frequently asked questions
Do you meet with people before booking?
I’m gonna be straight up honest with you, I’m not JUST a photographer, I’m a mom and a wife and my schedule for the week fills up fast. I always try and get my couples on a FT call or phone call after they inquire because I feel like seeing each other (virtually) face to face can really help us feel out each other’s vibes better than over email/text message. If I feel that you are serious about booking and would like to go over the contract in person or want to discuss further in person then I would love to meet with you! But as soon as you book I’ll be wanting to grab lunch with you and really get down to the nitty gritty!
My partner doesn’t like taking photos, is that okay?
Ok honestly, 75% of the people who I shoot say the same things before they actually get in front of my camera. “We are SO awkward!!”, “my s/o haaaates getting their photo taken, so good luck”, “my kid doesn’t smile for anyone!”, “IDK WHAT TO DO WITH MY FACE halp”, are a few of the claims I get before a shoot. I can ASSURE you, though, that I know what I’m doing and I will do my best to make it fun and make it feel as natural as possible. 100% of the time my clients are surprised at how good and NOT awkward the photos look, or how I was so good at making it feel like they were just on a date and not a photoshoot. We are gonna get cozy, cuddly, lovey, ooey-gooey, goofy and sometimes serious for that good hipster pose where you just stare dead in to my camera. And kids? They freakin’ love me. I don’t even know why, because I don’t particularly LOVE kids (except my own) but I know how to make a kid loosen up and laugh. TRUST.
Do you give out RAWS?
Nope! RAWS are unedited files that would just take up a huge amount of space on your computer. A huge part (and one of my fav parts) of this whole photography thing for me is editing. I feel that my style is something that I am proud of and is a small part of what defines “Mae Beam Photography”. I assume you’re hiring me because you like my style, so giving you the RAWS would open the door for you (or anyone who gets their hands on them) to alter them in any way they please, which is against my contract and just kinda sucks for me! Any photo that isn’t delivered to you is an unusable photo, meaning blinking, stank-face, unflattering poses, blurry, test shots, etc… I promise I’m giving you ALL the goods!
How long after the event will my photos be available?
Turnaround time for galleries is 6-8 weeks. .
What if you get sick?
If I’m not contagious and completely miserable or dying, I’ll be there. In the event that I cannot physically bring myself to the venue, I will have a back-up photographer who is as experienced as me, and as professional, to take my place. I have a list of amazing photographers I would trust to stand in my place on your day who also have a similar shooting style as mine. I would still be the one to edit all your photos.
Do you travel?
Heck YES I do. I am based out of Omaha, but I’m often in AZ or MO for shoots or weddings. I’ve got a list of places I’d love to travel to, so what better excuse to travel than shoot YOUR wedding?! Talk to me about travel rates. EEEK I’m excited just thinking about it. Send me somewhere. ANYWHERE.
Do you offer albums and prints?
Your gallery will include digital files available for you to download and share as you please. In that same gallery, you are able to shop for prints, calendars, albums and more! I would 10000% recommend ordering through a professional print shop like the ones available to your through your gallery over some of your more convenient and cheaper printing options (coughwalgreenscough). You will lose your image quality and be disappointed. Promise. Your beautiful photos are worth the extra dollaz. Print em professionally.
Can we add time the day of?
If you hire me for 8 hours and we need an extra half hour to get everything you want, I’m not gonna complain. I WANT to get everything you want in my camera and in your gallery! But if we are talking extra hours, you’ll have to pay my hourly rate.
We wanna book! What are the next steps?
FRICK YAAAAA. First, get hype because you’re ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING SUPER ULTRA WELL-EQUIPPED FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY BY CHOOSING ME TO BE YOUR RIGHT HAND GAL.
Wait for a response from me within 2 business days. .
I love to talk to potential clients on the phone, because it is way way WAY faster than emailing or texting and I feel like we can really get to know each other that way - emotions can get lost over email/text. And I’m kinda emotional, and proud hehe.
I’ll send over some of my most popular packages, unless I think none of them will be right for you, then I’ll send over some custom packages.
You choose your package, I send over the contract, you sign it, I sign it, you pay your retainer fee, get hype again….
I write your date down in my calendar and I’m officially all yours. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health. Just kidding lol. Well kinda.
