Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO YOU SHOOT?
I am a professional portrait and wedding photographer. While I specialize in natural light photography, I am also practiced at using flash when needed to capture the moment. I offer both posed and more documentary-style photography.
I’m all about capturing the memories, focusing on light and laughter, and genuine emotion. I love color and movement, and natural settings. I strive to document YOU, YOUR family, YOUR memories the way you want. If that means a more structured shot of you with all your children at a sentimental spot, let’s do it! If that means meeting in the mountains to pick flowers or explore a new spot, then I’m all for it! If you want me to document your family’s tradition of Saturday morning waffles, I’d love to! I like my sessions to be an adventure, filled with real moments and raw emotion! Let’s take you and your fiancé on a little hike - I don’t want you, your guests, your family, your children, your new husband or wife to be stressed the entire time. I’d much rather get photos of you all interacting, loving, and supporting one another, no matter if things didn’t quite come together the way you planned.
For a taste of my work, visit my portfolio.
I’m all about capturing the memories, focusing on light and laughter, and genuine emotion. I love color and movement, and natural settings. I strive to document YOU, YOUR family, YOUR memories the way you want. If that means a more structured shot of you with all your children at a sentimental spot, let’s do it! If that means meeting in the mountains to pick flowers or explore a new spot, then I’m all for it! If you want me to document your family’s tradition of Saturday morning waffles, I’d love to! I like my sessions to be an adventure, filled with real moments and raw emotion! Let’s take you and your fiancé on a little hike - I don’t want you, your guests, your family, your children, your new husband or wife to be stressed the entire time. I’d much rather get photos of you all interacting, loving, and supporting one another, no matter if things didn’t quite come together the way you planned.
For a taste of my work, visit my portfolio.
HOW CAN WE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
I am available by phone, email, or personal message Monday through Saturday. You can text or call (907) 616-1140 or email me at [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for a response.
WHAT TIME OF DAY DO WE SHOOT?
I prefer to schedule on-location sessions about 2 hours before sunset. This can be as early as 3pm for a start time in the winter, and as late as 6-8 pm for a start time in the summer. If we’re shooting in your home or in a studio, times are more flexible and are discussed during the booking process. Morning sessions are usually scheduled just prior to sunup for optimal lighting.
If a session must take place at another time, say, for instance, in the middle of the day, I try to use the environment in which we will be shooting to our advantage. For example, finding open shade to minimize over-bright highlights and harsh shadows. I am also comfortable using off-camera flash to overcome harsh lighting conditions. For these reasons, I consult with everyone of my clients prior to booking to go over timing and location choices.
If a session must take place at another time, say, for instance, in the middle of the day, I try to use the environment in which we will be shooting to our advantage. For example, finding open shade to minimize over-bright highlights and harsh shadows. I am also comfortable using off-camera flash to overcome harsh lighting conditions. For these reasons, I consult with everyone of my clients prior to booking to go over timing and location choices.
HOW LONG IS THE SESSION?
On location portrait sessions (family, maternity, seniors, engagements, formals) usually last about 1-1.5 hours. Extended family sessions may take longer depending on number of groupings desired and will be priced accordingly.
Wedding day coverage varies extensively and is tailored to fit your needs.
Wedding day coverage varies extensively and is tailored to fit your needs.
HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP PHOTOS?
All professionally edited photos are uploaded to an online gallery, which is made available for 1 year. Once the JPEG files are delivered to you, I highly recommend duplicating them and storing them safely. Technology can be fickle; one of the best ways to ensure your images will last for generations is to print them.
WE WANT TO BOOK. NOW WHAT?
You can complete this form – or email me at [email protected]. I will do my best to get you on the calendar as soon as possible.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
I accept all major credit/debit cards, as well as personal checks and U.S. currency.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER’S BAD THE DAY OF OUR SESSION?
If weather forces us to reschedule your session, you will get the next available date/time that works for both of us. I generally keep a couple days free each month to use for just such occasions.
DO YOU TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF YOUR AREA FOR SESSIONS?
While I’m based in the Utah and Salt Lake Counties, I love to travel to new places, and I’m available to travel anywhere in the U.S. and abroad for sessions and events. Of course, for any sessions outside my immediate area of coverage, some travel fees may apply. Please don’t hesitate to ask about travel fees to your specific location.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE MY IMAGES AFTER THE SESSION?
One thing that sets Heather Wrigley Photography apart is the fast turnaround. Barring extreme circumstances (natural disasters, my death, etc.) I guarantee all files will be made available within 2-4 weeks of the shoot.
To help curb (or maybe intensify?) your anxiousness and excitement to see your images, I will usually post a couple sneak peek images before sending you the full gallery. The exception, of course, is bridal images, unless you’re okay with your husband-to-be seeing you in the dress before your big day.
To help curb (or maybe intensify?) your anxiousness and excitement to see your images, I will usually post a couple sneak peek images before sending you the full gallery. The exception, of course, is bridal images, unless you’re okay with your husband-to-be seeing you in the dress before your big day.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes. I understand that custom photography is an investment, so as an added convenience I am happy to offer customized payment plans that meet your needs. Once the balance has been paid, your products will be delivered. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about payment plans.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
WHEN SHOULD WE HOLD MY MATERNITY PORTRAIT SESSION?
Maternity sessions are ideally held between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. I’ve found that anything before 27 weeks does not quite capture the beauty of your belly as in the later weeks, and women over 36 weeks tend to feel really uncomfortable.
WHERE WILL WE HOLD THE SESSION? INSIDE OR OUTSIDE? WHAT ARE SOME GOOD LOCATIONS?
We will hold the session wherever we want. But in all seriousness, it’s very important that we work together to determine the best location – whether that is outside or in a studio. Once your session is booked, tell me about the kind of feel you want your images to have or let me know which of my images speak most to you and we can determine the best location for your session.
WHAT SIZE CAN I PRINT THE IMAGES?
I’m so glad you plan to print your images! I truly believe families and special events and moments are some of the most precious things we have. We can rely on memory, but memory can’t capture things perfectly and fades with time. Photos are the best way to preserve the happiest moments of our lives, to remember EXACTLY how things were and to freeze forever the most blessed things in our lives. And printing them is the best way to ensure they will be remembered often.
Images in your gallery are provided in a variety of sizes, including files that are optimized for sharing online (low-res) and high-resolution files, which can be printed up to a 20x30 without issue. If you would like to print larger, I can work with you to make those files print at whatever size your heart desires.
I strive to maintain the highest quality by customizing each file for its specific print size. To ensure the best quality possible, please print images for display directly through your gallery with Heather Wrigley Photography. If you decide to print yourself, I highly recommend printing through a professional print shop as opposed to a big box store such as Walmart - the difference in quality is marked.
Images in your gallery are provided in a variety of sizes, including files that are optimized for sharing online (low-res) and high-resolution files, which can be printed up to a 20x30 without issue. If you would like to print larger, I can work with you to make those files print at whatever size your heart desires.
I strive to maintain the highest quality by customizing each file for its specific print size. To ensure the best quality possible, please print images for display directly through your gallery with Heather Wrigley Photography. If you decide to print yourself, I highly recommend printing through a professional print shop as opposed to a big box store such as Walmart - the difference in quality is marked.
What digital files are provided?
Images from every session are delivered via an online gallery, which is password protected and available on my website for one year from the time of posting. This allows you immediate access to your precious photos anywhere with Internet access for up to a year, cuts down on waste, helps you easily share your photos with anyone you choose, and helps ensure you won't lose your photos easily.
Once your session is posted, I email you the password and you have full access to download any or all of the images you like, as many times as you like. That means you can make DVDs for grandparents, copy files to your external media device, order prints online, and more. All high-resolution files are professionally edited.
Once your session is posted, I email you the password and you have full access to download any or all of the images you like, as many times as you like. That means you can make DVDs for grandparents, copy files to your external media device, order prints online, and more. All high-resolution files are professionally edited.
What is a Bridal/Formal Session?
A bridal session is a shoot that usually takes place a few weeks before a wedding, and involves you and your fiancé taking pictures in your full wedding attire. The day of the wedding is often busy, weather can’t be controlled, and your ceremony time may mean we’re taking group shots in high-noon sun — not flattering. A bridal session guarantees we’ll get beautiful shots on a non-stressful day. I highly recommend you have full hair, makeup, nails, etc. done for these photos. It’s a great time to do a trial run. You can also order a smaller bouquet for the session, to make it look as complete as possible. Many clients like to shoot in the same location their wedding will be.
This is also an excellent opportunity to take “first looks” — basically, I stage for the groom to see the bride for the first time in her dress and catch all the wonderful reactions and moments together as he turns to see her.
Following the first look, I am happy to take couple shots that you can then have printed in advance of the wedding day to display at your ceremony or reception. Some brides also like to have a few formal photos taken of just the groom during these sessions, which I am happy to do.
This is also an excellent opportunity to take “first looks” — basically, I stage for the groom to see the bride for the first time in her dress and catch all the wonderful reactions and moments together as he turns to see her.
Following the first look, I am happy to take couple shots that you can then have printed in advance of the wedding day to display at your ceremony or reception. Some brides also like to have a few formal photos taken of just the groom during these sessions, which I am happy to do.
Why do you photograph newborns at home?
I prefer to photograph newborns in your home for several reasons. First of all, newborns are best photographed within the first 4-10 days of life. Unfortunately, that also means they are very susceptible to catching colds and other illnesses. I prefer to photograph them at home, where they already are to reduce the chances of that happening. My style of newborn photography is also more lifestyle—sweet, natural interactions between mom and baby, baby and siblings, etc. in their natural environment, the home.
For this reason, when you book a newborn shoot, I will offer some direction on preparing the home for the photo shoot, including clearing spaces, doing away with clutter, and scheduling the shoot for the time of day with the most light.
For this reason, when you book a newborn shoot, I will offer some direction on preparing the home for the photo shoot, including clearing spaces, doing away with clutter, and scheduling the shoot for the time of day with the most light.
What should I wear?
The answer to this question could be a book, in and of itself. Gone are the days of matchy-matchy blue jeans and white shirts with bare feet. You goal should be to have everyone complement one another. I recommend you dress a little nicer than you would on a normal day. Please avoid large logos on clothing, but feel free to experiment with colors, textures, patterns, and accessories. Have fun with your clothing choices, and wear something that brings out your personality. Layers can add versatility, as you can add a scarf of drop a jacket for a completely different look later in the shoot.
If you’re still having a hard time deciding, find a piece of clothing you love and build all the outfits in the shoot around it. Having an accent color that peeks out in several outfits can also tie everyone together. There are literally millions of ideas to be found on Pinterest idea boards and Google search results. If all else fails, talk to me and let me help you realize your vision.
If you’re still having a hard time deciding, find a piece of clothing you love and build all the outfits in the shoot around it. Having an accent color that peeks out in several outfits can also tie everyone together. There are literally millions of ideas to be found on Pinterest idea boards and Google search results. If all else fails, talk to me and let me help you realize your vision.
Do I need to bring anything to a photo session?
I prefer simple, natural photo shoots. For that reason, I don’t rely heavily on props, even for newborn photo shoots. However, if you really want your children sitting on a vintage trunk or have a gorgeous armchair you’d like included in family photos, I am happy to accommodate your wishes.
Generally, it is a good idea to bring a change of outfit, water, and a beloved or treasured item to family and children photo sessions. The most important thing you can bring is a good attitude. If the shoot will involve little ones, please try to make sure they have been fed and had a good nap just before so everyone can be happy and have a good experience.
Generally, it is a good idea to bring a change of outfit, water, and a beloved or treasured item to family and children photo sessions. The most important thing you can bring is a good attitude. If the shoot will involve little ones, please try to make sure they have been fed and had a good nap just before so everyone can be happy and have a good experience.
Are there any additional charges for me to receive my photos?
I try to be very upfront with all my pricing on the rates page. If you have a special circumstance, please call or email and we’ll figure everything out beforehand to make sure we’re all clear and comfortable with the arrangements. Some locations require a permit to shoot, which would be added on top of the regular session pricing.
Do you work with a second photographer?
If you desire a second shooter for your event, I can work with you to add an additional photographer to your session for a fee.
Can I get RAW files from the session?
No. As a creative artist, I carefully select and edit every image to reflect my high standards and style of work. Part of the reason you are hiring me is for my process, my “look.” RAW files are basically digital negatives with no editing applied to them. Following a shoot, I look at every single frame and cull any blurry or unattractive images, then apply my personal touch to each photo as only I can. Yes, you may not get all 1,900 photos from the day, but you are going to get the best of the best—photos with a lot of time, energy, and thought put into them. And when you print them or share them, I am going to be proud to have my work displayed.
What equipment do you use?
I shoot with top-of-the-line Nikon equipment and gear. You’ll usually see me lugging a small backpack of lenses, backup batteries, and memory cards around, along with a stepladder. (A lot of my subjects are taller than my 5’6” frame.)
Can you hold a date for me?
Yes, once you have paid your deposit, I mark you on my booking calendar and reserve the date. I accept a limited number of bookings each month so I can focus on each client and give them my best.
Do you have references?
Yes! I am happy to make them available upon request. You can also peruse my website for client testimonials.
Can I share my pictures on social media?
I love when my clients love their photos enough to share them! Please just remember to credit Heather Wrigley Photography any time you post, whether it be to Facebook (Heather Wrigley Photography), Instagram (#heatherwrigleyphotography or @heatherwrigleyphotography), or another platform. I also suggest you post the lower-res photos available for download from your gallery for best quality online. Finally, do not edit or add filters to any photos, please.
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