Meet the team of associate photographers.

Frequently asked questions

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO THE ASSOCIATES UNDERGO?
The process of onboarding an associate with me is rigorous, from a detailed onboarding form to training materials being sent, then in-person training to go over what they’ve learned. Typically only then I’ll invite them to shadow me at a wedding or two to learn more about how we shoot and interact with clients. Moreover, the associates I choose to bring on board are already established in their own right - they wouldn't be invited to be part of the team if they were not experienced wedding photographers already. That's the business model I chose, rather than training students or those who are seeking their 'big break' into the industry.

WHO WILL WE BE DEALING WITH IN THE RUN-UP TO THE WEDDING DAY?
You have access to me for all your wedding planning needs and we’ll be in communication as the planning unfolds. Sure, I don’t replace a wedding planner (a vendor I highly recommend, if budget allows!) but I’m always happy to be an ear, give you vendor recommendations, and help us ensure there’s ample time dedicated to what you would like covered on your wedding day.

HOW WILL THE TEAM MEMBER KNOW WHAT OUR WEDDING PLAN IS?
Everything is relayed to them by me once I know who’s going to be shooting. I keep notes on what you’ve told me, so I can then brief them on your story, your preferences, what’s most important to you. The timeline planning document is also shared with them, so I encourage you to note absolutely everything down there. They’ll have this with them on the day. 

DO THE ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS ALSO DO THE PHOTO EDITING?
The photo editing is all done by our wonderful editing team that I've used since 2021, whether it’s shot by me or one of the team. This ensures maximum consistency and the best turnaround time, given that I also need to have my eyes on each wedding that goes out. It also helps to have a professional editor on board, because that’s their area of expertise. It also means we do guarantee our turnaround times, no matter how busy we are shooting and, you know, living.

WHERE CAN WE SEE EXAMPLES OF WORK BY EACH ASSOCIATE? 
Check out some portfolio images below! If you want to see more from each photographer, please contact me and I’ll share the work. You'll be able to see the quality and full range of each photographer’s awesome work, as well as some full galleries.

CAN WE CHOOSE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER?
You can let me know the top two or three whose work you most like, and we will prioritize them! The decision of which photographer is made by me (Zoe) based on personality fit, work fit, proximity to their home, and availability. All associates are trained the same way and their output is comparable. Occasionally adjustments are made closer to the wedding day due to emergencies or life moving on (e.g. they moved away from the Bay Area, got pregnant or became sick). I don't want to bait and switch you. Associates sign a contract with us when they're ready to lock in a date, and they take these commitments seriously. However, very occasionally, we have had to make an adjustment if they have unfortunately not been able to honor the contractual obligation (usually these associates are asked not to return). While I do not have absolute control over the schedules of independent contractors, it is made clear that a wedding they have committed to taking on IS a commitment. However, if this makes you nervous (it shouldn't! 99 times out of 100 the named associate has been the one there!), the only way you can ensure which photographer you will get is by booking Zoe! And if I can't make it due to emergency (never happened), an associate will be sent and you'll receive a partial refund for the price difference.

CAN WE MEET WITH THEM PRIOR TO THE WEDDING?
Yes! You will have the opportunity to meet via a video call with the associate photographer who’s been allocated to your wedding. This typically happens about 4 – 6 weeks out, when a final determination has been made and your timeline is final or near-final. 

CAN WE CHOOSE WHETHER WE WANT AN ASSOCIATE OR ZOE? 
This will be detailed in our response when you inquire with me. For dates when I’m available, you can take your pick – it's a binary choice a) we want Zoe or b) we want an associate! Some dates, I’m already booked so the only option I can offer is to have an associate shoot your wedding. This will all be clearly detailed if it's the case. You will always have a choice of associate vs. me, provided I'm available as well.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ASSOCIATE CAN'T MAKE MY WEDDING?
While this is regrettable, it does happen very occasionally. While I (Zoe) will move heaven and earth to be at your wedding and have never had to cancel, associates have their own lives. If an emergency comes up to do with illness, accident, an issue with their child, then all other commitments they're involved with take a back seat. One time, an associate canceled due to having covid symptoms. I found a last-minute replacement who was also a regular team member and the client was happy!

DO THE ASSOCIATES WORK FOR YOU FULL-TIME?
They are not full-time employees (or employees of any kind) – they are independent contractors. Some have their own businesses, some have full- or part-time jobs, some work for other photographers, others have different commitments such as young families or school. As they aren’t full-time, the only time they’ll be available is on the video call introduction call and on the wedding day. They are not paid for admin / correspondence with my clients e.g. emails and texts beyond the day before the wedding.