What is your Approach and style as far as shooting goes?

I go for “authentic and real”. I want to capture your true personalities. I use fun techniques to get you talking and laughing. I also try to be very sneaky and behind the scenes as much as possible, with also giving you direction when the time calls for it.

How long until I get my images back?

For weddings, 6-8 weeks.

For sessions, 1-2 weeks.

I love what I see on your blog, but can I view a full wedding?

Yes! I have some full galleries that I have asked permission from brides to share, just ask!

Do you blog and share everything you shoot?

In a perfect world I would blog and post everything. Unfortunately I don’t always get around to it, especially in my busy seasons, I want to focus on the needs of my clients. To see my latest work, check out my social media pages.

Can I send you ideas of photos I had in mind?

I am always open to your ideas. I can’t guarantee we can do all of them but I will do my best. you are welcome to share your pinterest board with me if you have one and I will definitely check it out to see what you had in mind. Or you can email me some photos or share them on your wedding day, I am always open to your suggestions and thoughts.

I see a 2nd shooter is included in most wedding packages, what is their role?

Mostly to drink coffee with me in the morning and feed me snacks with I’m hungry.

jk 

I like to have a 2nd shooter with me for the added security of capturing everything we can and for the fact that I can’t be in two places at once. My 2nd shooter will be grabbing different angles, helping me keep track of the timeline, paying attention to detail (fixing necklaces, hair etc). While I may be getting wide shots, I may have them grab the close ups. Plus, it just makes it so much more fun!

How long have you been shooting?

I started shooting when I was in college in about 2008. I was studying video and there wasn’t a photography department at my college at the time, so I am basically self-taught. I started shooting weddings in 2009, shot on my own for a bit and then switched to shooting weddings for another company. In 2013 I decided to invest and re-brand as “Sarah Jane photography” and officially went full time in 2015. I have shot over 250 weddings since the beginning.

What about video?

Some people don’t realize how valuable a wedding video may be. Your day flies by and you miss so much. To me, Video is just as important as photo. You can not book me personally for video at this time (a common question I get asked), But you can book through me so you don’t have to go through the hassle of communicating with another vendor. We have all worked together several times and have good system in which we work, which is why it is helpful to book us together. Ask me about the video packages and we can talk further.

Will you help us with our timeline?

Yes! I’m happy to send you sample timelines. Also, when it gets closer to the date I will send you a questionnaire that provides me with information so no detail gets missed. I will them make a photo timeline based on that info.

How far in advance should we book?

For Weddings I book about 1-1/2 years in advance but also tend to book a lot of last minute weddings if I am available.

For sessions I book a few months in advance. Especially fall, would be good to book a few months in advance but don’t hesitate to ask about last minute sessions. I’m always as flexible as I can be.

Will you travel to my wedding or session?

I’m always open to traveling. There is a small fuel fee after the first 60 miles and the possibility of overnight accommodations. My most popular out of state weddings are in Chicago!

What if I don’t want my photos online?

No problem. I understand that some people do not want their photos online for the world to see, especially when it comes to kids. Just let me know ahead of time and I can adjust the contract accordingly.

What if you get sick or something happens to you and you cannot shoot my wedding?

Sometimes unpredictable events occur. If something were to happen, we would talk about a plan together. Luckily I know a lot of photographers in the community that would always be willing to save the day. I would contact them immediately. I keep my 2nd shooter in the loop and send a timeline to them ahead of time, so luckily they would know the plan of the day as well in case of an emergency.

In 2018 for the first time ever, I got a case of the flu the night before a wedding. So I had my 2nd shooter become the lead and I hired a replacement 2nd shooter. I am so lucky to have photographers who have shot with me multiple times and know my flow, so I felt completely confident in them. I still edited the photos and they turned out amazing!

 

 

 

Do you bring back-up equipment and lighting?

I always have 3-4 cameras with me on a wedding day and several lenses between my 2nd shooter and I. I shoot with double card slots for added security.

I do bring my flash that will be used mostly at the reception but I like to use natural light as much as I can.

 Do you Photoshop?

I use presets in lightroom. And can do minor adjustments in photoshop if needed. Extensive editing (such as removing tattoos etc) can be done for an extra fee.