Michelle Evans Art: 10 Questions with Michelle

Photographer - Michelle

Business: Michelle Evans Art
Location: Memphis, Tennessee TN
Experience: 9 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Michelle Evans Art
Website: www.michelleevansart.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

I found myself photographing weddings 9 years ago as I was pursuing my BFA in photography. It was a side job which I had NO intentions of doing full time. I was going to be in Fine Art, duh. And, well, I kind of fell in love with people being in love. I know, cheesy, right? But, it really is my favorite thing- when I get to see my clients' eyes light up when they see their photos!

My goal is always to get you back in the moment of your wedding day. Annnnd secretly compose a killer photo while you're there. I believe the key to amazing wedding photos that transport you back into your wedding day is the connection on both sides of the camera. So I’ll spend some extra time on the front end of things making sure I’m getting to know you-what it is that motivates you and what it is that’s important to you.

I truly cherish human connection and the relationships we make throughout our life. We all have different ways of expressing our love and affection for each other, and being able to photograph that has been one of the biggest joys of my life.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I've been photographing weddings since 2012. I usually take between 15-20 weddings a year so that I can fully focus on each of my couples and give them all the love and care they need during their engagement and wedding planning process.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I like to describe my photography style as timeless, vibrant, and full of energy. My work is a good mix of candids and gently posed portraits with some fine art shots mixed in. So, no worries if you don't know what to do with your hands, I'll walk you all the way through and help you forget there's even a camera there. My edits tend to lean on the bright and colorful side with a few moody edits in between. On wedding days my team and I work to help elevate the mood, keep things rolling, but also find time for you to just take in the moment. It’s incredibly important to me for you to be transported back into the moment of the photos. Sometimes that means being a fly on the wall and others it's taking my introverted couples a little ways away from the crowd.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

I'd recommend booking your photographer as soon as you find your venue. We suggest about a year in advance. For us, our busiest times are end of April-June and end of September-November, so those usually book up pretty quickly. We'll take bookings up to 18 months in advance. Weekends are where most of our weddings are booked, but if you find yourself doing a week day wedding we're likely to have an opening or way to work with you.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I have 3 packages that range from $1800-$3500. Elopement start at $1500 and we offer custom packages for destination weddings.
On average our couples spend about $2700 for an 8 hour wedding, wedding album, a few gift items, and their digital photos as well.
We make a lot of custom packages, but in general our clients are interested in wedding albums, our custom slideshows, and full wedding day coverage (10 hours).
Every package includes a complimentary planning consult with a photo timeline that we'll build for you.
Engagement sessions start at $300 and are included in many of my packages.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

Yes! I'll be the face behind the camera on your wedding day unless you go for an associate package. I always have at least a second shooter (included in all packages) unless it's an a very small elopement. If you're having a larger wedding (150+ guests) we'll bring along another team member to help out.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I love traveling for weddings! There's no limited distance. Contact me directly for your destination wedding. We'll put together a custom package that will include your photo coverage and cover the travel costs as well. Travel costs are meals on the road, flight fare or gas, and the hotel stay.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

I have several packages that include both print credit and album credit. After you get your photos, you'll be able to use the print credit as you please in in online gallery. And we'll work together to customize your heirloom wedding album to fit the feel of your wedding day. All albums are professionally designed with your favorite moments and handcrafted with a layflat spread (no crease)!

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Your best photos will be delivered within 6-8 weeks of your wedding day. You'll have a personal online gallery that you can share all over social media with your friends and family. Each photo will be gently edited, meaning the colors are corrected and portraits have skin tones smoothed. We do our best to give you sneak peeks within 1-2 weeks of your wedding depending on the busyness of the season.

Engagement and other portrait sessions are delivered the same way but within 4-6 weeks of the session date.

I tend to deliver 75-100 photos per hour that we are photographing.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

If you cancel your wedding then your retainer is nonrefundable.

If you have to postpone your date, a new retainer fee may be applied depending on how close to your prior wedding date we are.

If you postpone your date and I'm already booked, we can either get an associate to photograph your wedding OR you can forfeit your retainer. Associates are a great choice because you'll still get the MEA experience just with a different face on your wedding day.