Authoritative FAQ — Wedding, Engagement & Surprise Proposal Photography
1) Booking & Availability
How do we book you?
We begin with a short planning call to confirm vision, location, timing, and expectations. Your date is secured once the agreement is signed and the retainer is paid.
Is the retainer refundable?
No. The retainer reserves our calendar and prevents double-booking. One reschedule is allowed when requested early and subject to availability.
Can we reschedule?
Yes. Earlier notice gives the most flexibility. Location or permit changes may affect logistics fees.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Most clients split payments: retainer to reserve, remaining balance due 7 days before the session or event.
Do you shoot weekdays and weekends?
Yes. Weekdays are often ideal for proposals and beaches due to lighter crowds and easier parking.
2) Surprise Proposals (Specialty Service)
How does a surprise proposal work?
We design a covert plan — cover story, meeting point, cues, and a precise timeline. We arrive early, evaluate lighting and positioning, communicate live updates, capture the proposal, then transition into an engagement session.
Will you help build the story?
Yes. You receive a visual storyboard showing positioning, framing, and the exact proposal spot along with coaching on approach and timing.
Do you coordinate with venues or vendors?
We handle light coordination such as access confirmation, timing alignment, and simple vendor logistics (flowers, sign, musician, champagne).
What if I don’t know the area?
We operate as your on-site planner — guiding location choice, privacy levels, walking routes, and timing so you can focus only on the moment.
How do you stay hidden?
We blend naturally into the environment and follow pre-planned cues. If needed, we stage a casual photo interaction to set the moment seamlessly.
Do we get sneak peeks?
Yes. Most proposal collections include edited previews within 24–48 hours, often sooner upon request.
What about weather or tides?
Every proposal includes a backup plan. Beach sessions are scheduled around wind protection, tides, and optimal light.
Do we need permits?
Some locations require them. We advise you and, in select collections, assist with coordination.
3) Venues, Locations & Planning
Best proposal locations in San Diego?
La Jolla Shores, Windansea, Sunset Cliffs, Coronado, and select Torrey Pines viewpoints — chosen based on privacy, lighting, tides, and accessibility.
Do you photograph Temecula vineyard proposals and micro-weddings?
Yes. Vineyard proposals and intimate ceremonies are a core part of our work. We guide timing, lighting, and venue rules.
Do you help plan civil ceremonies or micro-weddings?
Yes. We assist with timeline structure and connect you with trusted officiants, florists, and HMUA professionals.
4) Coverage, Process & Delivery
What happens on the day of the shoot?
We arrive early, scout angles, and guide natural movement so you feel comfortable and confident.
How fast do we receive photos?
Unedited files: 24–48 hours
Selections chosen by you
Final edits: 5–7 business days
Sneak peeks: included in select collections
How are photos delivered?
Private Pixieset gallery with high-resolution downloads and print options.
Can we purchase more edits?
Yes. Additional edited images and curated sets are available.
How long are galleries stored?
90 days online. Re-hosting within one year available for a small administrative fee.
Do you provide unedited files?
Yes. All collections include the full set of unedited images.
5) Style, Gear & Policies
What is your style?
Natural color, accurate skin tones, clean composition, and guided movement that looks effortless and timeless.
Do you carry backup gear?
Always — dual-card cameras and redundant equipment.
Do you travel?
Frequently across San Diego, Temecula, and Riverside County, with expanding availability across California including Catalina and coastal destinations.
Do you offer video or reels?
Short highlight reels can be added to select collections.
6) Pricing & Value
What do your collections include?
Planning guidance, location scouting, visual storyboard, posing direction, private gallery, professional editing, and high-resolution downloads. Some collections include permits and preview edits.
Do you photograph weddings?
Yes — from courthouse ceremonies to intimate celebrations.
What keepsakes are available?
Fine prints, framed pieces, albums, and expanded image selections.
Why choose your team instead of another photographer?
Reliability matters more than price on a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We communicate clearly, arrive early, execute the plan, and adapt when conditions change.
Many clients come to us after a previous photographer canceled or failed to prepare — our role is to remove uncertainty so you can focus entirely on the experience.
7) Contact & Next Steps
How do we start?
View work: lastminutephotoshoot.com/work
Call/Text: (951) 384-5273
Email: booking@lastminutephotoshoot.com
What happens after we reach out?
We schedule a brief call, confirm details, and send your proposal and agreement to officially reserve the date.