Crissy Everhart Photography, Studio Photographer
Home »
Events »
FAQs

Wedding & Event Photography FAQs

Planning your wedding (or big celebration) comes with lots of questions—and I want you to feel completely confident about who you’re trusting with your memories. Here are answers to the most common questions couples ask me.

My Experience

I assisted my first wedding in 2002—back when we loaded film into cameras and unfolded paper maps to find the venue. After a year as an assistant, I moved into photojournalism (second shooting) and then began training as a lead photographer.
By 2006, I was photographing weddings on my own. From 2005–2009, I worked at a high-volume studio, photographing around 40 weddings per year while also running their digital post-production department. I imported, edited, and proofed weddings full-time—so I was immersed in weddings all week, every week.
In 2011, I officially opened my own business, and by 2016, I had moved into my own studio space at Historic Sugartown.
Now, with over 450 weddings and events photographed, I can confidently say: I’ve seen it all (twice).

Wedding Coverage Basics

All collections include high-resolution images. You can add a second photographer, choose a package that includes albums, or I can create a custom package tailored just for you. View the event pricing here for more details.
Most weddings need 8–9 hours of coverage. City weddings or events with a separate ceremony and reception location often require 10–11 hours. I usually suggest starting 1.5–2 hours before the ceremony and wrapping up about an hour before the reception ends.
I aim for images that look natural and unposed—even if I gave a little direction to get you there. If you’re comfortable in front of the camera, I’ll step back. If you’re nervous, I’ll guide you (and probably crack a joke to loosen things up).
For family formals, I’ll take charge to make them quick and smooth. No yelling names or organizing groups—you enjoy the day while I manage the shot list.
Yes—always. I may bring an assistant or a second photographer, depending on the number of hours of coverage, the items in your collection, and the location of the event.
An assistant helps with lighting, gear, and keeping the day running smoothly. They may snap a few photos, but that’s not their main role. The assistant stays alongside the main photographer the entire day.

A second photographer is another professional who provides a different perspective. While I photograph the processional from the front, they’ll capture it from the back. While I’m focused on details, they’ll cover cocktail hour. Together, we make sure nothing is missed. The second photographer can also start with the groom and groomsmen while I begin the day with the bride and bridesmaids.
Yes, I travel! My home base is the Philadelphia area, but I’ve photographed from New York City to Maryland—and even Aruba. Travel fees may apply depending on distance and logistics. (And if you want me to tag along on the honeymoon to photograph the views, I’m in. Just saying.)

Technical & Professional Details

Absolutely—probably to a level you’d call obsessive. My cameras record to two memory cards simultaneously. After the event, images are immediately backed up to multiple hard drives on-site and to an off-site backup system. Even in the event of a fire, your photos are safe.
Yes. I’m fully insured and bonded, and I can provide proof of insurance directly to your venue.
Yes. All collections include high-resolution files with full printing rights (no logos, no watermarks, no scaling down). I also provide a PDF release for printing.
Via a personal, password-protected online gallery that stays live for at least a year. You can download your images, share with family and friends, and order prints directly if you’d like.
High-resolution JPEGs, averaging about 8000 pixels on the long side—perfect for prints up to 30 inches (and larger if scaled).
About 75-100 images per hour of coverage. For an 8-hour wedding, expect roughly 800 photos— more if you add a second photographer or have a large guest list.

Post-Production

All delivered images are professionally edited for color, density, and cropping. Album images receive additional retouching (removing exit signs, smoothing skin, etc.).
Some images might be presented in black & white, depending on the mood and lighting. Want a particular photo in both color and black & white? Just ask—it’s no extra cost.
Usually within 2-3 weeks, depending on the season (September–December is busiest).
If your collection includes an album, I’ll design a draft layout once you’ve chosen your favorites. The layout goes online for your review, and once approved, your handmade album arrives in just a few weeks.

More Info

A $1000 retainer at contract signing secures your date.
50% of the balance is due 90 days before the event.
The remainder is due by the wedding day.

I accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay, and money orders.

Pennsylvania requires 6% sales tax on all orders delivered within the state.
I photograph same-sex weddings, interfaith weddings, multi-cultural weddings, and blended ceremonies. Love is love—and everyone gets 110%.
Let's do it! I’d love to show you sample albums and hear about your wedding. We can meet at my studio in Malvern, or set up a phone/Zoom call if you’re farther away.


Wedding Portraits with Dog

Wedding Photography Timeline

Contract Signing

$1000 retainer is paid and your date is officially booked.

Engagement Sessions (if applicable)

E-sessions can be photographed at any time before your wedding. I can do indoor options, such as Longwood Gardens, that are warm and also colorful, and there are a ton of gorgeous outdoor spots in Philadelphia and it’s surrounding towns. Ridley Creek State Park has beautiful grounds all year long, and Center City offers tons of unique venues and scenery. Belmont Plateau, Philly Art Museum, Old City, your favorite bar, a beach (travel fee may apply for beaches)... or feel free to get creative! My Malvern studio is always an option, with lots of textures and foliage as well as backdrop set-ups inside.

Three Months Before Event

50% of the remaining balance is due.

One to two weeks before the event, we will have a phone call. This is when we confirm the timeline and run over the names of all the important people who should be photographed.

WEDDING DAY!!!

Final balance due; any overtime charges will be billed to you after the wedding. You have the option to add overtime up until the last minute of coverage.

Proofing

Proofs are ready two to four weeks after the event, depending on the time of year. Images are posted online on a private gallery that you can share, and all images are available to download from the gallery. Please give Crissy Everhart Photography credit for any images posted on social media, so I can get more clients like you. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation!

Album Design

After you see your images online, you can choose which ones you want for the album. Generally, you should aim for about 80-90 images in a 40-page album (what is included in most of my wedding collections), so you can choose more if you are willing to get extra album spreads. If this seems too daunting, I am happy to choose the images I think tell your wedding story for you. I will design a custom album within 1-2 weeks and post it online for you to review and suggest edits. Once you approve the design, the albums take about 2 weeks at the bindery. Anything purchased above and beyond the wedding collection must be paid for when the album or print order is placed.


At any time during the process feel free to reach out to me via email, phone or text! I am happy to help with all things wedding, even referring other local vendors.


Crissy Everhart with Canon and Phottix