Wedding Photography FAQ
How many weddings have you done?
I have photographed over 850 weddings since 2002.
As of 2025, I am limiting the number of weddings I'll accept to one or two a month. This enables me to give you my full attention and deliver your images quickly.
Will Jeff Schaefer photograph the wedding himself?
Yes, I will be your lead photographer and will be with you the entire time. You won't be surprised with a less-capable last-minute substitute photographer. (An common complaint with larger wedding photography studios.)
Is a second photographer available?
Yes.
A second photographer provides more photo-journalistic coverage and different views of key moments. For instance during the toasts I'll be focused on your table, and the 2nd photographer might photograph your parents raising their glasses. Or, during your ceremony processional, while I'm photographing your bridesmaids walking down the aisle, the 2nd photographer captures you, your dad and your nervous anticipation.
However, the second photographer is not absolutely essential, especially with smaller weddings. Having photographed so many weddings, I am completely capable of photographing a wedding alone, without missing a thing.
Note: The 2nd photographer does not photograph posed formal portrait sessions. While Jeff photographs the formal portraits, the 2nd photographer both assists with arranging and posing, and capture candid moments.
How much time will we spend taking posed photographs ("Portraits")?
We will work together to construct a solid timeline for the day so that we get all the 'formal' and 'creative' photographs without being rushed, but in the shortest amount of time possible.
Every wedding is different, and the length of the 'portrait photo session' depends on the number of people involved, number of locations, travel time, and your preferences. I can give you a good estimate once we speak and I get more information.
How many hours should we book?
Here are my general guidelines for how long you need to book me as your wedding photographer:
- 6 or 7 hours: Small wedding at single location, with minimal getting-ready and reception coverage.
- 8 or 9 hours: Single location, getting-ready photographs, through most of the reception.
- 10 hours: Multiple locations, getting-ready photographs, through most of the reception.
- 11 or 12 hours: Often necessary if there is a large gap between the ceremony and reception, a lot of traveling, a long ceremony, or a lot of guests.
How long should we have you photograph the reception?
I recommend at least 3 hours of reception photography coverage, not counting cocktail hour. Events (such as introductions, welcome speech, dinner, toasts, cake cutting, first dance and parent dances) usually take 1.5 to 2 hours. I recommend another one or two hours to photograph the "party"... i.e. people having fun, dancing, and enjoying each other.
While it sounds like 3 hours should be plenty of time for photos, your reception will fly by in a blur. You'll want to capture those fun late-night moments such as you dancing with your new parent-in-law, or grandparents dancing with their grandchild. Moments that only happen once, but you'll want to remember forever.
How much time do we need for getting ready photographs?
Typically 1.5 hours. I usually begin after the bride's hair is finished, and the bride's makeup is finished or nearly finished. I then photograph the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, rings, and other details... a ladies matching robes or shirts photo... bride opening the groom's gift / card... Then, buttoning up the dress, putting on jewelry, veil, garter, and shoes. All the while getting candid photographs of the bride and her bridesmaids. This is often followed with the Father of the Bride's reveal.
As long as the guys already have their shirts and slacks on, 20 minutes is adequate with them.
I and the 2nd photographer can split up to photograph "getting ready"... I photograph the ladies getting ready, and the 2nd photographer photographs the guys preparations at a different location. However, it works really well for the bride and groom to both get ready at the same venue or hotel... Then, we can pop back and forth between the ladies and guys.
Will we need to see each other before the wedding?
No. It's your wedding and you can do what you'd like.
I recommend doing a 'first look' and photographing you and your fiancé together before the ceremony if...
- you want photographs taken at another location like a park or downtown.
- you want outdoor photos, but it gets dark early in the Spring and Fall.
- you want a wider variety of natural and candid feeling photographs, instead of rushing through the basics.
- you want a more enjoyable, less-rushed and less-stressful day.
- you want to do a receiving line after the ceremony.
- you want photographs of your reception venue decorations before the guests arrive.
- you want to have fun with your guests at cocktail hour.
- you don't want to delay dinner or miss any of the party.
Here is the biggest reason to see each other and get your photos out of the way before the ceremony: After your wedding ceremony, you and your new spouse are not going to be in the mood to stand there, wait on people, and force smiles for an hour while everyone else is off having fun without you.
Does a first-look take away from seeing each other during the ceremony?
Having already seen each other does not diminish your anticipation and excitement before the ceremony, or take anything away from the moment you lock eyes as you walk down the aisle. Your and your fiancé's emotions come from the culmination of your relationship to this point and the anticipation of the commitment you are about to make to each other. Your emotions are not based on seeing the dress for the first time in front of 150 people.
Do you provide same-sex, gay, lesbian wedding photography?
Yes. Jeff Schaefer Photography LLC supports marriage equality and is happy to be your same-sex, gay, lesbian, LGBTQ Cincinnati wedding and engagement photographer.
I support same-sex marriage and acceptance of people in all their varieties. Love is something to be celebrated; it enriches and enhances our lives. I believe that we are all equal, and that everyone should be treated the same.
What is your style or philosophy for photographing our wedding?
I photograph in a relaxed manner that sets the stage naturally. I offer a little guidance, encourage you to focus on each other, and I artistically capture your passion and emotion for each other. There are some look-at-the-camera-and-smile photographs, but it’s not overdone. My method is a fun and comfortable way to be photographed, and your photographs will be spontaneous, emotional, and timeless.
You'll also receive photographs of MANY candid moments of you two, your friends and family. You will be amazed by the behind-the-scenes photographs that you didn’t realize I was capturing. Your photographs will show the emotional connections between loved ones... the laughter, smiles, little glances, hugs, tears, and joy. It is these details that tell the story of your wedding day and all the meaningful relationships in your life.
Can I send example photos or a Pinterest board?
Yes. I am happy to work with you to make your vision a reality. But, don't feel like you have to send me one.
What is the "Rain Back-up Assurance"?
Besides having many little-known indoor and outdoor-sheltered photo locations we can go to in case of rain, every client also receives my "Rain Back-up Assurance"...
If we can't do your planned outdoor wedding portraits because it is raining, and we can't get them later, you receive a COMPLEMENTARY portrait session at a later date. We'll create those beautiful, artistic, outdoor images of you and your spouse another day!
Are the photographs retouched?
Yes. Every image receives global adjustments such as natural color balancing, brightness, contrast, saturation, vignette, and sharpening. The images you receive will be ready to print.
I do not apply tasteless sepia or instagram filters. And, I don't over-retouch and make your skin look plastic. Your photographs will have photo-realistic, natural, vibrant color, and the right amount of contrast to see details in both the white wedding dress and the black tux, and your photographs will be sharp and crisp.
Do we get the digital images and can we make our own prints?
Yes, and yes. You will receive your edited digital photographs, delivered on a USB drive. They are retouched, high-resolution JPG, not watermarked, and you receive a copyright release document. You are free to make your own prints and copies, share them with family and friends, and basically do whatever you want with them.
How many photographs will I receive?
There is no limit to the number of wedding photographs you will receive. The average is 80 to 100 images per hour that I'm with you.
How long will I wait for the photographs?
No more than 2 WEEKS!
In 2 weeks you'll receive your USB drive of retouched photographs and an online gallery. We will have your custom album designed in just another few weeks after that.
I know how excited you are, so I am dedicated to delivering you photographs and album as soon as possible... MUCH faster than the industry average. (Which is a long 4 to 6 weeks!)
Plus, if you have me for at least 4-hours at the reception, I give you a day-of wedding photos sneak peak AT YOUR RECEPTION on a large computer monitor! How cool is that!
Is an engagement session included?
You can add an optional engagement session to any wedding package for $250.
Benefits of an engagement portrait session:
1. The session is a great opportunity for us to get comfortable with each other so you'll feel more relaxed on your wedding day.
2. Being more relaxed during portraits on your wedding day means better photos!
3. You'll LOVE showing off your engagement photographs.
4. You can use the images to create save the date cards, decorations, or a signature book.
Can we have you stay longer at the reception?
You can add additional time to your package prior to the wedding day, at the regular rate.
There is an additional charge (beyond the regular rate) if you wait until the wedding day to ask me stay longer. And, realize that my availability, beyond the contractual agreed upon end time is not guaranteed. I will try to accommodate you, but if I have plans after your event, or need to get up early the next morning, I will not be able to stay longer.
Consider that dinner and other reception events may be delayed or take longer than expected for reasons beyond our control, so it is wise to schedule plenty of photography coverage.
What equipment do you use, and do you bring backup equipment?
I use multiple Canon professional cameras and lenses, and bring a back-up for every piece of equipment. My cameras write to two memory cards simultaneously, so your photographs are backed up the moment I capture every image.
In addition to the cameras, I use a lighting system that few photographs do. My lighting system provides 100% assurance that you'll get bright and beautiful photographs no matter how dark the lighting is. With a few changes, I can quickly go from light and airy, to bold and dramatic.
How will you dress at our wedding?
I dress professionally and do not want to distract from the bride and groom by calling attention to myself. I wear black dress shoes, black dress slacks, and a solid-color black or grey polo shirt.
Do we provide a meal for you and the 2nd photographer?
You are not required to provide meals for us. But, almost every client does graciously provide us with a meal, which enables us to eat quickly and get back to photographing the action without worrying about getting food. If you choose to provide a meal, you do not need to provide an expensive plated meal. A vendor meal, like cold-cut sandwiches, is fine and greatly appreciated.
Will having a videographer affect my pictures?
I work with videographers so that we are both able to get what we need, without blocking each other or getting in each other's shots. Most videographers are also professional and considerate. However, I have worked with a few that are not as thoughtful. Therefore, I have a list of videographers that I like to work with on my Recommended Vendors page.
What if you’re sick and can’t make it on my wedding day?
I've heard many stories about photographers not showing up, or canceling right before a wedding. In nearly all of these cases the photographer canceled for a non-emergency reason. Usually, it’s because a better deal came along on that date. Or, a few staff photographers quit at a studio last minute.
There is no way I would do something so unscrupulous! Once you have me booked... I’m there, and I won’t double book, or cancel... Period. I know how important your wedding photographs are to you. Plus, I stake my livelihood on my reputation and I would never do anything to tarnish it.
However, there are no absolute guarantees in life. Anything can happen to me or any of your vendors. But, you should know that since I started photographing weddings in 2002, I have had the good fortune of good health and have never missed an event... nor even been late. It would take a catastrophic event or serious hospitalization to cause me to miss a wedding. No matter what my circumstances are, I would make every attempt to photograph the wedding.
In the unlikely event that something absolutely beyond my control prevents me from attending your wedding, I will do everything possible to find the very best substitute photographer available. I will make every attempt to exceed your expectations. I am closely connected with many excellent photographers that would fill in as principal photographer in an emergency. My assistant photographers would be there with them also. If I can not find a suitable replacement, you would receive a full refund.
Where are you located?
My residential office is at 6361 Kings Arms Way Fairfield, OH 45014
25 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
45 minutes from Dayton.
Meetings are "by appointment" only. Please contact me here to schedule a meeting or photography session.
How far will you travel?
I serve areas within a 75-mile drive of my studio, including Cincinnati, Dayton, Southeastern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. Please note that there is no travel charge for these locations.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, I carry liability insurance, as well as equipment, errors & omissions, and indemnity insurance so that you and I are both protected.
Can we upgrade the package after booking?
Yes. You can add additional hours, an engagement session, a wedding album, etc.
How do I reserve my date and what are the payments?
Here are the steps:
1) Let me know that you wish to retain me via phone or email.
2) Make the $795 non-refundable retainer payment for me to hold the date. The retainer comes out of the package total. You can make payments online with a credit card, or use a check or cash. I take all major credit cards and there is no credit card fee.
3) Once you make the retainer payment, you have 30 days to let me know which package you'd like. I'll put the package in a contract that you can digitally sign online. Once signed, you have me formally booked.
4) The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding. You may make installment payments.
All payments may be made by cash, check, or credit card, and there is no credit card fee.
This all sounds great, what is the next step?
Let's set up a time to chat. You'll get a feel for my relaxed personality, creative vision, guidance and professionalism. You will be confident you found the right fit.
Dates typically book a year in advance, so don't delay! Please request a time to talk HERE.
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