Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your style/approach?
My role on a wedding day is to help you feel comfortable and relaxed, keep track of the timeline, and be present enough to capture it all in a truthful way. My style is candid and hands-off. I value simple, timeless portraits with your partner and closest loved ones, but these are only a brief portion of the timeline. I’ll help encourage and guide you then, and will be a discreet but supportive presence the remainder of the day.
I work primarily with natural and ambient light, generally only utilizing flash during dancing. My photographic and editing styles reflect what the space and lighting actually looked like, whether that’s light and bright, shadowy, warm, dark and moody, or colorful and uplit.
What does it cost to work with you?
Most couples can expect to spend around $6-8k, though it varies based on location, hours of coverage, and other various add-ons.
Do we own the copyright to the photos? Can we print the images?
All photographs taken by myself (as well as my associate and assistants) are the property of Jill DeVries Photography and are protected by United States Copyright Laws (USC title 17). Couples have personal printing rights and can print the files wherever they’d like. I recommend using a high quality printing company so that the caliber of the prints is on par with the caliber of the images. For your convenience, your wedding gallery includes a store where you can purchase professional grade prints, beautiful albums, minimalist calendars, and more.
You can share your gallery with family and friends, and post your photos on social media with a tag to @jilldevriesphotography in the photo and/or the caption. Photo files may not be distributed to any vendors or third parties, but please have them contact me directly, I’m happy to share them myself!
How long does it take to get our photos?
It can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to get your wedding photos back. I work very hard to deliver the best product possible, and this includes many hours of culling and post processing. Average turnaround during peak wedding season is 8 weeks. I always send a small preview the week after the wedding.
My mom really wants to know... do you take family portraits?
Absolutely. I spend a brief portion of the day (about 15 minutes) to do posed photographs with immediate families and grandparents.
This same approach applies to photos with your wedding party and your partner. While we absolutely make the time to take some relaxed, natural, and classic portraits, they won’t be time consuming or overly structured. The truth is, the day isn’t about the photos -- the photos are about the day. If you’re hoping for a two hour photo shoot with lots of posed and perfectly styled portraits, or table shots with every guest, that’s fine -- it just means that I’m not the photographer for you. If that’s the case, I’m happy to recommend some who may better suit your needs!
Do you work from shot lists and Pinterest boards?
My hope is that you’ve inquired with me because you connect with my work and trust my vision and experience. My style of shooting involves being truly present in the moments as they are happening, not carrying around a long list of ideas from the internet. I hardly stop moving the whole day, so if it’s there, I’ll shoot it! Detailed lists are only helpful for family formals, so no need to send portrait inspiration or to ask me to shoot your shoes and capture your partner’s face as they walk up the aisle. I’ve documented several hundred weddings, so that means you can trust that I know just what to be on the lookout for!
Will the images be retouched?
You’re amazing without extra Photoshop, and I want these images to reflect you just as you are. While I occasionally edit temporary minor distractions, I won’t ever retouch stretch marks, wrinkles, or the shape and size of body parts, and don’t include removal of stray hairs, blemishes, or background objects in my standard post processing. If you’re seeking additional edits, I can refer you to a professional retoucher.
What’s an “associate?”
I’m thrilled that my long time friend and collaborator Amanda made JDP a team in 2023! Since I can’t be in two places at once, Amanda is going to fill in some of those gaps. On dates when I’m already booked, Amanda would be the one to photograph your day. I’d edit and deliver your files, as well as doing most of the administrative stuff like emails and contracts. Amanda takes over communication and logistics shortly before your wedding day.
Amanda first started photographing weddings as my second shooter way back in 2010, and I just adore her presence on a wedding day. Often times when I cull weddings we have photographed together, I can’t even tell who took which photos. Needless to say, our styles and approaches are pretty aligned, and you’ll be in great hands with Amanda. View her portfolio here.
Do you work with videographers?
Many of my couples hire videographers! It’s really important that your photographer and videographer have a similar approach -- this will make both the day of and end product better for everyone involved. If you’re considering hiring one, let me know, and we can chat further about what will make that wedding day partnership most seamless. I'd be happy to share a list of videographers whose approaches are aligned with mine (aka, they work in a more hands-off and documentary style). If you’re on the fence about hiring one but know you want video of moments like the ceremony and the toasts, check out Wedit. We used it for our wedding and were so happy!
Can you photograph our rehearsal dinner/welcome party?
I’d love to. I offer a weekend package, which includes some coverage the night before the wedding. It’s nice to have photos of a more low key and intimate part of the weekend’s festivities, and can help you and your families feel more relaxed and familiar being photographed on the big day.
Should we do a first look?
That magic moment when you walk up and see your love in their wedding attire for the first time — it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Luckily you can have that moment AND get some quality time to soak it all in together… extra time to hug, cry, and laugh. I love a first look, and here’s why:
- It creates an intimate space for you to see each other for the first time on your wedding day. You can pause and chat and hold each other and take it all in. No need to skip all of that to get right down to vows.
- It eases your nerves. Who better to spend those anxious hours before the ceremony with than your best friend?
- It provides a more relaxed timeline for portraits. No rushing to finish it all up to make sure your guests aren’t kept waiting.
- Once you’re done with the ceremony, all you have left to do is party! (No first look = no going to your own cocktail hour).
- That moment when you walk up the aisle... still magical.
Maybe you’re set on not seeing each other before the ceremony. That’s okay too! Either way, we’ll work together to create a timeline that fits your exact needs. (On that note, I am always available and happy to help with your timeline!)
Is a second photographer included?
Despite what The Knot may tell you, you don’t need two photographers. My preference is generally to shoot solo, and I feel confident doing so in nearly every situation. Occasionally the logistics of the day make having two photographers desirable. This depends on several factors, including your guest count and whether or not you’ll be doing portraits before the ceremony. Because guest candids are such an important part of the story of your day, adding a second photographer can sometimes be helpful for couples who don’t take photos together before the ceremony. This way cocktail hour can still be photographed during post-ceremony portraits. If you’re on the fence, let’s chat and figure out what would work best for your day.
Can you recommend a florist/DJ/etc?
I adore the Michigan wedding community and would love to share the names of some of my favs. Feel free to reach out at any point in the planning process for recommendations or questions of any kind.
Do you shoot film?
Nearly 20 years ago, countless hours in the art department darkroom developing black & white film cemented my love of photography. Nowadays it’s mostly something I shoot personally, not professionally. I do shoot a bit of film at most weddings, but digital is my primary medium, and no film images are guaranteed.
How do we book you?
Fill out my contact form for availability and to set up a phone or video call. If you decide to work together, a $2,000 deposit and a signed contract are required to hold your date. Please note that even if parents are helping with payment and planning, the contract is an agreement between the couple and the photographer, and can only be signed by the couple. The final balance is due 14 days before your wedding. I send an electronic invoice using secure ACH, and can also take checks. Credit cards are accepted with a 3% fee.
Bookings are taken on a first come, first serve basis.
I always bring backup equipment and my Certificate of Insurance is available by request for any venue requiring it.
Contact me with any further questions!