FAQs
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 a walk-through of the actual day, what I emphasize capturing throughout the day, and examples, check out this blog post:
How much should we expect to pay for wedding photography coverage? Do you offer discounts?
Average investment into a wedding collection is around $5000. Hours of coverage, distance, rentals, and a few other things are brought into account when calculating your final cost. The only discounts I currently offer are to out of province weddings (I’m based in Ontario) because I want to see more of our beautiful earth and this is a sweet way to do it. Just mention this when you’re inquiring.
Photography is an investment, and I realize it can be a costly one, but believe me, it’ll be so worth it when you can look back on these photos decades from now when these memories have faded from your mind. Just days after my own wedding, I had already forgotten some really special moments. But thanks to our wedding photographer and being intentional with my husband to share with each other as many stories as we could possibly remember right after, we’re able to capture so much more than I did even just a few days after. You’ll never regret having great wedding photos.
Some of the guests at our wedding may be unvaccinated, are you comfortable with that?
Due to the private and medical nature of vaccination records, I will never ask for your or your guests’ vaccination status nor discriminate against an individual because of their status.
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. You can also learn more about what it’s like to work with me in this blog post about just that.
Do we have to feed you?
Yes please! I’ll eat at the same time as you and your bridal party so I’m ready to work again when the speeches and evening’s festivities begin. If possible, please seat me 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 will we receive them?
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 (a picture per minute, not bad eh?). 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 4-6 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!
What equipment do you bring to a wedding?
Canon 6D camera body
Canon 5D Mark VI camera body
Canon 24-70mm f2.8 lens
Canon 50mm f1.2 lens
Sigma Art 85mm f1.4 lens
Two camera bodies in case, God-forbid, anything fails.
And then some other small stuff like batteries, flashes, flash stands, a softbox, a reflector, etc.
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?
1 year to 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. I don’t take bookings more than 18 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.
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 your retainer.
I can’t hold a date until I have both your deposit 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.
Still have questions?
If you have more questions or want to check my availability, reach out to me over email. You don't have to commit to anything, but talking through what you're looking for will help you make the your final decision.
Schedule a call
Ready to talk weddings?
Schedule a call with me in a time that works for you two and together we'll determine first, if we're a good fit, and second, what you'd like from your wedding photography package.