Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes.
I often use dual cameras each with dual SD cards. Once home, your files are stored on an external SSD that is backed up to a cloud, a local backup, and cloud storage. Also, the memory cards are kept in fireproof box until your gallery is delivered. Lastly, I do not delete delivered RAW files.
Your images are handled with care from start to finish.
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Reach out with your date, location, and what you’re hoping to capture.
Your session or wedding is then secured with a signed contract and retainer. If you’re still finalizing details, I’m happy to guide you through the process and help every step of the way.
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Yes. For weddings and larger collections, split auto-pay options are available through your custom client portal.
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Always!
I’m a notorious over-packer…I use two cameras and carry extra batteries, SD cards, lenses, etc.
I carry full liability insurance.
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No. RAW files are like unbaked ingredients, not the finished meal. Your gallery has high-resolution, fully edited images that show my style and final quality.
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Yes, but with restraint.
I do minimal, subtle, and natural retouching where appropriate. Advanced retouching is available upon request.
The goal is refining your image, not altering it.
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Absolutely!
Your gallery includes a built-in print store for professional-quality prints, wall art, and albums. Custom heirloom album design is available as well. Images deserve to live beyond a screen.
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Yes! We are a LGBTQ+ affirming and interfaith-friendly space. We proudly celebrate, support, and welcome individuals of all gender identities, cultural histories, and faith traditions.
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Yes. I’m based in Long Beach and serve Southern California in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County. I can travel farther for a fee. Just tell me where and I’ll let you know.
WEDDING FAQ
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My style blends documentary awareness with refined editorial composition.
I focus on real, unscripted emotion when moments unfold. I also can’t help but throw in a few elegant portraits. In your gallery, you’ll receive images that feel natural and honest, but thoughtfully composed and visually elevated.
The goal is timeless work that will feel just as meaningful decades from now as it does today.
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Yes but thoughtfully and with restraint.
Every delivered image receives professional color correction and tonal refinement to ensure consistency, balance, and a timeless finish.
For mid-to-close-up images during key moments, I apply light skin cleanup, subtle blemish removal, and distraction removal where appropriate. The goal is always enhancement without over-altering.
Each wedding collection also includes 10 advanced retouched images, which you may personally select after receiving your gallery. Many couples choose their favorite portraits or emotionally significant moments for this added level of refinement.
Additional advanced retouching beyond the included 10 images is available at $20 per image.
Overall, my retouching philosophy is remove what distracts, refine what’s there, and preserve what’s real.
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Yes.
I guide with clarity and purpose — adjusting posture, refining composition, and making sure you look your best. Once everything is set, I step back so the moment can unfold naturally.
You will never feel stiff or over-directed, but you will never feel lost either.
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Almost every couple tells me this at first!
You don’t need modeling experience. You just need to be yourselves!
I create structure where needed and provide direction when helpful but then allow space for natural interaction and moments to happen. The result feels effortless even if you didn’t think you were “photogenic.” I bet you’d be surprised by how “photogenic” you actually are!
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Absolutely! I’ve had MANY scenarios that were...well, not optimal…
Whether it’s harsh mid day light, a dim reception hall, or a parking garage, I’m comfortable working in any setting. I come prepared with the equipment and technical knowledge needed to ensure your images remain clean and intentional no matter where we are or what time of day it is.
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I definitely prefer to and for larger weddings, yes.
A second photographer allows for additional angles, comprehensive coverage and storytelling, and more flexibility throughout the day. Also, if anything were to happen to me, you’d have someone there capable of covering your day.
For intimate weddings, solo coverage is often the right fit but depending on your timeline and logistics, a second photographer may be needed.
We’ll determine what serves your day best during our consultation call.
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Rather than chasing a specific number, I focus on delivering a carefully curated gallery that fully tells the story of your day.
Every image delivered has intention behind it. Quality and completeness matter more than volume.
But usually it’s around 75-100 or so per hour.
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Sneak peek highlights are delivered the day after your wedding and your full gallery is delivered within four weeks.
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Most couples reserve their date 9–12 months in advance, especially for spring and fall weddings which are the busiest seasons.
Because I take on a limited number of weddings each year, availability is intentional. If you feel aligned with my work, I recommend reaching out as soon as your date is set.
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Because it is the only part of your wedding day that becomes more valuable with time.
The flowers fade. The food is gone. The music ends. The venue resets.
Yet your photographs remain.
They become how you remember the day and how future generations will see it.
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Start by reaching out through the inquiry form. From there, we’ll schedule a conversation to discuss your vision, timeline, and coverage needs.
Then, I’ll send over a project proposal and then your date is secured with a signed agreement and retainer.
FAMILY FAQ
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Think coordinated, not matching. Pick soft, muted tones that complement each other (creams, sands, sages, dusty blues) and skip the logos, neon, and busy patterns. My advice for moms: choose your outfit first, something you feel genuinely good in, then build everyone else around it. And dress the kids in clothes they can actually move in. A comfortable kid is a happy kid is a photogenic kid!
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Yes, I promise it will. I don't expect your kids to perform, and the session isn't built around everyone holding still and smiling at the camera anyways. We play, we walk, we throw kids in the air (gently, of course). Some of the best photos happen in the in-between moments, right after the "posed" one falls apart. I'm a dad myself, so nothing your toddler does will surprise me. Also bring snacks and water. Food helps everything.
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The hour or two before sunset gives the softest, warmest light, and it's my favorite window to shoot in. That said, nap schedules win every time. A rested, fed kid at 10am will out-photograph a golden hour meltdown, no contest. Morning light is beautiful too. Tell me your family's rhythm and we'll plan around it.
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I'm based in Long Beach and photograph families all over Los Angeles and Orange County, so we have no shortage of beaches, bluffs, gardens, and parks to choose from. I'll recommend spots based on the look you're after and the time of day. If you'd rather stay home, in-home sessions are a great fit for families with babies, and honestly some of my favorite images come from a living room with good window light. You can also check out my locations guide on the Resources page of my website.
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In general, I try and give you as many photos as I can without giving you duplicates or ones that you obviously wouldn’t want. For me, I genuinely want you to have all the good photos, which is why I often deliver even more than promised.
For up to date information on my family photography collections, please refer to the family photo collections section on the family photography page of my site.
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You'll get a sneak peek within a few days, because I know the waiting is the hardest part. Then, your fully edited gallery will be delivered online within two weeks, where you can download, share, and order prints.
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Every image you receive is fully edited with subtle retouching if needed/desired. Beyond editing, a lot of it comes down to direction. I'll guide you into angles and movement that flatter, and most of the time you'll be looking at your kids or family instead of the camera anyway so don’t over think it.
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Almost every family says this, and almost every family forgets about the camera ten minutes in. I direct the entire session with simple prompts and a little movement, so you're never left standing there wondering what to do with your hands. My goal is to provide just enough structure to make it look effortless!
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Kids get sick and the weather can be unpredictable, even in beautiful southern California. If your family is under the weather or the forecast falls apart, we can usually reschedule. Refer to our contract and give me as much notice as you can and I will do my best to accommodate.
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Yes please! Just keep in mind sometimes these groups take more time to photograph. For bigger groups, the extended session gives us enough time to photograph the whole crew plus each individual family. Dogs are welcome at most outdoor locations. Bring a leash, toys, and if you can, a friend who can take the pup once we've got those shots with them in it.
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Your online gallery connects directly to a professional print lab, with archival papers that will genuinely outlast anything from a drugstore kiosk. These are the photos your kids will pull out in thirty years, so they're worth printing well. You'll also receive a print release if you'd rather print on your own.
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For most of the year, 2 to 4 weeks out is plenty. Fall is the exception. Holiday card season fills up fast, so if you want an October or November weekend, reach out a month or two ahead. Also, being a wedding photographer as well, most Saturdays during peak season are busy. Usually Sunday afternoons during golden hour work best.
Didn’t see your question? Email me or fill out the contact form
Send me an email-hello@raaschphotography.com