Frequently Asked Questions
Never hesitate to reach out if you have others—I'm always happy to answer questions.
Working Together
How do you typically photograph weddings?
Photographing people comfortably starts with getting to know you ahead of time. I document moments as they unfold, without forcing poses or doing anything that feels unnatural. I’m especially drawn to in-between moments—the quiet, the candid, the real stuff.
Do you photograph elopements and microweddings?
Absolutely. I photograph weddings of all kinds, from full-day celebrations to microweddings and elopements.
Can I send you a Pinterest board of ideas?
I prefer for our time together to flow naturally and be guided by the mood of the day and unscripted moments. Because of this, I don’t recommend collecting inspiration from other photographers, whose work was likely created in very different light, locations, and circumstances.
That said, if a Pinterest board feels helpful to you, I’m always happy to take a look and keep it in mind.
I’m super awkward in front of the camera. How will you make me feel comfortable?
It sounds like you’re my people. I break out in a rash just thinking about having my photo taken. We’ll get through it together, and hopefully have a lot of fun along the way. I tend to connect especially well with fellow queer and neurodivergent folks.
What time of day is best for outdoor portraits?
My favorite light is what photographers call “golden hour,” which usually happens about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. That said, I can make just about any time of day or weather work with a little creativity—a clear umbrella or a shaded spot can go a long way.
Do you have vendor recommendations?
Absolutely. I’m always happy to share my favorite vendors, especially the many talented, LGBTQIA+ affirming creatives in our local community.
Do you believe Black Lives Matter?
Yes—unequivocally. Anti-racism work, examining internalized white supremacy, and confronting bias and microaggressions are ongoing responsibilities, not identities or “self-improvement projects.” This work is necessary and non-negotiable.
Can we meet you before booking?
I’d love that. I’m happy to meet virtually via Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet (pajama pants encouraged).
Booking & Payments
What are your rates?
Wedding coverage is structured around how much of your day you want documented. Most weddings fall between $3,200-$6,200, depending on coverage. Typical options include: 2 hours-$1,800; 4 hours-$3,200; 6 hours-$4,700 (most common); 8 hours-$6,200.
Engagements and proposal sessions range from $750-$900, depending on length. Family and portrait sessions are: $850 for new clients; $700 for returning clients. These include a one-hour session on location in the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs.
You can find more details on my pricing page, or feel free to email me for a custom quote. If my pricing feels out of reach, please don’t hesitate to contact me—I’m always open to finding ways to make my work more accessible.
What’s required to reserve our date and officially book you?
A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer of 50% are required to secure your date.
What payment options do you offer?
I use HoneyBook to accept payments via credit card or bank transfer (fees are covered on my end). Most clients make two payments: a 50% retainer upon signing and the remaining balance one month before coverage begins.
That said, this is flexible. Payment plans and sliding-scale options are available, and I’m happy to work with you on a timeline that feels good.
Can we add hours if our session or wedding runs longer than planned?
Absolutely! Additional coverage can be added as needed.
How do we book you?
Once we decide we’re a good fit, we’ll sign the contract online and submit the 50% retainer. The remaining balance is due one month before coverage begins (with flexibility if you prefer a different payment plan).
After booking, you’ll have access to a client portal where you can view invoices, contracts, questionnaires, and all important documents in one place.
Your Photos
How long will it take to receive our photos?
Your online gallery will be delivered within 2–4 weeks for family or portrait sessions and 4–8 weeks for weddings (though it’s often much sooner).
How many photos will we receive?
You can expect approximately 100 images per hour for wedding coverage and around 100 images for family or portrait sessions.
What are digital negatives?
Digital negatives are the high-resolution, fully edited image files included with your package. You’ll receive a password-protected online gallery where you can download and print your photos.
Will all of our photos be edited?
Yes. All delivered images are fully edited and print-ready, with adjustments made to exposure, contrast, sharpness, and color.
When will our album be ready?
If you’ve purchased an album, you can expect the first draft of your pre-designed album 5–9 weeks after your wedding. Up to three rounds of revisions are included, with unlimited changes during those drafts—nothing goes to print without your final approval.
Once approved, any remaining balance for album upgrades or additional spreads is due, and the album is sent to print with an estimated one-month turnaround.
Do we own the rights to our photos?
In most cases, photographers retain the copyright to their images. This technically allows me to use photos for my website, blog, or social media.
That said, I never share images without explicit consent. I will touch base about this along the way. You’ll have full permission to print and share your photos with friends and family for personal use, though commercial use is not permitted.
About Shannon
Where are you based?
I’m based in the Philadelphia suburbs and happy to travel. Reach out for travel rates and details.
Has your work been published?
Yes, thank you! My work has been featured in several publications, including a recent Q&A with The New York Times.