FAQs
How did you learn photography and when did you start?
I’ve always loved taking photos. In the tenth grade I went on a weeklong family trip and returned home with nine rolls of film. The following year I started taking photography classes (my high school had a darkroom!) and then majored in photography in college. I kept trying other majors, but none of them stuck! I have one of those fun careers that blurs the line between work and hobby, and I’m so thrilled to have built a life out of being creative.
I am camera-shy and hate being photographed — are you able to help?
Yes! I recently got married and am completely empathetic with the inherent awkwardness of being photographed. I try to make it easy for my clients — not too much staring at the camera, mostly interaction and being the fun couple that you are. We won’t just stand there and smile. I’ll have you walk around, tackle-hug each other, make weird faces, and just have a good time.
Do you travel?
Yes! Travel is included up to 150 miles roundtrip from Berkeley, CA. A small mileage fee applies after that. I’m also more than happy to hop on a plane to any and all amazing destinations!
What is your minimum booking?
During peak seasons (April-June, Sept-Oct) I offer six-, eight-, and ten-hour packages Friday thru Sunday. Elopement packages start at two hours on weekdays. Discounts can sometimes apply for Friday, Sunday, or off-season weddings. If you have other ideas, or your wedding doesn't quite fit this mold, please reach out!
HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU USUALLY DELIVER?
Within two weeks of the wedding I deliver 80-100 “preview” images, which are in fact full-quality edited final images that highlight your day. The remaining images are delivered six weeks after that. The average 8-hour day without a second-shooter yields 500 images, although this varies based on the wedding.
Final images are high-quality JPEGs delivered online and by USB. All have been edited for color, brightness, and overall awesomeness. Additional retouching is available upon request
CAN I SEE A FULL EVENT FROM START TO FINISH?
Yes you can! I don’t list these online for the privacy of my couples, but I am happy to send one for personal review.
DO YOU OFFER ALBUMS OR PRINTS?
Albums are offered for an additional reasonable fee. It’s always amazing to have a physical copy of the day in your hands! Prints are available through my delivery site, Pixieset. Remember, you’ll also have all of the full-quality JPEGs to print as you please!
DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
I do! I am happy to forward it to your venue upon request.
Clara's Tips & Tricks
BREAK THE RULES.
Want to smash a piñata instead of cut a wedding cake? Don't feel like wearing white? Despite external pressures, remember that this is your day! Have fun. Be you. It'll be all the more memorable.
LEAVE PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME.
Whether you are working with a wedding planner or executing the day on your own, keep in mind that most wedding-day stress comes from a tight schedule. Build in some extra time to keep everyone calm and happy. Worst-case scenario, bonus time for fun photos!
KEEP IT CLOSE.
All of my favorite weddings have involved a lot of participation from the couple's friends and family members. While you don't want to burden people with hard day-of jobs, there is undoubtedly some talent in your extended network. Take your aunt up on her offer to make you a flower crown! Ask your hometown friends to put the centerpieces together! Guests love involvement and it makes the day that much warmer.