Frequently Asked Questions
Always feel free to contact me if you have questions! In the meantime, here are some questions and answers to help you better understand what it's like to work with me. You can also download the FAQs as a pdf here. Thanks!
How do we reserve our wedding date with you?
The first step is meeting in person (if possible) or chatting via phone to get to know one another and see if we make a good match. Once we’re sure working together sounds great, we can complete a contract. Your wedding date is reserved on my calendar once I receive your signed contract and deposit of 50% of the estimated fee. If we exchange emails or meet about a specific date, I pencil the date in until I hear back from you, so please let me know your decision even if you decide to book someone else.
Do you travel? Yes! Travel fees (including food and lodging costs, if applicable) apply for locations greater than 50 miles from Asheville.
Can you have a second photographer with you? Yes! I typically work alone, but can book a second photographer, for an additional fee, to work with me if requested. Please note package 1 includes a second photographer in the fee.
What kind of cameras do you use? I shoot with Nikon digital cameras. I have a minimum of two camera bodies with me at all times, plus a variety of lenses. I also typically have one vintage film camera with me (such as a Diana mini or Instamatic).
What kind of training do you have? I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Photojournalism from Ohio University, which included the Scotland Field School for Documentary Photojournalism, in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have worked previously as a journalist, and have had a wedding, portrait, and fine art photography business since 2010.
How many images will you shoot? I average 100-200 images per hour. The total amount of images will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the length of the ceremony, the number of locations, the amount of time allotted for portraits, etc.
What will it be like working with you on the day of our wedding? I am primarily a natural light photographer and rely on my training as a photojournalist when photographing weddings. When I arrive on your wedding day, I will immediately begin photographing and will spend most of my time capturing real moments - photographing things as they happen, rather than telling people what to do. I will certainly interact with you and your guests, laugh with you, even cry with you (the parent-child dances always get me), but I interfere as little as possible. In addition to candids, I also concentrate on details and natural portraiture, which involves selecting the location and providing some instruction to clients, but primarily working to capture real interactions between people. I am there to honestly and intimately record the story of your wedding day - the less I influence that by telling people what to do, the more accurate the story will be.
Do you do formal group portraits? Yes, however my focus is on candid images, natural portraits, details, landscapes, and emotions. We will do a quick session of formal group portraits, likely following the ceremony, but we will spend most of our “portrait” time on the bride and groom.
How soon will I get the photos? Usually within a day or two of the wedding, I post 1-3 favorites on Facebook as a teaser. About 2-3 weeks after the wedding, I will post a blog post and Facebook album of several favorites - approximately 12-30 images. The final discs of images and online gallery will be completed within 12 weeks of the wedding date, although I strive to deliver the final product sooner than that.
What is the process for the photos after the wedding? I personally edit all the images following your wedding. Each image is reviewed and adjusted using digital editing software. I do minor retouching, such as to remove a dirt spot from a collar, but I do not do extensive retouching, smoothing of skin, etc. I strive for natural and honest images that have not been extensively edited to change content, they are only edited to improve quality. I do not farm out editing to anyone else.
What’s the best way to see my images as quickly as possible? Connect with me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/carrie.turner.5680 and http://www.facebook.com/carrieturnerphotography). This is a fast and easy way to always see your images as soon as they are posted, because if we are friends on Facebook I can tag you when the images are posted, your friends and family can see them, and you get instant notification that your images are available. Otherwise, I will let you know via email when the blog is posted and when your final gallery is posted.
What do I get after the wedding? Following the wedding, you will get discs of all of the edited images from your wedding. I also create a disc of “favorites”, which will be my 100 or so favorites from the wedding presented as a folder of images and a slideshow, which you can watch on your computer or share online. I hand stamp and package all the discs and present them to you in packaging made from recycled content. You will also receive links to a full gallery of all images, as well as a “favorites” gallery. These will include a slideshow which can be shared online.
Can I print from the discs you give me, or share the photos on Facebook or the web? YES! The images on the disc will be high resolution JPEGs, suitable for sharing online or printing. I will also provide suggestions for where to get the images printed. You may order prints from my website also (as can your family members and friends), but you are definitely welcome to print from the discs. As the photographer, I retain copyright to the images - but you may print them for personal use.
How does the album design and ordering process work? How long does it take? When I email you that your final gallery is posted, I also send you an email link to a pdf preview of your album design. This program allows you to insert comments on individual pages, so if you want to make an image substitution, you can provide those edits on the appropriate page. Once you have provided all of your edits, I edit the album design and send it to you again for approval. Once I receive final email approval of the design, I can place the order for the album. With the exception of near the holidays (November/December), once an album is ordered it is produced and shipped quickly (within about 2 weeks). At holiday time orders can take longer - please keep this in mind if you are trying to get albums as Christmas gifts.
Please note I cannot place the order for the album until I receive your edits and final approval. You may take your time providing your feedback and final approval, but keep in mind the album is in your hands until I get that final approval from you!
Can you help me find other vendors? Yes! I am happy to help out and have good working relationships with many vendors in town. My husband is a professional musician and performs with a wedding band, so by booking me you also get access to all of his experience and knowledge about the wedding vendors in our area! We are always happy to make suggestions, answer questions, help you with driving directions, etc. Just ask!
