Questions

What's the booking process?

Fill out the contact form first! You can expect a reply within 48 hrs, however feel free to reach out again if there is not an answer within this timeframe and do check your spam folder as well. Once we've ironed out the details, you'll be sent a contract which you will need to sign and ALTA also requires a non-refundable deposit for both Australian and international weddings. 

Should we meet up beforehand and during the planning stages?

Absolutely! I’d love the chance to meet you in person. Whether you’d prefer to meet over an evening drink or a midday coffee and lunch, the choice is entirely yours. If an in-person meeting isn’t feasible due to distance or other circumstances, we can easily arrange a Zoom call to connect virtually. Building a genuine connection with you is important to me—not only does it go beyond a simple business transaction, but it also helps me capture your day in a more meaningful, natural, and stress-free way.

How and when do we get our images?

You will receive a small preview of approximately 6-10 photos within three days, unless circumstances such as travel, personal commitments, or workload prevent us from editing the preview within this timeframe. The full online gallery will be delivered within 6-9 weeks after the event, depending on the workload and the number of images to be edited. Selected fine art prints will follow shortly thereafter.

In rare instances, final delivery may be delayed due to extensive travel or a high volume of weddings. Should this occur, we will notify you in advance and provide an extended preview gallery to ensure you still have a meaningful selection of images to enjoy while awaiting the full delivery.

How many photos will we receive?

We prioritize quality over quantity and approach every project with intention and care. Maintaining full creative control over our process is essential to us, which is why we personally handle every aspect of the post-production, such as culling and editing. Each image receives our attention, including minor retouching of blemishes (particularly for close-up portraits) and the removal of any distracting elements in the frame.

For a standard 8-hour wedding with approximately 90-100 guests, we typically deliver 400-500 carefully selected and edited images, averaging 50-60 images per hour. However, this is a general guideline and can vary based on factors such as the guest count, event schedule, entertainment, and the overall scale. For larger weddings with extensive activities or a large number of guests, the delivered amount of images may significantly increase. Conversely, for smaller-scale events, such as elopements, civil ceremonies, or weddings with fewer scheduled activities, a smaller guest list, or limited photography opportunities (e.g., long speeches or guests preferring not to be photographed), the total number of delivered images may be lower.

What's included in your pricing and what do you offer that others might not? 

Several factors influence ALTA's pricing, reflecting our commitment to providing a personalized, boutique experience. We limit the number of weddings we take on each year to maintain this level of service, which is reflected in our quotes. Our process includes multiple Zoom calls or, ideally, in-person meetings before the wedding to assist with planning, logistics, and art direction of the day if need be.

We shoot a significant portion of your gallery on film rather than offering it as an add-on. Typically, 30-50% of the final gallery consists of film shots, though this can vary depending on uncontrollable factors such as weather. We use the best available scanning services and are developing an in-house scanning process to further ensure the best quality.

Your pricing will also include travel and accommodation for both shooters (a second shooter/assistant will be present), the time dedicated on the wedding day itself, and the extensive post-production work, including culling, editing and professional retouching. A boutique service requires dedication, care, and attention to detail, which is reflected in our pricing. We discourage potential clients to reach out if finding the lowest cost option is the priority. 

How important are the locations and program for a wedding?

It’s important to understand that your chosen locations and circumstances will significantly influence the overall look and feel of your wedding gallery. If you have reference images or specific expectations, these factors play a crucial role in achieving your desired aesthetic. For instance, selecting a thoughtfully styled getting-ready location with ample natural light, decluttered spaces, and thoughtful details can make a noticeable difference in the final images. Renting a stylish home or apartment via Airbnb with large windows and plenty of space is an excellent option to consider.

For the ceremony, outdoor settings in direct midday sun can be harsh and unflattering (and uncomfortable in summer heat). Opting for shaded areas or providing thoughtful touches like fashionable sun umbrellas or fans can ensure both comfort and more flattering photos. Conversely, darker venues may require the use of flash photography to avoid unflattering shadows and produce the best results.

Every choice you make for your wedding day, from the setting to the details and even guest entertainment, will be reflected in your images. If your reception and evening program are understated, with few activities aside from speeches, this will be mirrored in the tone and the number of images captured. Thoughtfully curating each aspect of your day authentically ensures that your gallery tells a vibrant and visually compelling story that matches your personalities. 

Do you offer couple sessions or portraits?

Please get in touch if you'd like portraits taken of you or are interested in a couple session. I usually prefer taking portraits in-studio and couple sessions can be arranged on location or in studio as well. This comes with a studio rental fee and you can add makeup + styling if you wish to. ALTA concepts are either creative and editorial or simply documenting you with your loved one on a stroll through the city. It always starts with a consultation, ideas and creating a moodboard based on your vision.

Any advices for booking and planning?

When planning your wedding, I recommend starting with a priority list to focus on the most important aspects of your day while staying within your budget. If you’re not working with a planner, your first bookings should be the venue and photographer, as these often book out well in advance. If you do have a planner, they should be your first point of contact, followed by catering and other key vendors.

For inspiration on styling, attire, designers, and hair and makeup ideas, feel free to explore the Pinterest boards at @alta__studio. Pinterest can be an excellent tool for visualizing your ideas, especially if you’re working with stylists or planners who need guidance on your preferences and personal style.

Create a day that feels authentic and reflective of who you are as a couple. If that means skipping traditions like bouquets, speeches, or a formal program, embrace those choices—it’s your day, and it should feel true to you.

Lastly, I recommend adding 20% to your predicted budget to account for unexpected costs that often arise during the planning process, such as unforeseen travel expenses, or adjustments to vendor services. Thoughtful planning and flexibility will ensure a memorable and stress-free celebration.

Film is included in all of ALTA's packages - why and what's so special about it?

Film is a big part of ALTA's identity and is a more intentional approach, which is why it's included in your coverage and why there's always going to be a second shooter for weddings with a significant number of guests (to capture important moments digitally when the main shooter can't). Honestly, it's like comparing a handwritten note to someone sending you an email. It's  all the imperfections you might get and a certain look that you simply can't achieve with digital files.

What's your approach and shooting style?

ALTA is the choice for couples seeking a photographer who breaks away from traditional wedding photography and creates intimate, timeless images. My approach is primarily documentary-style, capturing your day naturally as it unfolds while celebrating alongside you and your guests. I focus on keeping the images authentic and relaxed, prioritizing candid moments over staged family portraits and a long list of group photos, allowing the in-between moments to shine. My photography is intuitive and thoughtful, avoiding fleeting trends like unnecessary blur to ensure your images remain classic and meaningful.

When it comes to couple portraits, I enjoy exploring creative compositions and incorporating elements of fashion, as well as dynamic flash photography for a diverse documentary of the day. Even if portraits aren’t your top priority, I always recommend setting aside sufficient time for them, as it often takes time for clients to get comfortable. During these sessions, I’ll guide you gently and naturally, ensuring you feel at ease while capturing moments that feel genuine.

Do you offer albums?

I do not offer traditional albums. I do offer a contemporary, fashion-inspired coffee table book which is currently in the prototype stage and a fixed design (including your details of course). I will select the best images and you can approve or alter in a revision. Once you're happy with it, we'll send it off for production to an outstanding printer in Europe!

Will you retouch our images?

It's standard in the fashion industry to lightly retouch blemishes and dark circles or in general anything that might be too unflattering. Unless you tell me not to, this is by default included in my services, particularly for close-up shots and portraits of you and your partner! I want you to feel beautiful and content, and you don't hire a professional photographer often. The retouching will always be minimal, never unnatural and is done as it would be for a campaign. ALTA also removes any unwanted objects from pictures.