Lionlady Photography: 10 Questions with Lynnsey Phillips

Photographer - Lynnsey Phillips

Business: Lionlady Photography
Location: Seattle, Washington WA
Experience: 10 Years
Photography Types: Editorial, Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Lionlady Photography
Website: www.lionladyphoto.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello! I'm Lynnsey, a photographer and videographer based out of Seattle & Boise.

I've been shooting for ten years and absolutely love what I do. Most of my weddings are in the Pacific Northwest and I'm so lucky to work in such a beautiful part of the country. I also have the pleasure of traveling for destination weddings regularly in Mexico and Europe. My style leans photojournalistic but I'm not afraid to direct when needed. Once I get my couples comfortable through a bit of direction, I love seeing what naturally unfolds.

My favorite part about photographing weddings is that you're thrown into such a love filled situation. Emotions are high (in the best way) and I love watching people as they interact on such an important day. I especially love the relationships I walk away with. The couple and I usually become very close throughout the process of planning their wedding and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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

I've been photographing weddings for ten years and have shot hundreds at this point. I've lost track! In a given year, I normally shoot 25 - 30 weddings between photo and video. If you count my associates' weddings, that number increases to 40 - 50. I've loved having associates because it allows my brand to work with more amazing couples.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

My style is photojournalistic with a splash of editorial. I love real, raw moments. I've learned to predict when I think a moment is going to happen and place myself in the perfect position to capture it with the best composition possible. It's not just about capturing what is happening but about how the moment is captured visually. Wedding photography is equally about emotion as it is strategy and I love how it works both parts of my brain.

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

The right time to book your wedding photographer or videographer is 9 - 12 months in advance (more if they are a popular choice). I have some couples that book 18 months in advance in order to ensure their date doesn't book. However, make sure you have your venue and date decided before reaching out to other vendors.

Peak booking months are typically December - March for weddings in the summer and fall. I find a lot of couples get engaged in the winter and early spring although there are the outliers! I'm usually booked up by early June for Saturday weddings.

If you want more time to decide or have a quick engagement, I recommend choosing any day but Saturday as most vendors will have those available.

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

My packages range from $3800 - $7000 with most couples spending an average of $5.5k. Every photography package includes at least 6 hours of coverage, digital files, an online gallery, and vendor recommendations. Hours range from six to twelve hours of coverage with most couples needing 8 - 10. Add-ons include additional hours, albums, prints, and an engagement session.

For videography, every package includes a 3 - 5 minute highlight film, 6 hours of coverage, and the RAW footage. Add-ons include additional hours, full edits of the ceremony and toasts, and longer edits.

Extra hours for both photography and videography are $650/hr.

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

Couples have the option of booking with me or one of my associates. They can also book photo and video to have the whole team! In total, there are four of us and everyone is trained in my style. The couple will always have the opportunity to chat with associates before booking. When booking an associate, I still remain on all communication. After the wedding day, I handle all editing and final delivery.

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

I travel frequently for weddings, whether that be hiking in the nearby mountains or to a far flung destination. For destination weddings, I require airfare, lodging, and a rental car. For country weddings that require a few hours drive, travel fees range from $100 - $500 to cover mileage and possible lodging.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums and prints are not included in my packages but are available as add-ons. All products are fine art museum quality. Albums are designed together to make sure it's exactly as you've hoped. It is an heirloom after all!

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

Couple will receive their fully edited images 4 - 6 weeks after the wedding day. They will be delivered in an online gallery via email. From the gallery they can download the files, share with family and friends, and purchase products and prints.

For video, turnaround time is 6 - 8 weeks and the final films and footage will be delivered via Dropbox through email. Video editing is typically more rigorous as every piece of footage has to be watched again to pull the best clips. Then, all those clips are set to music of the couple's choice.

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

In the event the Client cancels this contract within 90 days of the Wedding date, the Client will be liable for the full amount of this contract. Written notiﬁcation is required with cancellation. The Client’s Date Reservation Fee and any other payments made shall constitute liquidated damages to offset Lionlady Photography’s loss of business for the Wedding date. In the event the Client cancels this contract more than 90 days before the Wedding date, the Client will be liable for the Date Reservation Fee ("Retainer") and any expenses incurred by Lionlady Photography in relation to client meetings, sessions, planning, and travel outside the Seattle or Boise area.