Photographer - Ashley Recar
- Business: Ashley's Portrait Co.
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri MO
- Experience: 7 Years
- Photography Types: Engagements, Weddings
- Profile: Ashley's Portrait Co.
- Website: www.aportrait.co
1. Introduction: What's your story?
My name is Ashley, and I’m the founder/lead photographer of Ashley’s Portrait Co. I bought my first camera in 2013 and started dabbling in automotive photography. After making connections and shooting local car shows, I realized just how passionate I was about being behind the lens. Knowing I wanted to crack into other aspects of this industry, I started accepting client’s inquiries for weddings about a year later. I was hooked on wedding photography right away because I found joy in documenting other people’s most special moments and using my vision to turn those preservations into memorable art for their homes. I have grown in this specialty by curating the quality of my products, adding members to my team, and fostering the relationships with my couples to ensure the most comfortable atmosphere on their big days.
2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?
I have been specializing in wedding photography for 7 years, and I have documented over 100 weddings. I have worked with couples from all different backgrounds and beliefs. I have photographed weddings in a variety of locations: churches, wineries, downtown cities, domestic and international beaches, you name it!
3. How would you describe your photography style?
There are 2 different, important aspects to note here, both my style while in a session with clients and my style while creating the product. When I’m actively photographing clients, I like to cultivate a really relaxed vibe. I prefer to use guided posing over molded posing, meaning I give clear but flexible actions for clients to try for poses, and I capture their normal, natural interactions. The way couples embrace each other is unique, and I aim to showcase their real chemistry. When I’m creating a finished product after a session, my style is bold, authentic, and timeless. My vision incorporates both vivid colors that pop and accentuate details, along with black and white photographs that exhibit the drama and emotion of a moment.
4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?
I advise couples to book their wedding photographer as soon as their date is set and their venue is secured. Your photographer is the next priority on your wedding vendor checklist! Booking in this order makes time for other important steps before the wedding day, like your engagement session and timeline planning. My couples typically secure a spot on my calendar 12 to 18 months in advance. The months that fill up fastest are May, June, September, October, and November, particularly the Saturdays of those months!
5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
The only difference among collections is the hours of coverage! Couples can choose a package with 5, 7, or 9 hours of coverage. No matter which they decide, they receive all of the perks Ashley’s Portrait Co. packages have to offer! All packages include: a complimentary engagement session, 2 photographers on your wedding day, a decorative flash drive containing your complete digital collection, an 8 x 8 wedding album (upgrades available), and an 11 x 14 mounted print. An additional hour of coverage can be added to any package for just $175!
6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?
Prior to the day, we discuss the timeline, portrait list, and any other details that are unique to your wedding. 2 photographers are present on the wedding day. This allows for much more coverage. The getting ready process can be captured, even when it’s happening in 2 completely different locations. The photographs of the ceremony can be taken from a multitude of perspectives. While I focus on formal portraits, my associate focuses on details and candids of your guests. Every aspect of your day is documented.
7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
Ashley’s Portrait Co. has covered weddings in a wide array of locations. We accommodate travel and customize our travel pricing based on a couple’s unique needs. This means the possibilities are endless. You tell me your vision, and I tell you our options in making it happen!
8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?
Ashley’s Portrait Co. is a print-based photography service. We believe that every couple should have tangible products that showcase their wedding day. Along with the products included in our wedding collection, we offer a wide variety of print sizes and album upgrade options. All 11 x 14 prints and larger come mounted. We are passionate about this part of the process as we feel honored to create a couple’s first family heirloom.
9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?
Within 3 weeks of your wedding day, you will be invited to our office where we will review your wedding gallery together. This is the time when I collaborate with the couple to choose which specific images they would like to use to create the products in their collection. At this time, you can make special edit requests and view product samples. All images chosen for print go through an extensive retouching process to remove background distractions, flyaway hairs, blemishes, etc. Product turnaround time, including the delivery of your entire digital collection, is about 4 weeks.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
While we do charge a nonrefundable deposit of $750 to secure your date on the Ashley's Portrait Co. calendar, anything paid in addition to that will be refunded if there is a cancelation. Also, couples are allowed 1 reschedule for just a $250 date change fee. We understand that things come up, and we make it a priority to accommodate our couples changing plans whenever possible!
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