Wedding Photographer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How far in advance should we book our engagement session with our Tampa wedding photographer?

A: I recommend booking your engagement session about 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. This ensures we have plenty of time to secure your preferred seasonal date, and more importantly, it guarantees you’ll have the finished photos back in time to order and mail out save-the-dates, which typically go out 6 to 8 months before the wedding. Planning ahead is key for a stress-free process!

Q2: How long does an engagement session typically last?

A: My standard engagement sessions range from 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours. This duration allows us enough time to move between 1-2 locations, incorporate a wardrobe change, and capture a variety of shots without feeling rushed. We always prioritize shooting during the “golden hour” for the best light, so the start time is dictated by the sunset or sunrise.

Q3: What should we wear to our pre-wedding shoot?

A: I always suggest bringing two outfits: one formal/dressy and one casual/everyday. The key is to choose clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in, and that coordinate with your partner’s without being perfectly matching. Think complementary colors and textures, avoiding busy patterns or neon colors that can distract from your faces. Most importantly, wear something that feels authentic to your personal style.

Q4: Can we bring our dog or other pets to our engagement session?

A: Absolutely! I love incorporating pets—they’re family, after all! However, there are a few considerations. We need to select a pet-friendly location (like many parks, but generally not indoor venues or certain beaches). I also highly recommend having a friend or family member join us for the first part of the shoot to handle your pet once we’ve captured the shots you want, allowing us to finish the session focused just on the two of you.

Q5: What’s the difference between a pre-wedding shoot and an engagement session?

A: In the US, the terms are often used interchangeably, referring to a portrait session held before the wedding. In some cultures, a “pre-wedding shoot” is a more stylized, sometimes elaborate, session featuring the couple in their wedding attire or themed outfits, often used for display at the reception. My “engagement session” is focused on capturing your natural, everyday love, used primarily for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and to build rapport with your photographer.

Q6: Should we hire the same photographer for our engagement photos and our wedding?

A: Yes, absolutely! It’s one of the biggest benefits of a combined package. The engagement session serves as a crucial “trial run.” You get to know my shooting style, learn my posing cues, and most importantly, we build trust and rapport. This familiarity is invaluable, ensuring you’ll be completely relaxed and natural in front of my camera on your wedding day, leading to much more authentic and beautiful wedding photography.