FAQ’s
How would you describe your photography style?
I would describe my shooting and editing style as classic, light, and balanced. I love creating images with movement, laughter, and genuine interactions while also making sure you have those timeless, beautifully composed photographs you'll want to keep forever. I utilize natural light and minimal editing to showcase each couple and their surroundings as naturally as possible.
Do you help with posing? We're a little awkward in front of the camera!
Absolutely! Most of my couples tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera at first, so you are definitely not alone. I'll guide you throughout our entire time together, where to stand, what to do with your hands, how to move, and everything in between. I want you to feel comfortable and like yourselves, which is when we get the most natural and beautiful images.
Can I customize my wedding package to fit our needs?
Absolutely! My packages are a starting point because weddings aren't always one-size-fits-all. I also have an à la carte section that allows you to add additional coverage or services to any package, and I'm always happy to create something that works best for your wedding day.
Are engagement photos included in your wedding packages?
Some of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session. If your package doesn't include one, you can always add an engagement session separately.
What does the payment schedule look like?
A $1,000 non-refundable retainer and signed contract are required to reserve your wedding date. The remaining balance is due one week before the wedding.
You're also welcome to make additional payments along the way if you'd rather break up the balance!
What types of payment methods do you take?
I accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about before booking with you?
No hidden fees! Everything included in your photography package will be clearly outlined before you book.
Optional purchases such as prints, albums, additional coverage, travel when applicable, or anything you choose to add later would be separate.
do I need a second PHOTographer for my wedding day?
Not necessarily, but I often recommend one! A second photographer allows us to capture more happening throughout the day, especially when you're getting ready in separate locations or when multiple things are happening at once.
They can also capture different angles and perspectives during important moments like the ceremony, portraits, and reception.
That said, plenty of weddings can be photographed beautifully with one photographer. I'm happy to help you decide what makes the most sense based on your wedding size, timeline, locations, and priorities.
Do you photograph and edit everything yourself?
Yes! I am the primary photographer for my weddings and personally edit the final gallery in my signature style.
For packages that include a second photographer, I hire trusted professional photographers to work alongside me. Their images are delivered to me after the wedding, and I personally select and edit the final images so your entire gallery feels cohesive.
Do you help with the wedding-day timeline?
Absolutely. Photography plays a big role in how the wedding-day timeline flows, so I'm always happy to review your timeline and make recommendations to ensure we have enough time for everything that's important to you.
About a month before the wedding, I'll send you my final wedding questionnaire and family shot list so we can make sure all of the important details are covered.
What kind of shot list should we provide?
About a month before your wedding, I'll send you a family shot list along with your final wedding questionnaire.
You don't need to send me a giant Pinterest-style list of every photograph you want throughout the day. I photograph weddings thoroughly and am always looking for the important moments, details, and interactions as they happen.
However, if there is a specific photograph, person, sentimental detail, tradition, or moment that's especially important to you, I absolutely want to know about it!
What can we do to get the most out of our wedding photos?
The biggest thing you can do is give yourselves enough time and enjoy your day!
We'll go over all of the important photography details beforehand so that once your wedding day arrives, you don't have to worry about a thing. Be present, have fun, and trust me to take care of the photos.
Do you need to see our venue before the wedding?
Generally, no. I arrive early enough to familiarize myself with the venue, check the lighting, and scout the best locations for portraits.
If your venue has unusual logistics or you're concerned about portrait locations, I'm always happy to discuss it with you beforehand.
What happens if you have an emergency and can't photograph our wedding?
In the very unlikely event that a serious illness or emergency prevents me from photographing your wedding, I will make every reasonable effort to secure a trusted, qualified professional photographer to photograph the day in my place.
I would still handle the image selection and editing so the finished gallery remains consistent with the style you hired me for. The full details of my emergency and substitution policy are also outlined in my wedding contract.
How do you protect our wedding photos?
Protecting your images is incredibly important to me. I use professional equipment and take multiple precautions throughout the photographing, downloading, editing, and delivery process to protect your files.
As with any digital technology, no system can guarantee against every possible equipment or data failure, which is why I also address image protection and unforeseen file loss in my wedding contract.
How many photos will we receive?
There isn't an exact or guaranteed number because every wedding is different. I carefully cull through everything photographed and deliver all of the best images that meet my professional and artistic standards.
As a general idea, wedding galleries often average around 100 final images per hour of coverage, but this can vary depending on the wedding day.
How long does it take to receive our photos?
Wedding galleries are delivered within 10 weeks of the wedding per my contract, although I often deliver them sooner in 4-6 weeks.
Engagement and portrait galleries are typically delivered within 1–2 weeks.
Do you send sneak peeks?
Yes! I love sending sneak peeks. I typically send a small selection shortly after your wedding or session—often within the first day or two—so you have something beautiful to enjoy and share while I work on the full gallery.
How will we receive our photos?
Your finished photographs will be delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, share, and order your images.
Your high-resolution digital downloads are included, there is no additional fee to download your final gallery.
Do we own the rights to our photos?
Carly Martin Photography retains the copyright to the photographs, but you'll receive personal-use rights that allow you to download, print, share, and make copies for yourself, family, and friends.
The images may not be sold or used commercially without written permission.
Can we order prints and albums through you?
Absolutely! You'll be able to order professional-quality prints directly through your online gallery. If you're interested in an album or need help choosing sizes or photographs, just reach out and I'm happy to help.
Do you charge a travel fee?
Travel within 60 miles of Santa Paula, CA is included. Weddings or sessions outside that radius may require an additional travel fee depending on the location.
For destination weddings or events requiring overnight accommodations or airfare, I'll provide a custom travel quote before booking.
Do you have recommendations for other wedding vendors?
Yes! I'm happy to share my preferred vendor list. These are wonderful vendors I've personally worked with and would happily recommend.
ENGAGEMENT & PORTRAIT SESSIONS
What should we wear to our engagement session? Can we bring more than one outfit?
Yes! I'll provide you with a style guide before your session to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and feel like you.
Depending on the session and location, you're also welcome to bring more than one outfit.
Do you have location recommendations, or can we choose our own?
Both! I have several favorite locations that I can recommend based on the look and feel you want for your session, but I'm always open to exploring somewhere new.
What if the weather isn't looking great?
I'm very flexible when it comes to weather. I'll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session, and if conditions aren't looking good, we'll talk through our options and reschedule if necessary.