Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Our Documentary Style Wedding Photography Services

What makes you different, Annie?

Your wedding day isn't about me and is not an all-day photo shoot. Those close groups of people will almost never be in the same place again. I want you to enjoy the day with your loved ones, almost unaware of my presence OR simply being very comfortable around me - and we will make that possible. My work is about capturing the day as it happens, the emotions and your own unique story throughout the day, and providing amazing images that you'll re-live moments forever. Your wedding day will be non-directed and non-interfered. Not only I'm a proud member of organizations like Fearless Photographers, PPA, and WPPI, but I'm also an active member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an elite international organization that only accepts true documentary wedding photographers and upholds the strict guidelines of its membership. I was so humbly awarded as the second BEST wedding photojournalist (first female) in the WORLD in 2019.

We love your photojournalistic work, but do you also take posed portraits of the couple and family/friend/wedding party group photos?

Absolutely. It will be done in a very minimal time. I value and understand the importance of camera-aware group photos. They’re usually done before or after the wedding ceremony, depending on your wedding schedule. I love doing a mini couple/portrait session on the wedding day too, and I of course, take occasional group photos throughout the day as well.

What about my dress, shoes, and table settings?

Details will be captured naturally as the day unfolds. It’s not that ‘I-don’t-do-that-kind-of-work’ but it is that I simply prioritize people over things. Those "staged" photos of specific wedding details will be taken upon request ONLY. Please do let me know any items that are meaningful to you such as a handkerchief that was once belonged to your grandmother, etc. I'd love to know those little details! However, I will not take your dress out of its plastic bag and hang it on a tree by itself for a photo because that is a trend. I MUCH rather photograph the dress on you. Seriously, when was the last time you walked into a married couple's house and saw a giant printed photo of her dress by itself? Think about it for a second............... Right...? Let's not worry about those. :-)

Do you travel to outside of Los Angeles?

Yes! Please take me to the moon! :D

When and how many photos will I get?

You will receive your edited photos within 90 days. As I am documenting your special day, I click away a lot of photos - sometimes hundreds or even thousands. My clients usually receive about 150 - 600 beautifully "edited" photos depending on the nature of the event and coverage. I want you to have BEST images and will deliver a couple of hundreds of "HOLY-S*&$” moments that tell your wedding story completely. And if you ask, those other "thousands" of raw files will not be available to you only because they were simply part of my working process of art, just as a painter tries a few colors before making the final stroke or a writer tries a couple of words before landing on the right one - she doesn't publish all three words, the first two just served to lead to the third. 

We're camera-shy. How do you approach the engagement session?

I think an engagement session before the big day is always nice because this provides the perfect opportunity for us to get comfortable with being around each other and to build the trust. I'm sometimes right in your face, but then I would disappear because I'm photographing your guests, etc. Your engagement session will be 50% directed and 50% non-directed. (Maybe even 30%/70%) The session will also be done very candidly, with a few poses and directions. I'll come in and fix any awkwardness while putting you two in the best lighting situations.

Do you edit all of our images?

Yes. Every. Single. Photo. All images you receive are fully custom-edited by me, one at a time. I also have a highly-trained editing team who works with me as well as some selective images for special treatment if needed. Lots of love goes into my artwork.

How will I get to enjoy my photos?

PRINTS! You can order prints through your private online gallery, where you also have options to purchase a digital download and keep and print them on your own. My studio offers amazing photo albums. Photos are meant to be seen on paper, not on a screen. Let's print them!

Do you require a deposit (retainer fee)?

Yes. The retainer fee is $2,500 and is non-refundable. This retainer guarantees that I’ll hold that specific date exclusively for you, and when I receive the agreement signed by you and the payment of the retainer fee, I start rejecting ALL inquiries for your date. The rest of the balance can be installment payments and is due no later than 7 days prior to your wedding day.

What is your rate?

I offer Wedding Collections - with add-on options.