first, a quick walkthrough of the process
Q&A | weddings
What's the average cost of your wedding services?
My couples spend, on average, around $6000. This is usually because they add on an engagement session and a 2nd photographer.
how do i reserve you for my wedding?
A $1000 non-refundable retainer and a signed contract is all that's needed for me to reserve your wedding date.
Is a 2nd photographer included?
No. But a 2nd photographer can be added on to your wedding package. I have different rates depending on how many hours they're added on for, so make sure to contact me for current rates.
Do I need a 2nd photographer?
I recommend adding a 2nd photographer if:
- multiple photographic moments are happening at the same time,
- you and your partner will be getting ready in separate locations,
- you and your partner would like multiple angles captured,
- your wedding timeline is dense
Where are you based and do you travel?
I'm currently based in the East Bay. My main service areas that don't require additional fees are between the Monterey/Carmel, Livermore, SF, and Napa/Sonoma County areas.
I'm available to travel to wherever your love takes me, though! My passport is ready to go!
For locations requiring an overnight stay, I suggest having me arrive 1-2 days before your wedding (depending on the location) and stay 1-2 day(s) after the wedding (depending on the location).
Locations that are outside of Sonoma County, Napa County, the Bay Area, and Monterey, will require an overnight stay + travel fee. To get a quote, please inquire through my contact page.
When will we get our photos?
Sneak Peeks are delivered within 1 week after your wedding.
You'll receive your full gallery within a maximum of 12 weeks.
You can download all the photos from the gallery, share them, choose your favorites, and also order prints!
How many pictures will we receive?
For a wedding with 8 hours coverage, you will receive between 600 to 800 fully edited images that best tells the full story of your wedding day. This final count depends on how much is going on during the wedding. If you add on a 2nd photographer, it could be anywhere between 700 - 900 final images.
can we get the raw files too?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: I edit all the shots that look amazing and best retell the story of your wedding day. A lot of the shots I leave out are multiples of the same shot, someone's eyes are closed, or it's blurry.
If you absolutely need and want the RAW files, it is an additional $10,000 and you'll receive them in a USB that will be mailed to you.
have you photographed at my venue before?
The likely answer might be "No." But if I haven't been to your venue before, I always make time to scout your venue one hour before my start time on your wedding day.
can i give you a photo/shot list?
Of course! I usually cover this with my detailed wedding photo questionnaire, which I send about a month before your wedding. This questionnaire will help me collect info about what kinds of photos you'd like, when they'll happen, and it'll help me build your family photo list, as well!
when should i send you my wedding timeline?
As soon as you have one! I like to be prepared ahead of time so I at least have an idea of how the day will plan out and give any suggestions if you like.
when will we receive our USB/prints/album?
8" x 12" prints and USB: I mail these together. It takes about 2-4 weeks to customize and order your products, then another 2 weeks to do a quality check and package it. So, tops, 6 weeks AFTER you've sent me your print selections. This turnaround may change, though, depending on if it's my super busy season.
10" x 10" Wedding Album: After the final draft has been approved, the turnaround is about 8 weeks (more during busy season). I'll do a quality check on the album and then package it and send it. At most, it'll take about 10 weeks to receive your album.
Can I see a full wedding gallery before booking?
Absolutely! When you inquire, just let me know that you'd like to check some galleries out and I'll send a couple links over.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Zelle.
Due to the risk of mail theft, I no longer accept mailed checks.
do you offer videography services?
I do not. BUT I do know some very talented videographers that I can refer you to. IN FACT, when you officially book with me, I can send you a list of my preferred vendors that includes videographers, DJs, florists, hair and make up artists, etc., and out-of-the box vendors (such as boba caterers or mobile bartenders/bar carts), etc.! I've worked with most of the vendors on my list. The ones I haven't worked with come highly recommended from other friendors (vendor friends).
Are you insured?
Yes! If your venue needs a vendor's proof of insurance, simply let me know and I can provide the documents they need. The easiest and less stressful way is to give your venue my email contact, hello@dianeb-photography.com, and they can directly request and receive the documents.