away.
Guided posing with gentle direction
All images in color and Heidi will convert her favorites into black and white
High resolution, professionally hand edited digital images on private online gallery available for sharing with friends and family for one year.
Wardrobe assistance if needed
Post-gallery print and product savings within one month of gallery delivery of 50% off prints/wall art and 30% off albums.
All images in color and Heidi will convert her favorites into black and white
Commonly a 2-3 week turn around for all imagery in private gallery
Venue planning location advice. Beach, park, cliff or perhaps beautiful and elegant venue. Think winery, golf resort or an ocean view private deck all to yourself.
Commonly a 3-4 week turn around for all imagery in private gallery
Guided posing with gentle direction
Timeline guidance based upon years of experience at particular venue
High resolution, professionally hand edited digital images on private online gallery available for sharing with friends and family for one year.
Complimentary Engagement Session and second shooter included for weddings booked over 7 hours (second shooter included for four hours)
Post-gallery print and product savings within one month of gallery delivery of 50% off prints/wall art and 30% off albums.
all wedding
collections include
Photography sessions in California State Parks require permits. We are properly permitted at Garrapata State Park (Big Sur) and Carmel River State Beach and handle all permit requirements for sessions at these locations.
a simple, stress free
booking experience
Take a look through my wedding portfolio to see exactly what you can expect on your wedding day—natural, beautifully lit images that focus on real moments and genuine connection.
Explore client reviews from couples who trusted me with their wedding day. For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of preserving moments that matter most.
Reach out to start the conversation and make sure we’re the perfect fit.
Full galleries to review sent before next step.
Together, we’ll talk through your wedding day and design coverage that feels right for you. I’ll guide you in creating a timeline that determines the amount of coverage needed and the collection that best fits your day.
Secure your date and know your wedding day will be handled with care. Your date is confirmed with a 50% retainer.
Vendor lists provided and guides provided for planning.
two
five
four
one
Take a look through my portfolio to see what you can expect from your portrait session—natural, beautifully lit images that feel relaxed and genuine.
Explore reviews from families, seniors, and couples who trusted me to capture proposals, engagements, and life’s most meaningful moments.
Start the conversation and see if we’re the right fit for your portrait session. Full galleries are shared so you can review the work before the next step.
We’ll discuss your portrait session in detail and determine the ideal amount of time needed, which guides your session selection.
Most sessions are 1-2 hours
Secure your session date and relax knowing your experience will be thoughtfully cared for. A 50% retainer confirms your booking, and curated planning guides are provided.
two
five
four
three
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read the reviews
connect and customize
confirm
view portfolio here
contact heidi
explore the portfolio
explore the portfolio
read the reviews
reach out
confirm
the portrait experience
view portfolio
connect
the wedding experience
contact heidi
reach out
Frequently asked questions
for weddings & portraits
do you include engagement sessions in your collections?
Engagement sessions are complimentary with wedding coverage of seven hours or more. For weddings with fewer hours of coverage, engagement sessions may be added based on the following:
• 1–2 hours of wedding coverage: $450
• 3–4 hours of wedding coverage: $350
• 5–6 hours of wedding coverage: $250
• 7+ hours of wedding coverage: Complimentary
Engagement sessions are valued at $675 and include one hour of coverage. Sessions take place in Monterey, Carmel, or Big Sur (Garrapata area only).
will you work with our planner?
I’m more than happy to work closely with your planner on your timeline and any details needed to keep the day flowing smoothly. I do not require you work with a planner, but for weddings that have many moving pieces or a high guest count, I highly recommend them.
do you provide a second photographer? have you worked with them before?
A second wedding photographer is complimentary with wedding coverage of more than seven hours and will be present for up to four hours on your wedding day. If a second photographer is not included in your collection, one of Heidi’s trusted second photographers may be added for $150 per hour.
We work with a dedicated second photographer to ensure a cohesive experience and a seamless wedding gallery. From framing and styling to how we interact with you and your guests, our approach is aligned and intentional. On the wedding day, both photographers are in the right place at the right time—working together through a proven rhythm built on experience and in-depth training.
In our experience, a second photographer is most valuable earlier in the day, when there are more moments happening at once. A more streamlined approach during the reception helps keep the experience natural and unobtrusive.
would you recommend a second photographer for our wedding?
If the wedding has over 100 guests and/or multiple moving parts, then yes.
how quickly will we receive our images? will we get a Sneak peak?
Your full wedding gallery is delivered within six to eight weeks, though most couples receive their gallery within approximately four weeks.
A sneak peek of around 20 images is typically shared within one week of your wedding.
do you recommend a first look?
It is truly a personal decision. Approximately 50% of my couples opt for a first look. It allows you to help get rid of any jitters you may have, have a private moment and to do your couple's portraits and family portraits before the ceremony so you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.
what is your editing style? What is a "clean" edit?
True, accurate color is always our starting point. Blues should look blue, blacks should look black, and skin tones should feel natural and true to life. While there’s plenty of creativity in our work, the colors in your images should reflect what your day actually looked like.
From there, every photo is edited individually. We pay close attention to composition, cropping, and skin tones, and we remove small distractions that don’t belong. That outlet right behind your shoulder during the first look—despite the rest of the frame being perfect? Gone.
“Clean” images aren’t just about editing style—they start while we’re shooting. Weddings are busy, with lighting stands, equipment, and vendors often just outside the frame. As we photograph your day, we’re always aware of what’s happening around you and intentionally frame images to avoid clutter, so nothing pulls attention away from the moment.
The result is photos that feel natural, polished, and timeless—focused on what matters, without giving away the behind-the-scenes.
how are our photos edited?
All images are edited by Heidi personally and not sourced out to a third party service.
All images are edited for color, tone, and contrast, with light, natural skin smoothing. The editing style you see in my portfolio reflects the overall look you can expect in your gallery.
Additional retouching—such as body reshaping, heavier skin editing, teeth whitening, clothing wrinkles, or blemish removal—is considered separate from standard editing. Most couples don’t feel this is necessary, but retouching is available upon request for those who would like extra refinement.
are you ok if we bring our dog To our event or wedding?
Yes! As long as it is ok with the venue and the rules at the state park, etc.
what is an expedited gallery delivery?
It means that you will get your images sooner than contracted.
Many couples and families choose expedited editing because they’re still in that joyful, just-married glow and can’t wait to relive their day. Receiving their gallery sooner allows them to share with friends and family while the excitement is fresh, and to move forward quickly with thank-you cards, announcements, and album design
Do you offer content creation? We are looking for some casual behind the scenes video captured, as we would prefer not to hire a professional videographer.
Yes — we offer two options for content creation.
Because I always have an assistant with me, they can capture behind-the-scenes content during our time together. Or, you may choose to hire a dedicated content creator whose sole focus is capturing video and moments throughout your event.
You simply select the option that best fits your needs and budget.
click here for expedited
gallery information
click here for content
creation information
We're awkward in front of the camera - can you help us?
Most couples feel this way. I use gentle guidance rather than stiff posing, giving simple direction while letting natural moments happen. I’ll step in when you need help and step back when things feel natural, so you can relax, be yourselves, and forget about the camera.
will i need to provide you with a shooting list?
We don’t require a general or need a shot list. Having photographed hundreds of weddings, we know exactly what needs to be captured—from meaningful details to the most important moments throughout the day—while still allowing room for spontaneity and creativity.
Family photos are the exception. For that portion of the day, we gather details through a questionnaire and create a custom family shot list and timeline for you to review and approve in advance, including family names, so everything runs smoothly.
can you build us a timeline?
Yes. One of the first things we do when we chat is talk through what’s most important to you and how much wedding photography coverage you’ll realistically need. Every wedding is different, and priorities vary—some couples love getting-ready photos, while others prefer to focus on the ceremony and celebration.
I build timelines based on how the day naturally flows. I typically don’t stay long into open dancing, as those images can become repetitive. Because I work quickly and efficiently—with an assistant by my side—and capture images correctly in camera, I usually only need about 30 minutes for couple’s portraits.
My goal is to help you plan photography coverage that feels thoughtful, efficient, and aligned with your day.
do we receive printing rights?
Yes. You receive personal printing rights to your images, allowing you to print and share your photos for personal use.
Per California copyright law, the photographer retains the copyright to the images, as they are composed and captured by me. This is standard within the photography industry. That said, you are absolutely welcome to print your images and enjoy them however you’d like for personal use.
If you’d like your vendors (planner, florist, venue, etc.) to have access to your images, just let me know—I’m happy to share images directly with them upon request.
ARE YOU FLEXIBLE ON OUR WEDDING DAY AS FAR AS OUR TIMELINE?
Of course. Wedding days naturally evolve, and I’m very comfortable adjusting as things unfold so everything stays relaxed and on track.
If it looks like a little extra coverage might be helpful due to unexpected circumstances, I’ll always check in with you first. Additional time can be added in 30-minute increments, only if you’d like, so there are no surprises.
how many images will we get on average per hour of shooting?
Rather than limiting images by the hour, our focus is on documenting your day fully and thoughtfully. That said, contractually couples receive 80–100 fully edited images per hour of coverage.
In practice, most couples receive significantly more—often close to double that amount, which is well above the industry standard. Every image delivered is carefully edited and intentionally selected to tell the full story of your day, without filler or duplicates.
Do you have liability insurance? Permits?
Yes. I carry $2 million in liability insurance, which is the industry standard, and my policy is already on file with most local venues and state parks.
I also hold annual active permits to photograph at Garrapata State Park and Carmel River State Beach, valued at approximately $1,000. These permits are required for wedding and portrait photography in those locations.
Most California state parks—and many cities—require photographers to have both insurance and proper permits in place. Having these secured ahead of time ensures your day runs smoothly and without interruption.
do you travel?
I focus exclusively on weddings on the Monterey Peninsula. I’m lucky to have enough local work that I don’t need to travel, which also means I know the area and venues extremely well.
The only time a travel fee applies is for weddings deep into Big Sur—please feel free to ask for details. Garrapata (Big Sur) does not require a travel fee.
what happens if you are sick or have an emergency?
In the extreme rare event of an emergency, you’re fully protected. I work within a strong local professional network and have multiple associates and trusted photographers I can call on if needed. Any replacement photographer would be carefully selected to match my standards and approach.
That said, this situation is extremely rare. Your wedding day coverage—and your peace of mind—are always taken seriously and thoughtfully planned for.
can we hire you for just an hour?
Please see the minimum requirements below.
Number of Guests
Required Coverage
up to 12
13-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
1 hour
1.5 hours
2 hours
2.5 or 3 hours
4 or 5 hours
for weddings
The amount of time is determined based upon how many guests you will have.
for portrait sessions
The amount of time needed is determined by the number of people participating in your session. For groups larger than five, there is an additional $25 per person, which includes time for multiple groupings and combinations during your shoot.
so now you have the edited high resolution digital files,
what do you do with them all?
your memories deserve more than a screen
heirloom albums, wall art, prints, video book, slideshows
When images live only on a hard drive, they’re often forgotten. Printed photographs turn moments into something tangible—something you see in your home, share with loved ones, and return to years from now. Albums and prints become part of your family’s story, preserving not just how your wedding day looked, but how it felt. If a moment is meaningful enough to photograph, it’s meaningful enough to be printed and remembered.
learn more
Options
Heirloom albums
Prints
Wall Art (framed/metal/canvas)
usb keepsake
video book
movie highlight slideshow
what is it and do you need it?
retouching
Let's talk about
The images you receive in your gallery will already be professionally edited for color, tone, contrast, and light skin editing. My goal is always to present you in the most natural, flattering way while staying true to the authentic feel of the day.
For your wedding or portrait session, I highly recommend working with a professional hair and makeup artist to help you look and feel your absolute best. The elements—like sun, wind, and even humidity—can affect your final images and may emphasize small imperfections such as shine, uneven skin tones, or stray hairs.
After photographing people for over 20 years, one thing I’ve consistently noticed is how much even skin tone and polished styling can elevate your portraits. Matching tones across the face, chest, arms, and hands makes a subtle but beautiful and noticeable difference in your final gallery. Retouching is thoughtfully done to enhance your images while keeping everything looking natural and true to you—it’s a simple way to elevate your final photos without ever feeling overdone.
filter through before/after examples
retouching can include
skin edits
- under eye
- blemish removal
- face shine
- acne
- dark circles
- neck wrinkles
- double chin
- even skin tone
- and more
- even skin tone
- full body reshape
- blemishes
- tattoo removal
body edits
teeth
- whitening
- brace removal
hair
- fill part line
- remove stray hairs
clothing
- wrinkles
how I am unique and different from most other photographers
before
and
after
I often get asked why and how my images look like they do. Words like "clear", "no shadows"... and "these look like they should be on a cover of a magazine"...
in 20 years I'd like you to look at your walls and your album and not wonder what the day actually looked like around you. I shoot in a timeless style you’ll be proud to pass down for generations to come.
As I always say—photography is subjective. In the end, it’s all about what speaks to you.
no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
muddy
no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless.
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
contrast in background,
no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
sky washed out and not blue
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
contrast in background,
blue sky
no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
sky washed out and not blue
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
hazy sunset in image, hard to see faces
lack of definition in foreground and background
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones, faces are clearly seen,
contrast in background,
sunset obvious
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
cannot see dress dimensions
no contrast
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
dress dimensions seen
bolder real life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
face coloring is flat
no contrast
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
face coloring is flat
background washed out
no contrast
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
face coloring is dark
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
flat contrast
face coloring is dark
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, real
life colors
depth in image
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin tone washed out
flat contrast
washed out
dull colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
skin tones perfect
dimensional, depth in image
true to life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily read sign, real
life colors
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash
no contrast or depth,
cannot easily read sign,
dull colors
no flash used
skin colors off
color of dress is gold and not purple hue shown
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
real color of dress
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin colors off
clothing colors off
muddy looking
no contrast
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background sky blown out
no contrast
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background sky blown out
no contrast
bland colors
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
sky not blown out
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background blown out
no contrast
bland colors/muddy
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
background not blown out
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
no flash used
skin tones off
sky washed out
no contrast
bland colors/muddy
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
sky as it was on the day
perfectly contrasted
before
after
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
sky not blown out
portable lighting
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional. If I did not have an assistant and shot in this manner, the amount of time it would take me to document your session would be much more substantial.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
taken with assistant and portable strobe
Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.
This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.
portable lighting
taken with assistant and soft box
signature edit (always included in pricing ) by editing out in post processing
© Heidi Borgia Photography - 2026