WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS

Southern California Wedding Photographer

Close-up of bride and groom holding an iris bouquet at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills – editorial detail captured by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs

Planning your wedding is a big deal—and so many questions come up when choosing the right photographer. Whether you’re planning a local Southern California celebration, a destination weekend wedding, or a heartfelt elopement, these FAQs outline my process, what’s included, and what it feels like to work together.

Film photograph of La Venta Inn ceremony space in Palos Verdes with white floral decor – hybrid film and digital wedding photography FAQs, Pamela Tatz Photography

Photography Style & Experience

  • My style blends editorial wedding photography with candid storytelling. You’ll receive images that are cinematic yet soft, true-to-color, filmy, and timeless. Each gallery includes romantic portraits as well as authentic in-between moments that reflect your love story.

  • Yes—I’m a hybrid film and digital wedding photographer, and I include an option to add film onto any photography package. Film adds a nostalgic, artistic layer to your gallery, while digital ensures crisp, versatile coverage. Together, they create a balanced gallery that is beautiful and authentic.

  • Yes—I hand-edit every image in my signature film-inspired, true-to-color style. I don’t batch-process or apply heavy filters; instead, each photo is refined so your gallery feels cohesive and timeless.

  • Yes! I include a mix of color and black and white images.

  • A thousand times yes! I love fur babies. If you’re bringing your pet to an outdoor engagement session, I recommend bringing a friend to care for your pet when they’re not being photographed.

  • Yes—with my whole heart. I believe everyone deserves to be seen, safe, and celebrated on their wedding day. I’ve had the honor of photographing love stories from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ weddings, interfaith ceremonies, cultural fusions, and nontraditional celebrations. My approach is rooted in respect, joy, and connection, no matter who you are or how you love.

Wedding reception table design with white floral arrangements at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes, California – editorial details by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photographer FAQs
Film photograph of La Venta Inn ceremony space in Palos Verdes with white floral decor – hybrid film and digital wedding photography FAQs, Pamela Tatz Photography

Wedding Day Details

  • Most couples book 8–10 hours of coverage to tell the full story—from getting ready to the dance floor. I’ll help create a wedding day photography timeline so the coverage feels seamless.

  • Yes. All of my full-day wedding photography packages include a trusted second photographer. Having two photographers allows us to capture multiple perspectives—like both partners getting ready, two angles of walking down the aisle during the ceremony, or candid guest reactions during the reception speeches.

  • You’ll receive sneak peek photos within 72 hours of your wedding so you can relive the magic right away. Your full gallery will be delivered within 6–8 weeks and is curated to tell the complete story of your day.

Bride and groom flash photo in a groom’s suite at Ethereal Gardens in Escondido, with the bride in a short party reception dress – editorial wedding photography by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs
Wedding reception party at Ethereal Gardens in Escondido – candid celebration captured by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photographer FAQs

Videography & Content Creation

  • Yes. My team and I offer highlight films, teasers, and full-length coverage as add-ons. Each video is crafted to feel cinematic and true to the emotions of your day.

  • Yes! If you’d like Instagram-ready reels or behind-the-scenes clips, I offer Content Creator packages. You’ll have short-form video content within days of your wedding, perfect for sharing highlights right away.

Proposal at the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum – man in tan jacket proposing to woman in white dress, documented by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs
Proposal at the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum – man in tan jacket proposing to woman in white dress, documented by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs

Engagements & Proposals

  • Engagement sessions are planned photoshoots, usually scheduled after you’re already engaged (you can check out this blog post for more information about engagement sessions). Proposal photography is capturing the proposal moment itself, with time for some portraits after. The pricing difference reflects the extra planning, discretion, and logistics involved.

  • Absolutely. Engagement sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate your story and get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding. Sessions include location and styling guidance to create photos that feel like you.

  • Yes! While I don’t provide props or elaborate setups, I’m more than happy to help you plan the surprise element—from choosing the perfect location to timing it with the best light. My goal is to make sure your proposal feels personal and authentic, while I’m there quietly documenting the moment as it unfolds. (I also have plenty of recommendations for wonderful proposal planning companies who do provide elaborate set-ups!)

  • Many couples choose to schedule engagement photos 6–12 months before the wedding, often aligning with save-the-dates. Sunset sessions in scenic California locations are especially popular.

Bride and groom kissing under the veil at Bel Vino Winery wedding in Temecula during sunset – romantic editorial wedding photography by Pamela Tatz, wedding photography FAQs
Black and white wedding photo of bride and groom walking by vineyards at Bel Vino Winery in Temecula – editorial storytelling by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs

Booking & Planning

  • Most couples book their wedding photography 9–18 months before the big day, especially for peak wedding seasons in California (usually April–June and August–November). I recommend inquiring as soon as you know your date.

  • A signed contract and a 50% retainer officially secure your wedding date. Everything is managed through my online booking system and payable by credit card or bank transfer for ease and transparency.

  • Yes, I love working with couples to create a photography timeline that ensures your portraits, family photos, and candid moments are captured in the best light and flow naturally throughout the day.

    That said, I am not a wedding planner. I don’t coordinate the full reception schedule, manage vendor timing, or replace the role of a planner or coordinator. My focus is on the photo-specific moments of the timeline—things like when to schedule getting ready shots, first looks, golden hour portraits, and other key photography moments.

    When paired with a planner or day-of coordinator, this ensures your photography timeline fits seamlessly into the larger wedding day schedule.

Engagement photo of a couple in white outfits sitting in a flower field at Garrapata in Big Sur at sunset – romantic engagement photography by Pamela Tatz, wedding photography FAQs
Engagement photo of a couple walking along a cliff in Big Sur, California at sunset – candid editorial moment by Pamela Tatz, Los Angeles wedding photography FAQs

Destination Weddings

  • Yes! I regularly photograph weddings across the U.S. and internationally. Whether it’s a vineyard weekend in Napa, an estate wedding in Europe, or a beachside elopement, I bring the same editorial, heartfelt approach to every destination.

  • Travel fees vary depending on location and logistics. I’ll provide a custom quote that covers flights, accommodations, and transportation, always arranged as efficiently as possible.

  • Yes—destination weddings often include welcome dinners, rehearsal celebrations, and post-wedding brunches. I love capturing the full weekend experience so your story feels complete.

Do you have any questions that I haven’t answered here? Contact me—I’m happy to help.