your questions, answered
Wedding planning can feel daunting. Clear communication keeps things simple.
“Finally, she was unbelievably detail-oriented - I didn't have a moment's concern that anything would be overlooked or missed. I would HIGHLY recommend working with Rebecca!”
Sarah J
section 1
I Want You to Know
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section 2
Couples Often Ask
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section 3
Soothe your Worries
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Details matter.
I want you to know
Whatever questions you have, I’m here with answers. Here are a few that may not come up often, but are important to consider.
How many weddings do you photograph each year?
Why Ask
Weddings are intense. It can be a long, physically tiring day for everyone—photographers included. You want someone with experience, stamina, and positivity to not just make it through the day, but thrive. You also don’t want someone who’s spread too thin. That can lead to a photographer running on fumes—or a cold brew.
the rmp answer
Never more than 20 per year. What that means for you is that I’m active, continually improving my craft, and learning new venues while also remaining committed to my couples. Plus, it gives me (and you) flexibility for things like engagement sessions.
Do your albums come with a lifetime guarantee?
Why Ask
Okay, to be honest, no one has ever asked this. But it’s still important because you’re getting married for life. Shouldn’t your photos last as long?
the rmp answer
A lifetime quality guarantee was one of my top priorities when I started vetting our production partners. While this makes our albums an investment, it also makes them worth it.
We don’t know all our specifics yet. Is that okay?
Why Ask
Look, I don’t ever expect you to have it all figured out when you come to me. Sometimes you just want to be able to cross something off your list! Things change, plans evolve, and you deserve a team of pros alongside you that offers flexibility.
the rmp answer
I want all my couples to feel confident in their decisions. We start simply—talking about your minimum needs and getting your date reserved. This is the most important part of the process because dates are first come, first served. But after that, we can work together to add hours or even upgrade to something entirely different! We also offer album credits, which means you have money set aside for your album but don’t need to figure out the details until you actually have your photos. It’s all about the balance between knowing exactly what you are getting, but not being expected to make decisions before you have all the info.
Do you have a business license and insurance?
Why Ask
Currently, there is no barrier to entry when it comes to photography. That means it can be hard to figure out who has years of experience and expertise and who just decided to give this a shot (pun intended). You deserve a legitimate photography company.
the rmp answer
Yes, we absolutely have a business license as well as more than enough insurance coverage to meet the standard minimums for many popular and historic venues. Connect us with your venue coordinator, and we’ll have a certificate of insurance sent directly to them specifically covering your day.
How do you back up photos?
why ask
Because as any tech person will tell you, it’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN. There’s no reason to take a risk with something as priceless as your wedding photos.
the rmp answer
I’ve talked about how much I prepare and part of that is taking precautions. My cameras each have two memory card slots, so I am literally backing up your photos as we shoot! As soon as I’m back, I store the images on two different external hard drives (plus one off-site hard drive and two cloud-based services). After editing and delivery, your photos are permanently stored on a separate hard drive and backed up in a cloud-based system. No matter what happens to my business or the physical studio, your photos are safe. Bonus: This is why I love tangible artwork! You never have to worry about your wedding album going obsolete because of a system upgrade. Planning a destination wedding and want to know how I backup files while I’m on the road? Shoot me a message and let’s talk about it!
Couples often Ask
When will we see our photos?
why ask
I get it. Waiting to see photos is the worst.
the rmp answer
We set the exact date before your wedding even happens. Photos are edited within six weeks, and then, best of all, we have a party! This way, the two of you get to see your photos before anyone else (and enjoy a glass of bubbly). It isn’t until after your party that we will release your online gallery to be shared with friends and family.
We’re on the fence about an engagement session.
why ask
You’re not alone. So many couples aren’t quite sure they want an engagement session. The photos you’ve seen elsewhere might be really cheesy, or maybe you already had photos taken during your actual proposal. The thing is, this still remains one of the strongest ways to prepare for your wedding day photography.
the rmp answer
There are many benefits to engagement photos. (And they definitely do not need to include any cheesy props if that’s not your style!) Think of your engagement photos as a really great excuse for your favorite kind of date night. I’ve photographed couples at the spot they got engaged, hopped on a plane to a favorite family vacation locale, or even just stayed at home with their puppies. The point is, it’s an opportunity to honor an important part of your love story we might not otherwise have time to do on the wedding day. And bonus: you get a “trial run” of what it feels like to be photographed by me before the wedding day. I learn what helps you feel more comfortable and your natural way of posing together that doesn’t actually feel “posed.” I learn your favorite types of photos you are actually in and what lens choices are the most flattering. And then I arrive on your wedding day armed with all of this knowledge.
Do you use a second photographer?
why ask
There is simply too much happening on your wedding day for one person to document it all. But you shouldn’t have to choose between photographing your first dance or your parents’ reactions—out of any day in your life, your wedding day should be when you can have it all.
the rmp answer
Absolutely! I work with a small, hand-selected network of full-time pros. We keep the list small enough to work like a well-oiled machine, but large enough to always have the perfect fit for your day. We’ll confirm your second photographer no less than three months before your wedding.
Can you share examples of dark receptions?
why ask
When it comes to choosing your photographer, you should love their style first. But you should also consider if their style fits within your parameters. So, for example, if you’re getting married on NYE in the evening, a photographer who specializes in “natural light” may not be the right fit.
the rmp answer
Tell me your venue(s) and I’d be happy to send you a full wedding gallery example that illustrates similar parameters. Over the last 10 years, I’ve photographed in 118-degree heat and -15-degree wind chill. Our couples have planned weddings that took place entirely at night with no natural light, and we’ve had rain plans that meant we never even set foot outside. From multi-day Hindu celebrations to a hora in a room with low ceilings—you name it, I probably have a gallery of images. These examples will show you that my style is to retain the atmosphere you put so much care into while also making sure the light is flattering (you want to be sure you can actually see the faces of your loved ones getting down on the dance floor, after all).
My fiancé hates having their photo taken.
why ask
Weird. No one ever asks me that! Oh wait …
the rmp answer
Pick a photo from my portfolio—practically any photo. Odds are, at least one person in that photo had the very same worry. Having your photo taken can feel so strange! That’s why I’ve built my entire approach around making sure my couples feel relaxed and confident. That’s also why an engagement session can be so important! While so many of my couples start out nervous or certain they won’t like the process, by the end they’ll confess it was more fun and easier than expected. But I’m guessing you won’t believe me until you test it out for yourself ...
soothe your worries
What if it rains?
Ah, the weather. After years of pining after that golden, ever-present sun I see in colleagues’ California photos, I’ve come to realize starting my photography career in Chicago was a huge blessing. No matter the time of year, Chicago weather is unpredictable—which means no matter where I am, I’m prepared. Together, we create (several) backup plans that still reflect the aesthetic and style into which you’ve put so much hard work.
What if you can’t make it to our wedding?
The truth is, this is a human event, planned months in advance with possibly hundreds of other humans involved. Things might happen. That’s why I love having a team. I’ll always be your lead photographer, but I also have a team of in-house photographers. In the event that something catastrophic happens, our first backup is your already-booked second photographer. Then we use our internal team to fill the second slot. Because this is all in-house, the photographers will already have the crucial information and know your preferences, day-of timeline, as well as details like family dynamics. In more than a decade of photographing weddings, I’ve never missed a single one. But I also do not believe in taking unnecessary risks. Just like your rain backup plan, even in an emergency, I will always have your back.
