santa fe wedding photographer frequently asked questions

 

general questions


+Who will be my photographer?

Alicia Lucia Photography consists of an intimate and trusted team of talented photographers, videographers and creatives. Long before your day, our in-house admin team and editors are hands on from the moment you inquire, to post-processing, to the completion of all your deliverables (albums, canvases, USBs & more). Come engagement session and wedding day, you will be provided with our incredible photographer(s) that will match your wedding date availability. To maintain consistency, all photographers shoot in the same photojournalistic and editorial style & utlize pro-grade photography gear. From there our amazing in-house editors take over and hand-edit each culled image. Alicia herself oversees every element, at every stage of the assignement, including the final edits of every single gallery.

+In the unlikely event of an emergency, will we be without a wedding photographer?

The advantage of signing with ALP, our photography collective, is that you'll never know what it's like to go without your wedding day photographer due to an emergency or an unforeseen event. Our team is hand-picked, vetted, and trained directly by Alicia and we are always strapped and ready to go in the unlikely event that your assigned photographer is unavailable. To read more of the many advantages of working with a collective, click here!

+Are you a natural light photography team?

Even though our team is well versed and skilled in many types of lighting scenarios, Alicia Lucia Photography’s style falls under a “natural light photography” category. We are moment driven and photojournalistic; real authentic moments being captured, without too much manipulation to the lighting, background, or subjects.

+Do we need an additional photographer/assistant?

In our pre-made packages we offer second shooters based on size i.e small/intimate wedding less than 50 (one lead photographer only), 50-100 (one lead photographer & second shooter), 100 or more (one lead photographer, second shooter, & assistant). We can always custom design your package to best meet your needs!

+Do you offer videography?

Yes, we have in-house videographers who capture amazing footage while making it feel effortless for our couples! We will happily work with any videographer you choose, and often we get versions of similar shots, which makes collaboration not only desired, but essential.

+If we already have one, will you coordinate with them?

We will happily work with any videographer you choose, and often we are getting versions of similar shots, which makes collaboration not only desired, but essential.

+Do you work off of a shotlist?

About 1-1.5 months before your wedding, we will send you a Wedding Day-Of Details questionairre form. This form will give you the opportunity to provide important details about any very specific photos we need to keep in mind, any sensitive family dynamics be made aware of, and other pertinent information. We don't need the typical "Wedding Day Shot List" from sites like The Knot or Wedding Wire, as that takes away from our photojournalistic and candid approach of capturing your day while it's happening due to constantly referring to a shot list. Instead we ask for you to share the information mentioned above. Between all our photographers, we have shot over 500+ weddings so we are all very seasoned, experienced shooters who know how to prioritize the must have shots. We know to get the timeless, standard portraits of shots like bride with spouse 1, spouse 1 with dad, spouse 1 with both sets of parents, spouse 1 and 2 with both parents, etc. :)

 

questions about packages


+Do you offer custom packages?

Yes! We curated 3 packages that we feel best fit the needs of our various couples, that we feel offer the most options for the best price! We realize that these may not work for everyone and for this reason, we offer an A La Carte option, which you can add onto a preexisting package, or use to create your own custom package.

+How does the complimentary engagement session work? Can we use it for something else?

We offer a complimentary engagement session with any wedding collection booked. This session is our way to get to know our couples and their dynamic with each other and for them to get to know us, so that come day-of the wedding, you aren't meeting a stranger! It’s a wonderful opportunity to figure out how to guide each couple & make them feel comfortable while still getting the best photographs!

While we always encourage our couples to take full advantage of this session, we understand that schedules don't always line up and for this reason the engagement session is complimentary and cannot be used for any other service.

+Are we able to add an heirloom album to our wedding package, how does the design process work?

Yes, you are able to add an heirloom album anytime during your wedding planning process as a tangible keepsake to look back on and share with loved ones. After your wedding day, our studio team will send you a questionnaire for the album size of your choice in linen or leather, with 35-45 images (at no extra cost), and an invoice. You select your favorite images and we will curate and design the album for you to approve for printing. We can also add any extra images, pages, and cover enhancements for an additional price. The album is then drop shipped directly to your front door.

+Can we substitue the print products out for more coverage

Our collections were carefully curated to fit the most requested needs of our couples and with a packaged price. The pre-made collections are not customizeable but you are welcome to create your own with our A La Carte pricing menu.

+Walk us through the day-of a wedding & give us an idea of what that would look like- for example when you would arrive and how long you would stay?

One thing to note is that coverage is consecutive meaning that as soon as we begin, the time counts down from there. Typically for a Diamond Collection wedding, we begin to shoot 1.5-2 hours before the ceremony time to document any prep coverage, details untouched or unworn, any pre-ceremony wedding party or family photos, and the first look. Then there is the ceremony which is pretty straight forward and we shoot it as it's happening, never stopping the officiant for a re-shoot and being as unobstructive as possible. From there we roll right into family, wedding party and the couple portraits. We like to say to give us about another 1.5-2 hours for those (always work in more time than you think you need as every single wedding runs behind). For the remaining coverage we typically suggest documenting the reception for no more than 1-1.5 hours. The most important portions of the reception happen in the beginning (toasts, dances, cake cutting if applicable). After all that is captured, we only need about 15-20 minutes of open dance coverage. All of this is of course dependent upon your specific timeline and other details such as, if you are doing a first look, size of the bridal party, etc.

 

questions about contracts + payments


+What are your payment terms for wedding photography?

To reserve your wedding date we require a 50% non-refundable reservation fee, and the remaining balance must be paid 15 days before the event.

+Do you offer discounts?

We currently do not offer any discounts.

+What is your COVID cancellation or reschedule policy?

As of this present moment, cancellations & retainers are non-refundable and non-transferrable. We have been shooting weddings & elopements throughout all stages of COVID since June of 2020, and can continue to do so safely with keeping our clients' health & safety as our number one priority.

+Will my photos be shared on social media?

In short, while we hold copyright, you do have a choice in being shared on our platforms and blog. Copyright is different from sharing rights, copyright means we withhold the rights to prevent the images from being sold to a third party. In terms of sharing rights, at the bottom of the contract, there is a space for you to select where you give us permission to share your images (for example: Instagram, Our Website, Print Materials, etc.). You can also opt out of sharing completely.

 

questions about editing + files


+Do you provide digital files?

All hi-res digital files will be available in an online gallery, and depending on the package chosen, they will be pre-loaded onto a USB, as well.

+Do you provide raw files?

We want you to receive all of your images in their best and most polished form, therefore we do not provide raw files.

+How long will it take to receive my photos?

Processed digital photos will be uploaded within 4-8 weeks of the event date.

Yes, Alicia Lucia Photography retains sole property of all copyrights however our clients will receive unlimited printing and sharing rights!

+Will my images be available to view online?

Yes, all images will be available to view in an online gallery. You can also order prints and albums from there as well!

 

miscellaneous (but still important) questions


+Do you only photograph weddings in New Mexico?

While we are based in New Mexico, (Albuquerque metro area) we go wherever our wonderful clients takes us (travel fees do apply)!

+Do you photograph LGBTQ+ couples?

Absolutely!

+I feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, what will you do to ensure my wedding photos come out great?

One of the many reasons we offer complimentary engagement sessions is for exactly this! We realize that some of our couples are the more shy/nervous type and we are confident that meeting our couples before their big day is crucial so that everyone can get comfortable, and we can figure out the best way to photograph you, without the awkwardness.

+Should I practice posing?

Not necessary at all! Each of our photographers are pros and know all the tips to helping couples feel more comfortable in front of the camera!

+Do you only photograph weddings?

We are primarily wedding based photography, but are skilled with, and offer photography of any kind.

+Do you provide hair/makeup services?

While we don’t offer it ourselves, we will happily point you in the direction of our favorite hair and makeup artists.

+What should I wear to our engagement session?

When you book with us, we will send you a customized wedding guide with all the tips for wedding planning, engagement session outfit ideas, vendors, etc.

+Do you have experience shooting in various lighting scenarios?

Our wonderful photographers have SEEN IT ALL and they make the best of even the most dismal lighting scenarios! We always recommend taking lighting into consideration. We can only do so much, and we want you to have the best photos possible!

+Do you bring backup equipment?

Absolutely! Even our backups have backups! We can never be too careful on your special day, and all your once in a lifetime memories. Unfortunately things happen no matter how prepared, but rest assured we do everything in our power to avoid that!