let’s talk about your dreams - the moment you’ve decided this is the life you want more than anything else
The images I help create are inspired, simple, spontaneous, and true.
We celebrate you as a couple and as individuals.
All of our commissions start with listening.
We’ll work to understand your needs and wants to develop a photo gallery you’ve always thought of having - as well as the motivations, values, and vision that drive this vision.
We’ll spend a generous amount of time taking photos of you in your element. There will be plenty of walking, talking - simply being yourselves. Past clients describe our time together as simply hanging out - with a camera.
Q & A
If what’s offered interests you but is different from what you have in mind, please let me know. Our needs are as unique as we are from each other and I love figuring things out with clients. Our conversation will be simple and transparent. Email me here.
What’s the difference between a marriage proposal photo session and a couples portrait session? Can the two be combined? A marriage proposal session is when we photograph the actual proposal, usually in secret. A couples portrait session or engagement session is a photo shoot commissioned by the couple and is commonly done with two different outfits in different locations. Although a marriage proposal and engagement portrait sessions can be easily combined, the proposee usually has some ideas and styling preferences they’ve always wanted to see in their engagement photos that they may not have on hand during the surprise marriage proposal.
How much do sessions cost and what’s included? The photo session is $450 and photos are sold as collections or a la carte. Collection A: 12 edited images for $455, Collection B: 25 edited images for $650, Collection C: 35 edited images for $850, Collection D: 45 edited images for $1050, and the whole set, a minimum of 70 is for $1850 ($450 session fee is waived). Each image can also be purchased for $60. You only buy what you love with no high-pressure sales tactics. We work hard not to make the most images - but to craft ones that matter. The portraits will be presented through a gallery similar to this. The unchosen photos are excluded and will still be available for purchase later. If you plan to work with us on your wedding day, a couples portrait session is a complimentary addition to an 8+ hour wedding day coverage package. Click here to inquire.
Who are your clients? It’s important to me that we determine if our offering aligns with your vision. Art is naturally subjective. You will never be told to look no further - that you’ve found who you’ve been looking for. Please take your time. It’s necessary to compare my work to others who’ve caught your attention. Because at the end of the day, those who find value want to know more - and when you do, I’m with you 100%. Perfectly posed, still-looking pictures work well for many - but my work resonates differently. My clients are creative - we like taking risks. We can be quiet but unafraid to take up space if needed. Substance over form, my client finds beauty in moments over shiny, perfect things. We’re non-traditional and inclusive. We’re imperfectionists. We find wonder in the tiny details unique to our families. My clients are kind and they’re awesome.
How does a session work? We’ll plan for something to do, it doesn’t have to be extraordinary - just things you’re fond of doing together. While most goals are met within 90 minutes - we’ll extend as needed. I arrive a half-hour early to get a good sense of the place. Please plan for minimal distraction by keeping keys, phones, and other pocket items in a tote that’s fine to lay on the ground. After an enjoyable session, we can then review the images together. I can help you choose in the comfort of your home, we could meet somewhere convenient to you or do it together online. Click here to see how past clients describe their experience through our 590+ 5-star WeddingWire reviews.
How do we book you? How do we book you? After we’ve discussed your vision, we’ll book your session and start planning. A 50% non-refundable retainer is necessary to reserve a date. Preferably, payment is accepted through Zelle using my phone number, 951-941-1811, we could also use ACH, Venmo: @joshuafernandez, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash or credit card (+4% transaction fee). Inquire here.
Where are you based and do you travel for sessions? My family currently call the Washington, DC area home - I’m often in San Francisco, CA, and love traveling for work. The travel fee includes only airfare, lodging, and car rental/cab expenses. All other incidentals (tacos, mojitos, surf lessons maybe) are on me - no fine print funny stuff.
Do you have location recommendations? A spot where you’ve already created beautiful memories adds to the session’s character. We could also try someplace new and go on an adventure like pirates! A busy scene is great for vibrant and spontaneous images while someplace quiet and with fewer people are more intimate. While a popular landmark as a backdrop is tempting, we tend to feature this as a small detail in a frame as this overwhelms the photo. For more ideas, please look into our Instagram feed.
What do we wear to the session? 2 outfits are recommended - one more formal than the other. This results in a versatile set of photos. Here are 2 beautiful, intimate galleries with different vibes: Sample A and Sample B. A session primer discussing the whole process will be sent upon booking.
How is a cancellation/reschedule and bad weather handled? If the cancellation is due to force majure and you plan to reschedule, no rebooking fee is necessary. A reschedule is possible until two weeks from your date; otherwise, a new deposit is needed. A rain check with no additional fees is allowed 2 days from the session date. In any case, the necessary 50% retainer to book a date is non-refundable.
Do we receive copies of all of our unedited photos? Usually, no. Unedited photos are unfinished work and only part of the product - similar to flour being an ingredient in bread. These will no.t look like what you’ve seen on the website. Because of the large file sizes, a USB thumb drive will be sent within a week of ordering. The complete unedited set in raw format is available for an additional $1000.
Can you help us plan for the session? Planning is one of my favorite things and the best way to do this is through a video call. Upon inquiry, please share convenient dates to hop on a 30-minute video call. We will understand your vision and discuss our approach. Timely updates will be sent as we get closer to the session date
