WEDDING PRICING TIERS ARE HERE.
EVENT/PORTRAIT PRICING IS HERE.
What’s the difference between the $3,000, $3,500 and $4,200 packages?
Mostly time and coverage depth. Shorter packages are built around making sure we capture the most important moments of the day. Longer coverage gives us room to breathe, which means better candids, less rushing during portraits and a more complete story of the day. You can also get an additional photographer (better coverage), a lighting assistant (better low-light shots, like during a reception) and additional sessions (engagement, bridal portraits, family).
Do we really need two photographers?
Not always! Two photographers matter most when things overlap, guest counts are higher or special moments are happening in different places at the same time. That can mean one of us with each partner while you’re getting ready in different locations, one photographer focused on the couple during the ceremony while the other captures real reactions from family and friends, or covering the Bride and Groom busting moves on one side of the dance floor while a father is spinning his daughter around on the other side.
For smaller or simpler weddings, I’m more than enough. For larger ones, a second photographer gives the day more coverage and flexibility.
Please note: removing a second photographer doesn’t reduce package cost.
Why is wedding photography billed differently than hourly photography?
Because weddings aren’t straightforward like most hourly jobs. Even the smallest package requires planning, timeline coordination and editing that can’t fail, because there’s no second chance if something goes wrong. What you’re paying for isn’t just the time I spend shooting on your wedding day, it’s everything that has to happen before and after so you end up with photos you’ll still love years from now.
What does a lighting assistant actually do? Do they also take photos?
No, they’re not an additional photographer. A lighting assistant helps carry and manage equipment, set things up/take things down, and hold off-camera lighting so that photos taken in a dark reception location still look clean and flattering instead of muddy, grainy or harsh.
Why is additional time more expensive on the wedding day?
When extra time is booked in advance, it’s easy to plan for. Timelines can be adjusted, staffing can be set and everyone knows what the day looks like going in. When extra time is added day-of, it means changing plans that have often been locked in for weeks or months. That can affect post-wedding plans for me or my team, and the overall end-of-day workflow. I’m happy to offer day-of extensions when possible, but they come with more moving parts, which is why they’re priced higher.
Can we mix and match elements from different packages?
No. The packages are intentionally structured as complete coverage options, not ala carte menus. Each one is designed to work as a whole.
That said, if something is close but not quite right, adjustments can usually be made through clearly defined add-ons rather than breaking apart packages.
What exactly is included with an engagement session?
Engagement sessions are relaxed two to three hour portrait sessions with time built in to chat, settle in and warm up to being in front of the camera. We’ll talk ahead of time about the overall vibe, where we’ll shoot and what you’re thinking about wearing. On the shoot day, I’ll give you direction and pose you, and ideas from you are always welcome.
Engagement sessions are a great way to learn how I work before the wedding and to get more comfortable working together, which always makes the wedding photos better.
You’ll receive 10 to 15 beautiful, edited images in an online gallery within 7 days of your session.
Why is the engagement session optional in the top package?
This flexibility lets you choose what makes the most sense for you: an engagement session in regular clothing before the wedding, or bridal portraits in a gown and tux either before or after the wedding. Some couples already have recent couple portraits, and others simply prefer bridal portraits over engagement shots.
Do you offer discounts for shorter weddings or off-season dates?
Shorter weddings are already accounted for with a separate elopement/micro-wedding package, which is priced well below the standard wedding tiers.
For weekday weddings, I do offer limited off-season pricing. From May through October, Monday through Thursday weddings receive $300 off. From November through April, Monday through Thursday weddings receive $500 off.
Friday through Sunday weddings are always full price.
Are travel and taxes included?
Local travel is included, which generally means Santa Barbara to Paso Robles and nearby areas. For weddings in the Los Angeles Basin or the SF Bay Area, I’m happy to travel for a $300 travel fee.
Taxes are handled according to local regulations and listed separately when applicable.
Why are wedding albums priced separately?
Keeping album ordering separate lets you decide to order in advance, or after you’ve seen your photos and better know what you might like included in an album, instead of baking that cost into every package.
What’s required to book?
All you need is your signed agreement and 50% of your fee. Your wedding date isn’t considered booked until I’ve received the initial payment.
Please note: this FAQ page is an informational guideline and is not a legal document and should not be treated as such. Please consult your contract for specific legal details. I am not responsible for accidental errors or omissions on this page. Should any information on this page contradict or contravene anything in a legal agreement between Namu.Love and a client, the contracted agreement will take precedence.