FAQs | Jonathan Moore Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

Me

Why did you become a wedding photographer?

The main reason I became a wedding photographer because I wanted to have a personal connection with the people I am photographing. Simply put, I love being around people who are in love. There is something very special about pouring myself into my work, then handing that work over to my clients and seeing their reaction and appreciation. This is the joy that wedding photography brings me.

How many years have you been covering weddings?

Over the past seven years I have covered 53 weddings.

What do you love about working with couples?

Their willingness to be honest and open with me. I enjoy the process of establishing a friendship. Trust is a such a big component in the success of everything I do for my couples.

What is your favorite wedding so far and why?

Allison and Ryan’s wedding in the campsite on the Oregon Coast is still one of my favorites because it was truly a communal effort. They cooked their own food, baked their own cakes, picked their own flowers, created their own arrangements and even laid down brick, which was used as an aisle for the ceremony. Virtually every guest contributed in some way. Being a part of that community for a weekend was a great experience and the setting was just amazing.

You

How will you make me look natural?

For each setting, I will tell you where to stand and there will be some very basic initial direction. Beyond that, how you engage with your partner is entirely up to you :)

My job is to create a space where you and your partner both feel comfortable expressing what you've always felt for each other: love, happiness and respect. The feelings are there, it's just a matter of tapping into them. Start by focusing on all the things you love about your partner. Find comfort in each other’s arms. When did you first begin to fall for this person? What did that feel like? What adventures do you look forward to in your future together? Focus on those things and I promise you will both look very natural. More importantly, you'll do it entirely on your own. :)

Who is your ideal client?

You of course, because you're madly in love with your partner and you're not afraid to show it!

What is the most memorable moment you captured with a couple?

The most memorable moment came after I asked Nick and Beth (pictured here), to “embrace as if they were going to be a part for one year.” They just held each other for several minutes. Apparently, they had spent a great deal of time apart due to work commitments, which was a real struggle for them. They later described how the sadness they felt at that moment was followed by shear happiness, because they knew the time being apart had passed. Nick later told me that moment reminded him of the value and strength of his relationship with Beth. Moments like this simply cannot be fabricated. When I talk about personal connection, this is what it's all about.

Do you work with LGBTQ couples?

Absolutely. I run a gay-friendly business and I strongly support marriage equality.

Beloved sessions

What is Beloved?

Beloved is simply a word that I use to describe what most would call "engagement" portraits. I use the word Beloved because many of my clients are either not engaged or already married.

The goal in a Beloved session is to simply draw your attention towards your parter and to focus on everything you love about that person. In a sense, you are suppressing any barriers that may get in the way (i.e. work, bills, family drama... whatever), to allow yourself to focus on what is most meaningful to you.

Like any great photo, when you look at one of your images, you'll be brought back to that moment and you'll remember exactly what you were feeling. As life happens, revisiting these moments will rekindle those feelings and make you rediscover the value of your relationship.

What is included? Is there a time limit?

I don't set a time limit for Beloved shoots, but they usually last about three hours. They can last longer if we are traveling to get to our shooting location. The Beloved session includes the high-resolution photos for printing, low resolution photos for social media and a password-protected proof site. All content is delivered by DropBox link and the proof site is provided by Pixieset.

How many images can I expect to see?

Between 30 and 50 images depending on the length of the shoot.

When will I see the images?

Beloved session images are delivered within 72 hours, however, I will always be sure to send one or two selects by the following morning!

Weddings and Elopements

• Who will be shooting my wedding or elopement?

For weddings of all sizes, there will always be 2 shooters present. Me (of course) and a second photographer who has a very similar style. For smaller elopements or for any destination event, it will be me alone unless a second shooter is specifically requested.

• If I am planning an elopement but it blossoms into a larger wedding, will the rate change?

Yes. If you plan an elopement and it blossoms into a full on wedding, please be honest and let me know ahead of time, as there is a difference in price between the two services. Please do not let me show up to a 75 person wedding expecting a 15 person elopement. It's happened, and honestly it's not fair to me or to my other clients who pay full price for their wedding coverage. Plans change. It's all good! Just let me know when they do and we can definitely work something out.

• How many images can I expect to see?

I never guarantee a minimum, but for weddings and elopements, you can expect about 60 - 80 images per hour of coverage.

• When will I see the images?

Typically it will take between four and five weeks for me to finish processing, at which point you will receive two links: the first is to view your proofs in a password-protected gallery and second is to download your high-resolution images (for printing) and low resolution images (for devices/social media). All media files are delivered by DropBox and galleries provided by Pixieset.

I will always send 10 or so selects within 48 hours of the event, as I know you'll be anxious to see them!

Please note, I do not use CDs or DVDs or for any purpose.

• Will you do family posed shots?

Absolutely. I am happy to take as many group shots as you'd like, but I always try to get through group shots as efficiently as possible so that your guests can enjoy themselves!

Family group shots should happen before the ceremony. That way, when the ceremony ends, everyone can enjoy themselves during cocktail hour.

• What kind of equipment do you use?

Currently, I shoot with two Nikon D810s and a range of Nikon prime and zoom lenses. For reception lighting, I will either use Nikon speedlites or Profoto strobes (triggered by remote) depending on the conditions. For editing, I use a the Apple iMac and a MacBook Pro.

Pricing and Planning

• Do you do both weddings and elopements?

Yes. I cover larger, traditional weddings as well as smaller, more intimate elopements. An elopement should have a guest count of no more than 15 individuals.

• What is your pricing?

Elopements begin at $1,800 and weddings begin at $3,500. All wedding and elopement packages are completely customized for each client. Please contact me directly for more information.

• Are your prices set in stone?

For the most part, yes, however, I do offer reduced rates if your wedding or elopement is scheduled on a weekday (Monday - Thursday) or between the months of November and February. I also offer a special discount for all current and former members of the military (thank you for your service) as well as fellow alumni of USC (Fight on!). Contact me for more details.

• Are you insured and can you provide a COI (certificate of insurance)?

Yes and yes!

Destinations

Do you do destination weddings or elopements? What is your policy on travel expenses?

Most definitely. Airfare and meals will always be included at no extra charge, regardless of destination. I only ask that you provide ground transportation and a place for me to sleep. Whenever possible, I will arrange for lodging and/or ground transportation with friends and pass that savings to you.

When will we see you during your time at the destination?

For all destination events, I am available as your photographer from the time I land until the moment I take off. Whether it's hanging out with your friends, exploring, hiking, ice climbing... If you want me there, I'll be ready to go! In my downtime, I will certainly take pictures as I explore on my own and pass those along to you as well! We will also be sure to take full advantage of our surroundings for our portrait sessions...

Where are you located?

I live in Santa Monica, California, but I am happy to travel wherever your wedding or elopement takes place.

Where do you like to travel?

I definitely gravitate towards mountains and the outdoors more so than urban environments. Whenever I’m traveling, somehow I manage to include some mountain activity in my itinerary, whether it’s skiing, mountain biking or hiking. When I’m working with couples, I prefer to work outdoors in nature.

Currently, my favorite place in the world is Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland and a very close second would be southern coast of Iceland (pictured here).

Final Questions

• Can I see a sample contract?

Certainly. Shoot me an email and I would be happy to share one with you.

• How far should I book in advance? What are the next steps?

Generally speaking, people usually book about one year in advance, though occasionally I do get some last minute requests. I would encourage you to reach out regardless of how far out your date is.
The prepayment amount is 30%. The remaining 70%, plus any items added between the contract signing and your wedding date, is due one week before the wedding. If you are paying by credit card, payments will be made by PayPal.
Please contact me if you have any other questions!

Why did you become a wedding photographer?

How many years have you been covering weddings?

What do you love about working with couples?