How would you describe your style? Our style is part documentary and part design. My graphic design background is prominent in how I approach each photograph—my ability to read moods and expect situations in real time shapes my approach. My style aligns with wedding photojournalism, but I also give direction. Once placed in the perfect lighting, I allow moments to unfold. But, my style does not start with my camera. Every image I create starts with a plan. Detailed scheduling of your event is an essential element of my work. Time management is vital to my creative process. More importantly, planning allows you to live every moment of your wedding day without worry.
Do you travel to any weddings? Yes. I shoot weddings in Nashville and Atlanta consistently. My home base is Nashville, but I'll travel anywhere for the right client. Any marriage ceremony in Georgia or Tennessee is travel fee-free. I love Nashville, but I lived in Atlanta for 16 years. I am familiar with beautiful engagement session locations and wedding venues in each city, and I have vendors who I love in the city. I travel to Atlanta once or twice a month, and more if necessary. Are your nuptials somewhere else? I can travel to your destination and always have an updated passport!
Do you take posed photos? Yes, I do take posed photos. In the business, they are called Family Formals. Before the wedding day, I will send you a Family Formal worksheet. It's a guide to get you started on your final list. Keeping the final list short will allow us to shoot your wedding day's more critical, natural moments. I have repeatedly proven that our Family Formals method will make the task quick and enjoyable.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Sometimes. It depends on the size of the wedding. I always shot with a lighting assistant.
Do you edit your work?
YES. I do not send files out of the studio for editing. Every image is hand-edited and reviewed by me. Each photo is natural and authentic, so your memories stand the test of time.
Do you provide video services? No. I am a photographer and do not provide video services.
We want to have our engagement session at a specific location in Atlanta. Do we need special permission?
The answer to this question varies depending on the location you select. Now that Atlanta is the cinema hot spot of the south, places like The Georgian Terrace no longer allow engagement sessions. However, many places in the city do not need a permit, and I can discuss them with you during your consultation. However, a permit may be required to take pictures at a unique location on your wedding day.
We want to have our engagement session at one of the area parks in Nashville. Do we need special permission?
Yes. All metro parks need a permit, including Bicentennial Park and Centennial Park. We get a permit for all the area parks for the entire year, but we have to make a request each time we want to shoot at those locations. It is easy, and we will take care of all the details. Nashville is slightly more relaxed than Atlanta, but we still like to play by the rules! This also applies to any special location other than your venue that you may want to visit on your wedding day.
Do we receive high-resolution files?
Yes, around 500-700 images, depending on your wedding day and events. Engagement session image delivery hovers around 50-100 images. Photos live on a password-protected website and are available for download at any time.
How long does it take to receive our engagement and wedding photos?
It takes 2 weeks to complete your engagement session images. Images are delivered via a password-protected gallery, which can be downloaded anytime. It takes 6-9 weeks to edit your wedding photos and ensure that every single image is perfect. We deliver most images in color, but we also deliver some images in black and white.
What is a password-protected gallery?
Your final images live in a password-protected gallery. We suggest you download the images and back them up on a remote drive. The studio archives a backup of delivered images for at least one year. High-resolution images continue to live in the password-protected gallery.
How long does it take to receive our album, and what is the process?
Once we deliver your wedding story, the studio will design a draft of your wedding photo album. The initial design will tell the story from my perspective. I'll send you a copy so you can review it and make changes. We work on the album until you approve it, and then I send it to my amazing album vendor. The physical production of the album may take 2 weeks. The time it takes to complete the album will vary depending on your schedule.
Do we receive Raw files?
Unfortunately, we do not offer raw files.
Can we print our images?
Yes, and please do. Albums are the best way to preserve your images for future generations. But, but because you have access to all the final images online, you can print and share any image you desire.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. Most locations we shoot require us to have liability insurance. On top of that, we have equipment insurance as well. We can provide any venue or client with proof of liability insurance at any time.
Can you hold my date?
We offer the first right of refusal to the first person who requests information for a specific date. We need an answer to the new request if we have another request for that date. To hold your date, we will need a $1500 non-refundable retainer.
What is your payment schedule?
As stated above, we need a $1500 retainer to save your date. After the initial retainer, you have two more payments. 50% of your balance is due 90 days before your wedding, and your final payment is due 15 days before your wedding. The studio will send reminders no less than two weeks before the due date.
What if I need to cancel my wedding?
We hope that you will not have to deal with canceling your wedding. In the unforeseen event that you have to cancel your wedding, you have a couple of options. If you are moving your wedding date and we are available, we move forward. The retainer is still non-refundable if I am unavailable, as we had to pass over work to hold your wedding date. If you cancel your wedding 90 days or less from your wedding date, your entire balance is due at cancelation.
What happens if you get sick?
We have never missed a wedding, and I assure you we won’t be starting with your wedding. I have had the pleasure of photographing an engagement session with the stomach flu. Bowie also had the stomach flu. A lot of our clients travel to Atlanta and Nashville for destination events. Our clients were from California, and we had to shoot the session while they were in the city. We shot the session with the stomach flu; nobody was wiser. I have also had the pleasure of photographing a wedding with a busted and cut hand and another with a fever. Team Wheaton will be at your wedding unless we die.
Do you offer discounts?
Sometimes we offer discounts, but it depends on the time of year and the location of the wedding. We would like to speak with you if you connect with our work and philosophy.
Do you shoot elopements or private venue events?
Yes, and we have a portfolio to prove that no wedding is too small for our expert service! We’ve shot weddings with 12 guests and weddings with 500 guests.
Do we need to feed you at the weddings?
Yes. We require you to feed us at the reception when you sign the contract. We typically bring protein bars and water so we have the energy to work during the first part of the day. However, we don’t take pictures during dinner service, so that's a good time to feed us. The time we eat is completely negotiable and not an important issue.
Can family and friends take pictures at our wedding?
Yes, of course, they can. People in your life want to document their amazing time at your wedding. Yet, there are a few parts of the day where we request images be photographed by our team. First Looks need to be private. Also, we ask for your cooperation during the family formal or posed portrait section of the day. Guest may take images of the family's formal setup if they do not disrupt the flow of the session. Flash photographers, other than the studios, are prohibited during this time.
What do you do when you’re not shooting weddings?
Ah, yes, what about my life? Since you asked, I have tried to practice yoga and kickboxing daily. I also photograph boudoir photography. We only accept a small number of weddings a year. I like to fill my other weekends with empowering women through the gift of photography! Interested in boudoir session, please contact me through the website.
We are available for food photography, boudoir, and corporate events. Contact us for more information at greetings@sharonwheaton.com
When should we book?
NOW! What are you waiting for? Let’s get this Team Wheaton train moving at full speed! Click this link to contact us.
