Frequently Asked Questions
We strive for transparency when it comes to our business. So here are some helpful answers to some common questions.
If you don't see an answer to your question here, don't hesitate to reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
The Initial Booking
How do I book my session?
Get started by clicking the blue "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page to get the ball rolling.
From there we will confirm availability and start the next step towards booking with us!
What if you're already booked on my date?
As long as Gary or Jennifer are available, we will be able to coordinate a booking of any of our offerings.
In the event that we are both booked/unavailable, then can make recommendations for other vendors.
As we will not subcontract an associate shooter in our place. When a client hires Byrne Photography, they will always have Gary or Jennifer as the lead photographer.
Can you help us decide on a location?
Yes!
We have shot all over San Diego County and branch out as far as Los Angeles on a regular basis. So we are very familiar with the popular spots.
Just share with us your vision or inspiration, and we can guide you from there.
What is required to reserve our date?
A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer fee. The fee will vary depending on the type of shoot.
Once we have that we will be at your disposal for any questions you may have, timeline assistance, or recommendations. Otherwise we will be in touch as we approach your date!
Do you travel for shoots?
Yes!
We are travel ready and willing to cross state lines or even to another country should you have a specific destination in mind!
Travel fees occur when the shoot falls outside of San Diego County and can vary depending on mileage, airfare, and if an overnight stay is required.
Will you work with other photo/video vendors?
Yes!
We will happily work with any video specific vendors.
However, we are unwilling to work with additional photographers. Should you desire more photographers than our offerings have listed, we will happily coordinate sub-contracting additional photographers and will charge the client accordingly.
The photos of your day will be in good hands with us!
Are you insured?
Yes!
We carry industry standard business liability insurance. If your venue or planner needs proof of insurance, just let us know and we’re happy to provide it.
During The Shoot
What if I/we feel awkward in front of the camera?
That's totally normal.
Most people say that at first, but no worries.
We will guide you the whole way so nothing feels stiff or overly posed, and we focus on natural interaction with a candid shooting style. So you won't be left standing there saying "CHEEESE"
What should we wear for our session?
Wear something that you feel comfortable in.
From there, complimentary colors to the setting/weather of our shoot location. But we can certainly discuss it once we have narrowed down a location for the shoot.
i.e. Beaches we usually recommend pastel, complimentary colors. While, vegetation and foliage usually works well with rich more vibrant colors.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We shoot rain or shine!
However, we will keep a close eye on weather as your day approaches and will inform you if the weather looks unexpected. In which case we can certainly discuss outfit changes, new styles of shooting, or should we determine the weather to be unfavorable, we can discuss rescheduling.
How long does a session usually last?
2 hours is our minimum booking for portraits. We may not end up shooting for a full 2 hours, but we want you to try and allocate this amount of time to ensure we are not rushed or pressured into photos we don't love.
4 hours is the minimum booking for events. We are of course able to add more time should your event last longer.
All day for weddings. Weddings are an all day event. So we will be there from getting ready to last dance!
Can we bring pets / kids / props?
Yes!
We encourage you to bring anything you would like to your shoot. (within reason of course)
We can't guarantee the cooperation of your pets or kids but we have worked with many before and are experienced in getting some great shots with them!
Can family members or friends come along?
Yes!
Just keep in mind this does not mean that they will be included in photos unless previously agreed upon with the photographer.
Editing Of Your Photos
Do you do all the editing yourself?
Yes!
We do all of the editing ourselves and do not outsource any work to third parties or vendors.
Do you use AI in your editing process?
AI is a borderline unavoidable feature of todays photo editing software.
However, we choose to use local models that we run ourselves. Which means we do not rely on data centers, and more importantly, your photos are never shared to outside third parties.
With that said, AI is used primarily for object/person removal.
Do you offer skin retouching, body shaping, or teeth whitening
Yes!
Traditionally we do not provide these services unless requested by the client.
There may be additional charges.
Do you charge extra for advanced edits?
Every photoshoot we do we include our editing process. However in some cases where the client requests skin retouching, or body shaping of an entire gallery we will charge extra.
These sort of edits are quoted uniquely for each client.
Do you provide black and white edits?
Yes!
We always add at least a few B&W photos with your finished gallery. We tend to reserve this style for more intimately framed shots, and try to include the color versions as well so you have both!
Delivery Of Your Gallery
How many photos will we receive?
It can vary quite a bit. We will take as many photos as we can during your shoot.
2x Photographers = 2x Photos. So if it's an important event or a wedding and you want to ensure no moment get's missed, then consider hiring two!
Will you provide the RAW images?
No, unfortunately we do not share RAW images.
A "RAW" image isn't technically a photo you can see. It is the raw, unprocessed data straight from a camera sensor. And by itself it is more like a file that requires advanced editing in specialty software. And by themselves they are not representative of our work.
How long does it take to get our photos?
14 business days for standard portrait sessions
25 business days for weddings
25 business days for events
Unless otherwise specified.
Do you offer photo albums or wall prints?
Yes! Your finished gallery has a built in storefront where you can easily order various sizes and styles of prints including but not limited to:
Canvases, metal, bamboo, framed, and more!
There you can also order a custom designed photo album with multiple styling options to choose from using a easy to use designer tool allowing you to customize the album to match your vision!
We do offer design assistance as a service if you are interested.
Can we request additional retouching?
Yes!
We can of course
Wedding Specific Questions
Do you help with timeline planning?
Yes!
Once we are booked for your wedding, we are fully at your disposal for assistance in timeline creation or advice.
Whether you have a coordinator or not, we can help make sure your timeline accommodates plenty of time for pictures!
How far in advance should we book our wedding with you?
Once you have solidified your venue/date.
The sooner the better is always good judgement as we tend to book 1 year in advance for most clients which means weekends get booked fast.
But as long as we are available on your date, we are good to book!
What is your energy like during our wedding?
We will aim to match yours!
Some couples are looking for that fun energetic energy that helps things feel fun and engaging. While others are looking for more of a fly on the wall and not a distraction from a carefully planned event.
So peace of mind that we know how to read the room and can be just as present as we can be hidden.
How do you handle photographing during the ceremony?
We will not be a distraction from your wedding.
We are careful to stay behind or to the side of your guest audience at all times. Not taking eyes or attention away from your moment.
There are specific times where we may be in the aisle but we ensure that is as seldom as possible.
A few questions about us
What do you love about photography?
We think of a picture as a moment captured in time.
That feeling of a lost memory suddenly coming back to you when you see a photo of a cherished moment in your life is something that we believe only gets more valuable to you, the older you get.
And there is nothing quite like being the ones to capture those moments for people.
What makes wedding photography so special to you?
It's a special kind of privilege to be the one trusted to take the photos of one of the most important days in someone's life.
We get to see couples experiencing what could be the happiest they have ever been, two families coming together to form new bonds, and of course seeing friends reconnect after years of being distant.
Weddings are more than just for the couple... they are for everyone.
Why should someone invest in professional photography?
There is a clear distinction between a picture, and a professionally taken photo.
Now more than ever, we are surrounded by pictures. Everywhere you look there's moments shared amongst friends and strangers all over the internet. And everyone has a high quality camera in the palm of their hand taking photos. Yet even now, you can clearly tell when a photo was taken professionally.
Photography is both a science and an art form. Everything from posing, framing, and lighting, there needs to be a clear intent in order to bring to life the photo you want to hang on your wall.
And that, is what we specialize in.
What sort of gear do you use?
We choose to use Sony mirrorless cameras.
I chose Sony because they have industry leading technology and are trusted by professionals from Hollywood to ESPN. They're also incredibly reliable, especially when it comes to autofocus and image quality. When I'm photographing a wedding, there are a lot of once-in-a-lifetime moments that can't be recreated, so having gear I trust is really important.
Bring your vision to life
Let's Capture Your Memories