Wedding Photography FAQ
How many weddings have you done?
I have photographed over 800 weddings since 2002. I photograph around 40+ weddings each year. It is my full-time occupation so I am able to give you my full attention. I love working with couples and photographing weddings!
UPDATE: As of 2025, I am slowing down and taking only 1 or 2 weddings per month.
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 studios.)
Will there be a second photographer?
A second photographer is included in many packages for larger weddings.
The second photographer does not conduct formal portrait sessions, but captures 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 and your dad and your nervous anticipation. During formal portrait sessions the 2nd photographer will both assist Jeff with arranging and posing, and capture candid moments.
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.
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 in the shortest amount of time possible, without being rushed, and so everyone has a fun time.
Every wedding is different, and the length of the 'portrait photo session' depends on your preferences, number of people involved, number of locations, travel times, and the number of creative photographs you want. So, the amount of time we spend doing creative photography 'sessions' varies. I can give you a good estimate once I get more information.
How long should we plan on having you photograph the reception?
For a wedding reception with 100+ guests, I would figure 3 to 4 hours, not counting cocktail hour. Dinner, toasts, cake cutting, formal dances and garter/bouquet can take nearly 2 hours (or longer if dinner isn't ready on time.) I recommend another hour or two of people having fun, on the dance floor, fun candids and guests 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 together or with a grandchild. Moments that only happen once, but you'll want to remember forever.
How much time do we need for getting ready photographs?
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours. I usually arrive 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... and 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 prep at a different location. However, it works really well for the bride and groom to both get ready at the same venue. 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 decorations before the guests arrive.
- you want to join your guests at cocktail hour.
- you don't want to delay dinner or miss any of the party.
The biggest reason to see each other and get your photos out of the way before the ceremony is that after your ceremony, you, your fiancé, and your wedding party are going to be in the mood to celebrate - not in the mood to pose for the camera for an hour while everyone else is off having fun. After you tie the knot, get a few remaining photos with the grandparents then enter the party on a high note.
Does a first-look take away from seeing each other during the ceremony?
Having already seen each other doesn't diminish your anticipation and excitement before the ceremony, or take anything away from the moment you lock eyes as you process down the aisle. Your and your fiancé's emotions come from love for each other and the commitment you are about to make to each other. It is not about 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. Please don't feel like you have to send 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 phone app 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!
What is the "wedding album credit" in some wedding packages?
The wedding album credit applies to the purchase of a printed wedding album. You can apply it to the album type and size of your choice, without being locked in to one type.
You pick the album and options after your wedding. You don't need to decide anything prior to the wedding except to add the credit to your package at a discount.
The wedding album credit may be applied to parent albums, but may not be exchanged or refunded for cash or other products.
The credit must be used within one year of the wedding or $100 per year will be deducted from the credit amount.
How does the album design process work?
You select the photos to use in the album layout and my design team will use those photographs to creatively lay out the initial rough draft proof. You will see the design 'proof' online, where you can easily make requests to add, remove, adjust, or swap photos.
My design team will incorporate your changes into the layout and put the new layout online for you to 'proof' again. We repeat this process up to 3 times until you are thrilled and approve the layout. Most couples only need 1 or 2 sets of changes.
After you approve your layout, I order the album, and you have it in your hands in 4 to 6 weeks. The process is quick and simple and you are going to LOVE your treasured heirloom wedding album.
Is an engagement session included?
You can add an engagement session to any wedding package for $200. You receive the session and the retouched, high-resolution digital image files.
Engagement sessions are completely optional and are not required.
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 to the hourly rate if you wait until the wedding day to ask me stay longer. However, 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 time for photography coverage in advance.
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 you photos 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 light is. With the flick of a few switches 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?
Most videographers are professional and unobtrusive. A few like to stand very close to the couple throughout the ceremony and reception events, and are constantly moving, which means they end up in a lot of your photographs. 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?
There is no travel charge for travel within a one-hour drive. That includes Cincinnati, Dayton, Southeastern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky.
Further, but drivable areas (Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington weddings) require a minimum booking and a reasonable per diem fee to cover travel, lodging, and additional time.
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 an engagement session, upgrade the engagement session to a location-of-your-choice, add the wedding album, add a second photographer, or add additional hours at the regular rate.
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 talk... just shoot me a message via the contact page. I am available for phone, video, or in-person.
We will go over your plans and the photography details. You'll have all your questions answered. You'll see the beautiful wedding albums. And, you'll get a feel for how easy and wonderful working with me is going to be.
Dates are first-come-first-serve and usually book a year in advance, so don't delay!