Hi! We get a lot of questions this time of year…everything from: tell me about yourself, to the kind of equipment we use, to what we’re going to wear on your wedding day. So, I put together this FAQ to answer some of the more common (or interesting, or just plain amusing) questions we’ve received over the years:

1. What kind of experience do you have?

I feel that this is the first question that you should ask a photographer. It’s SUPER important to get along with your photographer, but if they don’t know how to, say; shoot in the rain, under low light, with location restrictions, or anything out of the ordinary, you should keep looking. I’ve been a professional photographer for 10 years. My background is in photojournalism, but I’ve primarily focused on wedding, event, and portrait photography for almost as many years. In that time, we’ve probably encountered almost any venue, lighting, or weather issue you can think of and handled them without a problem.

2. What kind of equipment do you have?

I won’t provide a total laundry list (but our extensive collection gives me the greatest excuse to indulge in my camera bag habit. Currently, my favorites are my Kelly Moore and my Undfind); however, we shoot with Canon 5D Mark II’s and bring at least 3 back up camera bodies to each wedding in addition to all Canon L-series lenses.

3. Will you bring Brian with you to my wedding?

Most of the time, yes. When he’s not available, I have some fantastic second photographers I would trust enough with my own wedding.

4. Awwww, it’s OK, bring Ian to the session! I want to meet him!

This was a comment I received a lot during the holiday season, so, thank you! I would LOVE you to meet him before he learns how to flush Lego’s down the toilet and ask to borrow the car…but this time is about YOU. Your children, your session…When you come by to pick up your photos he’s usually keeping me company in the office and he loves meeting new people (especially people with things to chew on).

5. OK, come on now…what’s your worst wedding experience?

Easy: Mine

6. Will you do my headshots?

Nope. If you want some nice, relaxed, environmental portraits showing off who you are-I’m your photographer! Headshots are an entirely different kind of photography; but I’d be happy to refer you to some great photographers.

7. How about my B-Pics?

First, I am SUPER flattered that you asked and trust me enough to do them. I think Boudoir photography is a beautiful art form and I wish I had some of those photos taken before I had Ian. Frankly, I feel that you should go to people who specialize this in art. Again, if you’d like some referrals, please just ask.

8. Do I get the rights to my images?

You can use your wedding photos for unlimited personal use-prints, photo albums; those super cute keychain or mug things…we’ll even give you a permission letter for printing.

9. Can you match the pricing you charged my friend?

Depends: when did your friend get married? If it was in the last two years-probably; just ask. If it was more than two years ago-possibly not, but I’d be happy to customize something for you.

10. So, we’re your favorite couple, right?

Is there wedding cake involved? What flavor? That’s a huge deciding factor, you know.

11. I emailed you awhile back and didn’t get your pricing-why?

We’re sorry! Please email me again. We get lots of inquiries and, unfortunately, sometimes things can be missed or end up in SPAM. Also, as a side note-if you’re another photographer and you want to know my pricing please don’t pose as a bride or groom. Just ask and I’d be happy to send it to you.

12. Will you go anywhere for an engagement session?

Assuming there are no geese involved, sure! Some packages include local engagement sessions and some include sessions anywhere in the Los Angeles or Orange County areas. We can work something out-let us know where you want to go. Along those lines, if you need some suggestions, I’d be MORE than happy to provide you with some!

13. Why didn’t you blog my session?

That’s a good question. It’s NOTHING personal-honest. I send all of my couples and clients samples within 2 weeks of their event-usually a lot sooner (some may even have their photos done at that point). Until recently I’ve been focusing on emailing and Facebooking (like us on Facebook) the images. Blogging does take a lot of time, BUT, I’m actually making a point this year to try and blog the majority of my sessions. Some, I can’t due to privacy (or shyness) reasons but expect a lot more posts on the blog this year.

14. Where do you work? Can I come over?

Lots of places! Sometimes, I work with other photographers at their studios, sometimes: Starbucks or Coffee Bean for a change of scenery…but most of the time I work out of my home office. If you’re not allergic to cats or babies, you’re welcome to come by and meet me (and Ian and One Eye) there.

15. What if you haven’t been to my venue before?

On the off chance I haven’t had the opportunity to photograph your venue before, we offer free walk-throughs of your venue before your event. In fact, this is a service we offer even if we HAVE been to your venue before. I may know your venue inside and out, but there may be parts of your venue that you love and want to show us. Please do!

16. So, then, what ARE you going to wear to my wedding?

I always thought it was a given that wedding vendors wore nice, (usually dark) clothes. Over the years I’ve seen vendors wearing anything from t-shirts to jeans! I never know what to say when I see that – I am blown away! We always wear wedding-appropriate dark clothes to your event.

17. Can I tell you what photos I want taken for my wedding?

Oh my…I have a long overdue post coming about “shot lists” but for now, I’ll say just this: we have a lot of suggestions; but if there are photos that are important to you, by all means, please send them-I’d love to see them. But, please, please, don’t send me one of those pre-made lists that has suggestions like, “Bride walking down aisle,” or “bride getting ready.” LOL! Send me what matters to YOU!

18. How do I know you can shoot an entire wedding and not just 60 great images?

Good question! If you’re considering Karen Leah Photography as your event photographer; first, thank you. Second, some of my clients have agreed to have their weddings used as samples…all 800-1200 (and sometimes more) images. If after we meet (in person, over the phone, or via skype) you’d like to see an entire wedding, please let me know and I’ll send you one.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me an email and we’ll include it on an upcoming post!