Looking for information regarding my photography offerings? Below are answers to many frequently asked questions, photo tips, and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, just reach out to me. Remember, the only bad question is the one not asked.
All digital images are delivered via an online password-protected gallery. That’s right; it’s for your eyes only unless you intentionally give someone else access. Everyone’s wedding day is their day. Some want to shout it from the rooftops— I mean, post it all over social media — while others want a small, intimate gathering to themselves. Whichever niche you fit into, I respect your privacy and believe it’s entirely up to you and as you see fit.
I know it’s your amazing wedding day, and you’re excited to see all the extraordinary photos capturing the sentiment of that once-in-a-lifetime moment. The anticipation can be immeasurable. I’ve been in your shoes and understand that feeling— been there, done that. For that reason, your unique photo gallery will allow you to download digital photos almost instantaneously. My approximate turnaround time is 4-6 weeks (depending on the time of year) after your wedding day.
For the best photos, I recommend getting your hair and makeup done professionally (regardless of how you identify, preconceived gender stereotypes, stigmas, or conditioning). Even a little bronzer, tinted moisturizer, spot coverage, or anti-shine can go a long way. It’s not like celebs step out onto the red carpet without a behind-the-scenes grooming sesh. Plus, a little pampering beforehand (consider doing it as a couple) makes you feel better too.
I always suggest wearing something timeless and comfortable that portrays your unique personalities. Avoid clothes that feature prominently placed logos, may be bulky, and have odd stripes or patterns that can cause moiré. Remember, you want to be the center of attention, not your outfit. Make sure your clothes fit properly to avoid gaps between buttons. Leave your cell phones and car keys behind, or carry them separately so they don’t cause odd bulges in your pockets. As you probably know, the Virgin Islands can get a little warm, especially if wearing a suit. I strongly recommend wearing an undershirt to mitigate sweaty armpits in photos. The best photos happen when my subjects drop their guard and feel comfortable with the camera. It happily transitions from perfectly posed to capturing cherished moments of emotion. Try to relax; most of the time, the best photos come when you least expect it.
Question: What is the best time of day for a wedding?
Answer: Anytime! If you want the bright Caribbean turquoise ocean, morning through mid-afternoon is a great time to get married. If you’re looking for fewer shadows and more pastels with a darker, silvery blue ocean, then sunset is better.
Question: How much photography do I need?
Answer: Hmmm… That depends on your needs. I can do a 1-hour elopement or get very detailed from the beginning of your day to the end. I’ve set up my pricing so you can choose as little or as much time as you need. If you’re still unsure, contact me, and I can help you figure it out. Let me know and we can schedule a phone call.
Question: How will I receive our photos after our wedding?
Answer: After your wedding and post-production service, I will create a private gallery you can share with friends and family, where you may download all the images. Please reach out to me for additional details.
Question: Do you photograph elopements?
Answer: Yes, I love secret weddings!! Cruise ship weddings and elopements turn out amazing on St Thomas and St John. Couples don’t have all the stress associated with a big wedding and are oftentimes more relaxed.
Question: How many photos do I get after the wedding?
Answer: I’m not going to lie— A LOT! Every wedding is different, so I can’t give you an exact number. But don’t worry; it’s always been a sufficient amount. Thoroughly telling your love story is my greatest pleasure, and it’s reflected in the amount of photos that I capture. Don’t worry; you get to keep them all and share them with family and friends.
Question: Do you retouch your photos?
Answer: You only live once; you better love yourself!! Your “imperfections” are what make you perfectly you. It’s also a slippery slope; how much and how far in retouching are subjective. It’s very personal. What you may see as a flaw, others don’t even notice or may see as being part of YOU. Getting that out of the way, I do basic editing on all my photos to ensure they are the best they can be. As mentioned above in the PHOTO TIPS, I strongly encourage professional hair and makeup instead of relying on heavily edited photos. If you have a particular picture that needs a little extra TLC, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me so we can examine it more closely.
Question: What kind of equipment do you have?
Answer: I shoot with professional-grade Nikon Z cameras and have so many lenses that I’ve lost count. I also have back up equipment to make sure I’m always prepared.
Question: Should I do a first look?
Answer: That depends… It can also relax you both so you can connect before the ceremony and get any pre-wedding jitters out of your system. But sometimes it’s good to save all those emotions for the ceremony. It really depends on what you want and what the timeline of your day looks like.
Question: How long will it be until I get my photos?
Answer: Because I understand the anticipation, I will give you a sneak peek ASAP to share with friends and family. The complete session, however, takes approximately 4-6 weeks from the wedding date. Nevertheless, I do like to underpromise and over-deliver.
Question: What do we do if it rains?
Answer: The weather is something we can’t control, and it rains just about every day in the Virgin Islands. It usually doesn’t last long, and we work around it. If we have to postpone due to inclement weather, it’s subject to my availability.
Brooke is a wedding and elopement photographer based in St. Thomas, USVI. She captures stunning keepsake memories throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through visual storytelling imagery. She captures raw moments that treasure genuine emotions.
