Frequently Asked Questions
Modern Heirloom Studios: Capturing Your Story in Timeless Photography and Film
We're passionate about preserving your most cherished moments with stunning Arizona wedding photography, captivating Arizona wedding videography, and heartfelt Arizona engagement photography. We specialize in crafting personalized experiences that result in timeless heirlooms – images and films that tell the unique story of your love. We understand you may have questions about our services, so we've compiled this helpful FAQ to provide you with all the information you need.
Award-Winning Wedding Photography & Videography in Phoenix and Beyond
Whether you're planning a local Arizona Wedding or a destination wedding, our team is dedicated to capturing the magic of your day. We proudly serve Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding areas, and are familiar with many popular Arizona wedding venues.
General Inquiries about Modern Heirloom Studios:
What services do you offer?
We specialize in wedding photography, engagement photography, and wedding videography. Our packages are flexible and can be tailored to fit your coverage needs, priorities, and budget.
Do you travel for weddings and engagements?
Yes. We’re available for local Arizona weddings, destination weddings, and travel engagement sessions. Travel fees may apply depending on the location, so reach out and we’ll send a straightforward quote.
What is your photography and videography style?
Our style blends candid storytelling with a refined, timeless look. We focus on genuine emotion, natural moments, and clean composition. Depending on the venue, light, and your preferences, we can lean brighter and airy or richer and moodier, while keeping skin tones natural and the overall look consistent.
How long does it take to receive our photos and videos?
We know you’re excited to relive everything. Edited photo galleries are typically delivered within 2–4 weeks. Wedding films are typically delivered within 2–4 weeks after your wedding date. These timeframes allow us to carefully curate, color-correct, and polish everything.
How can we book our wedding date with you?
The best way to reserve your date is to contact us through our website. If we’re available, we’ll send a proposal and contract. Your date is officially held once the contract is signed and the retainer is paid.
What are your payment terms?
A 50% retainer is required to book. The remaining balance can be paid anytime before the wedding day.
Do you offer wedding albums and prints?
Yes. We offer premium albums, prints, and heirloom products designed to be displayed and kept for decades.
What areas do you primarily serve?
We’re based in Arizona and primarily serve Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding areas. We also travel frequently for weddings in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas, and we’re available nationwide.
Do you offer photography and videography together?
Yes. You can book photo-only, video-only, or combined coverage. When you book both, the team works together with one shared plan so the day feels smooth and the final story feels cohesive.
Do you help with timelines and planning?
Yes. We help you build a realistic photo and video plan around the light, your venue layout, and the moments you care about most. We also coordinate with your planner or coordinator so everything flows naturally.
Can we customize a package?
Absolutely. Coverage hours, add-ons, and deliverables can be adjusted based on what you want included and how you want the day documented.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. We bring backup camera bodies, lenses, lighting essentials, audio gear, and storage so coverage is protected in case anything unexpected happens.
What happens if your team can’t photograph or film due to an emergency?
In the rare event of an emergency, we have a network of trusted professional photographers and videographers we can call on so your wedding is still covered.
Do you provide a contract?
Yes. We provide a detailed contract that outlines services, pricing, deliverables, and terms to protect both parties.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. We carry professional liability insurance.
Can we see full wedding galleries or films?
Yes. We’re happy to share full galleries or full films upon request so you can see consistency from start to finish.
How do you handle family photos on the wedding day?
We build a simple shot list with you in advance so family combinations move quickly and respectfully. This keeps things organized and prevents your cocktail hour from turning into a long photo line.
Do you provide online galleries for viewing and sharing photos?
Yes. We deliver password-protected online galleries that make it easy to view, share, download, and order prints.
How do you back up our photos and videos?
We use multiple backup systems, including redundancy during the event and secure storage after the wedding, to help keep your files protected.
What happens if the wedding day runs behind schedule?
It’s common and we plan for it. We build in buffer time when possible and stay flexible in the moment, prioritizing what matters most so the day still feels relaxed and the coverage stays strong.
What makes Modern Heirloom Studios different?
We’re known for a calm, organized experience and work that feels elevated without feeling forced. The goal is imagery and film that looks intentional, feels authentic, and holds up for years.
General Questions about Wedding Photography:
What is the difference between posed and candid photography?
Posed photos are directed portraits, while candid photos capture moments as they happen. We take a balanced approach, giving you flattering portraits while also protecting the real, unscripted moments that make the day feel alive.
What is “golden hour” and why is it important for wedding photos?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when light is softer and warmer. It’s flattering, natural, and creates a romantic atmosphere without harsh shadows.
What is a “first look”?
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where you see each other for the first time. It often creates more time for portraits, reduces stress, and can make the timeline feel more relaxed.
What is a “second shooter” and why might we need one?
A second shooter is an additional photographer who captures different angles and moments, especially when events overlap, when there are multiple locations, or when the guest count is larger.
What should we consider when choosing a wedding photographer?
Look at full galleries, not just highlights. Make sure you love the color and consistency, and that you feel comfortable with the team’s communication and approach. Experience and reliability matter just as much as style.
What is “photojournalistic” wedding photography?
Photojournalistic coverage focuses on documenting the day as it naturally unfolds, with minimal staging. It’s a storytelling approach that prioritizes real moments.
How many photos will we receive?
The number varies by coverage length and timeline, but our focus is quality over quantity. You’ll receive a curated gallery of strong images that tell the story without filler.
What are RAW photos?
RAW photos are uncompressed camera files used for professional editing. They aren’t final images and are not delivered as part of the finished gallery.
Do you retouch or edit the photos?
Yes. All delivered images are carefully edited for exposure, color, and consistency, with light retouching where needed to keep everything looking polished and natural.
Do you provide posing direction?
Yes. We give clear, simple direction that keeps portraits flattering and natural, without making you feel stiff or overly posed.
What is included in a typical wedding photography package?
Most packages include day-of coverage, professionally edited images, and an online gallery for viewing, sharing, and downloads.
General Questions about Wedding Videography:
What is the difference between a highlight film and a full-length video?
A highlight film is a shorter, cinematic edit that focuses on emotion and the best moments. A full-length video is a more complete edit, often including full ceremony, full speeches, and major reception events.
What is cinematic videography?
Cinematic videography focuses on storytelling, intentional composition, natural movement, pacing, and music to create a film-like experience that still feels real.
Do you offer drone footage?
Yes, when venue rules, weather, and FAA regulations allow. If drone footage isn’t possible, we still capture cinematic coverage from the ground and build the film around story and emotion.
What is included in a typical wedding videography package?
Most packages include coverage of key parts of the day and a cinematic highlight film. Many couples also choose full ceremony and toast edits, along with add-ons like teasers or social-friendly reels.
What is “audio capture” and why is it important?
Audio is what makes a film feel alive. We use professional microphones and backup recorders to capture clear vows, speeches, and ambient sound, which is just as important as the visuals.
Do you use multiple cameras?
Yes. Multiple cameras allow us to capture different angles at the same time, especially during ceremony, speeches, and first dances.
Can you include full ceremony and full speeches?
Yes. Full ceremony and toast edits are available in many collections or can be added on.
What is “raw footage” and do you offer it?
Raw footage is unedited video captured throughout the day. It’s typically not included, but we can provide it as an add-on for an additional fee.
How do you choose the music for our wedding film?
We choose music that matches the pacing and mood of your day, and we use properly licensed tracks so you can share your film online. If you have preferences, we’ll incorporate them whenever possible.
Do you offer teaser edits or faster turnarounds?
Yes. Teasers and social-friendly reels are available add-ons and are a great option if you want something to share quickly.
General Questions about Engagement Sessions:
Why should we have an engagement session?
Engagement sessions help you get comfortable in front of the camera, build trust with the team, and create images for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and announcements.
What should we wear to our engagement session?
Wear something that feels like you and photographs well. Coordinated tones work great without being overly matching. If you want help choosing outfits, we can guide you.
How do we choose a location for our engagement session?
Pick a location that feels meaningful or matches your vibe. We also offer location recommendations based on the look you want, desert, city, mountains, architecture, or something more private and quiet.
Can we bring props to our engagement session?
Yes, as long as they feel personal and don’t distract. Simple, meaningful items can add character without making things feel staged.
What if it rains on our engagement session date?
We can reschedule if weather makes the session impractical. If you love the idea of dramatic weather, we can also lean into it when it’s safe and makes sense.
Can we include our pets in our engagement photos?
Yes. Let us know ahead of time so we can plan a pet-friendly location and a smooth flow.
How many outfits should we bring?
One outfit is completely fine. Two outfits can add variety without adding stress, and we’ll help you keep the change simple.
What time of day is best for an engagement session?
Golden hour is usually best for soft, flattering light. Sunrise is also a great option for cooler temperatures and quieter locations.
Do you provide direction during the engagement session?
Yes. We’ll guide you with natural prompts and simple movement so the session feels relaxed and you never have to wonder what to do.
How do we prepare for our engagement session?
Give yourselves a little extra time to arrive, don’t overthink it, and come ready to be present with each other. We’ll take care of the pacing and keep it easy.
