Common Questions

• Do you offer a second shooter?

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  Yes, of course! We have a small rolodex of incredibly talented photographers we can call to second shoot should it serve your wedding day. A second shooter can be a huge benefit if you two are getting ready at different locations, desire coverage of cocktail hour while we’re taking family photos after the ceremony, and/or have a guest count over 50.

• Any tips for making sure we have a great engagement session?

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  Yes! Here are the top five.

  1. Showing up in a pretty place and posing can be fun, but somewhere meaningful and familiar you already love just naturally puts you at ease.
  2. Nothing kills the vibe like unwanted attention. If you don’t want to be taking photos in front of staring bystanders or pedestrians, let’s not shoot at the city mural on a Saturday afternoon. Let’s go somewhere a little more remote and private, unless attention is your thing, then, mural it is!
  3. Do something. Honestly, it totally helps, especially for guys. Having something to do with your hands, something to laugh at, a game to engage in, anything helps so you can kinda forget you’re getting your photo taken. Kinda.
  4. Calm your nerves with little sip of spirits! Use this suggestion at your own discretion, but sometimes it helps to bring a flask in the car for a quick swig to shake the nerves.
  5. Wear clothes you can kick it in. Nobody has fun in heels they’re just breaking in or a tie they haven’t worn since graduation, so maybe ease up on the fancy. You’ll have more fun if you can
     breathe and bend and bounce around.

• Do I own the copyright to the images in my collection?

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  Sarah Ellefson Photography retains the copyright, but you have printing rights and can post your images wherever you’d like. The copyright ensures that you may not alter the photos in any way to protect the integrity of our editing.

• How can we avoid awkward photos if we’re (I mean, he’s) uncomfortable in front of the camera?

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  Everyone feels this way, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can both take a big exhale, put your guard down and actually have the best time.

  And the easiest way to do that?
  Your engagement session.

  Once we’ve already worked together and you’ve seen how amazing the engagement photos turn out, you won’t think twice about feeling awkward in front of the camera on your wedding day.

• How many hours do I have you for?

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  A wedding day is a minimum of 6 hours for one photographer. After working through a rough timeline over the phone, we give you a custom package ranging from 6-10+ hours based on your photo needs!

• Is there any way to save a few dollars on wedding photography?

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  If you’re getting married on a weekday, during the winter months of December – February or are in a bit of a shotgun situation with a wedding less than three months away, we have some wiggle room. Send me over your details in my contact form and we can get on the phone to see where you’re at money-wise!

• What gear do you use? Do you have liability insurance?

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  We shoot with top of the line, professional grade Canon gear. Currently in rotation, two 5D Markiii bodies, a 50mm, a 35 mm, and an 85 mm lens collection, alongside a few flashes and video lights. We’re with the Boy Scouts when it comes to always being prepared! For this reason, we bring back up gear of everything we need to capture your wedding. We also carry a liability policy that fully covers my business should something go awry on your big day. If your venue needs a copy, no problem at all! Just let us know at least 30 days before your wedding and We’ll have the policy sent right over.

• After I book, what’s the best way to reach you with questions about my wedding?

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  Email! We’ll respond lightning quick and it’s the best way to ensure we prioritize your communication and it doesn’t get lost in a jumble of text messages.