Frequently Asked
Questions
I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
If there’s anything I missed please feel free to reach out here and I’m happy to help.
What’s required to book?
To secure your wedding or shoot date, I require a non-refundable booking fee (30% weddings, $200 Portraits and Branding) which will come off your total package price. I’ll also get you to sign a contract outlining my terms which protects us both. All booking is done electronically through your own client portal.
Can we meet before we book?
Absolutely!
For portrait and branding clients I offer a discovery call before booking and for wedding clients I like to meet in person or over zoom. These meetings are a great way to see if we’re a good fit and get to know each other. We’ll have a chat about your vision for your wedding, I’ll talk you through a typical timeline and what to expect from me and I’ll answer any questions you may have.
How many photos will I receive?
I have different packages available for portraits and weddings, please get in touch to request a pricing brochure that explains my packages in detail.
How many photographers will there be at my wedding?
All my wedding packages include one photographer (me) and I shoot 80% of my weddings solo which I’m fully confident doing. A second shooter is available as an add on and they are a good addition for covering the other side of the bridal party getting ready if they are not close by, along with a different perspective of the ceremony.
I use professional wedding photographers who I fully trust to capture your day in the same way I do and I edit their images so everything flows in your gallery.
What’s your main style of photography?
My style has a natural, warm and modern feel – neither airy/light or moody/dark, a nice balance of both! My passion is producing authentic images for my clients that capture precious moments in time and make you feel like you were back in that moment.
When shooting I’m inspired by the surroundings and light I’m in and the people I’m photographing.
What equipment do you use and what’s your backup process?
I use Sony cameras and lenses and shoot with two cameras that have back up memory slots – your wedding day can’t be repeated! I always have spare batteries and memory cards with me. I back up your precious memories to both hard drives and a cloud service so your images are safe while I work on them.
I hate photos! I feel awkward in front of the camera?
Honestly, the majority of my clients say this to me so you’re not alone! I promise I’ll put you at ease and help with gentle direction and tips so you don’t feel awkward, all while making it fun even! I’m confident you’re going to love the outcome and remember this is about capturing memories and special moments in time so I encourage letting go and embracing that.
If you’re getting married and really nervous about photos then I highly recommend doing an engagement shoot with me as it’s great practise and eases the nerves on the actual day.
Do you travel?
Yes I do, in fact I love to! I’m happy to travel outside of Auckland for a shoot and have photographed weddings all over NZ and internationally. Additional travel charges are required.
How far in advance do we need to book our wedding?
I only book 20-25 weddings a year and often book out 12-18months in advance during peak wedding season so I recommend getting in touch as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment.
My kids don’t sit still – I’m worried we wont get any good photos.
I’m totally used to kids who want to run around and play (I’m a mum of two boys – I get it!), but don’t worry, I have my tactics! My sessions are all about natural moments and fun. Its about creating special memories and showing personality not posing for awkward family photos. Rest assured I will capture a selection of beautiful images that reflect your family’s uniqueness.
Where do we go for our family photos?
This is something we chat through in more detail through a discovery call and I’m always happy to offer up some of my favourite locations. I encourage places that mean something to you as a family, doing an experience together (eg ice cream date at the beach) and choosing places that allow kids to run around and explore. I can also come to your home and capture everyday life!
When will we receive our photos?
Wedding clients will receive a sneak peek within a week of the wedding and final delivery is within 10 weeks – I want your images to be perfect so this means not rushing! Portrait clients receive their gallery within 3 weeks.
Delivery is made via a beautiful online gallery where you can easily favourite, download and share your images as well as order prints.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started shooting portraits in 2012 and weddings in 2013. Prior to that I worked in the fashion industry.
Can we order prints and albums through you?
Yes! I’m hugely passionate about printing your memories and your online gallery comes with a beautiful print store where you can order a variety of prints and frames. I use a professional lab for the highest quality and correct colour representation.
Fine art wedding albums are available via email order and are printed with high quality inks on museum quality archival cotton rag paper. These are flushmount albums which means the pages lay flat with no gutter. You can see examples of my albums below.
Fine Art Wedding Albums
Do you want to display your photos in a beautiful fine art album that’ll last for years to come?
I’m a big believer of tangible products
Images should be printed and enjoyed regularly, not get buried on your hard drive never to be looked at.
My albums are modern, stylish and timeless with a range of cover options. Fine art paper is finished with an archival spray to ensure they can be enjoyed for years to come and the flush mount design ensures pages lay flat with no gutter so your images can be viewed without obstruction. Each album is custom designed and made to order, ensuring the story of your day flows naturally through the pages.
“Sam was such a pro - she went with the flow to get those authentic moments, while also making sure to sneak us away for the best light of the day. We can’t recommend Sam enough, this will be the best decision you make in choosing your photographer for your special life moments.”
“Sam did such a beautiful job at capturing all the different aspects of our day, and made us feel so comfortable. She was also so helpful and professional throughout the whole process from start to finish. ”