Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful questions and answers to make the perfect wedding photography experience!
Please also read over the informative wedding guide below
FAQs + Wedding Guide
+ Why do couples + families love working with you?
Couples love working with me because I help make them feel comfortable and at ease. They love how light-hearted, fun, and energized I am on wedding day and appreciate how organized and communicative I am leading up to their big day.
+ What is your philosophy regarding photography?
I mainly try to blend your style and comfort with my unique sense of wedding photography rooted in photojournalism, fine-art fun, and fashion. I love using creative lighting, original perspectives, and angles to create artistic compositions that splendidly tell your wedding story!
+ Will you help with posing?
+ How I describe my editing style
True to life, bold, rich, clean, alive, and vibrant.
+ How many pictures will we receive?
For eight hours of coverage, you will receive approximately 700 fully edited images. I choose quality over quantity to tell your story.
+ Can I see a full wedding from start to finish?
I always encourage you to view a full day's wedding coverage to see the consistency of my work, (or any potential photographer), this is a great way to see how well I perform on wedding day.
+ When will we receive our photos?
I strive to get your photos edited and delivered within 4 weeks, usually sooner:)
+ Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, I do, and many wedding venues require $1 million liability coverage.
+ What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?
I understand not everything goes as planned on wedding day and I will check in with you at the end of your contracted time to see if we feel we have covered everything. I'm happy to stay a bit after, then pro-rate in 30 minute increments as related to the hourly contract.
+ How do I reserve you for my date?
All dates are reserved once I receive your signed contract and deposit. I often receive multiple inquires for the same date, so always a good idea to commit when you're ready to go.
+ How much is your retainer and is it refundable?
I ask for $1000 retainer to hold your date, I'm 100% yours. It's also easy to make changes to your package after booking. Retainers are not refundable as I get several inquires for same dates, however, if rescheduling, your retainer will go towards your new date if I'm available.
+ Where are you based and do you travel?
I call Davis, Ca. home but shoot many of my weddings and events in Sacramento, San Francisco, and the greater Bay-Area.
Zoart Photography Wedding Guide
I’ve experienced and learned many things photographing weddings in the past 15 years, so here are a few tips and suggestions to help your day run smoothly! I’d love to help you plan, coordinate, and collaborate from engagement to wedding end!
Hair and Make-up
This has a 5 out of 5 chance to run late and into the start of shooting time, so plan to be finished one hour sooner. The bride shouldn’t go last as we can start with touch-up, candids, and the girls in robes before getting you into the dress.
Keep the room tidy as this will make for much better pictures.
When I first arrive I will shoot all your details, flowers, shoes, rings, invitations, and your dress. If you have everything out and together, that will be super helpful.
Plan for at least one hour of bridal prep.
The Guys
I typically cover the guys while the bride is getting into her dress if we’re at the same location, otherwise I will meet you at the ceremony location a little early.
Boutonnieres are good to have at the getting ready location and are usually a challenge to put on, as well as bow ties that need tying…good things to look up prior to wedding day.
First Look
This helps with getting couple, bridal party, and immediate family pictures covered prior to ceremony. I suggest starting the day three hours before ceremony time, otherwise at least two hours prior with no first look.
Family Formals
When properly organized, group portraits can be done beautifully and quickly so that your families can go off and have fun! I recommend having a designated family member from each side help corral your family, also please have a picture list of names that someone can call out for us.
Wedding Party Photos
Quality over quantity for wedding party pictures. It’s better to take time in one location rather than trying to move large groups around.
Couple's Portraits
We usually have time for two or three sessions, depending on first look. A few after ceremony and then again close to sunset, so best to schedule that into the timeline.
The Reception
I will follow the timeline we have coordinated and stay flexible with how the flow of the evening goes. Sometimes things get moved around because they make more sense in the moment but I will always be in touch.
Dinner > Toasts
Toasts and speeches usually happen towards the end of dinner and the first item on the evening’s agenda that should stay on time.
Table Visits
After dinner, couples sometimes like to visit tables and greet their guests. I will typically cover this as candids unless you want to set up pictures. I will keep you moving along as this can run long. We had a new idea recently where if buffet dinner, the DJ will dismiss tables one at a time having them stop at your table for a quick visit and photo, a much better picture option in my opinion!
Have Fun!
The best piece of advice in this wedding guide I can give you is to forget about the camera. Take in every moment you can and remember this is your day to enjoy to the fullest. Focus on each other and your loved ones that have come to celebrate with you!