THE WEDDING GUIDE

01. What can we expect from a session with you?

Plenty of awful dance moves. Haha, but actually - I like to trek off the beaten path and have fun! To me, your photos should be equally as much about the experience as the final product. I love to get to know my clients as actual friends and make a fantastic third wheel when exploring new spots around town or revisiting special places. I like to start with an activity that feels normal to you (ie. shared hobby, coffee at home) but it's totally okay to allow yourself to be a little awkward or uncomfortable at first. After, we’ll head to a second location where I’ll gently guide you through some prompts and help you loosen up in front of the camera. I’ll help you shake out the nerves, take my time making sure you're comfortable and encourage you to share stories or direct movement that I think will reflect your personality through the lens. I’ll rarely ask a couple to kiss, and instead prompt you to get close and let you make the call for yourself if you feel a smooch coming on. We'll get mushy and talk about all the things you love about each other, but we'll also get silly and probably leave the session with a few inside jokes. Please never hesitate to let me know if something makes you uncomfortable or if you have any preferences. You'll fill out a questionnaire prior to your session to let me know about any sensitivities, but things may come up unexpectedly and that's a-ok! 

02. When will we see our photos?

I hand cull and tone each photo individually, which takes some time. I like to deliver a generous amount of previews right away. Usually within 72 hours (up to 5 days during busy season), you’ll receive a set of around 50-100+ images. Then I’ll wait until I have your full set of film back to revisit the gallery. Average turnaround times for smaller sessions (ie. engagements) is 3-6 weeks. For weddings, 2-4 months. If at any time you need a rush on a specific image for a gift, or birthday post, just send me an email with a week's notice and i'll accommodate.

03. What do I wear to my engagement session?

Focus on being comfortable first and foremost; your photos should reflect your personality! It’s best to plan your outfits around what makes sense naturally (ie. if we’re going on a hike, wear what you would normally wear hiking). Colours that look best vary depending on your chosen location. Typically, I prefer warm shades (red, orange, yellow) over cool shades (green, blue) but neutrals are always safe. Avoid logos, too many patterns and try your best to compliment your partner's outfit instead of directly matching. Accessories can be great, but be mindful of when accessories can be distracting - for instance, watches are usually best to leave at home unless they have sentimental meaning to you. For longer sessions, it's sometimes nice to plan 2 outfits - one more formal, another casual. If your session is longer than 1 hour, we should have time to do a wardrobe change. If this sounds overwhelming, don’t stress! Upon booking a session with me, I’ll send you over a nice little style guide in your prep questionnaire that lays it all out with examples. At any time, you can email me photos of what you're considering and I'll guide you in the right direction. Film stocks can often pull some colours more generously than others, so we can chat about your interest in film and how that expresses through your clothes!

04. How long do sessions last? Does the listed time include travel?

Standard sessions will usually range between 1-2 hours, weddings usually average 8 hours. Travel to/from a session is not included in this, but time within the start/end is. For example, if a wedding has booked 8-hours and takes a 1-hour lunch break in between ceremony and reception, this time would be considered “on the clock” as will time driving between locations at an engagement shoot.

05. What does your pricing breakdown include?

Pricing for my packages includes time, skill, service, a print release, fully edited photographs, film stock and development as well as a downloadable e-gallery. Other considerations for fees that the photographer accumulates include equipment upgrades, software subscriptions, domain fees, website upgrades, second shooters, client meetings, administrative time and education to name a few. Photographers often don't set rates "hourly" but instead take all above fees into account when creating a standard session rate. Since film is offered for all sessions, I price based on average film overhead as well (developing, scanning + physical materials).

06. What benefit does a second shooter add? Should we have one?

A second shooter provides insurance for the main photographer in the case of any equipment failures or emergencies, and it also gives ease for capturing more than one angle during ceremonies. A second shooter is helpful during the morning for "getting ready" photos since I simply can't be in two places at once. It is not required to have one, and typically I would only recommend adding it on if your guest count exceeds 150 people, or if you are getting ready at locations more than 30 minutes apart from each other. I’ve found I am able to confidently capture all the major moments, including multiple ceremony reactions on my own after many years of practice in the industry! Always happy to custom quote if a second shooter is necessary on a case-by-case basis. 

07. We’re so awkward. How will you get good photos of us?

Would you believe me if I said a majority of all couples worry about this? You're not alone! I definitely don’t expect you to be professional models and most couples go through this for the first time, just like you. We’ll take some time to get to know each other and hopefully embrace an activity of sorts for the first portion of the shoot (games, having a drink, hiking around, playing with your dog). When I do start taking photos, the process is extremely chill. I’ll gently guide you to interact together in ways that allow me to capture candid moments in a flattering way. It’ll be fun – promise!

08. What’s your editing style?

My editing style is inspired by film, which has a moody intimate vibe without sacrificing true colours, accurate skin tones, or overall clarity of an image. I love to create timeless images that won’t feel like they have an expiry date with any trends or fads. With all of my sessions, you’ll receive a curated collection of both colour and black and white images. Photos will match the setting we're in (ie. sometimes bright, sometimes dark - all depends on lighting!)

09. Can we get our black and white images in colour as well?

Not all black and white images will be delivered in colour. Black and white is an artistic decision, and in some cases, the shot was taken on film so no colour version will exist. I do my best to ensure there is a similar colour variation in most cases, but do not duplicate the images to accommodate this. Various things might affect the reasoning for making a photo black and white, such as unflattering lighting that doesn't translate as nicely in colour, or simply an emotion/mood that feels more clearly communicated in a simplified black and white image. I'm super intentional with each photo and why it might be a certain way to ensure black and white images amplify the overall quality of the gallery. 

10. How many images will we get?

This can vary based on location, activities and more but typically you can expect anywhere between 50-75 photos per hour of shooting. I shoot thousands (yes!) of images, and then go through and pick out the very best to edit and curate for you. I’m always happy to share final albums with inquiring couples to get a sense of what the full product looks like. 

11. What do and don’t you edit?

I’ll tone and retouch each photo individually (ohh yeah friend, this takes time) so that they meet the quality of my style on my website, social media + portfolio. I’ll colour correct your images to match any analog film stills captured as well. I’m happy to remove pimples and blemishes, as well as small stains on shirts (hey, I get it … receptions get wild). I don’t alter bodies, photoshop humans or dogs or re-edit galleries after they’ve been delivered. I ask that clients get to know my style to ensure that we’re a good fit. 

12. Do you work off a “shot list”?

I work with couples to determine around 15-20 family photo combinations that “can’t be missed” but this is the extent of the shot list that I work with. I prefer to capture the day as it happens and find shot lists to take away from my documentary approach.

13. Will you take a photo of us with each of our guests?

Formally, no. Though there will be plenty of candids of most of your guests enjoying the event. I recommend couples make a short list of family photo combinations to capture during a designated time, but do want couples to feel excited by my documentary and candid approach. It is crucial to allow me to mingle throughout the day and notice moments as they unfold in order to get an album rooted in storytelling. If couples are interested in extended standard photos with guests smiling at the camera, photo booths can be a great way to take these photos throughout your reception. 

14. How do meals work and where would you prefer to sit at our wedding?

Photographers are to be fed a meal at dinner. Typically a break is taken during dinner to eat and recharge before the dancing begins. A quick snap of each speech and reaction is usually sufficient. I’m comfortable sitting wherever is convenient for you! Some couples will sit me at a table with guests or family, others will have me at a side table or in a nearby room. It’s best to have me close enough to hear when a speech is about to happen. Meals are to be provided for any applicable Super 8 assistant or second shooters as well.

15. What happens if we need to postpone? 

Postponements may be allowed for reasonable emergencies (ie. COVID pandemic). In the case of a postponement to a new calendar year, the couple can expect inflation and/or re-booking fees as well as secondary deposits to be paid.

16. Are we able to remove hours at a later date?

Packages may be upgraded at any time but refunds will not be issued. This means unused hours will not be refunded, nor will downgrades be accepted once a contract has been signed.

17. What is your selection or “culling” process like?

I cull albums to remove things like unintentionally blurry photos, blinks and duplicates. I go through your photos an average of 3 times to ensure nothing important is missed and that I’ve curated a great selection of images for you in a quantity that isn’t overwhelming to sift through. 

18. What is your backup workflow? 

Have peace of mind that your wedding day is covered. When I get in from a wedding the first thing I do is back up my memory cards (my camera copies each image onto 2 cards so that there is already an automatic back up) onto a hard drive. I then back up that harddrive onto another working drive where I’ll edit your previews. I keep your images on the memory cards in a locked, fireproof safe along with the backed up hard drive copies until all files have been safely delivered. Your Lightroom catalogues are also backed up onto the cloud for added security. 

19. What if you get sick and can’t attend our wedding?

In the event that I’m unable to attend your event, I will appoint a qualified associate photographer who has worked with me in the past to take my place. Depending on the situation, I may also provide a second shooter at no additional cost to you. I will still complete all admin and editing responsibilities if able! 

20. How can we set our photographer up for success?

I love when couples share their vision for non-photography related elements with me to inspire the tone for the day - send me a photo of your dress, suit, veil, shoes, flower colour palette, music choices, food, entertainment etc. It’s nice when couples share their plans for ceremony location and ask for assistance with lighting and timeline questions. I'm always happy to provide guidance based on my previous experience. A photographer can only show up and capture what already exists so it’s important to invest and set priorities that give your event the ambiance you’re seeking. Ask me about my preferred vendors if you’re seeking recommendations, or ask me about "mood boards" for a more detailed run down for how best to communicate your vision to photographers! 

21. How and how often will we communicate?

Communication should take place over email unless a call has been scheduled or text preferences have been communicated (for example, I only open up texting to couples on the weekend of their wedding, all other times, email is my preference). I love to chat with couples about non-wedding related things over DM and text so feel free to send me dog videos etc. but please respect my work boundaries to help us all stay organized. We can communicate as much or as little as you’d like! It is the expectation that the couple will communicate when they are in need of support, and that they will reach out to book things like engagement sessions. Wedding planning flows best when everyone is on the same page, so if you are in need of a rush on anything or have deadlines to hit within your own planning, please let me know. It goes a long way to introduce your vendors to each other as well so that you don’t always feel like you’re playing messenger. As a reminder, all binding agreements must be signed via a formal contract. Verbal or text confirmations are not binding.

22. Where do you reside?

Currently I’m based between British Columbia (Squamish/Victoria) and Ontario (Hamilton) in the summer months because my family is split between the two provinces. I love rock climbing, hiking and embrace any adventures I can on my days off, making me open to travel outside of these cities. I also work and visit Montreal and Halifax regularly and love photographing clients when I’m in the area. In the winter/off-season, I settle in with my partner in Hamilton, Ontario. With destination clients, I travel all over so feel free to let me know if you're curious about setting up a shoot outside of Canada! There's a chance I can accommodate fee-free if i'm already booked in the area. 

23. Can we have our RAW files?

I don’t deliver RAW files or physical negatives. This is standard practice for photographers as this medium is considered an unfinished product.

24. How much photographic film will we get?

It depends on the couple’s interest in film as well as the lighting at your wedding. Analog photography is a fun service that I include in sessions and weddings as appropriate. Conditions such as weather can affect how many film photos your receive and I encourage couples to view this as a bonus to their existing digital gallery. Digital photos will take priority unless otherwise requested. Chat with me if you're looking for advice on how to maximize film on your day! 

25. Do you offer video?

I offer Super8 highlight reels as an add on but do not offer formal digital video coverage. 

26. What is an adventure session?

Adventure sessions typically take place at sunrise so that we have the luxury of empty landscapes when you put back on your wedding attire before or after your big day. This session works as an opportunity to slow down and capture additional wedding portraits in a setting that may not have been accessible on your wedding date itself. It is to take place within 6 months of your wedding day in the destination of your choice. Location scouting + planning is included. The boundaries for this session are wide open so feel free to inquire about travelling to unique landscapes both near and far.

27. How do we book you?

Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis once deposits have been paid (25%) and contracts have been signed (e-transfer and e-signature are great). E-transfers can be paid to connect@rachelconnell.com. Please fill out the contact form if you’re ready to see a contract and take the next step!