Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I’m located in Cottleville, MO! I happily travel to anywhere in the greater St. Louis area for your session for no additional fee, and I will travel to any worldwide destination at cost. Contact me for a quote. I love to travel!
How much do you charge?
Be sure to check out my investment page for information about weddings: https://www.photosbyloria.com/investment
Most sessions are $350 and include approximately one hour of shooting time and at least 45 high-resolution, edited images. Events and sessions that require more time incur a rate of $350 for the first hour to hour and a half, then $250 per additional hour.
Do you do sessions that are not listed on your website (seniors, birthday parties, newborn, etc.)?
Some of them! I have phased out my newborn photography offerings, but I have been known to provide family, senior, vow renewal/anniversary, and even pet sessions. Feel free to inquire!
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business since October of 2010. My first wedding was in December of that same year.
What is your education?
I have a bachelor’s degree in music performance and currently study creative writing, so I’ve always had a passion for creative pursuits. My photography education includes mentorships, endless hours of online classes, in-person conferences, and community workshops, not to mention many print books on subjects from lighting to running a wedding day smoothly to posing and of course camera and software manuals. I am always learning!
Can I add you on Facebook?
Absolutely! I love to make new friends! If you’ve hired me, feel free to add me! It actually makes it easier for me to tag you in preview photos so you’ll be sure to see them right away.
How soon will I receive my photos?
For sessions, the typical turnaround time is 3 weeks. For weddings, I typically have them finished in 1 month, give or take a few days. I always keep in touch if any editing is running behind schedule, but this is rare.
Do you retouch all photos?
For portrait and family sessions, generally yes. If a photo is close-up enough to show facial details, I will retouch them in a tasteful, natural-looking manner. For weddings and other sessions or events with a large photo yield, retouching is done a bit more selectively. Close-ups of the bride, groom, bridal party, mother of the bride or groom, etc. typically receive retouching. You will receive hundreds or even thousands of candid, natural photos, and most of these will not be thoroughly retouched. I often do touch up any blemishes that stand out even in such photos, though. All photos you receive from me will be edited for exposure, color, and style.
Can I have the unedited files?
It is my policy to only deliver photos that have been carefully selected for exposure, composition, focus, posing, and the goal I had in mind while shooting it. Humorous, emotional, or otherwise memorable outtakes are often included too, because I believe they also hold value! However, many photos are taken while testing exposure, while giving clients time to acclimate and feel comfortable having their photo taken, or turn out blurry due to movement (I will often have my clients do fun, fast activities while shooting. I will take many action shots to ensure at least a few sharp options to pick from at the end.). It's all part of the process! I also strive to only deliver photos that have been polished and look their best. For these reasons, you won't receive the unedited files. However, you can always request further or different edits, or you can ask to see more of a certain pose, etc. I'm happy to make sure you're happy!
How would you describe your editing style?
My edits are intentionally not overdone. I make sure to focus on crisp, clear colors and contrast more than anything, and I draw inspiration from the vivid colors and bold lines of modern minimalist art.