Frequently Asked Questions
If there’s something not answered here, please email me at info@lizstewartphoto.com.
BOOKING
How do we book Liz Stewart Photography for our wedding date?
The first step is
SCHEDULE A CONSULT NOW! After we talk, I send a proposal and contract. You may sign online and reserve your date.
How long before our wedding should we book Liz?
On average, weddings are booked 8 to 18 months in advance. If you are in the early stages of planning and considering potential wedding dates, reach out and ask about availability.
How do we schedule the phone consultation?
How long will the consultation take?
Usually 30 minutes to an hour.
How much is average cost for wedding photography?
Optimal wedding coverage begins at $4,800, plus tax. Each hour in the first eight hours of coverage, with two photographers, is
$600. Each additional hour is
$500.
See full pricing details here.
What’s the lowest cost for wedding Photography?
All weddings with more than four hours of coverage or more than 50 guests need two photographers. An intimate wedding (i.e., no more than 50 guests) is $500 per hour. Optimal wedding coverage is 8 hours.
When are payments due?
The first 50% of your payment is due 6 months before the event date. The remaining balance is due two weeks before the event date.
Does Liz Stewart Photography accept credit cards?
Yes. You may pay online through the Honeybook platform with a credit card or a direct bank transfer. You may also pay by mailing a check.
Can we customize a package without a 2nd photographer?
Yes, but only if the event is being held within 10 miles of Washington, includes less than 50 guests, and does not exceed 6 hours of coverage.
Does Liz Stewart Photography provide videography services?
I do not provide video, but I can provide recommendations for my favorite local videographers.
FILES
How are the image files saved and archived?
Files are backed up in three different locations: on my computer, a Dropbox cloud, and an external hard drive. I also keep the images on CF and SD cards until all images are saved in these three spots.
How long will my files be archived?
I will hold onto RAW files for one year after the session date. One year after the session I delete the RAW files.
Can I download high-resolution images?
Yes, you may download high-res images directly through the online gallery as many times as you’d like.
What is the resolution of the images?
The final images are exported at 240 dpi.
Are the final image files watermarked?
No, there are no watermarks on the images.
PRINTS
Do we have permission to print the images?
Yes, you may print as many times as you’d like.
Can I order prints through Liz?
Yes, you may order prints directly through your online gallery. The gallery is connected to my preferred printer, mpix, and offers a variety of print sizes in E-Surface paper. It is semi-gloss paper with vibrant colors and excellent skin tones.
You can learn more about the company here.
How large can I print my images?
I recommend a maximum of 30 inches on the longest side of your print. You can go larger, but may lose some detail and definition.
Can I print my images in both color, and black and white?
Yes, you will receive each image in full color and black/white.
Do you offer albums?
Yes. The Signature Album is printed by Kiss and features seamless, lay flat pages. The layouts flow organically from one page to the next because the ink is printed seamlessly over each of the album spread’s center creases. Thick pages have a 1mm substrate in between each spread so they won’t bend. The photos are printed on a matte paper, giving the image a velvety and classic feel. The album’s one-piece wraparound cover in either genuine Italian, full grain, moisture resistant leather or high-quality, luxury linen are timeless choices for your first family heirloom.
Detailed information about albums can be found here.
PROCESS
What kind of equipment does Liz use?
I use Canon equipment to shoot weddings and Leica for my personal work. I have a two Canon Mark iii 5d bodies and an assortment of lenses to meet every need: a 70-200mm lens (for long range), a 24-70mm lens (for medium range), a 16-35mm lens (for wide-angle), and various prime lenses (35 mm, 50mm, and 100 mm). For difficult lighting conditions, I have three Canon 600EX- RT speedlite units, and for editing, I use Adobe InDesign, Lightroom, and Photoshop.
What happens to the images when they are edited?
I consider many variables when editing. Most importantly, I want your photos to accurately represent the subject and environment. I may make additional adjustments for composition, color cast, highlights, shadows, etc.
When will we receive wedding images?
Clients receive a Sneak Peek in an online gallery three days after the wedding date. Final delivery of all the images is four to six weeks after the wedding date.
When will we receive engagement images?
Clients receive a Sneak Peek in an online gallery three days after the engagement session date. Final delivery of all the images is three to five weeks after the engagement session date.
How many images can we expect to receive in the final gallery?
Clients receive somewhere between 60-100 fully edited images for every hour of photography coverage. Each image is delivered in full color and black/white.
Will images be shot on film?
No, I do not shoot on film in my commercial practice.
Who owns the copyright to the final images?
Liz Stewart Photography own the copyright to the images.
Who is the second photographer?
I have several photographers I like to have with me on wedding days. They are all talented, use the same equipment as me, and have professional attitudes. Many of them run their own photography businesses.
Do we need a permit for pictures at monuments and memorials?
The National Parks Service requires that any commercial photographer have a pre-approved permit for scheduled shoots. The cost is $140. These funds go directly to maintaining and improving the parks. I will secure the permit and invoice the cost to the client.
WEDDING DAYS
Why should I hire (and pay for) a day-of coordinator?
If you do not have a planner or a day-of coordinator, those obligations will inevitably fall on someone else’s shoulders. Many times, those responsibilities (e.g., gathering family for group photos or directing the reception) have necessarily fallen on me and ultimately distract from my job, permanently capturing your wedding day. I will provide listings for my favorite planners and day-of coordinators.
How much time do I need for getting ready photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen?
I like to have at least 45 minutes each for the bride and groom. If we have two photographers, we can photograph each person at the same time.
What is a First Look?
A “first look” is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony, when they can share a private moment when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. I love photographing these precious moments and then moving right into Bride & Groom portraits immediately after.
Why should I consider a First Look?
When you have a First Look, you open up the opportunity to photograph formals of the Bride & Groom with the wedding party and family. This typically results in more time for portraits with the Bride & Groom alone, freeing them up for time to join a larger portion of their cocktail hour post-ceremony. It is also a nice way to ease any nerves.
What is an unplugged ceremony and why should I consider one?
Cell phones, tablets, and personal cameras do not only distract from your ceremony, they can obstruct photography. It’s simple to implement an “unplugged ceremony,” with a request in your wedding program or on your wedding website, followed up by a quick reminder before the ceremony.
How much time do I need to set aside for family formals?
Family formals normally take around 30-minutes to an hour (depending on the complexity of your family and Shot List).
What are the most common family and wedding party group formals?
B&G W/ BRIDE’S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
B&G W/ BRIDE’S PARENTS
B&G W/ BRIDE’S SIBLINGS
BRIDE W/ HER PARENTS
BRIDE W/ MOM
BRIDE W/ DAD
B&G W/ BRIDE’S GRANDPARENTS
B&G W/ BOTH SETS OF PARENTS
B&G W/ GROOM’S IMMEDIATE FAMILY
B&G W/ GROOM’S PARENTS
B&G W/ GROOM’S SIBLINGS
GROOM W/ HIS PARENTS
GROOM W/ MOM
GROOM W/ DAD
B&G W/ GROOM’S GRANDPARENTS
B&G W/ ALL FAMILY MEMBERS
How much time do I need for my wedding party formals?
Typically, about 45 minutes is sufficient.
What are the most common wedding party group formals?
B&G w/ BRIDESMAIDS + GROOMSMEN, B&G w/ BRIDESMAIDS, B&G w/ GROOMSMEN, BRIDE w/ BRIDESMAIDS, BRIDE w/ each BRIDESMAID, GROOM w/GROOMSMEN, GROOM w/ each GROOMSMAN
What is a timeline?
The timeline document lists every event on the wedding day. It should include transportation logistics, deadlines for hair and makeup, final touches on decor, introductions, etc. I will provide a sample timeline to get you started.
What is a shot list?
A “shot list” details every family formal photo that you’d like taken. It includes the name of each person and their relationship to either the bride or groom. Keep in mind that the more photo options and variations you have listed, the longer it will take to accomplish. Additionally, the larger the group of people included in a photograph, the longer it will take to set up for photographing. I will send along a sample shot list to get you started.
EXPERTISE
Where did your photography career begin?
I attended the University of Georgia, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with photography emphasis in 2013. I studied mostly film/analog techniques, including preparing chemicals and developing my own negatives and prints. Those experiences, including the critical process in the classroom, continue to inform my work today.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I photographed my first wedding in 2013, one month after graduating from college.
What do you wear on a wedding day?
I like to wear a dress on wedding days. I have a few favorites, but they are all very similar: black-and-white minimalistic print, knee-length, and preferably one that includes pockets! I love the Leota brand, as well as J Crew, Banana Republic, and Three Dots.
What if you’re unable to make it on a wedding day?
I’ve never missed a booked wedding (knock on wood!) and would consider myself “unable” to perform only in extraordinary circumstances. Your second photographer would become the lead photographer and a replacement second photographer would be provided.
What’s your favorite part about being a photographer?
I relish the connection with other people from capturing this special event in their lives. It is an honor to be trusted with this responsibility.
