FAQ's
Weddings
Cinematography
Technical / Data
Investment
How would you describe your style and approach to a wedding day?
I make every effort to capture and deliver imagery that is timeless, true to color, and authentic. I have a special place in my heart for medium format film photography, but I also enjoy the ability to capture digital imagery throughout the wedding day and deliver both to my clients. I have created what I like to call, a full service photography experience within our business, meaning that I work alongside couples and their wedding planners to create elevated imagery featuring stylized wedding day details, candid and posed family and guest photos, and of course beautiful, authentic images of the bride and groom celebrating on their wonderful wedding day.
I always approach a wedding day with two main objectives. First, most important to me is that my clients (as well as their valuable guests) enjoy the wedding day as much as possible. This approach keeps me positive, encouraging, and flexible if need be so that the bride and groom never feel rushed or uncomfortable in any portion of the photography experience. Second, my goal is to create beautiful imagery. I approach each wedding with an individualized, editorial approach. Each couple has their own unique love story and it is my job to capture it in a way that is personal to them and their relationship. Lastly, I believe in having a smile on my face throughout the entire wedding day along with any staff I may have with me. I love what I do, so it better show on my face when I’m working with my clients!
Where are you located?
We are located on the Coast of California in a beautiful town called San Luis Obispo, nestled nearly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. An easy point of reference also, is we are located a short 1.5 hour drive north of Santa Barbara.
Do you offer Cinematography?
Absolutely! I am a photographer, whereas my husband is a cinematographer. We love working together on weddings and with our clients as they’re planning their big day. Both wedding photos and highlight films are curated and edited with the same artistic style. Many of our clients enjoy a custom photo + video collection that has been created especially for them.
Do you shoot destination weddings?
Yes! We primarily travel throughout California and over to the beautiful Hawaiian islands, which is where we honeymooned and love to visit as often as possible. However, we will go just about anywhere! We would love to hear about your destination wedding and provide you with few collection options tailored specifically for you!
We aren’t sure if we want an engagement session. Is this something you recommend?
This is something that I do recommend. The main reason is that this allows you to get to know me better as your photographer. On the day of your wedding, you will likely be with your photographer more than any other person that day. If we’ve already spent time working together and getting to know one another, this ensures that we will have loads of fun together while creating beautiful photographs on your amazing wedding day.
How many wedding photographs are delivered and when will we receive them?
Approximately 70-90 images per hour of wedding/event coverage is delivered to clients in the final photo gallery. Couples can expect their entire collection to be completed within 10-14 weeks. Additionally, I always love to send couples a preview gallery of their wedding within the week.
Do you offer wedding albums and prints?
Absolutely! I offer a variety of luxury wedding albums for couples to choose from. This includes hard bound albums with a deluxe photo cover, as well as leather bound albums that can be beautifully engraved with a date and initials.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Yes, most of the time. I typically make a recommendation to clients based on the size and scope of their wedding. For example, some intimate weddings and elopements may only require myself, as the only photographer.
What kind of camera equipment do you use?
I shoot with a medium format Contax 645 film camera, as well as a Canon Mark IV digital camera. I use a variety of “L” series prime lenses and a few zoom lenses.
How do we book with Ashley Rae Studio?
We have made this process extremely easy for couples. After an agreement to work together has been made, a contract will be drawn up for your electronic signature. Your wedding date is officially reserved after the initial retainer and contract is signed.
My wedding Venue/Property requires hired vendors to be insured. Are you insured?
Yes, Absolutely! We are fully insured and have worked with a fantastic insurance agency that specializes in photography services.
Do you record in 4k?
Yes, absolutely! We also don't charge extra for it.
Can you get Drone footage?
We own a professional-grade 4K Drone to capture beautiful footage. We are also, Certified Drone Pilots and licensed to fly by the FAA.
Do you record Audio?
Yes. We have an extensive set up for different situations including:
Lav Mics (small mics for ceremony, usually pinned on the groom's jacket)
Recorders. These can be plugged into a DJ's soundboard to get crisp clean audio from all the different mics during Toasts for example.
Do you have Drone insurance?
Yes! Not only do we have general insurance for our company, but we also have a separate coverage specifically for the drone.
Do you offer the raw footage?
This is definitely an option we can discuss. Typically, the raw footage alone doesn't come close to a beautifully edited Highlight Film. But we can discuss options.
What if I want a specific type of video length or style?
No problem at all! We have special packages curated just for you but if you have a specific length you are looking for or a type, we are open. Let's start a dialogue and discuss how we can create your perfect video!
Do you cover engagement sessions?
We love doing this! We can capture and incorporate footage from the engagement session right into your wedding video.
See an example here.
How will I receive my media?
We can deliver all media (Photography / Cinematography) via online delivery or a USB depending on the package you choose.
What if something happens to my photo / video?
We take every precaution to avoid losing any data on the job. in fact, we equip all of our digital gear with multi-destination saving while recording or taking photos, so that every image or video that is captured is simultaneously being backed up.
Additionally, once we return to our office, everything is immediately backed up three times over.
To date, we have never lost any video footage or photograph.
How long do you keep my data?
We store and back up data typically for one year. If you misplace your data just reach out to us. We highly recommend after receiving your delivery to take your own steps to make additional backups. If you need an extra USB for your records, just ask. We are happy to deliver another USB at no additional cost.
Photography & Cinematography
Wedding collection rates vary depending on the wedding date and other additional details.
We have special hourly rates for elopements, weekday weddings, as well as photo & video bundle rates! Please reach out to inquire about your date. We'd love to get to know you better!
