If you've stumbled across this page, you're most likely engaged and well on your way to planning your wedding!  I hope you've taken a peek at The Blog to view some of our recent work and wedding planning advice.  You can see more of the beautiful couples we am so fortunate to work with on Facebook, and get to know us on a more personal level on Instagram!

Below you'll find some of the most frequent questions we've received when couples are getting ready to book a wedding photographer.  If you have a question that isn't covered below, feel free to send me an email – I'd love to chat and hear all about what you have planned for your wedding day!

How did you get into the wedding photography industry?
In my (Shaina) sophomore year of college as a photography major, I began second shooting for a local wedding photographer in 2010.  I instantly fell in love with the wedding industry and documenting one of the most joyful days of a couple's life! After many seasons and celebrations, I fall more in love with what I do each and everyday. Better yet, Arturo joined me on wedding days as my assistant photographer a few years ago and we haven’t looked back!

What makes you and your work different from other photographers?
Arturo and I strive to take all of your photos in an intimate and relaxed setting, and try to use natural lighting as often as possible for the most flattering portraits.  It is our mission to not only provide you with beautiful photographs for you and future generations to look back on, but to also provide an unforgettable experience.  The time we spend with our clients is candid and easy going!

What is your style?
We describe our work as timeless and elegant with a colorful take on real life moments.  While Arturo and I enjoy capturing genuine smiles, laughter and emotion, we also enjoy the little details and lightly posed photographs that take some extra creative thinking.  Our candid style, mixed in with a bit of creativity, is what makes our style unique.  We believe photography not only preserves memories and emotion, but also tells a story.  Read more about my philosophy.

What do your wedding collections include?
Each of our wedding collections includes at least 8 hours of wedding day coverage, two photographers, a complimentary engagement session, and private online galleries of high resolution engagement and event images.  To learn more about the wedding collections and the Shaina Lee Photography Wedding Experience, inquire here.

Will it always be both of you photographing my wedding? What if I only need one photographer? What happens if you have an emergency and are unable to photograph my wedding?  
When you book with us, you’re booking both of us because we’re a pair. As a husband and wife team, we work each part of the day together since we always know what the other needs; we like to think of this as another bonus to being married and working together! In the highly unlikely event that we would be unable to photograph your wedding day due to an unforeseeable situation, Arturo and I have a list of photographers that we work closely with whom we could call upon as a replacement if needed.  Due to our strong ties in the area, as well as the numerous photography networks that we’re a part of, we would easily be able to find someone with a similar style to ours.

Do you photograph more than one event on my wedding date?
Once your wedding date is booked, you are our only clients for that day!  Our hearts and souls goes into photographing your wedding, so we decline any other commissions or inquiries we receive for that date.

Do you travel?
Yes!  Arturo and I LOVE to travel, especially if our photography is bringing us to new places!  We are available for destination weddings and engagement sessions worldwide. All weddings and engagement sessions taking place in New York City have a flat travel fee of $250.  Send me a message for destination pricing, along with the details of your day! 

We don’t feel photogenic and don’t know how to pose. Can you make us look like the couples on your website?
If only we had a dollar for every time we heard this! I can guarantee you that all of the couples who you see on our website felt the same way you do and shared the same concerns with us. We know that the engagement session and wedding day is often the first few times a couple is being professionally photographed, which is why we guide you every step of the way! We don’t expect you to know how to pose or what to do in front of our cameras. Just bring the love you have for each other and we’ll take care of the rest! 

Do I have permission to print the photos and share them online?
Yes and yes.  When you download your images, you'll also receive a print release with detailed instructions about printing and posting images online.  We ask that you give photo credit to Shaina Lee Photography in the original caption when posting an image online to social media.  Much love and effort goes into providing you with quality, artistic photographs.  If you prefer not to print through us and print photos on your own, we cannot guarantee the quality of the print lab you choose to use.

Will we be featured in a magazine or blog?
Having your wedding featured is not something we can guarantee, but we do often submit our work for publication.  Many publishers are interested in colorful, uniquely designed weddings, as well as documentary-style or editorial engagement sessions.

How long does it take to receive my photographs?
Engagement galleries are generally delivered 4-6 weeks after your session date.  Wedding galleries are delivered 6-10 weeks after your wedding date, depending on the time of year your event takes place.  We’ll often post a few of our favorites to Facebook and Instagram to give you a sneak peek until the full galleries are ready!

Do you offer professional prints and products?
We sure do!  Arturo and I believe photos should be printed, instead of just hanging out on a hard drive for all of eternity.  We work with the best in the industry to provide our clients with prints, albums, and wall art to showcase beautiful photos. Professional prints and products can be ordered online directly from your gallery and delivered directly to your doorstep! This is the most affordable and efficient way to print your photos professionally while also guaranteeing the perfect color in your images.

How long are the online galleries available?
Galleries are private and password protected.  They are available to you for 2 weeks and can be re-opened for an additional fee of $25 at one-week increments.  When you download your photos from the gallery, be sure to save them in a safe place on your computer (though I do recommend backing them up in another location (i.e. external hard drive, the cloud, etc.) just to be safe!).

Our wedding venue requires liability insurance. Are you insured?
Yes, we are! We’re happy to provide a certificate of insurance if needed.

I love your work!  How do I reserve you to photograph my wedding?
After we chat about the details of your day, we'll send you an online contract for you to sign electronically.  When we've received your signed contract and $1000 retainer payment, your date is saved! 

We booked you! Can you make recommendations for wedding planners, florists, and other vendors?
We have many talented friends in the wedding industry and are happy to recommend like-minded vendors who will take great care of you.

Have more questions?  
No problem!  Email me at shaina@shainaleephotography.com.  I'd be happy to chat!