I do! While I mostly shoot in the mountain state, couples have taken me to amazing places in the name of love & beautiful images. I’ve been to California, Alaska, Costa Rica, Washington state, and all states that border West Virginia to name a few. Traveling and taking photos in different places gives me inspiration. I also think that if the location is relative to you and your relationship, that you'll feel most comfortable together in that setting.
Since I work on-location, and weather is unpredictable, it is an obvious reality that the session *could* get rescheduled. However, I always keep some room on my calendar for back-up dates as I want you to get the most out of your time with me. Also know that in the past I've been able to get beautiful portraits on wedding days even if it rains. Sometimes to get the best images you just have to embrace the moment. Check out this rainy wedding day. & if weather hinders portraits on your wedding day, you can always schedule an "After Session" to make up for lost time.
I get this a lot. & trust me, everyone feels this way if they have never had professional photos taken apart from senior portraits. Let me say this, engagement sessions are great because it’s an opportunity to connect with how I work & allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera prior to your wedding day. Check out this review from a 2019 couple, Caleb & Elizabeth - We as a couple are both uncomfortable in front of a lens. That being said, Lauren is incredible with the “people” aspect of photography. Neither of us felt pressured, uncomfortable, or out of our element when she was working. We enjoyed the ease of communication and told Lauren to get creative and independent as she wanted with her art – that paid off in dividends. Our photos are so beautiful.
I typically book a year-year and a half out for a wedding and 2-4 months out for portrait sessions, depending on the time of the year. (Spring/Summer/Fall are extremely busy)
For weddings the standard is 4-8 weeks.
For portraits it's 1-3. Sometimes less, depending on the season.
I use a limited amount of photoshop. Typically no photoshop is needed throughout the editing process. Sometimes I’ll need to correct blemishes, fix stray hairs, or take a stain out of a dress & that is no problem. However, if it’s something I’m unable to achieve myself I can always outsource an image to a retouch specialist. Doing so may incur a small fee, but that is rarely needed.
I do not share all raw images. I promise to cull your final gallery and deliver only the BEST images. I tend to take a couple thousand images on a full wedding day, and most of those are duplicates, blurry, or un-flattering. Plus, you’re hiring me for my expertise and final touch. Not my unfinished work. Depending on the timeframe of your day and moments that unfold naturally, I deliver anywhere from 400-800 images for “full coverage” days.
Short answer, no it does not make a difference. Shooting in different places completely inspires me. I heavily research any venue I shoot at prior to the day of your wedding & always make sure to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to my start time in order to scout the grounds of the location. For Jenna & Amy & Lauren's weddings I had not worked at the location prior to their wedding days.
I understand that dresses are expensive. If you’re ok with your dress getting dirty that’s great because we can try any shot we want. Especially when it rains I try my best to avoid dirt & things of that nature. If you’re having an outside wedding keep in mind that your dress will get a little dirty if you’re wearing a light color. However, I’m able to position you and your dress in ways that you can’t see any discoloration. & occasionally I’m able to photoshop spots out depending on various factors. However, 9 times out of 10 you won’t see anything on the bottom of your dress in pictures. To be honest I have never had a problem with brides worrying about their dress after they get their wedding pictures. They’re just so happy with the images. If you let yourself worry too much in the moment that WILL show through your images. Trust that I will take care of your gown as if it were my own.