Questions You Might Have
I want you to feel confident, prepared, and excited every step of the way. Here are answers to some of the most common questions clients ask—everything from booking and session prep to what happens after the shoot. If you don’t see your question here, just reach out. I’m always happy to help!
Wedding FAQ
Do you shoot destination weddings?
ABSOLUTELY.
Wherever your love story leads—you’ll find me right there with you.
Maybe you’re envisioning your vows whispered on the cliffs of Moher, wrapped in tall grass and sea breeze. Or beneath the palms in Venice, California. Maybe it’s golden sands in Dubai, the electric energy of Vegas, or the quiet magic of the Smoky Mountains.
This is The Voyage Collection.
A collection crafted for the adventurous spirits, the dreamers, and the romantics who know their love deserves a setting as meaningful as their story. Destination weddings are never just about a new location—they're about you. Your vision. Your dream. Your heart. And while I feel incredibly lucky to travel with my couples, please know this: it’s not the destination I’m chasing.
It’s you.
The Voyage Collection is fully customizable to fit your unique plans and vision. Travel and lodging will be added based on location and time needed, and I’m always available for a personalized call or in-person meeting to walk through the details and create your tailored quote. Every image will be delivered in a high-resolution online gallery, ready to be printed, shared, and cherished forever. A second shooter can be added if desired—because your story deserves to be captured from every beautiful angle.
So dream big. Wander far.
And know that wherever you go, I’ll be there—ready to preserve every breathtaking moment with honesty, heart, and artistry.
The Voyage Collection begins at $4500
Do I need a Second Photographer?
Whether or not you need a second photographer really depends on the size and flow of your wedding day. For smaller, more intimate celebrations, one photographer is often more than enough to capture everything beautifully.
However, if you're planning a larger wedding—typically with 60+ guests—or if you and your partner will be getting ready in separate locations, I highly recommend adding a second photographer. It allows us to capture more moments, more angles, and ensures nothing meaningful is missed.
Still unsure? Let’s chat about it! I’ll always give you my honest advice. I’m here to support you—not upsell you. If I don’t think you truly need a second photographer, I’ll absolutely let you know.
How long will it take to get all of my wedding photos?
This is one of the questions I get asked most—and I totally get it! Who wouldn’t be excited to relive their wedding day through their photos?
You can expect your fully edited and retouched wedding gallery delivered within ten weeks of your big day. If anything unexpected comes up that could cause a delay, I’ll be sure to communicate with you right away. I know how special these memories are, and I’m committed to delivering them with the care and attention they deserve.
How many photos will I receive from my wedding?
The number of images you receive depends on a few key factors—such as the size of your wedding party, guest count, the amount of detail to capture, and how many hours of coverage you’ve booked. For a full wedding day with all the moments and details, you can typically expect around 700–900 beautifully edited images.
How do I book you to save the date?
It’s easy! Choose your collection, review and sign your contract, and then pay your retainer. That’s it!
Is my retainer refundable if I cancel the wedding?
If unforeseen circumstances come up and you cancel your wedding and choose not to reschedule unfortunately your retainer would not be refundable but no further monies would be owed.
Can I have all the images, meaning all of the RAWs?
Let’s start with a quick explanation—what is a RAW image?
A RAW file is the original, unprocessed file straight from my camera. It’s a very large file that gives me full control during the editing process—allowing me to enhance colors, light, and detail to create the final images you see in your gallery. Once editing is complete, those images are exported and delivered to you as high-resolution JPEGs.
Now, back to the question:
Do I deliver RAW files? The answer is no—and here’s why.
When you hire me, you're not just hiring someone to press a shutter. You're trusting me to document your day and then artistically craft each image into a final piece of art. RAW files are only part of that process—they’re unfinished and don’t represent the full vision or style of Rae West Photography.
Because of that, I don’t deliver RAW files under any circumstance. What I do deliver are beautifully edited, high-resolution images that are ready to be printed, shared, and treasured for years to come.
PORTRAIT FAQ
I don't know what to wear - HELP!
The stress of what to wear, I understand looking for multiple outfits that makes everyone happy can be a job in itself. The rule of thumb for me is pick outfits that go with your vibes! Make sure you pick something you're comfortable in and feel beautiful and handsome in! Don’t go for the outfit you saw online, but when you put it on it feels awful. Don’t force it. You can wear something as fancy as you want and as casual - it’s your choice because it’s your photos and I want you to be happy with what you have on. I will say… think about the colors. Everyone has different skin tones so you know what looks best on you. Patterns can be fun but just make sure they aren’t too busy because sometimes it can take away from the images. Color choice is always fun and exciting because you can go for a monochromatic look where everyone has the same color OR you can bring a different style and have 2-4 colors but have them all coordinate and bring pops of color in to liven up the images. Either way, I am your guide and here to help you! If you feel overwhelmed and want to have a discussion about it or need some advice, I am your woman and happy help!!
If I cancel my session will I get my Retainer refunded?
If you need to cancel your session—whether ahead of time or on the day of—please note that the retainer is non-refundable. This retainer secures your date and ensures I turn away other bookings for that time. Once it's paid and the contract is signed, that date is reserved just for you, which is why I'm unable to offer a refund if the session doesn’t take place.
That said, I completely understand that life happens—whether it's a wardrobe issue, a last-minute emergency, or family not showing up. I’m always happy to work with you to find a new date that works for both of us and get your session rescheduled as soon as possible.
If we’re unable to reschedule, the retainer will still remain non-refundable, but I’ll do everything I can to accommodate you in the future.
What if there is bad weather?
Weather tends to be one of the biggest stressors for clients—but here’s the truth: please don’t let it be! Try not to obsessively check the forecast—especially here in Florida, where the weather can change by the hour. I’ve got you. I’ll keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will be in touch if it looks like the weather may affect our plans. Most of the time, everything works out just fine!
If it does end up raining during your scheduled shoot time, no worries—we’ll reschedule to a new date that works for both of us. I’ll do everything I can to accommodate you as soon as possible. However, if it’s just overcast (no rain), we’ll still go ahead with the session! Cloudy skies can actually create the most beautiful, soft light and a completely different—yet stunning—mood.
Weather decisions are typically made the day of the session, since conditions can shift so quickly. Reschedules can’t be made in advance for “just in case” weather, due to other client sessions already on the calendar—but again, trust me when I say: most of the time, it all works out beautifully.
Do you offer a military or senior discount?
At this time, I’m not offering any discounts unless it’s part of a special promotion I’m actively advertising. I truly value every inquiry and appreciate your understanding—if any promotions come up in the future, I’ll be sure to share them!
Can I print my photos out myself?
Absolutely! Once your gallery is delivered, you’re free to download your images and print them wherever you'd like. That said, I do offer the option to order prints directly through your gallery via a professional photo lab. This ensures the highest quality and color accuracy—prints that truly reflect the care and artistry put into your images. If you choose to print elsewhere, please know that while you're welcome to do so, I can’t guarantee the quality of those prints. However, when you order through Rae West Photography, I stand fully behind the products and the way your memories are brought to life on paper.
How long will it take to get my photos back?
This is one of the questions I get asked most—and I totally get it! I always tell my clients, don’t feel bad for asking—I’d want to know, too. Here’s the answer: your full gallery will be delivered within three weeks of your session! If anything unexpected comes up that may cause a delay, I’ll absolutely keep you in the loop. Otherwise, you can count on seeing your beautifully edited images within that three-week window.
Do I pick the location or you?
I love this question—and it’s definitely something we’ll talk about together! If there’s a location that holds special meaning to you, I’d absolutely love to hear about it. To me, that’s what photography is all about: capturing your story in a place that feels like you.
But if you have no idea where to start—don’t worry at all! We’ll chat about the overall vibe and energy you want for your session, and from there, I’ll guide you and suggest locations that will bring your vision to life.