FAQs

You’ve got questions. Elyssa’s got answers
Let’s hope they match!

“Will you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?” is not actually a question I’m asked frequently, because I try to make the yes obvious. I still want this question at the top of the FAQs, because it is important to me that you know I celebrate you and your love.

Yes, for sure! I am always happy to share full galleries so you can have an idea of what your wedding gallery will look like.

Just like social media, wedding photographers’ websites are highlight reels, so seeing full galleries is important to evaluating style and skill.

Maybe the MOST frequently asked FAQ. At the moment, base collections for single day affairs range from $4000 to $7000. Most couples end up with a custom collection that suits their needs though. Send me a note so we can chat and figure out what fits y’all!!

That depends on where we’re going! I’m based in Raleigh, NC, so anything within a 100 mile radius of Raleigh would not have a travel fee. Beyond that, there would be a fee based on any needed hotel and/or transportation like airfare or rental car.

Yes to all of the above and more!

You can see my engagement photo guide here.

Here’s why having two shooters is awesome.

My boudoir studio here. (boudoir is a super popular alternative to more traditional “bridal portraits”)

Albums and prints: I really, really, really want you to print your photos. Holding the story of your wedding day in your hands is an entirely different feeling than clicking through an online gallery. Sitting on the couch with a loved one and an album is so much better than sending them a link. So yes, I absolutely offer albums and other printed products.

Definitely. This is what a lot of photographers call formals. We’ll work together during the planning process to build the list of must-have family and wedding party group photos.

They are only formal in the sense that they are planned and everyone is looking at the camera (as opposed to candid, documentary shots). I’ll share some example group photo lists and walk through yours with you before the wedding day to make sure we’ve set aside the right amount of time after the first look and/or after the ceremony.

Yes! I want to document as many details of your wedding day as I can to tell the full story. Those little pieces are part of what makes your wedding awesome. We’ll talk in advance about special details you’ve chosen and how you want to prioritize that sort of photo.

I got you!!! My superpower is creating incredible portraits of people regardless of how “photogenic” they think they are. Easily 90% of the people you see on this website and the Kivus & Camera socials have said something along the lines of “I’m not good at having my photo taken,” but look at them!!! All basically models.

Because my job is to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and then I can bring out your best. And honestly, on the wedding day, you’ll be floating too much to be worried about feeling awkward. It will be great! Trust me, I’m a pro.

Those are all reasons to hire true professionals for your wedding day. I have systems in place to deal with all of those things and whatever else may come up.

And there are backup systems in place. And backups for those backups. It’s really backups all the way down. And yes, I’m definitely licensed and insured. But if there’s a particular worst-case scenario you’re worried about, let me know and we’ll walk through it!

Because I’m awesome and I really, really love photographing weddings.

Serious answer: you should hire me if, and only if, you love the photos you see from Kivus & Camera AND you wouldn’t hate me being around all day at your wedding. Because you deserve to have photos you love, and you also deserve a photographer who doesn’t annoy you (or your friends and family).

I like to think all that really matters is that I’m a kind human and that I make photos you love, but I’ll also point out that I have over a decade of experience as a wedding photographer (plus years in journalism before that).

Why yes, I do! I call these my FRIENDORS. Planners, DJS, bands, florists, hair and makeup artists, officiants, even live painters and other fun entertainment. You can find my favorite vendors here.

You’ll see a preview within a week or so after the wedding. The complete, fully edited gallery will be about 8-10 weeks later.

You’ll get the photos via an easy-to-use online gallery. It will allow you to download web-sized and hi-res files. The gallery also includes a shop with wonderful photo products.

I also recommend this post about backing up your wedding photos yourself.

Okay, yay!
Now, how do we book?

You say pretty please! We’ll chat, and if it’s a great fit, I’ll send you a booking link.

Click below or fill out the contact form to get started!

Raleigh wedding photographer Elyssa Kivus