The Process

Many clients ask me what the process is from booking to delivery of images and products. While this is useful information after booking, I believe that it’s equally useful to those who are still looking to hire a photographer. Before signing your wedding photography contract, be sure to familiarize yourself with the entire schedule of when you’ll be paying and when you’ll be receiving what you’re paying for, regardless of who you hire.

Since all of my collections include an album, most of my clients can expect the same process. Of course, there are some obvious exceptions, such as with last-minute bookings or when a client absolutely does not want an album, which is perfectly fine. Please inquire for pricing on digital files if you do not want an album.

9-12 Months Before: Book Photography Collection

While I typically don’t book more than 12 months out, don’t hesitate to contact me if your wedding is far away and you are interested in my services. Likewise, I’ve had bookings as late as the day before the wedding, so if your wedding is just months, weeks, or days away, there’s still a chance that I might be available.

To secure your booking, I require a signed contract and a 50% retainer.

6-9 Months Before: Engagement Session

Because many of my clients reside outside of Hawaii, engagement sessions aren’t always practical. This is why engagement sessions are always booked a la carte. If you’re sending out save-the-date cards, this is a great time for an engagement session.

1 Month Before: Consultation

Whether you are local or thousands of miles away, I always recommend a consultation before your wedding to go over your timeline and any questions you may have regarding photography on your wedding day. I can make myself available for Skype or FaceTime calls if you prefer.

This is also when your balance is due.

4 Weeks After: Proofs and Album Design Ready

Several hours are spent reviewing your images to make my final selection of proofs for you.  Every image in this final selection is then color-corrected and optimized with exposure, brightness, and contrast adjustments.

Your album design layout is also presented to you at the same time as your proofs. I do this because I believe that a wedding album tells the story of the day much more effectively than images on disc or even a slideshow of the best images.

This is where you review the album images and decide whether or not you want to change the selection.

8-10 Weeks After: Album Finalized and Sent to Print

Once you’ve finalized your selection, I revise the design and send it to you for review and final approval.

This is also a great time to order fine art prints, because all of the best images are retouched and ready for print on a variety of media for you to choose from.

3-6 Months After: Album Delivered

This time frame varies based on the schedules of album manufacturers; certain times of the year, such as during the holiday season, are busier than others. Within 6 months after your wedding, your beautiful album is delivered to you.