live fully in the moment.
frequently
asked questions

How long have you been a photographer?

I really can’t remember a time I didn’t have a camera in my hand. I have always been so fascinated with cameras and how they work. I started learning more when I worked on my HS yearbook and discovered how much I loved shooting people! I finally bought my own camera at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and haven’t stopped since!

Where are you based? Do couples travel to you or do you travel for shoots?

I am currently based out of Seattle, Washington! Plenty of my couples travel to me to get photos done, because Washington is filled with incredible locations. If you want ideas for places in Washington to visit, shoot, or explore let me know!

I also travel! I love traveling and going to new places so reach out to me to learn more about how travel expenses work. I also give discounts for some shoot locations and wedding venues that are on my bucket list, reach out to learn more.  

What do you photograph?

I specialize in documentary and editorial-style weddings, elopements, and engagements. Beyond these I do have a passion for shooting editorial work and branding sessions. I will occasionally shoot families and seniors but not maternity or newborns. 

How would you describe your shooting style?

To put it simply, my shooting style is very organic in nature. This allows my photographs to have a certain silent elegance and candid quality my couples love. My documentary and photojournalistic approach gives an authentic and intimate feel in my photos.

I like to capture things naturally as they happen on the day. This does not mean I leave you high and dry completely, I will still direct and guide when I need to for the best lighting, angles, etc.

I like to focus on connection, raw emotion, lighting, and those emotion filled in-between moments 

Do you offer discounts?

No, at a discounted rate, I wouldn’t be able to give you the experience you deserve when it comes to your wedding.

How far in advance do you book?

For couples or engagement sessions I recommend around 3 months in advance, more time in advance to guarantee my availability. For weddings, my policy is to book 5 months to a 1 year in advance. So if your wedding is for September 2025, the soonest we can book is September 2024. 

Do you offer payment plans? How do payment schedules work?

Yes! Typically for weddings, I require a 30% retainer at the time of booking to secure a spot on my calendar, and the remaining 70% is due one month prior to the wedding. If we need to break down the payments more, let me know that that is something you’re interested in and we can work something out. 

How many weddings do you take per year

This definitely isn’t a set number but on average, I accept around 10-12 weddings a year. I do this so that I can give my all to each of my weddings and provide the best experience I can to my couples. This way I don’t spread myself too thin and allow myself to focus on quality and not quantity.

What if we need to cancel/reschedule our shoot or wedding?

For weddings, if you’ve already put a deposit down on a date then have to move/cancel it, the deposit is legally non-refundable and a new deposit will have to be made in order to hold your new date. Because I count on that money during that time to pay bills and I only take on limited amounts of jobs per month/year, which is why it’s non-refundable. Anything additional you’ve paid after the deposit will be refunded or applied to your new date.

For regular sessions, a rescheduling fee will be charged unless communicated 3 weeks beforehand or rescheduled due to weather 

What happens if you can’t make it to our wedding?

Heaven forbid this happens, but in the case that an emergency comes up that holds me back from making it to your wedding (family death, car accident, sickness, etc) I’ll do my best to send a replacement photographer to shoot your wedding day although I’m not legally held to do so. In the case that I cannot find a replacement for your wedding day, you will be refunded.

How does the booking process work?

Check out my EXPERIENCE page for a bigger breakdown of the process.

In short, once you fill out my inquiry form, I will send you my pricing guide and set up a facetime or zoom call to chat further details and see if I would be a good fit for your wedding. To book me, all I need is a signed contract and initial deposit and your date will be saved! 

Do you help in the planning process?

Absolutely! I’m here for you the entire way. Send me your wedding attire once you’ve decided, ask me all about which florals photograph the best, have me edit and review your timeline, etc!

Do we need to create a timeline and/or family shot list?

Yes please! A timeline is absolutely crucial to having an organized wedding day. I am always more than happy to help assist my couples in creating a timeline that best suits their day. A family shot list will be so helpful for me when it comes to family portraits running smoothly and quickly on the wedding day.

Can we bring our dogs/animals?

Um, yes!! No question we can absolutely have your animals in any of your photos!!


What is an “Unplugged Ceremony”?

An unplugged ceremony is when your guests put the phones, iPad, and cameras away during the ceremony. Without digital distractions it can create an overall more intentional and present vibe to your day.

I would absolutely recommend this, I can’t tell you how many times during a ceremony I have had to maneuver around a family member with an iPhone to capture the first kiss, or walking down the aisle, etc. A phone in the air can inevitably ruin any shot. It’s always a good idea, and you’ll thank me later. 

Do we need to have a wedding planner

Short answer, yes. Typically if you have more than 100 guests you should have a wedding planner or at least a day of coordinator. If you don’t, a lot of times your photographer becomes the person that keeps everything on schedule. Unfortunately it means your investment in them goes into coordinating and they can oftentimes miss really key moments because they’re off making sure family members have arrived for portraits.  

What are the main aspects to keep in mind while planning our wedding?

First off, and the most important thing to remember, this day is YOURS. Do things that feel true to you and your connection to each other

Secondly, light! Lighting is something that’s really important to keep in mind for all aspects of your wedding. Getting ready by windows, finding shade on bright sunny days, and planning your ceremony for the best light. NATURAL light always wins! The best scenario is to schedule your ceremony an hour before sunset and somewhere with beautiful, even lighting. To know this, try scoping out your venue/location and plan to situate yourselves so that there’s beautiful light on both of your faces, not shadows or harsh, uneven light.

Less is usually MORE. Busy backgrounds/backdrops will make for distracting photos.  

What if there’s bad weather?

I like to always embrace whatever the weather ends up being, especially because I can usually shoot in any type of light. Some of my favorite sessions have included dramatic shots in the rain or having unexpected snow on the ground. I will always be monitoring the weather the days leading up to your shoot and we can mutually decide whether or not to reschedule. Usually if it’s crazy weather that could damage my gear, we will reschedule with no additional charge. 

What do we wear for photos?

For sessions, we can usually fit in two outfits and it never hurts to bring a 3rd option. Wear clothing you are comfortable moving around in and that makes you feel confident. You can almost never go wrong with neutrals, and add one or two pops of color. Try avoiding things that are pink or orange because those items can cast those colors onto your skin tone. I’d also suggest for men’s dress shirts to go with a shirt that isn’t pure white (tweed, off white, oatmeal, etc are great!) otherwise they turn out purple in photos. Anything that flows and shows movement well is always a plus!

What makes a good photograph?

Authentic emotions and genuine connection photograph well. If you’re having a good time together, that will show through the camera. Lighting, unique composition, and angles will also help make those epic shots.

We feel awkward in front of the camera… is that okay?

I can’t tell you how many of my couples have said the same thing. My job is to help make you feel comfortable in front of my camera. It usually feels awkward at the beginning but a lot of times people tend to get more comfortable as our session goes on. We’ll get to know each other more throughout the session and gain trust as I learn how you interact with each other. Just be open, and remember what it is you’re there to celebrate.

Do you have a studio? Is studio rental included?

I do not have a studio of my own, but I work with a ton of amazing studios around the Seattle area. The rental for a studio is not included in your session price, it can either be added on or you are welcome to book the studio yourself. 

Do you always have a second shooter for weddings?

Yes, second shooters are so important to have at a wedding. This way it’s like I can be in two places at once and get shots in completely different locations at the same time. Or get shots of the same thing just at different angles. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a photo of your partner's reaction to you walking down the aisle and have a shot of your reaction at the same moment from another angle?

What do you use to edit? Do you do any retouching?

Other than my typical color correcting, I retouch impermanent blemishes/marks/bruises. I don’t retouch anything that is a part of your body (curves, double chins, etc). If you’re particularly self conscious about something please let me know as I want you to feel 100% comfortable and confident with the posing and direction I give you while we shoot!

How would you describe your editing style?

My editing style is meant to be film-like, editorial, and essentially enhance the beautiful natural colors that are already there.

Do we get the raw unedited photos

Unfortunately no, I do not offer the unedited photos from any session. My editing style is half of the magic that goes into the whole process. 

How long does it take for me to get my photos?

My timeline for couples sessions and engagements is around 4 weeks, and for weddings it varies from 6-8 to 8-10 weeks (during busy season-summer months).

You will get sneak peeks within 72 hours of your shoot/wedding 

How many photographs do we get?

For weddings, it depends on your coverage, but on average between 400-1200

For couples sessions and engagements, average 80-120

Not to worry though, I never leave anything out and will include plenty of photos of everything I capture.  

SEATTLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Myla Li Photos

2020

est.