FAQ
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General
Will you travel to shoot my wedding?
Where are you based?
Yes! I love travelling and will pack my bags in a heartbeat for any wedding across Australia, just not overseas (at this stage). Travel fees are outlined in my pricing guide - which you can request here.
In Melbourne, Australia with my office in Cremorne, a cute little suburb neighbouring Richmond!
How would you describe your style?
I’m here to capture the fun and vibrancy of your special day. I’m here for the intimate, in between, quirky moments. The kinds of photos that are full of energy and love.
I’m not here to put you in a box, direct you to the mainstream, or make you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable, but I will hold your hand, make you laugh and be there to talk it all through.
My couples who are open-minded, willing to allow me into their lives for a day and believe that capturing memories are important.
Do you have a second shooter or is it just you photographing our wedding?
I love working solo, it allows me to be present and work in a photojournalistic manner. You know: less paparazzi, more happy wedding day vibes. But, sometimes a second photographer is needed, like if the wedding has 150+ guests. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Can we meet you?
Sure can. Just pick your poison: wine, coffee, water — whatever, I’m yours.
Then, make a booking here. We can chat in person, on zoom or over the phone.
Do you offer prints & albums?
Sure do, they’re one of my favourite parts of the process.
My albums are custom designed, bound and completely customisable, so you can preserve your day, your way.
Visit my store to shop for them, my prints and other fancy bits.
My venue is asking for your insurance information. Do you have that?
Yes, my insurance cover is wedding specific and included in my contract to keep both the venue, you, the couple and I protected from anything that could potentially happen along the way.
Do you work with videographers?
Can do. To make things quick and easy on the day, it’s a good idea to combine creatives who share similar styles (and banter). Luckily, I know a few good eggs I love to work with. Check them out here.
What are your thoughts on same-sex marriage?
Hell yeah! Marriage is a celebration of two people in love, regardless of gender.
I love being part of all weddings, especially those involving the LGBTQ+ community.
COVID policy / Postponements?
So, here’s the dealio.
I offer no fees for postponements. And a non-refundable retainer of $1100 is credited to the new date if it's mutually agreeable.
Just remember to get all vendors and parties to agree to a new date before locking anything in. I like to use The Doodle app to make this part of the process easy for everyone.
Do you photograph elopements?
Yes! My elopement coverage is 2 hours and must include 10 guests or less. During peak wedding season (Oct - Apr) this option may only be available on Mon - Fri.
If you’re after something a little bigger, my Micro Wedding package will do the trick. Designed for 50 people or less with the option of 3 - 5 hours of coverage. Request my Micro Wedding pricing guide here.
Custom packages?
I've designed my packages to offer a range of photography options. From elopements & micro weddings through to full day coverage, but if you’re after something super specific, just holla. I’m happy to chat and tailor something to your needs.
BOOKING &
Pricing
Where can I find your prices?
Do you accept credit card payments?
Via my contact form here.
Or, email me: hello@amandaalessi.com
Yes, I accept credit cards or direct deposit for all payments.
Do you offer discounts for weekday or winter weddings?
How do we secure our date?
01
You’ll…Make a Move
You’ll go here to see if I’m available on your date & request my pricing guide. If I’m free, I’ll send you the guide, and a link to book a video chat with me (and probably my Frenchie, Reggie).
02
I’ll… Book our First Date
This is your chance to see if I’m The One. It’s a date, so we’ll talk about your hopes and dreams. Plus, we’ll cover timelines, coverage options, my epic albums and any questions.
03
Timing is Everything
Planner mode, activated. I’ll put together a tailored timeline with photography in mind. Sun setting at 6pm? No prob. Espresso martinis at 11pm? Even better. I’ll pass on the booking link, too.
04
It’s Officially Official
Once you’ve paid the $1100 non-refundable retainer and signed the contract, I’m yours! I’ll follow that with a thank you email, and pop your present in the post. Hehe.
No, wedding coverage itself is just a small part of my services — most of my time is spent in the pre and post-wedding stage, planning, editing, curating and so on. It makes sense that all weddings are priced equally.
How many hours of photography would you recommend?
If you’d like full day coverage with both getting ready photos to dance floor shenanigans, I’d recommend 8 - 10 hours.
If you plan to skip the getting ready photos or don’t need heaps of reception coverage, 6 hours is usually ideal.
For micro weddings there is the option for 3 - 5 hours and elopements with less than 10 people, 2 hours.
What’s included in your packages?
All my packages include:
A pre-wedding consult to talk timing, lighting and locations (in-person or online)
Photography coverage by Amanda Alessi
Professional post production, curation + editing in Amanda’s signature style
An online gallery (best consumed with friends, family + wine) with the option to purchase prints
High resolution images
VIP access to the Amanda Alessi online store
In the
lead up /
client
experience
Once we book you, how much do we communicate before the wedding?
Help, we have never planned a wedding before!
Four words: Run sheets and margaritas.
Run sheets are your new best mate. Margaritas are just ‘cos.
Run sheets help you knuckle down your wedding priorities, minimising unnecessary stress on the day. After all, getting married is meant to be fun.
I offer free run sheet advice in our initial meeting (even before you’ve booked me), then work with you (once booked) to create a more concrete guide 4-6 weeks before the event.
As much or as little as you like.
You’ll have a draft timeline of the day after our initial chat you can refer to during your wedding planning. Then about 6 weeks before the event, I’ll send a questionnaire to lock in final details for the day, from photo lists to key addresses, payment reminders and additional hours.
Once your run sheet, payment and questionnaire are finalised, you’ll be good to go.
On the
big day
What’s your vibe at a wedding?
I don’t really like getting my photos taken and I get quite nervous...
I’m a very relaxed, friendly and bubbly person.
I’ll be there to calm any nerves and capture all your loved one’s quirks (most of the time, without even realising I’m there). I like to let people be themselves, have fun and calm any nerves they might have on the day... like a pseudo-therapist.
If there’s any questions on the day or requests, just let me know — I’m there to capture it all.
Honestly that is a very normal reaction, but not to worry, you just concentrate on getting married and I'll take care of the rest. Plus, most of the day you won’t notice me, I tend to be a documentary photo ninja.
There will be no awkward posing, rather some gentle direction given throughout your portrait session. I can’t guarantee there won’t be some love gazing involved but overall we are going to create some killer shots and have an awesome time.
What if it rains on my wedding day!?
I love candid photos, but what about the formal family photos? Do you take these as well?
I own a large collection of clear umbrellas!
If things are looking rainy a week or so before the wedding, I’ll find back-up spots for couple portraits, which may even be at the venue.
We can even stop at a cute little bar/cafe (with the venue’s permission) for a drink and cute snaps. There are so many incredible interiors around, plus rainy weather offers the most soft, flattering light humanly possible.
All of this is to say: I got you.
Of course! Family photos are so important. How often are all our people in one place? You’ll be asked about this in our initial meeting and questionnaire, so I can make sure I am getting everything you need.
For smaller families, 6-8 group shots over 15-20 minutes is usually plenty. For larger groups, 20+ shots over 30-45 will do the trick.
Other casual group shots with friends can be taken later in the day at the reception.
How long do we need to leave for our ‘portrait session’?
This varies depending on your run sheet, travel times between locations and your vision for the day.
For a quick burst of couple portraits: 20 minutes.
For a stroll around a few locations: 45 minutes.
What’s the best time of day for photos? What is all this talk about golden light???
How long is a piece of string?
The quality of light is both one of the MOST important factors for a photographer but also something that even with a lot of planning can go out of the window due to so many variables. Here’s my seasonal guide:
During summer
The most beautiful light is usually the last hour or so before sunset: soft and warm. The closer you get to the time of sunset, the pink and orange colours appear, which turn into blue tones at last light. I always encourage couples to leave 15 - 20 mins in your reception runsheet to sneak out for summer sunset portraits.
During autumn / winter
The light will mostly likely be soft earlier in the day so no need to shoot in that last hour of light. In fact, it’s safer to shoot in the last 2 -3 hours of light in case it gets dark earlier than expected.
Having said all of this, we can’t predict Mother Nature’s ways. So, no matter what the day brings, I can make it work. With a little bit of creative thinking and a sprinkle of planning, we’ll always get the shot.
What is a ‘first look’? Should we do one?
Fast becoming a popular trend, a ‘first look’ is when couples see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s usually a private moment without family and friends — the perfect time for you both to enjoy some time just the two of you! If you’re on the fence, here’s some pros and cons:
Pros
- A private moment where you can cry, laugh, chat about how damn fine you both look!
- Calm the nerves before the ceremony
- A great photo moment!
- Get your couple portraits out of the way so you can go straight into the party post ceremony. Cocktails anyone?
- Get photos when you’re looking your freshest (no windswept hair, dirt on the dress or makeup marks on collars from all the hugs and kisses)
- Enjoy some alone time, ‘cos weddings go by so fast!
Cons
- If you’re all about tradition and want to save the full reaction for that big walking down-the-aisle moment.
- You may need to get ready earlier than expected (7am makeup anyone?)
What are your thoughts on a large group shot with EVERYONE?
I tend to steer away from these kinds of photos because they are usually taken when everyone is congratulating you and showering you with hugs and kisses — special moments I’d hate to miss capturing for just one photo.
BUT, if it’s something you’d love to have, let me know and allow for 15 minutes of extra time in your runsheet.
We aren’t super keen on photos of us getting ready...can we skip that bit?
Sure can — there are no rules about what you should and shouldn’t do.
How many images will I receive?
I want to post a shot on Instagram to announce to the world I’m married! When can I get my mits on a photo?
After the
Wedding
Coverage usually falls between 500 – 800 images. Varying factors influence the amount of images received, such as large wedding parties vs no wedding party, the length of coverage time, the addition of a second shooter, big styling budgets vs. small registry office weddings etc.
I got you. You’ll get a gallery link a few days after the wedding with a highlight reel of 50-150 images. In peak season this can be 1-2 weeks after the wedding.
What happens if your memory card corrupts and you LOSE ALL OUR PHOTOS!?
When will we see the full image gallery?
Approx. 8 weeks after your wedding date.
Please note: turnaround times can vary in peak season vs. winter time.
Ok, firstly: breathe.
And secondly, I got this.
The systems I have in place ensure the likelihood of this happening is slim to none. I won't bore you with all the details but rest assured my processes are solid and your images will be in safe hands.
For example: every image is backed up on two systems/cards at the same time, so if one fails (unlikely) there’s an exact replica. This is just one reason why it’s so important to hire a professional photographer on your wedding day.
Do you edit our photos?
Yes, yes, yes.
Curating and editing your wedding photos is part of what gives my images their signature style. This doesn’t mean retouching body parts or airbrushing skin. Instead, I focus on keeping skin tones luminous and colours vibrant and true to the day. Each image is individually balanced and finalised in Adobe Lightroom then exported out as a full set of amazing, consistent images.
tell me
more about
yourself!
What camera equipment do you use?
Is photography your full time job?
I’m currently shooting digital with my kit including 2 brand spanking new mirrorless Canon camera bodies and an assortment of high quality lenses. Plus flashes, memory cards and a few other bits and bobs.
Yes. I love it!
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
Did you go to photography school?
The very first wedding I attended as a photographer was in 2012, during this time I also spent a solid few years learning and shooting alongside talented wedding photographers.
In 2014, I launched Amanda Alessi Photography in Perth, and relocated to Melbourne in 2017.
Yes, I completed a Bachelor of Arts Undergraduate (Graphic Design & Creative Advertising) at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. Many of my units were photography based, but I’ve learnt the most from working with other photographers prior to starting my business.
Do you only photograph weddings?
How many weddings have you shot?
I prefer shooting weddings as I love the mix of creative portraiture and documentary elements that comes with a wedding day. I find it very fulfilling knowing my images will only become more meaningful as the years pass. The images play an important role in a family’s history – especially when loved ones are no longer alive.
This said, I also enjoy working with small businesses and have worked with many over the years including: One Fine Day, RSPCA, Bauwerk x Meghan Plowman, Three Foxes Distillery, Baby Spa, Suppa Club and Grouch & Co.
200+ weddings and counting!
How do we know if you are a real life human??
This FAQ page is great but I have more questions! What is the best way to contact you?
Fill out the contact form here and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you don’t hear from me within a few days your message may have been lost somewhere in internet land. If that’s the case, message via my Instagram.