What Happens After You Book Your Photographer?

The contract is signed. The retainer is paid. You’re locked in and ready to go. But now what? 

The adrenaline of finding a photographer has passed and now you can take a long breath of relief. One less thing to do on your to do list when it comes to planning your intimate wedding, elopement or session. 

Give yourself a pat on the back because finding a photographer that fits your budget, vision, and goes well with your personality is a huge feat in itself. And if you’re reading this- 

1. You’ve either already booked with me (cue me doing a little dancy dance in my living room) 

Or

2. You’re on the fence about booking with me and want to learn a bit more about SJP before locking in (which I totally get).

So what happens after you book with your photographer (aka Shelby of Shelby Jane Photography)? 

wedding couple hugging together as confetti is thrown onto them

3 things happen after you book your photographer.

    1. Game Plan

    After you’ve decided to hit that submit button on the contract and schedule your wedding, elopement, or session (and if you’re curious about pricing- check out info for elopements/weddings here and lifestyle sessions here), I get straight into planning right after you book your photographer. 

    No matter if it’s a session or elopement/wedding, I dive deep into planning mode. From locations, outfits, and timelines, I help organize it all. 

    I start by learning about you and your partner through a questionnaire that really helps me get to know about yourself, your partner and your relationship together. It also allows me to learn about what you love to do together, your day to day routine, what you envision for yourself when it comes to photos, and any fun activities you like to do with one another. And most importantly- how comfortable you are in front of the camera and how I can make you more comfortable for pictures.

    For sessions, this allows me to tailor your session specifically to you and your partner so it’s not just your average sit and smile at the camera session. I want to tell your story through photos and skip the cookie cutter fluff. 

    For example- Riley and Grant’s in-home session is a true reflection of their relationship that we planned for several months leading up to their day. They wanted something at home and doing what they loved- cooking with one another.

    When it comes to elopements and weddings, the questionnaire also goes deeper into what your goals are when it comes to your wedding day as a whole and what you want to remember when it comes to your wedding photos. Rahi and Robbie wanted to incorporate both of their traditions into their wedding day and we were able to at their fall in-home intimate wedding.

    couple in their kitchen cooking pasta sauce together

    2. Customization

    Once I’ve gotten the details of your session or wedding day narrowed down, I’ll begin to customize your day. 

    For sessions you’ll be sent a personalized guide with session recommendations. We go over several location ideas, fun activities to incorporate and outfit inspo. And yes your dog can be included! If you’re looking for quick inspo- see the complete guide for an engagement sess here in Indy.

    For weddings and elopements, a personalized timeline will be sent your way along with other elopement and wedding planning resources. Think vendor recommendations, permit and travel logistics, checklists and marriage license resources. I think of it all. See my guide here on how to elope in Indy!

    well dressed couple kissing at a bar while sitting in green chairs

    3. Final Check Ins

    Whether your session or wedding is in a few weeks or a few months, I’ll be checking in with you the entire time. There’s no “thanks for the money, talk to you later” here. Nope nada. I’m as involved as you want me to be. 

    As I tell my clients- call, text, or email me whenever you need to! I’m an open book and after you book your photographer you will have lots of questions and that’s okay! 

    I’m here for you and to make your experience incredible. 

    If your session or elopement is a few months out, we’ll do check-ins about once a month. And with a few weeks to go, we’ll schedule a call and walk through everything one more time and text until the day of. 

    Trust me, I got you from start to finish. 

    couple holding champagne flutes while wearing hard hats at their wedding venue

    Bonus: what happens after you book your photographer AND have your session or wedding?

    We’re not done quite yet! 

    After your session or wedding day, I’ll send you some previews within 48 hours of your day and then the full gallery within one month! No waiting for weeks on end here. 

    Once you receive your final gallery, I’ll send you a full guide of what to do with your photos and where to save and print them. 

    Then you’ve done it! See how easy that was? No matter if you’ve signed the contract or are on the fence, SJP is here for you. And if you’re ready for the next steps and to get that contract signed, be sure to contact me here.