Welcome to the Dana Cubbage Weddings Associate Pricing Guide. Thank you so much for inquiring about my services for your wedding day!
I currently offer two different associate photography wedding collections - the DCW Associate Experience, for the couple who wants it ALL, and the DCW Associate Essentials, for couples with a smaller photography budget.
Please take a look around the site and if you like what you see, please let me know so we can set up a time to chat! Emily + I can't wait to hear all about you and your vision for your wedding day!
congratulations!
FIRST OF ALL...
Please click to discover my two amazing associate photography collections:
I first met Emily in 2014 when she reached out and asked if she could assist me at one of my weddings. She was new to photography and she was interested in shooting weddings. We quickly became great friends and she served as my main second shooter for a few years, before transitioning into an associate photographer role for my business back in 2015-2017. She photographed 18 weddings for me before I decided to pause my associate photography program due to personal reasons. Since then, she has continued to second shoot with me whenever she is available - so she is very familiar with my shooting style!
Fast forward to 2020 and Emily is back! After spending the past few years shooting weddings as a lead with another photography studio in town, I'm THRILLED to bring her back to serve as my exclusive associate photographer. Emily is talented beyond words and I know she will take excellent care of my clients! I just know you will absolutely love her!
meet emily, your photographer
meet emily, your photographer
It’s about the details you've chosen so carefully, the fleeting moments on such a busy day, and - above all - it's about the way you guys FEEL throughout the process. When a couple chooses me to document their wedding day, it is seriously the greatest honor! And although I will not personally be shooting your wedding, you'll still get the full DCW experience from start to finish! Emily has worked with me for the past 6 years and I know she will take the best care of you!! From the moment you become a DCW bride + groom, I am 100% invested in you... and I want to help you plan a wedding day that is stress-free and fun!
My goal is to make your wedding photos one of the easiest + most memorable parts of your wedding day. I want you two to spend some QUALITY time together and to have FUN with your best friends. I want you to feel comfortable + confident enough to belly laugh + ugly cry in front of Emily's camera because magic happens when we can capture your real emotions! Emily will give a lot of gentle direction when it comes to posing and she'll be continuously coaching + encouraging you throughout the day. We want you guys to look + feel AMAZING on your wedding day because you deserve it!
IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!
the fine print
Our approach to wedding photography is unique. We choose to work with couples who we really connect with because we believe wedding photography is SO much better when everyone involved is equally excited to be working together. For this reason, we do not take every wedding that comes along. We are fully invested in our couples, so naturally we want to be there with them throughout their wedding day - laughing, crying, and sharing in their joy - capturing every single moment along the way. This is why I offer complete wedding day coverage...
Emily will arrive a few hours before you get into your dress and stay until you leave the reception. Dana will work closely with you and/or your wedding planner on the final wedding day timeline to ensure Emily is there to tell your story completely from beginning to end*, however many hours that ends up being. Typical coverage ranges anywhere from 9 to 11 hours and is based around the bride's schedule; the actual photography timeline will be finalized + approved prior to the wedding.
WHAT IS COMPLETE WEDDING DAY COVERAGE?
what is complete wedding
day coverage?
*Exits that take place after 11pm are subject to an additional overtime fee; clients can opt for a mock exit in lieu of overtime charges if they prefer
things to consider
when hiring a wedding photographer
• How many photos am I receiving in total?
• Does the entire gallery look consistent + cohesive from start to finish?
• How does the photographer tell the story of the day? What are their strengths? Styled details? Bride + groom portraits? Candid moments? Does their storytelling style match what you want from your wedding photos?
• Do you like the overall editing style? Are the greens really green or are they seafoam/grey/blue in color? Are the skin tones realistic or are they too orange/red/pink or muddy? Are the images completely washed out? Are they too saturated?
• Will you like this editing style in the future or will you regret it down the road because it's a fad right now? It's okay to be critical! Your images should be something you'll love forever.
• How does the photographer approach the formal posed portraits, including the bridal party + family formals? How many images do they deliver?
• Are the images sharp + in focus or are they mostly soft focused? Does this matter to you?
• How does the photographer light and photograph the reception? Do they seem to know how to navigate multiple lighting situations - not just natural light?
VIew EMILY'S FULL client galleries
i strongly encourage couples to browse full wedding galleries from every photographer they are considering. this is where you'll really see the difference in the quantity + quality of a photographer's work. while looking through full galleries, ask yourself these questions...
sample wedding day timeline
This is an example of what your wedding day timeline will look like with full day coverage. I’ll work with you + your planner to ensure that Emily has enough time to photograph everything needed to tell the story of your wedding day completely, as well as give you, your family + bridal party time to relax and fully enjoy the day!
12:30pm // EMILY + second shooter arrive to begin photographing bridal details (gown, shoes, invitations, bouquets, etc), groom's details (shoes, tie, cufflinks, boutonnieres, etc) + candids of the girls getting ready
1:30pm // Second shooter to meet the guys and photograph guys getting ready
2pm // Bride gets into her gown
2:30pm // First Look, immediately followed by bride + groom portraits
3:15pm // Bridal party photos
3:45pm // Family formals
4:15pm // Bridal party tucked away; guests begin to arrive; EMILY + second shooter to photograph ceremony + reception details at this time
5pm // Ceremony
5:30pm // Cocktail hour to be covered by second shooter; EMILY to photograph lingering family photos, sunset photos and/or reception details at this time
6:30pm // Reception begins
10pm // Reception ends
Priced per hour, subject to availability + coverage may be provided by an associate photographer
detailed pricing info
a la carte pricing + travel
Includes online gallery + edited digital files via digital download; one location* + must be scheduled on a weekday
Other destinations will receive a custom rate quote
Engagement + Bridal Portrait SessionS
$600 each
REHEARSAL DINNER COVERAGE
$400/hour
Hilton Head/Bluffton, Savannah, and Pawley's Island/Myrtle Beach Area
TRAVEL RATES
$500 flat fee
*Additional location $300
wedding album overview & design process
All custom-designed premium flushmount wedding albums include 15 full-page spreads (30 pages) printed on Fuji Crystal archival paper and finished with a protective UV coating. Pages are thick and sturdy with full-page seamless panoramic spreads and these albums are guaranteed for life against any manufacturing defects.
Cover options include Luxe Nabuk Leather, classic Top Grain + distressed Leather, Japanese Silk + Linen Fabric in a variety of beautiful colors. Cover debossing and cameo cut-outs are also available.
PLEASE NOTE: Albums can be ordered at ANY TIME! You do not need to commit to ordering an album upon booking your wedding coverage.
OVERVIEW
THE PROCESS
STEP ONE - After your wedding images are fully edited, I will handpick the images that I believe best tell the story of your day. My design team will get to work designing at least 15 beautiful full-page spreads for your album and once they are ready, I will send you these layouts via email for your review. You are then able to make up to three rounds of revisions at no extra charge.
STEP TWO - Once the album design is approved, I send the digital layouts to my album company for production.
STEP THREE - The album is shipped directly to your door!
Once the album goes into production, you can expect your album to be in your hands within 6 weeks.
the process
I am based in beautiful downtown Charleston, South Carolina and I absolutely LOVE traveling. Destination wedding? I’m in! I would be honored to document your wedding day, near or far. My passport is current and my bags are practically always packed. Please feel free to ask me for specific travel availability + rates.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? DO YOU TRAVEL?
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Most people describe my photography style as clean, classic, light + bright. I use a photojournalistic approach while maintaining an eye for detail + an emphasis on creating timeless images. In simplistic terms, I strive to tell the story of your day naturally while making you + everything around you look as amazing as possible. My goal is to remain as unobtrusive as I can and to let things unfold organically in front of my lens throughout the day, while also paying attention to the details that make an image amazing. When it comes to posing, I coach my clients from behind the camera in order to create natural and relaxed images. I've been known to move furniture, de-clutter backgrounds, and ask clients to relocate to an area where the light is oh-so-good, but that’s all in an effort to create breathtaking images of you on your wedding day that look completely natural!
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE?
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Complete wedding day coverage typically begins 90 minutes before the bride has to get into her gown. During this time, I'll be photographing your fabulous bridal details (dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquet, invitations, etc) and the tail end of hair + makeup - and then you'll get into your dress and the day "officially" begins!! We'll be there with you throughout the day until your formal exit from the reception, if one is planned. Exits that take place after 11pm are subject to an additional overtime fee, although clients can opt to do a mock exit earlier in the evening if they want! This type of full day coverage allows us the flexibility to build in plenty of time throughout the day for photos, ensuring that your story is being told completely. Complete wedding day coverage typically ranges anywhere from 9 to 11 hours, but is customized to each wedding.
WHAT DOES 'COMPLETE WEDDING DAY COVERAGE' INCLUDE?
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If you've browsed though my website and like what you see, shoot me an email. We can set up a time to chat on the phone or meet up, as I always like to connect with my clients personally before sending over a contract. As your wedding photographer, I will be with you ALL DAY, so it's important that our personalities mesh well and that you feel comfortable with me!
I LOVE YOUR WORK! HOW DO I BOOK?
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I require a non-refundable booking fee equal to 50% of the package total upon signing the contract. Your date will not be booked until I receive both the signed contract + the retainer. When you book me, I am blocking your date off on my calendar and I do not take on any other clients that day. The retainer is non-refundable and the balance is due within 30 days of the wedding date. I do offer payment plans on a case-by-case basis if needed.
DO YOU REQUIRE A RETAINER?
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There is a $50 meal stipend added to your final balance in lieu of having you secure vendor meals for us on the wedding day, unless otherwise noted in your contract. The meal stipend allows me + my team to eat at our own discretion, without being at the mercy of the caterer. All too often, caterers neglect to feed the vendors or they feed us after everyone else has eaten... which is when we need to be back at work covering your reception. The meal stipend allows us to eat a good meal at a time that is convenient for us - so that we don't miss anything!
are there any additional fees?
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A second photographer is always included in your collection. I am extremely lucky to have a strong group of full-time photographers that second shoot for me on a regular basis. Every photographer has a very unique shooting style and I have found quite a few fantastic professionals who work well with my style and whose images serve as a great compliment to my own. It is for this reason that I exclusively select and reserve the second photographer.
DO YOU INCLUDE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER? DO WE GET TO CHOOSE OUR SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
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I strongly recommend setting aside at least an hour for portraits in daylight, whether that be before or after the ceremony. Included in portraits are photographs of the bride + groom and bridal party. For family formals, I will need an additional 15-30 minutes of time, depending on the number of groupings requested.
First Looks help GREATLY with achieving beautiful, laid back portraits of everyone on your wedding day and allows us to take advantage of the best possible light throughout the day. We can talk about the photography timeline in more detail as you begin planning. I'm here to help ensure we are maximizing our time together and doing everything possible to create beautiful images of your wedding day.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD WE SET ASIDE FOR PORTRAITS ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
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In the extremely rare case that I am physically unable to photograph your wedding, rest assured that I have an emergency plan in place. I have a ton of friends in the industry and I am confident that I could turn to my network of professional wedding photographers to find a great replacement. Please know that your wedding day is VERY important to me. There are very few situations that could ever pull me away from this very special day and I will be there for you on this special day as long as I am physically able!
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY + YOU ARE UNABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH MY WEDDING?
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Online marketing (website, blogging, social media, editorial publication) is crucial to ensuring that my business continues to grow. Because of this, my collections are priced to allow for the use of my images online. If you would like your images not to be blogged, posted on social media, or submitted for publication, there is an additional fee of $1000 to compensate for the loss of marketing opportunities that are associated with not being able to share any images from your wedding. If you choose this option, your wedding images will be kept off of my blog + website, will not be submitted for publication, and will not be posted on social media ever. Please note that I will only take on a very limited number of weddings with these restrictions, as it is my preference to share my work online in order to grow my business... it's how I've gotten to where I am today!
WE DO NOT WANT OUR PHOTOS ONLINE. IS THERE A FEE FOR THAT?
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Yes and yes. I carry liability insurance as well as full equipment insurance. If your venue requires a copy of my insurance documentation, please let me know at least 7 days in advance so that I can get it to them in a timely manner.
I have two backup cameras, as well as a large lineup of lenses that will ensure that I am covered if anything were to break on your wedding day. Rest assured, I am always over-prepared. You will be fully covered.
do you have a backup camera + lenses? do you have liability insurance?
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Absolutely not. When you book me for your wedding, you are my one + only client that day. If I have a wedding booked on the same day as your rehearsal dinner, a trusted photographer may be hired to shoot in my place as an associate photographer for Dana Cubbage Weddings. That is the only exception.
do you shoot more than one
event per day?
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I will post a sneak peek on my Facebook page within 2 days of your wedding and tag you in the photo to let you know it's up. My contract states that I will provide you with all edited images in an online gallery within 60 days from your wedding day, but please know that my actual turnaround time is much quicker. Keep an eye on my blog (and your inbox) in the weeks following your wedding - hint hint ;)
how long does it take to
get our photos?
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Printing rights to your digital images are included in your collection pricing. If you are planning on displaying any of your engagement or bridal portraits at your wedding, please let me know. I’m more than happy to recommend quality print labs or have them printed for you, to ensure the best print quality.
You are free to post your images on social media as well. In fact, your online gallery makes it easy to share them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest with the push of a button!
do i have permission to print my photos? can i use them on social media?
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A First Look is where the bride + groom see each other for the first time in a private setting about three hours before the ceremony. I LOVE First Looks and I strongly encourage my couples to consider them. It gives us extra time for beautiful portraits of you two alone before the ceremony, as well as the chance to get the bridal party photos and family formals out of the way. This allows both you + your family to go enjoy the fabulous party you worked so hard to plan right after the ceremony. That's right - all of your photos are DONE before the ceremony! It is honestly the best way to get the most out of your wedding day. Check out this blog post for more reasons why you should consider a First Look.
what is a first look and why should i consider it?
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Absolutely! I regularly submit weddings for publication, both online and in print. My brides spend so much time planning spectacular weddings and I believe that they - and their fabulous team of vendors - deserve as much credit + press as possible. Please note that not all weddings are a good fit for publication and I cannot guarantee that your wedding will be published. Editors want to see unique details + fresh ideas - so if being published is important to you, please chat with your wedding planner to ensure you have a great design plan that involves personal + unique details. Editors want to see new twists on great ideas + details that are a true reflection of the couple. They want new, unique, fresh ideas. I kindly ask that clients refrain from submitting the images themselves - or at least check with me before submitting anything - in the event that I have submitted your wedding to an exclusive publication. If there are any questions or issues regarding publication, please feel free to contact me.
DO YOU SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PUBLICATION?
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I shoot with top of the line, professional Sony equipment. My main camera body is a Sony a7Riii mirrorless camera body. If you’d like to know more specifics about my gear, please don’t hesitate to ask. I love chatting about what I use and why!
what kind of equipment do
you shoot with?
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Basic image editing is included in your collection pricing and will be applied to all digital files in your online gallery. Editing includes adjustments like basic color correction, white balance, cropping, black + white conversion, contrast and minor retouching. Major image retouching (also known as “Photoshopping”) is NOT included, but is available for an additional fee determined by the complexity of your specific requests.
do you edit my digital images?
what about retouching?
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On average, I provide anywhere between 50-100 images per hour depending on the event and other factors, such as the amount of details, bridal party size, whether there is a First Look or not, etc. Most full day wedding galleries have 1200+ images from the day.
how many images will i receive?
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Absolutely! All albums are priced a la carte and can be ordered at any time. In fact, most of my couples do not budget for an album right off the bat, but rather come back to me after the wedding to order one. That's totally fine!
I WOULD LOVE TO INVEST IN AN ALBUM, BUT IT'S JUST NOT IN OUR BUDGET RIGHT NOW. CAN I ORDER ONE AT A LATER DATE ?
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Engagement sessions are really about building a connection with your photographer. It's a great chance for you to get comfortable in front of my camera before your wedding + for us to get to know each other in a more laid back setting. Most importantly, it allows me to coach you through poses so that by the time your wedding rolls around, you'll be pros! Check out this blog post for more reasons why I feel that scheduling an engagement session is important :)
why should we schedule an engagement session?
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The best thing about engagement sessions is that it allows you two to choose a location that is special to you or represents your personality as a couple. Engagement sessions include one location and must be scheduled during the week due to my shooting schedule. I always encourage clients to look for locations with ample shade, beautiful light, color, texture, and architectural interest because that always leads to such beautiful images. If you need help choosing a location, please feel free to consult with me. I’d love to give you feedback on any location ideas you might have!
where should we schedule an engagement session?
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The best time to schedule your engagement session is either first thing in the morning at sunrise or in the evening, about two hours before sunset. The light is warm, soft + golden which creates beautiful images you will cherish forever.
what time of the day is best for photos?
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I always suggest wearing whatever makes you feel good. I often encourage my couples to pick two different looks. It’s amazing what a simple wardrobe change will do for an image. Feel free to check out my blog to see what other couples have done with their wardrobe choices! I will also send you my Engagement Style Guide to help you figure out the perfect outfits for your session.
what should we wear for our engagement session?
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thank you oh-so much!
WE'D love to be A PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY!
If you like what you see and you can envision yourself as a #dcwbride, let's set up a time for you to chat on the phone with Emily. She would love to get to know you better and find out exactly what you're looking for in your wedding photographer. Since your wedding photographer will be spending more time with you on the wedding day than your partner (it's true), I want to ensure that Emily is the best fit for you and vice versa! Ensuring that you are a good fit for each other is a huge part of my business, so I always like to have that personal contact with clients before deciding whether or not we should move forward with booking.
Are you ready to take the next steps and officially become part of the DCW family?
Ready to chat? Send me an email message: info@danacubbageweddings.com
