FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every love story is distinct - beautifully its own.
We’ve gathered answers to the questions most often asked by our couples to help guide you through the journey ahead. From securing your date to what to expect on the day itself, our process is designed to feel personal and inspired - every step of the way.
————————
WHERE ARE YOU BASED - AND DO YOU TRAVEL?
I call the beautiful Macedon Ranges, Victoria home, but our work often takes us far and wide. We’re always delighted to travel across the state - and interstate - for celebrations that capture our hearts. Wherever your love story unfolds, we would be honoured to be there.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MANY HOURS OF COVERAGE WE WILL NEED?
We will begin by talking through your vision, your timeline and the moments you most want captured. From there, we’ll recommend a coverage window that best suits your day. Most couples find that eight hours offers the perfect balance - long enough to tell your story in full, without feeling rushed.
WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING PROCESS AND HOW DO WE LOCK IN OUR DATE?
To secure your wedding date, a 30% non-refundable booking fee and a signed contract are required.
Please note, your date isn’t officially reserved until both have been received.
SHOULD WE INCLUDE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
In some cases, we’ll recommend adding a second photographer to ensure every angle of your day is beautifully covered. This is especially valuable for larger weddings (120+ guests), when wedding parties are getting ready separately, or if your venue layout calls for more coverage.
DO YOU OFFER CONTENT CREATION AND VIDEOGRAPHY AS AN ADD-ON?
Yes! We’ve partnered with a dedicated team of content creators and videographers - each bringing their own lens to the art of storytelling. Together, they capture your day as it unfolds in all its layers.
Our videographers craft something deeper. A cinematic retelling of your day, beautifully edited and designed to be felt as much as it’s seen. Collections begin at $2,200 for five hours.
Our content creators focus on the fleeting, candid moments - filmed on iPhone and ready for sharing. Collections begin at $1000 for five hours.
By booking through Smith + Archer, you’ll enjoy seamless coordination. Our team handles every logistical detail - from timelines and addresses to communication - ensuring your photography, content creation and videography flow in perfect harmony.
Please note: Content creation and videography can only be added to an existing photography collection and cannot be booked separately.
CAN WE ADD EXTRAS (ALBUMS, CONTENT CREATION, VIDEOGRAPHY, EXTRA HOURS) ONCE OUR DATE IS SECURED?
Absolutely. Albums can be added at any stage - before or after your wedding. Content creation, videography and second photographers are subject to availability, so the earlier you decide, the better.
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE AND APPROACH ON THE DAY?
Our style is intentional yet unobtrusive. We believe timeless imagery comes from allowing moments to unfold naturally - those fleeting glances and subtle gestures. We want you to look back and think, “How did they even get that shot?”
While we’ll offer gentle direction where needed, our focus remains on authenticity - letting your connection take centre stage.
WE ARE NOT COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA - CAN YOU HELP WITH THAT?
You’re in good company. Most couples feel that way at first. Our approach is relaxed, conversational and designed to help you forget the camera is even there. We’ll offer light guidance when needed, but never anything overly posed - just genuine, effortless moments that feel like you.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE RECEIVE - AND WHEN?
For a full wedding day, you can expect around 5400+ fully edited images (fewer for intimate weddings or smaller celebrations).
A sneak peek gallery will be delivered within a few days of your wedding, followed by your full gallery approximately eight weeks later. All galleries include 12 months of secure cloud storage and a private, password-protected link to share with loved ones.
WHY DOES IT TAKE TIME TO RECEIVE OUR FINAL GALLERY?
Capturing your wedding is only half the artistry. Each image is individually edited with care - a process that takes an average of 20+ hours per wedding. This ensures every photograph meets our standard of quality and storytelling before it’s delivered to you.
DO YOU RETOUCH OR ALTER IMAGES?
Every image in your final gallery is hand edited by Ali in the Smith + Archer signature style. After thoughtfully culling the collection, each photograph is individually adjusted to ensure the tones, textures and light all flow seamlessly together. You will also receive a carefully balanced mix of colour and black and white imagery.
Light retouching is included, such as the removal of minor distractions or temporary blemishes. However, we don’t alter bodies or apply extensive digital enhancements such as skin smoothing or reshaping.
Our philosophy is simple. To preserve honesty in every frame. Your images are a reflection of how you truly felt, in that moment.
CAN WE PRINT OUR PHOTOS OURSELVES?
Absolutely. We encourage you to print your images - your story deserves to be seen. Felt. Remembered.
You can order professional-grade prints directly through your online gallery, or select a trusted print lab of your own. For longevity, we recommend printing with archival-quality inks and fine art paper.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE FAMILY PHOTO LISTS AND GROUP SHOTS?
We know how important these moments are. In the lead up to your day, we’ll ask for a list of key groupings so nothing is missed. On the day itself, we move through these with efficiency and direction.
We do recommend keeping your list to immediate family and those most important to you. This helps ensure you’re not pulled away from the celebration for too long - allowing more time to be present with your guests and for us to capture the natural, candid moments that matter most.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING DUE TO ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY?
In the unlikely event that we’re unable to photograph your wedding, we have a trusted network of professional photographers with a similar style who can step in. You’ll be kept fully informed throughout and we’ll handle all arrangements to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
DO YOU HELP WITH OUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE?
Yes, absolutely. Once your booking is confirmed, we will help refine your photography timeline to make sure there’s ample time for portraits, travel and all the moments you’ve envisioned - without ever feeling rushed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER CHANGES?
We embrace whatever the day brings - rain, shine & everything in between. Some of the most breathtaking images are born from unexpected light and atmosphere. We’ll adapt our approach seamlessly, scouting the best locations and adjusting our timing where needed. If conditions become truly unworkable, we’ll collaborate with you to create an alternate plan that still feels true to the day.
DO YOU HAVE VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS?
A great team is the foundation of a beautiful celebration. We’ve been fortunate to work alongside many talented vendors, and upon booking, our couples receive a curated Recommended Vendor List. If you’re looking for something specific, we’re always happy to share a personal recommendation - just reach out.
DO YOU RECOMMEND HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR?
If your budget allows, we highly recommend it - especially for private property weddings. A planner or on-the-day coordinator ensures your day runs seamlessly, allowing you (and us) to focus on what truly matters: capturing the joy as it unfolds.
WE LOVE YOUR ALBUMS, BUT WE HAD A DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPHER. CAN YOU STILL CREATE OURS?
Of course. We would be honoured to create your wedding album. Once your album is purchased through our online store, simply send us your high-resolution images and we’ll begin crafting your bespoke heirloom.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH LGBTQIA+ WEDDINGS?
Absolutely, yes! No matter how you identify or define your relationship, we’re always honoured to be part of a couple’s wedding day. Love is love - and every story deserves to be celebrated.
