So you're planning your wedding!  Well, this is the spot to start.  This section of our website will help you to know the right questions to ask when making the very important decision of who will be the photographer to capture one of the most special days of  your life.   Below we have listed the most frequently asked questions as a tool to help you understand better what it is we do at Mary Peacock Photography and what you can expect before, during and after your wedding day.

 

How many images will I have of my wedding?

There will be two photographers at your wedding, and between the two of us we will take over 4,000 pictures at your wedding.  Believe me, you DON'T WANT TO SEE ALL OF THEM!  Your final gallery will have 900-1,200 images in it.  Why is this?  We take multiple image of every pose, event or special moment to ensure that we get the right shot.  We eliminate pictures that may be unflattering, i.e., where someone's eyes are closed, or maybe someone stepped in the way of the bride, etc.  We will be showing you only the best of the best in your gallery.

 

When will our images be ready for viewing?

Your images will be ready anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after your wedding.  We will post them to a gallery and provide you with a link and password.  Your gallery will remain private until you give out your password.  After that we will send you a USB with all the images in high resolution, in a designer box with a copyright release.  But please keep in mind that the gallery link is the best way to show off your images to the world.

 

What is "Post Production"?

Post production is one of the most important jobs of a professional photographer.  Aside from the photographer's skill behind the camera, post production is what will make your images shine and be all they should be.  We shoot in what is called "Camera Raw", and when you shoot in this mode post production is where the real work begins in creating the images you are paying your photographer to create.  We use professional Adobe software and Light Room to correct color, contrast and density of every single image.  

 

What is a "Sneak Peek"?

Your guests who use social media will love a sneak peek of your big day!   That is why after your wedding we go right to work to pick the photographers favorite images of the day.  We edit them and post them to social media sites a few days after the wedding.  

 

Do you back up all your work?

Yes, we have a state-of-the-art archiving system.  All of your images of your wedding day are archived during the wedding so that backups are made immediately.  This leaves no room for error!  After that we back all the images to multiple hard drives and send them to an off-site archival system in the event of, God forbid, a fire or other unforeseen event.  I had a bride call me hysterical that she lost her USB from two years prior.  No need to worry, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP OF YOUR VERY SPECIAL DAY!

 

Do you need a time line of our entire day?

Yes!  Absolutely!  We will be spending the entire day with you on your wedding, so we need to be "in the loop" about what is going to happen and when.  Before your wedding I will be asking you the specifics of where you will be and when throughout your entire day.  After you give me your specifics I will draw up a time line and send it to both the bride and groom and my second shooter.  The time line is of the utmost importance so that we don't miss a thing!

 

So many people are now doing a "First Look".  What is that and should we consider doing it?

First look is when the bride and groom see each other right before their ceremony, as opposed to seeing each other for the first time walking down the isle.  This is when we would also do your formal photographs together, and with your wedding party and family.  As a wedding photographer in this business for over 12 years I have shot weddings both ways, and the First Look I think is a wonderful idea.  Why?  Well, because it is another event added to a glorious day, and is a very special moment between the bride and groom.  Don't get me wrong, the traditional way is also a beautiful moment, and I don't want to take away from tradition, but as a photographer, I have photographed many First Looks and it is just as magical, if not more, because you have the opportunity to talk to each other and share another amazing moment together.  Another reason First Look is a great idea is because from a time-line point of view it takes a lot of pressure off of what can be a very tight schedule.  With all of that being said, if you do decide on a first look, you get to attend YOUR cocktail hour and start the party with your guests sooner rather than later!

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How long do you need for formal photographs?

If you decide you want formal photographs of your family and wedding party before your formal couple photographs, which 99.9% of people do, we ask for a one-hour time slot before your reception.  This is standard in the industry, and your venue will leave time for this when they go over your wedding time line.  Occasionally the time will be longer, or shorter, however, we just need you to let us know so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

 

Should I give you a list of family and friends we would like photos taken with?

Absolutely!  For formal family photos I ask couples to provide a list of the family members and the groups you want photographed.  While this is not mandatory, it  makes the process go a lot quicker, which enables us to spend more time with the bride and the groom for formal photos before they head off to their reception.  

 

Are you okay with other's taking pictures at my wedding?

Of course people should be able to get their own images of the bride and groom.  However, I will not hesitate to politely ask people to move to the side so that I can do my job for the very important bride and groom that hired me.  It is a common occurrence for guests to step into the isle or get in front of an important event happening at your wedding, so when we are trying to capture special moments of the day, we simply ask them to move aside for a moment.  I always reassure them I will be out of the way momentarily so they can get their shot.  The only time I will ask that there be no other people taking photos is during formal pictures of the bride and groom.  That is a time for me to capture the couple alone, and we don't want any distractions during this time.

 

What is your policy on taking family pictures of guests who request a formal family portrait at my wedding?

This is a tough one.  Occasionally one of your guests will ask us to take a formal photograph of their immediate family because everyone is dressed up, or maybe one of their children is home from college and they never have the opportunity to get a great family photo.   Unfortunately this takes time away from the bride and groom and any other off-the-cuff moment that may happen during your wedding.  When someone asks me this question I tell them that I would be happy to do it if the bride and groom agree to let me leave to take the portrait.  If you have a family relative you believe will be wanting us to do this, it may be a good idea to have them show up to the formal photos and be included on the list of photos to be taken.  Again, I leave this up to the discretion of the bride and groom.

 

What type of equipment do you use?

I use the Canon 5D Mark III.  Now if that means something to you, I can assure you you would be impressed.  If you don't know camera equipment, well, no need to worry, we use  state-of-the-art equipment from camera, to lenses, to flashes.  I'd be happy to provide you answers to all of the questions you may have if you have an interest in photography.  Feel free to call or e-mail.  I love to talk shop!

 

What about backup equipment?

We have all the back up equipment you can imagine when shooting a wedding so NO NEED TO WORRY!  As I mentioned before, we also have an archival system in place at the wedding should something unforseen happen.

 

Do you charge overtime?

Occasionally a couple will ask that we stay if they request extra time at their wedding from the venue and DJ/Band towards the end of the event.  We have a charge of $150 to stay per every hour requested.

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