FAQ

General Photo questions:

Q: What is your pricing?

I offer transparent, straightforward pricing for all my photography services. Please visit my pricing page for detailed information on family sessions, senior portraits, engagement sessions, and wedding collections. I serve clients throughout Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix and anywhere in the world ;)

Q.What should we wear for our photo session?

Great question! Here are some quick tips:

• Coordinate, don't match - Choose a color palette with 3-4 complementary colors

• Avoid loud patterns - Subtle patterns are fine, but avoid large logos or busy prints

• Dress for the location - Flowy dresses work great for desert/field locations; casual is perfect for lifestyle sessions

• Layers add dimension - Jackets, cardigans, and scarves add visual interest

• Comfort is key - You'll look more relaxed if you feel comfortable in what you're wearing

• Arizona weather - Remember it can be hot! Bring layers for temperature changes and schedule sessions near sunrise or sunset

Q. How long does it take to get my photos?

I know you're excited to see your photos—I am equally excited to get them to you! Here's my guaranteed turnaround:

• Family & Senior Sessions: Delivered within 7 days

• Engagement Sessions: Delivered within 7 days

• Weddings: Delivered within 3-4 weeks (much faster than the industry standard of 6-8 weeks!)

For weddings, I always send a few sneak peek images via email within 24-48 hours so you can share the excitement right away!

Q: Will you edit or re-touch my photos?

Yes! I edit every single delivered image for consistency and beauty. I do what's called a "clean edit," meaning I don't run crazy filters or heavy actions. Instead, I edit for color accuracy, flattering skin tones, proper lighting, and overall mood. Don't worry—I'll totally take care of any blemishes or distractions while keeping you looking naturally like yourself!

Q: Do I have to order prints through you?

No, you're not required to print through my lab. You'll receive full print release with all hi-resolution digital downloads, so you can print wherever you'd like. However, I highly recommend using my professional print lab! They're one of the best in the nation, the quality difference is noticeable, and they're priced competitively so you'll be well taken care of with archival-quality prints that will last for generations.

Q: How many photos can I expect?

I hesitate to give a hard number as every session is a little different, but here are my averages:

• Mini Sessions: 15-30+ edited images

• Family Sessions: 40-65+ edited images

• Senior Sessions: 75-100+ edited images

• Engagement Sessions: 75-100+ edited images

• Weddings: 500-800+ edited images (depending on coverage hours)

I don't withhold any images only to upsell them back to you—I deliver everything that gets professionally edited and meets my quality standards. You get all the good stuff!

Q: My family members don't like being in photos, can you help?

Yes! I totally understand that not everyone likes to have their photo taken, and that's okay. I shoot in a very relaxed, conversational way that feels more like hanging out than a formal photo shoot. We take breaks as needed, I keep things moving, and I give gentle direction so nobody feels awkward or stuck.

I hear quite often from clients (especially guys!) that they had a great time and felt very comfortable. My goal is to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, even the camera-shy family members.

Q: I don't know where to take photos, can you offer suggestions?

Absolutely! I shoot all over the Phoenix area and would love to chat with you about location options. Some of my favorite spots in Gilbert and the East Valley include:

• Agritopia Orchard (beautiful year-round, especially in fall)

• Salt River (stunning natural desert scenery)

• Riparian Preserve (water features and lush greenery)

• Queen Creek Wash (tall cottonwood trees and golden light)

• Gilbert Olive Farm (open fields and soft light)

• Desert Botanical Garden (iconic Arizona desert landscapes)

• Downtown Gilbert (urban feel with water tower backdrop)

• Mesa Arts Center (modern architecture)

• Your own home (perfect for lifestyle newborn and family sessions)

I'm always happy to scout new locations or visit your favorite spot that has special meaning to you!

What happens if we need to reschedule due to weather or illness?

Life happens, and I completely understand! Arizona weather is usually cooperative, but we occasionally get rain or extreme heat. If weather looks questionable, we'll stay in touch leading up to your session and reschedule if needed at no additional charge.

For illness or emergencies, just let me know as soon as possible and we'll find a new date that works for everyone. Your session investment is protected, and we'll reschedule without penalty.

Ready to Book or Have More Questions?

I'd love to hear about your session!

Let's Connect:

📧 Email: summermontoyaphoto@gmail.com
📱 Phone: 602-284-7126
📝 Fill out my contact form

I typically respond within 24 hours and would love to chat about your vision!

Frequently asked wedding questions:

I'm sure by now you're knee-deep in wedding blogs, magazines, and opinions from all your friends. I tell clients all the time: planning a wedding is like a full-time job! This is probably the first time you've had to hire a wedding photographer, and you're not sure what to ask or maybe even feeling a bit overwhelmed. Well, I am here to help! I've put together a list of everything you should ask, plus some honest questions you might not know to ask. :)

How long will it take to receive all my photos? How many will I get?

I pride myself on working as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. My goal is to have all of your images professionally edited and delivered within 3-4 weeks—much faster than the typical 6-8 week industry standard! However, I always send a few sneak peek images to you via email within 24-48 hours because I know how anxious you are to see them and share them on social media!

Image count: I typically shoot 60-80+ photos per hour on average. So a full 8-hour wedding day would deliver approximately 500-800+ professionally edited images. I can assure you that every image you receive will be my best!

Will you have an assistant or second photographer with you?

Yes! All of my full-day wedding collections (7+ hours) include a second photographer for maximum coverage. This means we can capture both the bride and groom getting ready simultaneously, get multiple angles during the ceremony, and ensure we don't miss any special moments throughout your day.

For shorter wedding coverage (5-6 hours), a second photographer can be added for an additional fee.

I am on a budget. Can you give me a discount?

All of my packages are curated according to their value, so the short answer is "no" on discounting established packages. However, I know not every wedding is alike, and I am more than happy to create a custom quote tailored to your specific needs and budget! I typically customize packages for most of my clients—adjusting coverage hours, adding or removing services—so please don't hesitate to ask. We'll find something that works for you!

Can I give you a list of must-have shots?

Yes! We will work on this together before your wedding day. I want to make sure we capture all the important people and moments that matter to you—especially family groupings, which can be tricky to organize on the fly. However, I cannot guarantee every single shot from a long list. As an artist, I work best in the moment and do my best creative work when I'm not stressed trying to check off shots from a list. Trust me to capture the flow and emotion of your day, and I promise you'll love the results!

Do you travel for weddings outside of Gilbert? Is there an additional fee?

Yes, absolutely! I regularly photograph weddings throughout Arizona including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Sedona, Flagstaff, Tucson, and beyond.

Travel within 50 miles of Gilbert is included in all wedding packages. For destinations beyond that or out-of-state weddings, there may be travel fees depending on location and logistics. I'd love to chat more about your wedding location—shoot me an email at summermontoyaphoto@gmail.com!

How are you under pressure? How do you handle family tension?

Honestly, I thrive under pressure! By saying that, I don't mean I react to pressure or stress by being stressed out—I actually remain calm and focused. Maybe it's my personality? I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade and genuinely LOVE it...and the unique challenges it brings.

I have learned how to remain chill with a smile on my face and a positive attitude. I don't just stuff it down or fake it—I actually deal with family tensions at weddings by giving grace and genuine kindness. This seems to help everyone relax and enjoy the day, which is exactly what you deserve!

How many hours of coverage do I really need for my wedding?

There are many considerations when deciding this, and every wedding timeline is different. Here's a general guide:

• 5 hours: Ideal for elopements or intimate ceremonies with just essential coverage (pre-ceremony through cocktail hour)

• 6-7 hours: Perfect for most weddings (getting ready through first dances)

• 8+ hours: Comprehensive coverage from start to finish, including getting ready, full reception, and late-night dancing

My typical client books me for 6-8 hours. When we meet to discuss your wedding day timeline, we'll talk through exactly what coverage makes sense for your specific plans!

How far in advance should I book you? Do you require a deposit?

I don't have a hard rule on how far in advance to book, but here's what I recommend:

Peak Arizona wedding season (October - May): Book as soon as you have a date! Popular dates fill up 12-18 months in advance.

Summer months (June - September): You typically have more flexibility, but I still recommend booking 6-12 months out.

I do require a $500 non-refundable retainer to officially reserve your date on my calendar. This comes off your total package price, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your wedding day. This retainer ensures your date is the only event on my calendar for that day!

Why should I choose you to photograph my wedding?

If you've read this far, hopefully you know a little more about me and what to expect! Have you had time to look at my website portfolio or Instagram? Do you feel like I'm someone you'd like to hang out with for 6-8 hours on one of the most important days of your life?

If you're thinking "yes!" or even "maybe," you should totally contact me—I'd love to buy you coffee and chat in person!

Here's what matters most: At the end of the day, you need to be able to completely trust your photographer. Don't get caught up in Pinterest fantasies and set unrealistic expectations that nobody can deliver on. Wedding photographers LOVE what they do and are passionate about capturing your authentic story. You should feel 100% comfortable with your photographer both as a person and with how they work—otherwise you may end up adding more stress to what should be a fun, celebratory day! I want you to feel completely at ease, trust my creative eye, and actually enjoy being photographed.

Ready to Book or Have More Questions?

I'd love to hear about your session or wedding plans! I'm here to help make the process fun and stress-free.

Let's Connect:

📧 Email: summermontoyaphoto@gmail.com
📱 Phone: 602-284-7126
📝 Fill out my contact form

I typically respond within 24 hours and would love to chat about your vision!