Frequently Asked Questions

What does a typical Wedding day look like?

Every wedding is different and that is why we will work with you and your or wedding coordinator to create a timeline that fits your specific need. However here is explanation to give you a better idea. Normally I will start off where the bride is getting ready, and if you have a second shooter they will be with the groom. I will take the first 30-45 minutes taking pictures of all of the details that you want pictures of (rings, dress, shoes, invitations etc.) then take some pictures of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. As the bride is getting into the dress I will usually head to the groom and get some pictures of him and his groomsmen. At this time, I will also try and get formal pictures of the groomsmen and any family that is with the groom. Once the bride is at a comfortable place in her dress I will come back and get some formal shots of her and her bridesmaids as well as any family that is there. At this time is normally time for the ceremony and then after the ceremony I will take formal family pictures and wedding party pictures. This will take at least one hour depending on how many people you want pictures with. I like to spend a least 30 minutes with just the couple for romantics then head to the reception or cocktail hour. One thing that I also try to do is try to spend 15 minutes or so at sunset of night to get some unique pictures.

Sample Timeline

12:00-12:45 Arrive/Details/Setup

12:45-2:15 Bride, Bridesmaids, and Brides Family pictures

2:15-3:00 Groom, Groomsman, and Groom Family pictures

3:15-4:15 Ceremony

4:30-5:30 Formals Pictures

5:30-6:00 Romantics and Cocktail Hour

6:00-8:00 Reception Starts

7:32 Sunset Romantics

8:00 Photographers depart.

Do you have back up equipment?

Yes, I have backups for everything from cameras to lenses and flashes and even a wedding day emergency kit with band aids deodorant and a sewing kit. All of the digital files are backup on site and every portion of the wedding is shot on a different memory card in case a card was lost it would not be your whole wedding. And if I was to get sick and be unable to shoot your wedding, I have a network of friends in the area that I can call upon.

How many pictures will I get?

This will all depend on how big your wedding is, and how long I am at the event. Small weddings are usually around 400-500 and larger one at 600-800.

How long does it take to get pictures back?

Believe it or not I am probably more excited to get your pictures back to you then you are to get them. I love the reactions I get from couples when they see the pictures from their wedding day. That being said it is usually takes from 2 weeks to a month.

Can I print my pictures or do I have to buy them from you?

When you work with McGrail Photography you will always get the full resolution jpegs with printing rights. I provide print and album services which offer higher quality products than most people can print on their own. I would love to work with you however to print some amazing wall art.

Do you edit the photos?

Every image is color corrected and has minor editing applied to it. When I edit, I try to keep everything as natural as possible and looking very similar to how it did straight out of the camera. If you have decided to go with an album or wall art then the images will be edited further.

How long have you been doing this?

I have been specializing in wedding photography for 3 years but have been doing photography basically my whole life.

How do you work with other vendors?

Before your wedding I will reach out to all of the different vendors, DJ, Video, Wedding Coordinator to make sure that we are all on the same page.

Do I need a second shooter?

Most weddings require only one photographer and an assistance, but there are some situations where I would recommend a second shooter, such as events that are happening simultaneously but far apart from one another.

Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?

Of course! Love is love.