Questions + Answers

How long have you photographed weddings and elopements?

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings and elopements since 2010.

Where are you located?

I’m proud to call the Birmingham, Alabama area home!

What are your coverage area and travel fees?

My coverage area is anywhere in the United States. I’ll be happy to go anywhere you’re located! My packages are structured so you don’t have to worry about being charged travel fees.

Why is your pricing the way it is? 

My pricing reflects what it costs for me to photograph your wedding. While my pricing might be higher than other photographers you’re finding, I assure you the value is well worth it for the service I’m going to provide. You’re getting a full day’s coverage, coordination assistance if you need it, multiple versions of each photo, digital and film coverage, and so much more. All photographers charge what they feel their services are worth, and my rates are what I feel is a fair and accurate assessment of that. 

A full day’s coverage? Can you explain that? 

All couples receive a full day’s coverage. I’m there at a time you give me, and I leave when everything is over. I don’t believe in time limits and making you squeeze into a 6-hour or 8-hour window. In my experience, this system is a far better approach.

What if I only need a couple of hours of coverage? Do you offer hourly rates? 

Even if you need only a couple of hours of coverage, you are booking your particular day with me. I cannot take another job that day or, in most cases, that weekend, so I cannot charge hourly rates. Again, my pricing is based on you hiring me to photograph your wedding. The time frame is up to you.

Do you have a particular photography style?

Each wedding + elopement is different, and I like to mold my style to meet what each couple likes. I prefer to call my style “dreamy and cinematic”, but I don’t pigeonhole myself in a “dark and moody” or “light and bright” aesthetic.

Do you shoot on film? Do you have a particular photography style?

Yes! I will shoot at least one roll of film along with digital coverage. In some instances, I will shoot more than one roll of film, but it is a case-by-case basis.

How many images will we receive?

Because all celebrations are different and I never want to hold any images back, I never put a cap or limit on the number of photos you’ll receive. I promise you’ll get lots of great pictures of your special day, especially since you get an out of camera version of the photos, two different edited color versions, and a black and white version. 

What is your turnaround time for delivering the final photos?

I know you will be anxious to see your images so I will begin work immediately after the wedding. Because of the way I work, I guarantee you’ll have all your photos ready and delivered within a week of your wedding date. Your film photos will be sent off shortly after the wedding, and they will take a week to two weeks to process and get back to me.

Can we get the unedited RAW files right out of the camera?

I do not deliver unedited RAW files as I feel these are unfinished images.

Do you use Photoshop?

Answer: I don’t use Photoshop to edit the photos and make you look like something you aren’t. Unless something is distracting in the background, I like to present the images as is. Lightroom is the main program I use, however, and I will edit images for cropping, white balance, color, and other aspects.

Should we send you a shot list?

The only shot list I’ll need is a list of family photos you’d like done. I do not work with any other type of shot list.

You offer wedding coordination too? 

Yes, and I’m happy to provide that service. While I don’t want to step on the toes of anyone you’ve hired to coordinate, I’m happy to use my experience and knowledge to make sure your wedding day goes off without a htich. This means I’ll help you craft the wedding day schedule and make sure we stick to it. This also means coordinating with other vendors, family members, and anyone else so that everyone is on the same page. The goal is to make sure your wedding day goes by smoothly for you and your partner. 

How do we book a consultation?

After sending you the initial information about your wedding photography coverage, I’ll follow up about setting up a consultation. That will get the ball rolling, and we’ll get all the details taken care of from there. If you can’t meet face to face, I’m happy to do a consultation over the phone, Zoom, or whatever app you prefer!

How do we book our date with you?

As soon as you get in touch, I’ll be happy to put a temporary hold on your date. To make everything official, we’ll both sign an agreement and you’ll put down a non-refundable retainer payment of 1/4 of the package price. The 2nd and 3rd payments would be due 120 days and 60 days before the wedding. The final would be due the day of the wedding. This schedule can be modified based on your wedding date.

What is your cancellation policy?

My cancellation policy is detailed in my standard agreement form, which you can request if you’d like to review it. Do note that the retainer payment is non-refundable.

Do you work alone or with a partner?

I typically work alone. The option to have a 2nd photographer, though, is always available for an additional fee.

What is the level of contact we will have between the time of booking and the time of the actual wedding?

Communication is key to any relationship, and I want to have as much communication as possible. I’ll touch base with you frequently to get your design ideas, creative input, coordination information, and all sorts of other important details. This will continue right up to the wedding day as I’ll be working with you and any other vendors to make sure everything is taken care of so you don’t have to worry about anything!

You have covered a lot in this section, but what if I have any other questions?

My phone number is (205) 586-9723 and my email is dsmithimages@gmail.com. I want to make sure you have as much information as possible, so please reach out to me if you have any other questions that might help you make your decision.