Welcome, dear Ones. I’m Rachel

no. 2

This is a wonderful and important question! The big answer is because I love weddings, moments, and humans! Life changing moments are too important to not be preserved. To go into more detail, I also value quality photography. In a world were it is extremely easy to purchase a good quality camera and get yourself a business license, it is so important to find a photographer that has cultivated and cared for the art of photography. I am so grateful to be surrounded by many such photographers, and I am honored that you are here on my website. I love my clients. I really, really do. I care for my clients and strive to provide quality customer service. I also value education. I am never satisfied to stay the same; I am always learning and growing my knowledge, and every wedding is something I do not take for granted. Being a wedding photographer in Oregon is such a joy and I love all the amazing places and people here!

no. 3

My photography style is documentary and fine art with an emphasis on capturing real moments over posed moments. The fine art part pertains to your details and the beauty of your day - from wedding cakes, rings, dress details, and more, I aim to capture those with care and beauty in an artistic fashion. The documentary style comes in for the rest of your day. Weddings are in essence, stories. It’s your story from start to finish and a wonderful one at that. My images will convey that story and it will read that way as you look back over your photographs. I capture the “in between” moments, and I hope you will see that’s conveyed in your images. I do also study extensive techniques in posing, and that comes into play during couple’s formals. Of course the goal is to not let it look posed but rather put you in a pleasing position and than stand back and let the moment happen. As time goes by a flow is found and couples find they can relax and pose themselves to capture more authenticity. I’ve had couples who are very relaxed but also some who are very anxious about posing and how they’ll look, but they end up really enjoying our time!

no. 4

Great question! Starting pricing can be found on my investments page via this website. For the most current pricing as well as what’s included in my packages, please contact me! I offer several packages in my wedding pricing, and each one is customizable. For this reason, it’s easiest to send you the magazine pdf for a full overview of what I have to offer.

no. 5

I do! Some of my wedding packages come with a second photographer for your wedding day included, and in packages where it is not included one can be added. My second shooter is a trusted photographer that shoots at a similar level of expertise and will help in many ways on the wedding day.

no. 6

Not always. I can certainly shoot most wedding days alone, and many smaller or less complex days would not require a second shooter or really even need one. Certain wedding days with larger guest-counts or more to photograph can be benefited by a second shooter. I spend a lot of time talking to my couples and will help you determine what’s best for your specific wedding day. I usually bring an assistant at no extra charge to you.

no. 7

I love editing! I edit each image myself and give special attention to keeping the colors rich, beautiful and romantic. I use both Lightroom and Photoshop and work very hard on each image!

no. 8

I am currently located in Southern Oregon in the Medford area and do the majority of my weddings there. I do also travel to Portland and the Pacific Northwest and the surrounding areas. Please contact me if you are interested in further travel as I sometimes have those dates available depending on my schedule.

no. 9

This is common and important question. Many venues are dark along with the fact that most receptions extend into the night. Each wedding is different and it’s important to choose a photographer than can handle different lighting scenarios. I come to each wedding equipped to use my off-camera lights to illuminate indoor spaces, some ceremony sites (if allowed) and nighttime portraits. I am personally more drawn to the natural light look whenever possible but the ability to produce beautiful nighttime images is also an important part of capturing a wedding day from start to finish! I generally have a lighting assistant that helps me :)

no. 10

You can expect your images in 8-10 weeks. You will receive your images via an online gallery, and they are downloadable there. You will also receive a print release and printing suggestions. Finally, you can print small gift-size prints via the gallery or larger prints through me.

no. 11

Yes! I love making wedding albums, and they are an al la carte item that can be added to any package. Getting an album through me is an easy and painless process. Using album software, I design your album, highlighting key moments and telling your wedding story; after that the draft is sent to you where you can either approve it or ask for changes. We do this until you’re satisfied and than order your album! Please allow 4 weeks for your album to be delivered. 

no. 12

Raw files or the entirety of the images are not available to clients. The reason for this is that I carefully select all the best images to give to each client. If an image is not included in the gallery, it’s because it’s a repeat of another image, someone has blinked, I’m testing my settings, etc. Please trust me that any viable images will be included, and I’ve done the hard work of wading through them for you ;)

no. 13

Copyright of all images will be retained by Rachel Dale Photography. However, you will receive a print release, and you will be able to print them as many times as you’d like and have full access to them.

no. 14

I do! Engagement sessions are some of my favorite sessions, and before a wedding they are extremely helpful. Each couple is different; they interact differently, fit together differently and pose differently. For this reason and more, I value engagement sessions and enjoy them at any time. 

no. 15

In general, I do not need a shot list. I do provide a planning call two months before the wedding to collect final details & create a photo timeline with you. During this time we can chat about must-haves or important images that I would not otherwise be taking. If I had to work from a detailed shot list laying out every photograph, I would have a difficult time doing my job. After doing many weddings, I am well versed in what needs to be captured, but anything that goes beyond the usual, I am happy to do as long as you let me know!

no. 16

Yes and yes! I have full coverage and can happily provide proof of insurance or a certificate of insurance if needed. Please allow me at least a month to get this done so that my insurance company has time to process it.

no. 17

I currently shoot with high quality Nikon gear as well as backups, flash equipment and other helpful gadgets. Each wedding is shot on dual memory cards and backed up at home immediately. 

no. 18

I have been in business since 2012 and have been doing weddings almost exclusively for the last five years. Before that I did more portrait work as well as second-shooting many weddings which prepared me for weddings in a huge way. 

no. 19

Once you decide to book me and after the contract is signed, 1/3 of the total package is due as retainer to hold your date. The final amount is due 30 days prior to the date of the wedding. You are more than welcome to split the payment up over multiple payments. Just let me know if you would like to do that. 

no. 20

In the sad event that a wedding is cancelled, your retainer is NOT refundable. Once I receive your retainer I lock that date and turn away all other offers. Per the contract all paid monies are forfeited and will not be refunded. 

no. 21

I’m grateful to each and every person who reaches out to me but not everyone will be a great fit. My ideal client is someone who values authenticity and both partners are willing to be real in front of the lens. Desiring to be authentic doesn't mean you are professional models or have to have any experience but it does mean there is a willingness to connect together in a real way. Laughter, vulnerability, a willingness to play and share the art of your story are all key. I love working with people who are choosing me for something other than budget or my availability. I can be my best self with clients who are excited by my specific style, vision and approach. Lastly, an ideal client is someone who feels they connect with me personally and feels they can be comfortable with me for their sake, it's always my goal to create real friendships in what is such a personal and intimate relationship.

no. 22

Absolutely! One of the things I offer that is unique to my business is a very large sneak peek 24-48 hours after your wedding. This will be delivered to you via an online gallery and is great for sharing quickly with family and friends and to enjoy together!