Frequently Asked Questions

I was 14 the first time I picked up a digital camera, but I didn't pick up my first DSLR camera until 2012 & haven't been able to put it down since then.

While you might see emphasis here on elopements & weddings, I offer a wide range of services for my clients. 13+ years in the industry has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my clients and document other milestones in their lives. I photograph elopements, micro-weddings, backyard weddings, intimate weddings, mid-range weddings, luxury weddings, destination elopements, destination weddings, vow renewals, engagement sessions, couple sessions, anniversary sessions, individual portrait sessions, senior sessions (high school or college), proposals, maternity sessions, family sessions, births, and more.

Absolutely. Although I’m based in Birmingham, Alabama, I proudly serve clients throughout the South and Southeast - including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I’ve also worked in other locations across the United States, including California, Hawaii, Utah, & Mexico. Maybe you live in the Mid-West or you are planning a trip to the East Coast or West Coast. Maybe a National Park, Pacific Northwest, Montana, New York, Greece, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand. Wherever your life takes you, if I have the availability and travel dates, I’m yours.

I think it’s important to give you full transparency that I am not a medium format film photographer, though much of my work is film-inspired or emulates film. I know a lot about film & I incorporate film via disposable cameras & polaroids with each elopement/wedding I do as an add-on, but incorporating medium format film would mean me hiring a second shooter who can hybrid shoot (digital + film) or even just shoot film for the day. If that aligns with your vision, let me know! In am in the process of learning how to use a medium format film camera, but until I’ve become skilled at it, I can’t offer it as a standalone service.

If I have the spot open, it's totally yours!

I’ve had bookings as far out as two years and as close as a week.

After being in the wedding industry for over a decade, I've learned so much about the ins & outs of planning elopements & weddings. That's one of the largest reasons that I offer help with planning in my elopement & wedding packages. Talking out details, bringing focus to the things that matter to you, picking out/scouting a location or venue + permits & requirements, finding ways to make this experience unique to you, connecting to or connecting you with other vendors, creating a timeline, making space for you to soak up your day, figuring out lighting & weather, knowing what to pack/prep for on your day, and SO much more! When I say that I'm on your team - I really mean that.⁣

Another reason for that is because I've also been a bride. I know how much stress can accompany planning your day & what a joy it is to have vendors on your side that help you navigate through it all. I know the importance of hiring people you love & trust - so that you can truly live in the moment & make your memories.⁣

You absolutely deserve that kind of experience. You deserve vendors who truly value you.⁣

It's totally normal, understandable, and valid to feel this way. You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common things I hear. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Awkwardness if just a part of being human. It’s that brief moment when you’re not sure what to do, or when you’re just being real - and that’s beautiful. Most of us weren’t taught how to feel comfortable in front of a camera. We were taught to perform. To “smile right.” To “stand still.” To “look pretty.” But the truth is that you don’t need to know how to pose or change who you are. You just need a photographer who makes space for you to be yourself. It’s not your job to know what to do. It’s my job to help you feel safe enough to let your guard down and to guide you when needed - but leave plenty of room for you. If you’re afraid of looking “awkward”, let me tell you something. You look human. Connected. Alive. Loved. I don’t need you to be photogenic. I just need you to be you. When you stop worrying about being “good” in photos, that’s when the real magic happens.

Your location might be a place that's familiar to you or it might be somewhere you've never been before. What is important is that it means something to you & you are excited to be there. We can work together to make that happen.

I'll send you over a guide/tips on what to wear, friend! No worries.

https://dakotachasity.com/educational-blog/what-to-wear-to-your-session

My cameras have dual card slots - which means that while one card is being written to as I shoot, the other one is set to do the same. When I get home from a session/event, I back them up to a SSD (solid state drive) & back them up to a cloud system. I also don’t clear my cards until delivery.

Depending on the forecast, I usually suggest embracing it. Typically, the best time to check the forecast is about 48 hours before your session. Provided that the weather is not severe/harsh conditions/an absolute downpour, we can go with the flow & make the most of our adventure. Sometimes the unexpected makes for the most beautiful images. Plus I know that rescheduling may not always be an option. If you do have the flexibility to reschedule your session & feel like it would make your experience more special when the weather is better, we can do that too (at no cost).

For weddings & elopements, I know that embracing the weather is really the only option you have. Talk to your vendors about a backup plan & what that might look like for your day in the case that you need one.

One of the most important things to me is capturing you guys the way that you are, honestly & authentically.

https://dakotachasity.com/educational-blog/how-i-retouch-your-photos

1-2 weeks for mini sessions

4-6 weeks for 1 hr sessions

6-8 weeks for 2 hr sessions

8-10 weeks for elopements/weddings

Turn around times can be longer in busy season & I try to make sure that is communicated when that happens. What matters to me is making sure that I give myself the time & space to create something really beautiful for you.

All of your edited, high-resolution digital images will be hosted in your personal online gallery, available for you to download & then print anywhere you'd like!

Yes, I’m fully insured!

ELOPEMENTS & WEDDINGS

30% is due when you book & the balance is due one month before the date of your event. You can make payments at anytime between as long as your balance is paid on your due date.

SESSIONS

50% is due when you book & the balance is due the day of your session. You can make payments at anytime between as long as your balance is paid on your due date.