Wedding FAQ

Daniel’s wedding coverage is mostly journalistic. He will unobtrusively document your day and special moments as they happen.  His discreet approach allows you and your guests to be themselves and enjoy this time with you while he crafts your story in pictures.

Yes. Daniel believes that those grouped family photos are very important. They’re a record of your family’s presence there at milestone of your life together. A few weeks before your wedding, Daniel will send you a questionnaire where you can add details about your day as well as the names for the family groupings. You’ll also have the space to make some additions or suggestions as well. Please keep in mind that Daniel’s coverage of your wedding is photojournalistic and real time. So, a long list of groupings would hinder his ability to document the day. The groupings are informal, quick, and easy, allowing you and your guests to get back to celebrating.

Other than the groupings and other special moments, usually not. Working from a “checklist” can be counterproductive to the kind of imagery Daniel is known for and the work you’ve seen here. Obviously, we’ll talk about what’s important to you and focus on those points.

Couples typically spend an average of $6000 with me for their wedding within the DC-Metro area. All my collections include an album. Depending upon your wedding’s needs, pricing may vary. Some weddings outside the metropolitan area require travel, which isn’t included in the local rate. Destination weddings are also different. I also create custom collections for many clients, and I can do that for you too. Please, email me for more details.

I’m based in Centreville, VA near Washington, D.C. This provides me many direct routes many wonderful areas in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. I’m very comfortable with traveling as I’ve been on assignment around the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Travel arrangements are very simple, typically including only airfare, hotel, and transportation.

Yes. All my wedding collections include two photographers. Our team can grow and adapt depending upon the details of your day. You’ll have more comprehensive coverage and helps you get to celebrating sooner.

I give you six months to make your album selections before it is subject to a fee due to increasing production costs. You get to preview your design and have three rounds of changes before a change fee is assessed. Once you’ve approved the layout, I’ll help you choose the album’s cover, color, and other details. Your changes take about two weeks per round to complete. The finalized album is ready in about five weeks. We can rush your album, if you like.

Depending on the specifics of your event, your online gallery will be available four to six weeks after your event date. Printed products and other items will require additional time for selection, processing, and delivery.

The number of photographs you will receives depends upon a variety of factors — coverage length, number of guests, and types of events. My average is 500 to 600 images, but that can vary depending on the day.

The photographs you receive have been carefully selected and professionally edited to provide a wonderful visual story of your day. Images not selected aren’t archived and therefore unavailable. RAW or unedited photos are also unavailable.

Photos delivered in color are only available in color and those in black and white are only available in black and white. Please let me know your preferences before the wedding so I can accommodate you.

ASAP. We cannot “hold” dates and availability is constantly shifting. Most of Daniel’s events are booked within a year of the wedding, but some are done even earlier. Early booking is a great way to develop a relationship with your photographer. Daniel is a photojournalist and learning about you is part of that process. Great stories begin with great understanding.

Depending on your event a booking/retainer fee of $1000.00 or 50% is due at the signing of the contract. The retainer fee, and all monies paid, are non-refundable. The remainder is due 14 days before your event date if local, 30 days if a destination wedding. For foreign destination weddings: fees and taxes for permits, work visas, etc. are due at the time of application for such documentation.

If you have to reschedule or relocate your wedding, let Daniel Soñé Photography know immediately. We may still be able to photograph your wedding if there is an availability on the new date. However, the retainer fee as well as all monies paid are non-refundable. Once contracted, we turn away all other commissions for that date.

No. Some locations — including public parks and foreign countries — may require a permit for professional photography. Daniel cannot photograph at “permit required” locations without the appropriate permits and documentation. If a location requires a permit, please allow plenty of lead time so that the permits can be issued in time for the session.

Daniel isn’t bothered by other guests or family members photographing. However, Daniel does ask that camera or smartphone-carrying guests not swarm the area during family formals or special moments. This keeps all eyes looking in the same direction and helps keep your day moving smoothly.

Daniel will only stay beyond the contracted time with your permission. Daniel does have an overtime rate and will bill for that extra time within 30 days of your wedding date.