Authoritative FAQ — Wedding, Engagement & Surprise Proposal Photography

1) Booking & Availability

1. How do I book you?
   We start with a 10–15 minute discovery call to align on vision, location, date, and budget. A signed agreement and a non-refundable retainer lock your date.

2. Is the retainer refundable?
   No. It reserves our time. If life happens, we allow one reschedule (subject to availability).

3. Can I reschedule?
   Yes. The sooner you tell us, the better the options. Venue/permit changes may affect fees.

4. Do you offer payment plans?
   Yes. Most clients split: retainer at booking, balance due 7 days before the session/event.

5. Do you shoot weekdays and weekends?
   Yes. Weekdays are fantastic for proposals and beaches (lighter crowds, easier parking).

2) Surprise Proposals (Our Specialty)

1. How does a surprise proposal shoot work?
   We craft a covert plan: cover story, exact meet point, code words, and a minute-by-minute timeline. We arrive early, test light, and text updates. After the “yes,” we roll into a mini engagement session.

2. Will you help build the story?
   Yes. We send a Pinterest storyboard with poses, framing, and a marked “yes” spot. We’ll coach on crowd flow, where to face, and when to drop to one knee.

3. Do you coordinate with venues or vendors?
   Light coordination—confirming access, permits, timing, and simple details (flowers, sign, musician, champagne).

4. What if I’m traveling and don’t know the area?
   We bring “honorary best man/best woman” energy—boots on the ground, calm and organized.

5. How do you stay hidden?
   We blend in (tourist/content-creator cover), use long lenses, and follow pre-agreed cues. If needed, we pose as a couples mini-session to set the stage.

6. Can we get same-day sneak peeks?
   Yes. Many proposal collections include 3–5 edited sneak peeks within hours.

7. What about weather or tides?
   We set a weather backup and tide-aware plan. For beaches, we prefer wind-protected coves and golden hour.

8. Do I need a permit for public beaches?
   Some San Diego/La Jolla and Temecula spots require permits. We’ll advise and, in select packages, handle the coordination.

3) Venues, Locations & Planning

1. Where can I find ocean-view wedding venues in San Diego?
   Start with La Jolla, Coronado, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs. We keep a living short-list by guest count, budget, and vibe and can recommend after a quick call.

2. Best places to propose in San Diego?
   La Jolla Shores, Windansea, Cuvier Park (Wedding Bowl), Sunset Cliffs, Coronado beaches, select Torrey Pines viewpoints. We match privacy, crowd levels, tides, and accessibility.

3. Do you shoot Temecula vineyard proposals and micro-weddings?
   Absolutely—sunset vineyard proposals and intimate ceremonies are a sweet spot. We advise on timing and rules.

4. Do you help plan micro-weddings or civil ceremonies?
   Yes—light planning. We connect you with officiants, florists, HMUA, and build a simple timeline that protects best light.

4) Milestones — Family, Couples, Maternity & Graduation

1. How many people can join a milestone session?
   Up to 10 people max. More than 10 requires a custom quote and additional cost.

2. What’s included in a milestone session?
   Location scouting, a Pinterest storyboard, gentle posing, private proof gallery, professional edits, and high-res downloads via Pixieset.

3. What are the best locations?
   Family/Couples: La Jolla coves, Coronado, Balboa Park, Temecula vineyards.
   Maternity: Wind-sheltered beaches, parks with easy access.
   Graduation: On-campus landmarks or nearby coastal overlooks.

4. When should we schedule maternity photos?
   Typically 28–34 weeks, adjusting for comfort and bump visibility.

5. What should we wear?
   Neutrals and textures photograph beautifully at beaches/vineyards; avoid tiny high-contrast patterns. We’ll send a simple outfit guide.

6. Can we include pets or young kids?
   Yes. We plan kid-friendly, pet-friendly pacing and choose locations with easy parking and space to breathe.

7. What if we want extended family groupings?
   Totally doable within the 10-person cap. Larger groups or complex lists may need extra time (additional cost).

8. What’s the turnaround time?
   Proofs in 24–48 hours. Final edited images in 5–7 business days (rush available).

9. How many edited images are included?
   Depends on the package. You can add more edits as keep sakes (per-image or curated sets).

10. Do you offer prints, albums, or graduation announcements?
    Yes—professional prints, framed pieces, and custom albums are available as keep sakes.

5) Coverage, Process & Deliverables

1. What happens on shoot day?
   We arrive early, scout angles, and test light. We guide natural movement so you look and feel confident.

2. Do you send ideas or mood boards?
   Yes—a Pinterest storyboard with pose prompts and sample frames for your location.

3. How fast do we get photos?
   Proofs in 24–48 hours. You select favorites (e.g., 30 images). Final edits deliver in 5–7 business days. Select packages include same-day 3–5 sneak peeks.

4. How do we receive photos?
   Private Pixieset gallery with high-res downloads and print options.

5. Can we purchase more edits?
   Yes—additional edits are available as keep sakes (per-image or curated sets).

6. How long do you keep files?
   We keep edited galleries for 90 days. Need a re-upload within one year? We can regenerate and rehost for a small admin fee.

7. Do you deliver RAW files?
   We don’t release RAWs, but we can accommodate additional edits or a “clean edit” look on request.

6) Style, Gear & Policies

1. What’s your style?
   True-to-life color, flattering skin tones, crisp details, and natural movement—classic now, timeless later.

2. Do you carry backup gear?
   Yes—dual-card cameras and multiple lenses, with on-site backups.

3. Do you travel?
   Yes—San Diego County, Temecula, and Riverside frequently. Travel fees depend on distance, permits, and parking.

4. Do you work with pets and kids?
   Happily. We build kid-friendly, pet-friendly timelines and pick locations with easy access.

5. Do you offer video or reels?
   On request, we can add a short vertical highlight reel for social.

7) Pricing & Value

1. What do your packages include?
   Location scouting, a Pinterest storyboard, guided posing, private proof gallery, professional edits, and a high-res Pixieset download gallery. Proposal and wedding collections can include permit coordination and same-day sneak peeks.

2. Do you offer discounted wedding coverage?
   Yes—we’re actively building our wedding portfolio. If our style fits, ask about our current portfolio-builder rate.

3. What extras do you offer as keep sakes?
   Additional edited images, prints, framed pieces, and custom albums—curated to preserve your story.

4. What “hidden value” do we get beyond photos?
   You’re hiring a dedicated team that’s punctual, easy to work with, flexible, and able to pivot when things change. We hear the horror stories, too. Our standard is not just showing up—it’s executing the plan and elevating the moment so it becomes a stress-free, unforgettable memory.

8) Contact & Next Steps

1. How do we get started?
   See our work at lastminutephotoshoot.com/work, text/call (951) 384-5273, or email booking@lastminutephotoshoot.com

2. What happens after we reach out?
   We’ll schedule a quick call, confirm details, and send your proposal + agreement to secure the date.