FAQs

How many weddings have you photographed?
I have shot more weddings than I can count as a primary and as a second shooter for other companies. In 2010 I opened up bookings under my own company name, Samantha Marie Photography. In 2021 we rebranded to become Topaz & Lace Wedding and Boudoir Studios.

Now, we are a studio specializing in Weddings, Lifestyle, and Boudoir and we bring in 15+ weddings a year.

What equipment do you use?
I use professional Canon brand equipment. I currently shoot on a Canon Mark iii and a Canon 6D and primarily use a set of prime lenses (50mm, 35mm, 85mm) and have a couple of zoom lenses also.

Do you use additional lighting?
Whenever possible I try to exclusively use natural light. For indoor ceremonies and receptions, I have an off-camera flash that I use to avoid badly lit and grainy images.

Will you Photoshop me?
I do minor edits (for example; blemish removal, skin touch-ups, teeth whitening if needed) but I will not reconstruct a new waistline or thin out your arms. I strive to pose and photograph in a flattering way for your body type and in a way that highlights your best features!

If I don’t need an engagement session, can my wedding package be cheaper?
Unfortunately, no. 

We offer engagement sessions in the wedding collections as a free service in order to meet/photograph you before your big day. It builds a relationship and lets me know how comfortable you are in front of the camera prior to the wedding, as well as see how comfortable you are with me! If you don’t wish to do an engagement session then you can forego it or swap it out for a boudoir session or a family session if you’d prefer.

Can our friends and family take pictures with their cameras?
I strongly believe in un-plugged weddings being the best weddings. It gives your guests the opportunity to enjoy the ceremony and be present with you two. That being said, it’s your wedding so it’s your choice. I don’t allow family or friends to come along for the bridal images or the images of you two alone for privacy purposes and because, frankly, other people can be distracting and just plain old awkward! People are more than welcome to use their cameras during dancing, cake cutting, and other events. I just ask politely if people could please not push my associates or myself out of the way and respect our presence. We would hate to miss a moment because Uncle Bob put his iPad in the aisle during the first kiss.

Do you recommend a second photographer?
I strongly recommend a second shooter for larger weddings or when the schedule requires a photographer to be in two places at once.

I keep saying that if I had a super power it would be to be able to clone myself (scary, I know), but unfortunately I haven’t had that ability yet.

It is also helpful to be able to capture multiple perspectives of the same moment such as saying your vows, all the facial expressions of your wedding party and family, especially during your first kiss and recessional.

Do you eat at the table with guests?
Yes, unless you have a vendor table, it’s completely up to you! My only request is that I am seated close enough to you and the dance floor so that I can jump up when something like speeches and kissing games happens. Unplanned moments like that are hard to capture if I am on the other side of the room trying to hydrate or eat and can’t make it to the dance floor area on time to get the kisses.

How many images can I expect?
It’s difficult to give you an exact number as there are sooo many factors. For an average 8-hour wedding you can usually expect a minimum of 50-75 per hour of shooting but ultimately depends on the size of your wedding and how long you allow us to photograph. Keep in mind; shorter weddings will not get as many images as an 8-hour wedding and the more that happens during your day results in more images.

How long does it take to receive my images?
Portrait sessions usually can expect to receive their images 2-3 weeks after the shoot and weddings can expect 8-10 weeks.

Do we get the copyright of the images?

Copyright is something that I get asked about often. Many photographers include a “copyright release” in their contracts, which generally just means the same as a print release to have your images printed by yourself or any lab you choose. It’s not the same as obtaining copyright! Copyright simply means that I am the creator of the images and I “own” the copyright. Selling or obtaining “the copyright” is not possible, but all collections come with a print release so you will have the ability to print and share your images as much as you’d like wherever you’d like!

(Don’t forget, you can order prints and heirloom albums from us so send us a message if that interests you!)

Do we receive the unedited files?

Short answer; nope!

Long answer; The unedited files aren’t available for viewing or purchase. It’s the same thing as asking your caterer to give you the leftover ingredients used to make your reception dinner! The images selected for editing and final delivery reflect my very high standards and nothing else is delivered. The images not delivered are eyes closed, flash didn’t fire, a person walked in front of the lens, missed focus shots, shots with bad expressions, test shots, etc. Please rest assured that any images not delivered truly are outtakes and you wouldn’t want them! We do not cull to meet a certain number of delivered images, so every viable image is edited carefully and delivered.