Photography FAQs
Planning a wedding, portrait session, or special event should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from clients throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Planning a wedding, portrait session, or special event should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from clients throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Where are you located? Do you travel?
We are based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and proudly serve clients throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We are also available for travel and destination celebrations.
How do we reserve Lola Snaps Photography for our wedding?
Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Your date is officially secured once we receive your signed contract and the 25% non-refundable retainer. An inquiry alone does not hold a date, so we recommend completing both steps promptly—especially during peak wedding seasons.
How far in advance should we book our engagement session?
Save-the-dates are typically mailed about six months before the wedding, or approximately eight months before a destination wedding. Because engagement galleries generally take about four weeks to complete, we recommend scheduling your session at least one month before you plan to send your save-the-dates.
Do you provide raw, unedited files?
We do not provide raw or unedited files. Every image you receive is carefully selected and professionally edited to reflect the quality, color, and finished style you see throughout our portfolio.
How much time should we set aside for wedding portraits?
We recommend reserving at least one uninterrupted hour for couple portraits, wedding-party photographs, and immediate-family groupings. Your final timeline will depend on the size of your wedding party, the number of requested family combinations, travel between locations, and your creative goals.
Thoughtful planning gives us the freedom to create relaxed, natural portraits without making you feel rushed. We are happy to collaborate with you and your planner to build a photography timeline that leaves room for meaningful moments and keeps the celebration moving smoothly.
What equipment do you use, and do you carry liability insurance?
We photograph with professional Canon camera bodies and a versatile selection of prime and zoom lenses. We also carry liability insurance. If your venue requires a certificate of insurance, please send us the venue and coordinator information at least 30 days in advance.
May we print and share our photographs?
After final payment, you will receive personal-use printing rights for the delivered photographs. You may print and share your images online. When posting on social media, we appreciate being credited as Lola Snaps Photography and tagged whenever possible.
Do you offer albums, prints, and wall art?
Yes. We offer beautiful ways to bring your photographs to life, including albums, prints, and wall art. Let us know what you are interested in, and we will help you select the best option for your home and memories.
How would you describe your photography style?
Our style is photojournalistic with a modern, vibrant flair. We love diversity, rich color, genuine emotion, and people from every walk of life. Your final gallery will include a thoughtful blend of candid storytelling, creative portraits, and essential formal photographs, with an emphasis on authentic moments as they unfold.
Do you work with a second photographer?
A second photographer may be included depending on the size, schedule, and needs of your event. Having two photographers provides additional perspectives, broader coverage, and the ability to document simultaneous moments—such as both partners getting ready—without missing important details.
Do we need a photography permit for our location?
Permit requirements vary by location. Many national landmarks, historic properties, parks, and public spaces in the D.C. area require advance permission or a photography permit. The client is responsible for securing any required permit, but we are happy to share guidance and help you identify questions to ask the location.
When choosing a venue or portrait location, consider the available light, indoor and outdoor options, visual distractions, accessibility, and backup spaces in case of weather. These details can make a meaningful difference in your final photographs.
Approximately how many photographs will we receive?
The final number varies based on the type of session or event, coverage time, number of guests, locations, activities, and overall pace of the day. Every celebration is different. Engagement sessions with multiple outfits or locations may also produce a larger gallery. Our priority is delivering a complete, carefully curated collection rather than promising an arbitrary number.
What happens if an emergency prevents you from photographing our wedding?
We take every commitment seriously and reserve your date exclusively for you. In the highly unlikely event that an emergency prevents us from attending, we will make every reasonable effort to secure a qualified professional replacement and communicate with you promptly.
When will we receive our photographs?
Wedding galleries are generally delivered within two to four weeks. Expedited delivery and next-day photo delivery are also available as optional add-ons. Please ask about availability and pricing when booking.
Are all photographs edited?
Every delivered photograph receives professional color and exposure correction. Selected portraits may also receive light retouching, such as blemish cleanup, stray-hair removal, teeth whitening, or the removal of small distracting elements. Additional retouching requests are considered individually and completed when reasonably possible.
How will we receive our images?
Your finished images will be delivered through a private downloadable link. Depending on your collection or project, additional delivery options such as a wooden USB drive may also be available.
We would love to learn more about your plans, photography needs, and preferred date. Contact Lola Snaps Photography to check availability and begin planning your experience.