Choose Your Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • When you choose The Storyhouse Collective for your session or event, you’re enlisting a team of devoted professionals who care deeply about your experience from the very first inquiry to final gallery delivery. We take a highly personalized approach—listening to your vision, guiding you with intention, and creating space for moments to unfold naturally. Our goal is not just to document your day, but to tell your story in a way that feels honest, artful, and timeless.
  • Other things that set us apart:
  • Flexible, Transparent Pricing
    Customized packages with instant pricing allow you to build exactly what you need—no guesswork, no pressure, and no paying for what doesn’t serve you.
  • Story-Driven Approach
    We focus on connection over perfection. Rather than overly posed images, we gently direct when needed while prioritizing real emotion, movement, and meaningful in-between moments.
  • Guided Yet Natural Experience
    From planning support to timeline guidance, we help you feel prepared and at ease—so when the day arrives, you can be fully present while we document it effortlessly.
  • A Signature, High-Touch Experience
    Every client journey is personally guided by Cana, bringing a refined level of care, artistry, and oversight to each story we tell. From initial vision to final delivery, Cana ensures a seamless, thoughtfully curated experience—where every detail is considered, communication feels effortless, and the end result is both cohesive and deeply personal.
  • Consistency & Reliability
    With a trusted team behind every booking, your session or event is covered with care and professionalism, even in the unexpected.
  • Legacy-Focused Galleries
    Your final images are curated with intention—crafted to feel cohesive, emotive, and enduring—so they remain meaningful for years to come.

Our approach involves delving into your photography vision, style preferences, and unique personality as a couple. We employ a streamlined client questionnaire to guide you through the photographer selection process, ensuring the perfect match for your session or event. Our method takes into account photographer availability and aims for the best fit based on style, personality, and any specific skills or cultural experiences required. Additionally, clients can provide a wish list of preferred The Storyhouse Collective photographers, and we’ll happily pair you with them if available.

It’s crucial to highlight that choosing The Storyhouse Collective guarantees peace of mind, ensuring coverage for events regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.

To book with us, begin by submitting a form through our contact page. Shortly after, you’ll receive a formal quote to accept, a contract to sign, and a virtual invoice for the retainer. The invoice also outlines the payment schedule if applicable.

For sessions, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, with the final balance due 7 days before the project date.

For weddings and events, a typical 25% non-refundable retainer secures your date. Payment options are available depending on the proximity to your project date. Final balances are due 30 days before the project date.

Our packages incorporate travel within a 25-mile radius of the cities we serve. It is important to note that photographer assignments are determined based on location, compatibility, and availability.

For specific photographer requests OR events in locations beyond the specified areas, there may be a travel fee to cover transportation and/or lodging expenses for weddings lasting more than 8 hours. This fee will be openly discussed during the booking process, ensuring transparency and upholding our commitment to delivering the same high level of service and quality, regardless of your wedding location.

Clients are also responsible for covering any parking or permit fees associated with their chosen location or event.

Absolutely! At The Storyhouse Collective, clear and thoughtful communication is a big part of the experience. Once you’re booked, Cana will personally guide you as your dedicated project manager—helping shape your vision, gather details, and walk you through the planning process with care.

As your session or event gets closer, Cana will work with you to finalize your timeline. From there, she’ll set up a call with your photographer so you can connect, go over any final details, and feel completely comfortable before your time together.

For weddings, we also highly recommend scheduling an engagement or bridal session. It’s a relaxed way to get to know your photographer and step into the experience with confidence before the wedding day.

The photographic equipment required for each wedding can differ, however, our photographers at The Storyhouse Collective always come equipped with professional-grade cameras and accessories, including interchangeable lenses, backup camera bodies, fully charged batteries, lighting gear, and more to ensure we capture your session or event with the highest quality.

At The Storyhouse Collective, we are covered by liability insurance through Professional Photographers of America, providing comprehensive protection for both you and our company. This assurance guarantees that you are partnering with a professional and dependable photography team, offering peace of mind. Moreover, having liability insurance aligns with the requirements of many venues.

After your session or event, we’ll share a curated set of sneak peeks within one week so you can relive a few moments right away. From there, we begin thoughtfully refining your full gallery in our signature style—consistent, timeless, and true to your story.

Portrait sessions are delivered within 3–4 weeks, and full wedding galleries within 4–6 weeks. Once your gallery is ready, you’ll receive a private online link with instructions and a PIN to download your high-resolution images, along with your print release.

Yes—each image undergoes a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure an outstanding final result. After receiving your gallery, clients also have the opportunity to request any necessary minor adjustments through our revisions process.

Our Editing Process
Standard editing begins with a careful curation phase, removing misfires and duplicates from your session or event so only the strongest, most meaningful images remain. From there, each selected image is individually refined—thoughtfully cropped, balanced for light and tone, and gently retouched for a natural, polished finish.

Every image is completed in The Storyhouse Collective’s signature editing style, creating a cohesive, timeless look across your entire gallery.

Advanced retouching services—such as acne removal, skin retexturing, and body shaping—are available for an additional cost upon request.

The Storyhouse Collective Photo does not offer raw or unedited images to clients. Instead, our photography packages provide online access to the entire gallery of professionally edited images, available for immediate digital download in high resolution as print-ready JPEG files. Additionally, you’ll receive a personal use release for printing and sharing on social media.

The total number of images post-processing can be best determined by the hours of coverage and number of photographers, For one photographer the typical yield is 75 images per hour. All The Storyhouse Collective photography packages include professionally retouched images (lighting adjustments, minor blemish removal, and color grading). We do not offer raw, unedited files, or negatives to clients.

With every package we include a limited copyright and print release allowing unlimited personal use and printing of images. The Storyhouse Collective does retain copyright of all images captured by us which simply means images cannot be altered or sold by another entity or person.

Throughout the planning of your session or event, your account manager will supply a questionnaire to aid in collecting essential information about your photography preferences. At this stage, clients are welcome to share inspiration images or special requests or inspiration images; However we cannot promise any specific photo can be produced or duplicated.

On the day of your project, your photographer will work closely with you to document the day and capture the desired moments, eliminating the need for a comprehensive shot list.

We do however recommend putting together a family shot list to help with those photos. It is also great to have someone who knows the families help call out names during this time.

Wedding & Event Questions

The ideal amount of photography coverage depends on the scale of your event, your timeline, and what moments matter most to you. Coverage is based on continuous time, beginning when your photographer arrives and ending at the scheduled departure time.

During the planning process, Cana—your project manager—will work closely with you to build a custom photography timeline tailored specifically to your wedding or event. This ensures your coverage feels intentional, well-paced, and aligned with your priorities.

For most weddings, 8–10 hours of coverage is typically recommended, allowing ample time for getting ready moments, the ceremony, portraits, and reception coverage. Larger celebrations or events with multiple locations, cultural traditions, or extended programming may benefit from additional hours to ensure nothing is missed.

Traditionally, couples wait to see each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. A “first look” offers an alternative—a private, intentional moment shared between the two of you before the ceremony, captured in a more relaxed and intimate setting.

Choosing a first look can be incredibly meaningful. It allows you to slow down and actually experience that moment together without the pressure of guests watching. Many couples find it helps calm nerves, grounding them emotionally before the ceremony begins. It also creates space for genuine reactions, quiet connection, and unscripted emotion that can sometimes feel rushed during the aisle moment.
From a photography perspective, a first look is also highly beneficial. It allows us to capture a full set of portraits earlier in the day, when you’re fresh and unhurried. This often means more variety in your gallery, multiple locations, and more time for creative, editorial-style portraits. It also opens up your timeline after the ceremony—so you can head straight into celebrating with your guests instead of stepping away for extended photos.

In many cases, couples who choose a first look also have the opportunity for additional portraits later in the day, such as golden hour or sunset photos, giving your gallery even more depth, variety, and atmosphere.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice—only what feels most aligned with your experience. Whether you choose a first look or wait until the ceremony, our role is to thoughtfully shape your timeline so you feel present, unhurried, and fully able to enjoy every moment.

The number of photographers needed for your event is largely influenced by the event’s size and your specific photography needs. Consider the following factors:

  • Event Size: Larger weddings with more guests and a lengthier itinerary may benefit from having more than one photographer to capture all significant moments.
  • Photography Style: If you desire multiple angles and candid photos, having two photographers can be advantageous.
  • Budget: While hiring additional photographers may increase costs, it can be worthwhile for comprehensive coverage of your event.

In general, we recommend having at least two photographers for events with over 120 guests. This ensures the capture of all crucial moments and meticulous attention to detail.

Throughout a complete wedding day, our photographers work diligently to capture every significant moment. While they aim to continuously document these moments, there may be brief pauses during less active times for hydration and snacks. For wedding and event packages with coverage exceeding 6 hours, a 20-30 minute break for a proper meal is necessary. We kindly request that a meal be provided for each photographer on duty, or additional time may be added to the timeline to allow for them to obtain a meal.

Portrait Session Questions

Think of your wardrobe as an extension of your story—something that feels like you, but a slightly elevated version of it. The best outfits are the ones you feel comfortable moving and existing in naturally, without constantly adjusting or overthinking.

We always recommend starting with at least one piece that includes a subtle pattern or texture (soft florals, linen stripes, delicate prints, or tonal details). From there, build the rest of your outfits in complementary, coordinated tones so everything feels cohesive without being overly matchy. Neutrals, muted earth tones, and soft, timeless colors tend to photograph beautifully and allow your expressions and connection to take center stage.

For couples or families, try to avoid everyone wearing solid black or identical outfits. Instead, think in a color palette—soft creams, warm taupes, dusty blues, sage, muted blush, or gentle earthy tones that feel like they belong together. One person wearing a patterned or slightly more expressive piece, while others complement it with simpler textures or solids, often creates the most visually interesting balance.

We also recommend layering whenever possible—jackets, sweaters, wraps, or accessories can add depth and allow for subtle variation throughout your session without needing full outfit changes. If you’d like variety, feel free to bring a second look, keeping in mind that changing space may be limited depending on location.

Most importantly, choose pieces that feel like you, not costumes. When you feel at ease, it always translates into the images in the most natural and timeless way.

You’re welcome to choose any location that feels meaningful or inspiring to you. If your selected location is more than 25 miles away, or requires entry fees, permits, or photography passes (including for the photographer), those costs are the responsibility of the client.

To make the process easier, Cana—your project manager—will guide you through location options during the planning phase. She’ll provide a curated list of thoughtfully selected locations based on your vision, aesthetic, and session type, helping you narrow down spaces that photograph beautifully and feel aligned with your story.

Your photographer and Cana are also happy to offer recommendations based on experience; however, we encourage clients to confirm final details such as hours, access, permits, and any on-site restrictions directly with the venue or property. Because locations can change policies, host events, or adjust access without notice, we cannot guarantee real-time conditions for every space.

Our goal is simply to help you feel confident in choosing a location that supports both your vision and a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Yes! You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to your session if it helps you feel more comfortable or supported.

We just ask that the focus of the experience remains on you and your time in front of the camera, so we encourage guests to be present in the moment and avoid stepping in or directing the session. This helps us maintain a relaxed flow and ensures you get the most out of your time together.

Absolutely! We welcome pets to join in on the fun. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly and be sure that the venue or location allows pets.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’re flexible! We can either reschedule the session to a more suitable day or explore indoor alternatives. 

However, In case of predicted rain, excessively high or low temperatures, we retain the discretion to reschedule portrait sessions. Ensuring the safety of our clients, photographers, and equipment while maintaining the highest quality of your photos is our top priority.