faqs

>> How many images will we receive?
As a minimum, for sessions, I deliver at least 100 digital images. I don’t put a set number on how many you will receive, because I believe you deserve ALL of the incredible photos from your session. I never leave anything good out, and I don’t put a cap or limit on what I will deliver! Every session is different and varies based on the events of each individual day! If I see an image that you will love, I won’t keep it from you, promise!

>> Can I have the RAW files?
I do not release the RAW files of my images for a few reasons! First, editing is half of the process and magic that goes into these images, and without it, the images are only halfway done. I want you to receive images that look and feel like my style. To ensure that I protect my art and brand, I only deliver images in the editing style that you hired me for. Also, RAW files are huge and not compatible with most standard computer programs – you may not even be able to open them if you’re unfamiliar with the format. I deliver high-resolution JPEG images that are easy to view, download, and print on any computer!

>> What if we need to cancel/reschedule our session?
I will do everything I can to be as accommodating as possible in this case, as I know these are big investments, and I don’t want you to be out any money. However, I am depending on this income to make a living, which is why I have a nonrefundable retainer in place. I offer one reschedule date with no charge (for a non-weather related reason), and I will gladly move your retainer fee to the new date we decide on. If you cancel or cannot find a new date that works, I will keep the retainer fee but will refund any additional payments made toward your package.

>> What happens if you can't make it to our session?
I will do absolutely everything in my power to be at your session regardless of circumstance, so unless I’m hospitalized or something tragic, I’ll be there! In the case that something crazy or completely out of my control happens making me unable to make it, then I will do my best to notify you immediately and find the soonest possible date to reschedule.

>> How does your payment schedule work?
In hopes of alleviating one larger payment for you, the payment schedule is broken down into two smaller payments throughout the process. One-half of the total cost will act as the retainer (along with your signed contract) in order to reserve your date. The second-half/final payment will be due 1 month before the session day. I use an online system called HoneyBook where you will be able to sign the contract electronically and pay online via credit card.

>> Can you photoshop us to look skinnier/remove acne/tattoos?
I do not believe in changing your appearance. I want to focus on making you feel beautiful, rather than look unrealistic. If something is temporary or distracting, like a bruise or acne, I will lightly edit it out to the best of my ability! However, I do not do full skin retouching to make you look like a Barbie doll (plus, this would drastically hold up delivering your images quickly). So, no, I won’t edit out anything that makes you who you are. I do, however, try to pose you in the most flattering way to make you feel and look amazing in front of my camera! :)

>> What if we need to reschedule our session due to bad weather?
We can reschedule if weather is really awful, but some of my favorite sessions have been in the rain or snow! And wind? Ahhh, wind is what I hope for because we get the most amazing movement in your clothing and hair! Embracing the weather makes for incredible photos; however, if I feel that my equipment is as risk or that I won’t be able to provide you with the best experience, we can definitely look into rescheduling. I usually say under 50% chance of rain/snow, you decide; over 50%, let’s reschedule or switch locations! If you decide to go for it, though, there’s no rescheduling after that! We will just make it work! :) I always carry clear bubble umbrellas in my car!

>> What should we wear for our photos?
I will be sending you plenty of information to prepare for your session, so don’t you worry! I have blog posts, Pinterest boards, and style guides to help you look and feel amazing! The short answer, though – wear something that is comfortable and your style. Just be yourselves! If you are the type of people who would rather sit around in sweats all day like me and binge Netflix shows, then it probably wouldn’t make much sense for you to wear something super fancy. You can still look elevated and stunning while staying true to yourselves! Sticking to neutrals is usually a good options, but we will be in touch as we start planning your sesh, and I will help you choose your outfits based on the location and time of year we are shooting at!

>> We also want to book our wedding with you! When is the best time to book?
As soon as possible! Wedding dates get booked very far in advance, and it breaks my heart to have to turn someone away because I’m already booked! We can make things officially official once we have a signed contract and retainer in place, so if you definitely want me to be a part of your day, I would suggest reaching out as soon as you have your wedding date!

>> How will I know if we are a good fit?
Such a good question!! I love meeting and chatting with every couple before booking if they want – some are comfortable with emailing before the session while others prefer a video chat or coffee date! Whatever you prefer! :) We can go over all the important questions and details you will want to know to make sure we are a great fit! I am here to help you and guide you along the way!

>> How would you describe your photography style?
Ooh, I love this one! My main goal is to always have my couples feeling comfortable, confident, and most importantly, having fun the entire shoot. I know being in front of a camera can feel awkward at first, but that is why I play games, get my couples moving, and keep you two laughing and in love always! Genuine over posed shots any day – I want these photos to show your real personality! I edit my images with warm, earthy, deep tones that compliment nature and skin tones and keep my couples looking golden and sunkissed!

>> Do you watermark your images?
I do not watermark my images, as I find they are distracting and unappealing. Although I appreciate their purpose, I’ve created these images for you and I want you to be able to use them, print them, and share them freely!

>> Who owns the copyright of the images?
Great question! As the photographer, I will retain the copyright to all my images taken on your wedding day or engagement session; however, as my couple, you have access to the full final edited gallery and have the ability to download, share, and print the images for personal use!

>> Do we choose our images or do you make the selections?
After your session, I will go through all of the images and select and edit the very best ones! I have found that couples get overwhelmed by the tons of images, so I go through and select images that tell the story of your day! If I know you’ll love a picture, it’s going in the gallery! ;)

>> Do you provide black and white versions of every image?
I do not! I will edit most of the gallery in color and just select very special moments to make black and white to enhance the gallery!

>> Can I request editing adjustments once we receive the gallery?
When you are hiring Tori Kelner Photography, you are acknowledging that you have seen my work and editing style! So, if you choose to hire me, that means that you LOVE my style, know what to expect, and trust me fully! Because of this, I do not take edit requests and just ask that couples are fully aware of my editing style to avoid any surprises in your final gallery!

>> What is the turnaround time for my images?
For engagement or portrait sessions, you can expect a 4 to 6 week turnaround for the fully-edited, high-resolution online gallery. For weddings, my turnaround is usually 6 to 12 weeks for the fully-edited, high-resolution online gallery! Busy seasons may affect this timing slightly, but I do my best to return your galleries as soon as I can! Contractually, no longer than 90 days for sessions and weddings!

>> Can we provide you with a shot list?
I do not take any shot lists typically! I know that my couples trust me to capture their real relationship and story to the best of my ability. Often, if I am trying to capture certain shots on a list, I’m missing the real, candid moments happening right in front of me! Years from now, I think you will want to have images that represent you two in the moment, not images that won’t mean as much found on Pinterest! However, if there's something you really love and are wanting to share with me for inspiration as opposed to copying, please feel free to send!

>> How do we pick our engagement session location?
Once we are officially official, I will guide you along with planning your engagement session from locations to outfits to props and more! I always recommend having couples choose locations that hold significance for you – maybe the place you went on your first date, the place you met, or just somewhere you two would love to visit together! I am ALL for traveling, hiking, and adventuring somewhere for your engagement session, and it is so special when you can make it totally your own!

>> What is the farthest you will travel?
Seriously, take me anywhere and I’m yours!! Traveling is such a passion of mine, and being able to capture the sweetest couples in incredible locations makes my heart SO full. Please feel free to take me along with you on your world travels, and we will figure out the logistics based on the location!

>> Do you provide video or other wedding services, as well?
I’m a huge believer in handing off the job to an expert instead of doing something myself sub-par. Video is not for this chica, no way! However, I know some INCREDIBLE vendors from all different parts of the industry who I would love to refer to you! Videographers, calligraphers, florists, hair stylists, makeup artists, decor, rentals, etc. You name it, I’m sure I can find you some super amazing vendors to spice up your sesh or wedding day if you need!!

>> Do you provide albums and how does that process work?
I’m SO glad you asked – I love knowing that these special images are going to live somewhere other than in a folder on your computer! I am a huge fan of the tangible, printed form, so I do offer beautiful linen-covered albums. Once you receive your gallery and confirm that you would like an album, I choose a huge chunk of the gallery to send off to an album designer who will create a mock-up for you! You are able to proof and make revisions twice, and once it is perfect, we send it off to be printed! In a few weeks, you have a gorgeous heirloom to look back on for years to come!

>> Do you have insurance and can you send it to my venue?
Yes! I have liability insurance for up to one million dollars and can provide a COI to any venue or session location that requires it!

>> Can we pay for a portion of the package after the session?
No, I require all payments to be completed before each session, but I am more than willing to work with you on a payment plan if necessary! I’ve already divided your full package into 2 equal payments to alleviate one larger payment. The first payment is due at the time of signing your contract to lock in your date on my calendar, the second payment will be due one month before your date!

>> Do you have back up camera equipment?
Yes – backups for my backups! My equipment is as important to me as it is to you and your session, so I can provide you with images you will cherish for years to come! I have backups and replacements for all of my gear.

>> Will 1.5 - 2 hours of coverage be enough?
Through my experience, 1.5 hours is the perfect amount of time to tell a story of your love without overwhelming or exhausting you two – modeling is hard work! Coverage will depend on details like the distance and travel time between each of the locations, how many outfit changes, including furbabies, etc. I, typically, book the base 1.5-hour package initially, and if we find you want to add additional time on, that is definitely doable! I just don’t want to overcharge you and later find that you don’t really need the extra time!

>> What time is best to shoot?
I typically shoot on Tuesday and Thursday evenings about 2 hours before sunset for the best lighting. You can also choose sunrise – meeting 15 minutes before sunrise and shooting for the following 1.5 hours. I no longer offer sessions mid-day, since the lighting is not as flattering, and I have very limited weekend availability due to my wedding schedule.

>> We want you! what is the next step to book you?!
YAY!! I am so glad to hear that! Let’s chat via email or a video chat, so we can make sure that we are a perfect fit! Once you give me the word to move forward with the booking process, I will send over a contract proposal for you to sign and an invoice for the first retainer payment! I will walk you through every step of the process to help make this experience as simple and fun as possible! xoxo