FAQ &
Take a peak at our frequently asked questions. If you read through it all, you'll have a really good idea of what it's like to have me at your wedding. For more information about the experience of working with me, I will link the Experience page below.
How would you describe your photography style?
Short answer – artistic documentary with a hint of nostalgic portraiture.
Long story – Every wedding is different, so my aim with each one is to capture the day in a way that re-tells the story of how it unfolded. That means capturing all the tears, laughter, nervous hand-holds, people falling asleep, you get the picture. I want you to be able to relive your wedding day and feel the emotions you were feeling while it was happening — and live the moments you may have missed. For the majority of your wedding, my style is to be as hands off as possible. I want to capture things as they happen because I believe that's how wedding days should be remembered.
Do we have to feed you? And where should we seat you?
Yes please! Ideally, I would be able to eat at the same time as you and your bridal party so the only thing I'm missing is photos of you eating -- which you don't want, trust me. This way, I’m ready to work again when the speeches and evening’s festivities begin.
If possible, please seat me at the end of a table or in a corner that is out of the way so I can easily jump up and down without disturbing guests. I would love to sit with your guests so that I can talk to them and learn a bit more about you guys. If this isn’t possible, no problem, I can sit wherever I fit best (I know how much of a pain seating plans are, believe me).
How many photos can we expect to receive and how/when?
The number you receive varies and depends on how many hours you have me around for. You can expect around 60 photos per hour of coverage.
They will be available for high-res download through an online site. Once downloaded, you can do whatever you would like with them (aside from selling them).
To answer the WHEN question, post-production time typically takes 6-8 weeks, so you can expect the exciting email in your inbox around then. That being said, I like to send out a preview of a few story-telling photos within the week so you can share them while the excitement is still fresh, and I will email you a few days before they're ready so you can set aside some time to view them together.
What equipment do you bring to a wedding?
Canon R6 camera body
Another Canon R6 camera body
Canon 24-70mm f2.8 lens
Canon 50mm f1.2 lens
Sigma Art 85mm f1.4 lens
Canon AE-1 35mm film camera
other various film cameras
And then some other small stuff like film, extra batteries, flashes, flash stands, a softbox, a reflector, etc. I make sure to find a back room or hidden table to store the things I'm not using so it's not an eye sore during the events.
What does the V stand for in Sonia V?
My full name is Sonia GeneVieve Bouwman. So the V comes from my middle name. I was unmarried when I started my business in 2017 and I figured my last name would change eventually, so I better use a name that wouldn’t.
I love this letter because I see it as a shout out to the Trinity (three points in a V), or God, who I am ultimately working to the best of my abilities for.
How far in advance should we book?
Around 18 months before is ideal. Dates are booked on a first come, first served basis, so you don’t want to wait too long once you know you’d like to book.
Currently, I don’t take bookings more than 24 months in advance, but you can check with me about a date at any time. If you are planning on a short timeline, you’ll find that most vendors have more availability for weekday and off-season (Nov-Apr) dates. Some vendors even offer a discount for these dates.
Where are you based? Do you travel?
I am based in Ottawa, Canada and the majority of the weddings I photograph are within a couple hours of the city.
I am more than willing to travel to capture your wedding anywhere in Canada, South America, and Europe. My packages are inclusive of travel, but please include your planned wedding location when inquiring so I can give you accurate information.
We’d like to book you! How do we do that?
Great! Shoot me an email and tell me when your wedding is and about your relationship and wedding. If we’re both convinced we’re a good fit and I am available on your date, I will send you a contract and some information on how to pay the non-refundable retainer.
I can’t hold a date until I have both your retainer and your signed contract, but I will let you know if I have an inquiry about the same date while we’re talking over the contract at which point you’ll have 7 days to make it official before the date gets handed over to the other inquiry. I can't wait to hear from you!
