Debbie Elisa Photography: 10 Questions with Debbie Perez

Photographer - Debbie Perez

Business: Debbie Elisa Photography
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia VA
Experience: 3 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Weddings
Profile: Debbie Elisa Photography
Website: debbieelisaphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi there. My name is Debbie Elisa. I am the owner and lead photographer with Debbie Elisa Photography. Started as a cool thought in the 7th grade, I eventually followed my dreams and became a photographer. I worked with many mentors, did many styled shoots, got family and friends to work with me when learning about my camera, settings, lighting, location, and many other aspects to photography. In 2022 I finally decided to go full time with my photography dream. Bumps and detours but I am still here kicking it hard. I provide photography for couples looking to go a little less traditional and throw in some fun and adventure. I mainly shoot outdoors as nature and natural light are always best when capturing these moments.

I live for fun, different, and unique stories that tell true and authentic moments as they happen. So if you are a couple that loves to test the waters and see what you can do that just a little or totally different from everyone else, then we need to talk!

xoxo, Debbie

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

Whether you envision yourself saying “I do” on a mountaintop in Colorado, on a charming street in Manhattan New York City, in your uncle’s backyard, or maybe somewhere a little more daring, say a destination on your bucket list – I’m here to make this process as easy and exciting for you as possible. If you’re down to elope, we’ll make it happen. Grandma and mum may not get the full concept of what you’re doing but not everyone has to get it. So, if you want to shake off the shackles of tradition and start your marriage with an awesome expedition (mini or grand), I totally have your back.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

Candid, lifestyle...a little more documentary style with a behind the scenes kind of look. I do try to not have the couple look at the camera too much as it means they have to stand and pose. I would much rather catch you holding hands giggling and smiling with a few soft kisses, walking around and having a blast. It's a celebration for goodness sakes!

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

I would suggest booking a photographer at east 12 months in advance. Sometimes photographers are the last thought on a list but, when it comes down to the date and you are pushing it with time, you end up with photographers with less experience, which can cause a few issues. Find a photographer that you love in terms of their personality and vibe that you get. Check out their work and if you love them in all of their amazing-ness, hire them. The "arm and a leg" or "break the bank" hurts our feelings and we don't honestly charge what an arm and a leg costs...and we definitely wouldn't break the bank. So, ask for payment plans and work it out because when you love the people you are working with, then your day will be just as special and stress free.

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

For wedding I offer

10 hour package - $5000
8 hour package - $4000 (most popular)
6 hour package - $3000
- Sometimes I am needed for 4 hours which is priced at $2000

Elopements

12 hours (or multi-day) - $6000
Half day (8 hour package) - $3500
Mini Day (4 hour package) - $2500
- It is best for elopements to be no less than 4 hours. This is due to fully capturing your day and in all aspects to properly tell your love story. However, if a only ceremony and portraits are wanted this can be done for a 2 hour time frame with no getting ready and no other aspects to the day other than the ceremony location for both the ceremony and portraits, the fee is $1500

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

I am the main photographer that shoots on the wedding day. I do have 2 other photographers that are a part of my team if needed as a second photographer.

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

Travel fees:

Within a 2 hour drive ending by 10pm: Gas fees are only required which is rated at $0.625 per mile.
Within a 2 hour drive ending anytime after 10pm: Gas fees are required as well as a 1 night hotel stay that is calculated and added within the retainer fee due at contract signing and is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Any wedding or elopement outside of Virginia that is more than 5 hours will require travel fees as follows: Flight, car rental and hotel fees.

Cities where driving is doable with just gas fees attached: Gatlinburg/Knoxville TN, Charleston/Columbia SC, Wilmington/Outer Banks NC, Charlotte/Asheville NC, certain areas within PA, NY, and WV.

My local areas are the DMV (D.C., Maryland & Virginia)

I service areas in Virginia such as: Luray, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Winchester, Charlottesville, Richmond, and locations within and around Shenandoah National Park

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

No. There is a store/shop that is attached to the client gallery. I do provide a 25% off discount for couples to purchase their gallery or create their own album from highly verified and well known print labs around the world.

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

A sneak peek will be provided within 3 business days. The full gallery will be delivered between 8-10 weeks. You will receive a gallery link for the sneak peeks and the final delivery of images.

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

First time rescheduling there is no fee. If there is a second rescheduling there will be a fee as well as a re-sign of a contract for the new date and a new retainer for the new date. Retainer fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Partial refund of payments made may be provided depending on client circumstances and if it falls within the guidelines listed within the contract.