Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do you recommend booking?
As soon as you might be interested in booking photography coverage – even if it's just to check on my availability at that time – I'd recommend getting in touch. Weddings are typically booked between 12-18 months before the planned wedding date with weekends in June through October being the fastest to book. Birth Stories are typically booked 3-6 months in advance, though I am happy to book last minute births if I am available! Real Life sessions and traditional portrait sessions (engagement, maternity, etc) are typically booked 1-2 months in advance, though fall sessions book quickly and should be booked well in advance if you're looking for photos during that time frame.
Can we get two photographers for our wedding day?
You sure can. While I do photograph most weddings on my own, and prefer to shoot solo for the more intimate celebrations, if you're anticipating over 150 guests, I always suggest two photographers. If you choose to have two photographers, the second photographer who works with me is a photographer I work with on a regular basis and whose style completely meshes with mine. I also edit all of our images together so you can rest assured to have a cohesive, consistent final gallery of wedding images.
Can we see full galleries of sessions or weddings you have photographed recently?
It is my goal to ensure you are completely aware up front of the style and variety of images I provide, to ensure I am the best fit for your particular photography needs, so I am always happy to share images from past wedding days or engagement sessions with you. Send me an email telling me a bit more about your plans, and I will send you a few recent galleries that showcase images from the same venue as yours, or some of a similar style.
Due to the sensitive and private nature of birth stories and some family sessions, I do not share these full galleries with anyone except my direct clients. But I'm happy to point you to any client-approved images shared on my website or blog!
How many images Do you provide?
After your wedding day or portrait session, I go through and select the best of the best images for you to have out of all the photos I took during our time together. The quantity depends on the length of time we were shooting, and of course the coverage/package you selected. But as a general reference (unless otherwise booked), you can expect approximately 60 images per each active hour of shooting from a wedding day. Each of these final images are color-corrected and edited in a consistent style, and provided to you in a high resolution format.
Will the images we receive have watermarks on them?
Nope! The final images you receive will not have watermarks on them, and will be in the highest resolution possible to ensure you can easily print them on your own if you desire to do so. The images will be displayed with a watermark in the online galleries (to ensure they are not screen captured and used inappropriately by other visitors to your gallery). However, when prints are ordered from the gallery, they also will not have watermarks on the final product.
Will you post preview images to social media right after our time together?
I believe in the integrity of your full story, and therefore I do not send out preview images unless requested prior to the wedding day. This allows me to focus on editing your wedding without interruption, and gives you the full story to relive, versus only a frame or two highlight.
When can we expect the images to be delivered?
Delivery of wedding images is no later than 12 weeks from your wedding day. Once the images are complete and ready for sharing, you will receive a gallery link to view your photos online and share with family and friends. Real Life and traditional portrait sessions are delivered 4-6 weeks from your session. Birth Stories and First Hours Sessions are delivered within 2 weeks. Need them faster? Inquire about my rush editing services!
Do we own all the rights to the Images you take?
As the photographer, I maintain the copyright on your images. However, I do provide you the high resolution files and a personal printing release. This means you are able to print and social media share your images – but for personal use only. Images may not be sold, submitted to wedding websites for feature, used in advertisements, or shared electronically with others – including extended family and vendors. If you do wish to submit your images to be featured on a blog or in a publication, or a vendor has requested files from you, please contact me first or have the vendor contact me directly.
Do you travel?
For weddings, real life, and portrait sessions of any kind: YES. While Buffalo is home to me and I frequently photograph all throughout the Western New York and Finger Lake regions, I absolutely LOVE to travel and am always up for new adventures, regardless of what your photography needs may be. Especially if those adventures involve bustling city streets packed with irresistible energy or mountains smothered in pine trees.
Unfortunately, given the unpredictable nature of births, at this time I am only taking on births within 50 miles of Buffalo, NY.
How can we book you for photography services?
I require a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer to hold your date on my calendar. Retainer amounts depend on the coverage provided, so please inquire today to check with me for availability and more details regarding pricing.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Check made out to Dawn M Gibson Photography or cash payment made in person. Unfortunately, at this time I am not accepting credit card or PayPal payments, though for all sessions – excluding the booking and final payments for weddings – I can accept Venmo payments if needed.
Where can see and/or leave reviews of your services?
Aside from the few listed on this website, you can find reviews of my services on WEDDING WIRE, the KNOT, and GOOGLE!