Frequently Asked Question
List of Questions
General Questions
Engagement Session
Images
- How long does it take to edit our photos?
- How many images do I typically deliver?
- When and where can we view our engagement pictures?
- What rights do we have to the digital prints?
- What rights do we have to the digital prints?
- Do you provide the RAW files?
- How many images do you deliver?
- Do you provide the digital negatives after the shoot?
- What if I lose my images?
Prints
Equipment
Insurance
General Questions
Do I Deliver Every Image I Shoot?
I don’t include every photo I take. I carefully curate the final selection by eliminating duplicates, shots where I missed focus, test shots, photos with bad expressions, and any image that could weaken the overall experience. For example, while my favorite photos often come from moments of high emotion, there are also times when unflattering expressions appear. I also shoot with a very shallow depth of field, which can be unforgiving when there’s sudden movement, so some images might not be as sharp as I’d like. That’s why I take a few duplicates to ensure I can deliver the best possible image for any given moment.
Will my wedding have a second photographer?
Unless otherwise agreed upon, every wedding I shoot will have a second photographer. I am a firm believer there should be a second point of view for any given situation. It is my belief that your story cannot be told as effectively if only one person is telling it.
Do I provide videography?
Yes I Do
What Happens When I Haven't Shot Your Venue Before?
I’ve photographed weddings all over the Midwest, so there’s a good chance I’ve worked at your venue before. If I haven’t, I make it a point to arrive early to scout the location and prepare, ensuring I can give you the best possible experience. I also research your venue beforehand, and I do this even if I’ve shot there before—places change, and I want to be ready for anything.
Do I Provide Partial Day Coverage
I normally do not. My packages start at 8 hours of wedding day coverage with a couple having a budget of 2,999 or higher. However, reach out if that is what you need.
Do I Provide Any Other Types of Photography?
I am experienced in many different fields of photography. I specialize in wedding photography, but I also do family photography and headshot photography. For more information reach out!
Style
Do I Have A Philosophy About Photography
A photography mentor once told me that the camera I hold is an incredible tool. One capable of completely transforming how someone sees themselves or confirming their insecurities. I vividly remember the first time I captured the beauty in someone who couldn’t see it in themselves. I will never forget the comment they made to me. She asked me if “that was really her.” My philosophy is to photograph you in a way that brings out the best in you. Find out more here!
What Is My Style
Timeless, romantic, and Captivating—that’s the story I aim to tell with every album or gallery I create. My approach is all about making each moment feel timeless, capturing the essence of your day in a way that feels like it’s straight out of time. The romantic touch comes from my photojournalistic style, where I focus on capturing genuine moments as they unfold. The captivating side of my work shines through in how I use lighting and posing techniques to make each shot truly stand out. I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to get the shot that perfectly encapsulates your day.
How Do I Handle Low Light Situations
I’ve photographed in some pretty challenging lighting conditions—whether it’s a dimly lit Catholic church or a reception hall with barely any lighting, you name it, I’ve been there. I’ve invested hours researching the best cameras, lenses, and lighting techniques, and I’ve spent even countless more practicing and experimenting to master them. So when it comes to your wedding day, you won’t have to worry about the quality of your images.
Editing Process
Do I edit each photo I deliver?
Absolutely, every image I deliver carries my signature style. Whether it’s the photos you’ve seen in my portfolio, the sneak peeks I share with you, or the final collection, each one is carefully edited to reflect that unique style. No image leaves my computer until it’s been crafted with the same attention to detail that defines my work.
What does touching up a photo mean?
Retouching a photo is all about enhancing its overall appearance. It’s the process where I fine-tune everything from the highlights to the shadows, making sure the image looks its best. Any imperfections, like dirt or blemishes, are carefully removed or corrected to ensure the final result is polished and beautiful.
The Wedding Day
How much time do I recommend for a successful day?
I recommend no fewer than 8 hours of wedding day coverage. Take a look at an ideal wedding day timeline. If you’re doing an elopment, reach out and we will discuss your options
Will I help you with your timeline?
Of course! I am your go to person for any question or need that you will have for your wedding day!
The Engagement Session
Why should we do an engagement session?
There are plenty of reasons why an engagement session is important, but two stand out the most to me. First, it gives us a chance to have a practice run before your wedding. It might sound cliché, but it’s crucial for us to work together beforehand so we can smooth out any wrinkles and ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. Second, these photos are often used for your wedding announcements and invitations. Find out more about engagement sessions.St Louis’ Best Engagement Session Locations
When is the best time to do our engagement session?
Since many couples use their engagement photos for save-the-dates and wedding invitations, it’s a good idea to schedule your session at least four months before your wedding day. Personally, I prefer to have the session done and delivered to you about six months prior to your wedding. This timeline allows me enough time to schedule, edit, and deliver your photos, while also giving you plenty of time to order your invitations, send them out, and receive your RSVPs.
Where should we do our engagement session?
Deciding where to have your engagement session can feel like a big decision, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Together, we’ll explore the places that mean the most to you as a couple—whether it’s the spot where you shared your first date, a favorite hiking trail, or simply a location with breathtaking views that match your vision. If you’re unsure, that’s okay too! I’ll guide you through the process, asking the right questions to uncover what feels most authentic to your story. The goal is to choose a location that not only serves as a beautiful backdrop but also adds depth and meaning to your photos. This session is about capturing who you are together, and I’ll help ensure that wherever we go feels perfect for telling your unique love story.
Images
How long does it take to edit my photos?
Post production usually takes about 4-6 weeks after the event.
How many images do you typically deliver?
When I’m photographing an engagement session, I typically capture about 25-35 images per hour. For weddings, with two photographers on board, we usually net around 70-90 images per hour. Of course, these numbers aren’t set in stone, but they can give you a good idea of what to expect.
When and where can we view our pictures?
I’ll have your engagement photos ready within six weeks of the session, wedding by 90 days. If you need them sooner, I do offer a rush service for an additional fee. Your photos will be hosted on a website gallery for six months, after which they’ll be taken down.
What rights do we have to the digital prints?
When you sign my contract, you will receive a perpetual license for printing and sharing on social media. You may not sell your photos for profit or submit them for publication without my express written consent.
Do you provide the RAW files?
I don’t provide raw images because they’re essentially unfinished work. My process involves carefully editing each photo to reflect the style and quality that I’m known for. The raw files are just the starting point, and without that final touch, they don’t fully represent the vision and effort that goes into creating your images. By delivering only the finished photos, I ensure that you’re getting my best work, polished and ready to be enjoyed.
How many images do you deliver?
Unless I am running a deal, I deliver all of the deliverable images, without proofing.
Do you provide the digital negatives after the shoot?
Yes, I provide all the images that are delivered via a digital download. You will be able to print any of the files that I deliver.
What if I lose my images?
After I deliver the photos to you, you will be able to download your photos from the same place for as many times as you want for 6 months. After this 6 month period, if the photos have been archived this will require an additional charge. For this reason, I recommend that all my clients backup their photos in 2-3 places after they are delivered.
Prints
How long does it take to get my album?
Production time varies based on the time of year, but usually once the order is placed it takes about 6 weeks.
How long does it take to get my prints?
Similar to albums, production time varies based on the time of year, but usually once the order is placed it takes about 6 weeks.
Can I add more pages and images to my album?
You can add as many album spreads as you like. But if the final proof has been completed, there is an additional charge for adding after the finalized proof.
How do I get started on my wedding album?
When you receive your images, I will send you a form to fill out to get that process started. We will sit down after you fill that form out and get your vision for the album and then I will put together the first proof.
Equipment
What equipment do I use
To see a full list of the equipment that I use, click here.
What happens if my equipment fails on your wedding day
In the rare event that a piece of my equipment fails, you won’t need to worry—I’ve got it covered. I always bring backup gear to every session, so if something goes wrong, I can quickly switch to my backup without missing a beat. Whether it’s a camera, lens, or lighting equipment, I’m fully prepared to keep capturing your special moments without any interruptions. Your wedding day is too important for anything less, and I make sure to plan ahead so that no technical issue gets in the way of your perfect day.
What happens if my equipment fails on your wedding day
I take every precaution to ensure your images are safe and secure. My camera writes to two memory cards simultaneously, so there’s always an immediate backup. Before I leave a wedding, I back up the files to an external drive and separate the cards—one stays in my camera, and the other goes in my card wallet, which stays on me at all times until I upload the files to both my file server and Google Drive. Once the files are safely stored in the cloud, I format one card for reuse and keep the other in permanent storage as an additional backup. This multi-step process ensures your images are protected from the moment they’re captured to their final delivery.
Insurance
Do I have Liability Insurance?
Upon request, I can provide you with my business insurance policy.
Financial Information
How do I reserve you for my wedding date?
With a signed contract and a 25% retainer fee paid, your date will be reserved in my calendar. Once that date is reserved, I will not be taking any more weddings on that day.
Is there an additional fee if we pay via credit card?
If you pay with a credit card, your payment will be subject to a 3% processing fee.
If we cancel the wedding will we received our deposit back?
Unfortunately, I cannot return your retainer fee. Once I receive that, I am no longer taking any weddings for that day. Because of that, if you cancel your wedding, I will not be able to return your wedding fee.
Can we change our date?
Yes, up to a year, you will be able to use your retainer fee for a new date. However, any scheduled dates will take precedence over date changes.
Do you charge travel fee’s?
Yes, any shoots that are outside of 50 mile from 2030 Union Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125 will have a travel fee assessed. I charge up to 250 dollars using the IRS standard milage rate if I can make it in 1 days travel. If its more than a days travel, reasonable expenses such as per-diem, hotel stay, rental, and air-fare.
JWadePhotoStudio
Wedding Photographer Based in St Louis and Serving the Greater Midwest & Beyond
