I’m a nature lover, wanderer, and adventure seeker. Incorporating these things in with a great love story is what I’m all about! I can truly say there’s no other career I’d rather have and I feel like the luckiest girl to be able to document moments that will be viewed from generation to generation, to create ART.
You can expect personable, quality service when hiring CBN. It’s an honor to be able to provide guidance along the planning process and to be a person to turn to for advice on the big day.
I want to be there that day not only as our photographer, but as a friend. The role of wedding photographer goes beyond taking pictures. I do everything I can to help the day go smoothly, always keeping the couple’s best interest in mind.
It’s important to know that I’m not a big fan of camera aware photos. I do take some traditional, look at the camera portraits, but I favor photos that look more natural. I pose all of the portraits, but do so in a manner that looks more candid. Aside from the portrait time of the day, everything else is shot with a photojournalist approach. I strive to capture true emotion and personalities which shine through best when you aren’t paying attention to a camera in the room. My priority is to document the emotion, love, and beauty of the day along with all those little details so that nothing is left to fading memories.
My style is sophisticated, romantic, and artistic. I try to avoid cheesy, and the props/posing that’s popular on Pinterest.
With photography, the possibilities are endless. I enthusiastically go into every shoot and look forward to creating something unique.
I’m extremely passionate about my work and I hope that love shines through in your photos!
-Nicole Wagner
Q&A
What’s your shooting style?
Sophisticated, romantic, artistic, dramatic. During the portraits, I pose everything but do so in a way that looks natural. This helps you to look flattering and feel secure. The rest of the day is photographed in a photojournalist approach. There will be some traditional, look at the camera and smile portraits, but I do favor the portraits which look more candid.
Should we add a second shooter?
I’ve been shooting weddings full time for 13 years now and have become very comfortable capturing the essential shots. However, I can’t be in more than one place at once though, so if you are looking to have moments captured from different perspectives, a second shooter will help with this. My second shooter is always a competent, talented photographer with a similar style to my own and owns his or her own wedding photography business.
What is a first look?
When the couple sees each other before the ceremony. The first look is usually private. I usually stage it so that the groom’s back is to the bride. She walks up behind and he turns toward her. They are then able to have some time to just talk to each other, something you can’t do when your at the alter. Then, we can potentially get all of the portraits done before the ceremony so that everyone can enjoy cocktail hour. I mean, you only get a few hours with all of your guests and that time flies by so it’s a great thing to be able to make it to cocktail hour. Most of my couples go for this option as it allows for a much more relaxed day.
How long does it take to get our photos back?
It’s typically a 6 to 8 week turnaround time to get your photos edited and your gallery up.
How are the photos delivered?
The high resolution digital files are presented in an online gallery. The client downloads them from there. The gallery can be shared with family and friends. they can download as they please as well. My clients usually do their own printing. I HIGHLY recommend printing through Mpix.com. The gallery does offer print purchase capability from a professional lab at affordable prices. It’s a nice convenience for the guests especially.
Are all of the photos presented edited?
Yes. I do spend longer on the portraits and some of the more important parts of the day, but every photo in the gallery does go through several steps of retouching.
Can I get all the photos that are taken at the wedding?
I take more photos at the wedding than are delivered to the couple. My editing process is quite time consuming and it’s important that I give my couples the photos that best portray the story of their day at a high level of quality. However, if there are photos taken that aren’t amazing technically, but are good moments, I will still provide them. With 9 hours of coverage, I typically deliver around 800 photos.
Do you have backup equipment?
I understand that the moments that happen on your wedding day cannot be relived and therefore I take being prepared very seriously. I do have backup equipment it’s kept handy in case something happens to fail. My two main camera have double memory card slots, meaning the images are recorded on two separate cards. If one fails, the other has the images stored on it.
Are you insured?
Yes.
Do you shoot digital?
Yes, digital only.
What is the payment structure?
A 50% non-refundable retainer along with signing the contract is required at booking and the balance is due the day of the wedding.
Is this your full-time job?
Yes, wedding photography has been my full-time career for over 12 years now.
What type of albums do you offer?
The standard album is 10x10in with 40 sides (20 pages). It can have a recessed photo on the cover or the cover can be foil stamped. If it’s a photo cover, the album box features the same cover photo. Usually around 100 photos are included in the design. I ask the client to choose 60 must have photos and to provide me with a “B” list as well. I’m usually able to complete a design that flows well by using those two lists. The client sees the design before the album goes to print and can request any changes.
