Good questions.

Every package includes a full gallery of edited, high-resolution photos with no watermarks. Counts depend on the package — typically 150 photos for a 2-hour session, 250–300 for a 3-hour session, and 600–800+ for a wedding. A subset is professionally retouched to your approval; the rest are color-corrected and ready to print.

Sessions: 2–3 weeks for the full gallery. Weddings: 4–6 weeks. You'll get sneak peeks within 48 hours either way — perfect for sharing on social media or to your family group chat.

Need it faster? Rush delivery is available as an add-on.

Never. You get the original high-resolution files with no watermarks. Print them at Walgreens, Whitewall, or wherever you want, at any size, as many copies as you want. They're your photos.

We make it work. I'll have rain plans ready before the day, scouted indoor alternatives near your venue, and an umbrella big enough for the bridal party. Some of my favorite wedding photos have happened in the rain — a real moment beats a perfect forecast.

For weddings I always carry a second full-frame body and multiple lenses, so a single hardware failure is a footnote, not a disaster. All files back up to two separate drives the moment we finish shooting.

In the extremely unlikely event I'm physically unable to shoot (medical emergency, family crisis), I'm part of a small network of trusted Des Moines photographers who'd step in — same style, same standards.

Yes. Picturing Us carries professional liability coverage that meets the requirements of most Iowa wedding venues. I can send a Certificate of Insurance directly to your venue on request.

1. You reach out via the contact form (or text).
2. We hop on a quick call — 20 minutes, no pressure.
3. I send a contract and a 25% deposit request.
4. Once both are signed/paid, the date is yours.
5. Final balance is due the week of the shoot (or the week before the wedding).

¡Sí! La sesión completa, desde el primer contacto hasta la entrega de las fotos, puede ser en español si lo prefieres. He fotografiado quinceañeras, bodas, y retratos familiares para clientes hispanohablantes en Iowa, y me encanta poder trabajar en ambos idiomas.

Absolutely — I've shot in 80+ countries. Destination weddings and elopements are some of my favorite work. Travel within 30 minutes of Des Moines is included; beyond that I charge $0.65/mile and lodging when overnight stays are needed. For international destinations we'll work out a flat travel package together.

For family or senior sessions: coordinated but not matching. Neutrals, earth tones, and one accent color tend to age the best. Avoid anything with big logos or busy patterns. I send a wardrobe-planning email after you book with location-specific tips.

For engagement sessions: dress like the two of you — bring an outfit change if you want variety.

Yes, yes, and yes. Some of the best photos happen when the people (and animals) you love are around. Just let me know what to expect so I can plan accordingly.

A private online gallery on this site (picturing.us). You'll get your own login. Inside you can view, download, share, heart your favorites, and even hide any photos you'd rather not be public. The gallery stays online for at least a year — usually longer.

Yes, especially for weddings. The standard structure is 25% deposit to hold the date, then the balance split into 2–3 installments leading up to the day. We can adjust the schedule to fit your budget — just ask.

Deposits are non-refundable (they cover holding your date and turning away other bookings). If you cancel 60+ days before a wedding, the rest of any payments are refunded. Sessions can be rescheduled without penalty as long as I have 7+ days' notice.

Personal use — social media, prints, sharing with family — is fully included. A tag (@im.picturing.us) is always appreciated but never required.

Commercial use (e.g., business branding, ads) is also fine — just give me a heads up so I can make sure we're aligned.