Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers. Keep scrolling down below for the most frequently asked questions I get. Take a minute to read through them and don’t hesitate to reach out with any more!

 BASICS

  • Documentary and editorial, with a hybrid twist.

    I shoot both digital and film. Not as a trend, but because each medium does something the other can't. Digital captures the energy and spontaneity of a wedding day in real time. Film slows everything down, the grain, the depth, the warmth, and turns ordinary moments into something that feels timeless. Together they create a collection that's both alive and lasting.

    Beyond the technical, my approach is rooted in restraint. I limit the number of weddings I take on each year intentionally because undivided attention isn't something you can fake. I take the time to understand who you are before I ever pick up a camera, so that when the day comes, every frame is a genuine reflection of your story, not a template applied to it.

    Quality over quantity. Always.

  • You are all welcome and will always have a safe space here. All races, all religion, all countries of origin, all sexual orientations, all genders, all body types, all ages. You are welcome here.

    Without hesitation, pause, or question, I will lovingly document any milestones for any human who feels a connection to me or my work.

  • WEDDINGS: Local Courthouse Elopements / Elopements (15 guests or less) / Intimate Micro Weddings (50 guests or less) / Full Day Wedding Coverage / Multi-Day Wedding Coverage / Destination Weddings

    PHOTO SHOOTS: Engagement Sessions / Surprise Proposals / Rehearsal Dinner Coverage / Bridal Session / Day After Wedding Sessions

    ADD ONS: Professional Film Photos / Aerial Drone Photos / Additional Hours / Additional Photographers / Online Print + Album Shop / Expedited Editing Services / NDA and full privacy rights

  • My journey into photography began at 15, when I first picked up a camera and began documenting the world around me. To me, a camera was more than just a tool, it became an extension of who I was. I spent countless hours looking through the viewfinder, studying life through the lens, and developing a deep love for storytelling through images.

    Though I started my career path in nursing and earned my license, photography was always my passion waiting to unfold. In 2016, I took my first step into wedding photography, and every year since, my passion for capturing love stories has only grown stronger.

    A pivotal moment in my career came when I was given the chance to work with Lovely Bride, photographing their gowns across the country. That experience sparked something within me, an undeniable desire to make photography my full-time focus. After a lot of hard work (and a little bit of luck), Lauren Nicole Photo became my full-time career, allowing me to document weddings and love stories both across the U.S. and internationally. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful to be able to share these beautiful moments with couples who trust me to capture their most meaningful memories.

  • I’m based in Austin, TX, but my work takes me to beautiful destinations near and far. Whether it’s Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Nashville, New York City, Maui, or international, I’m always eager to capture love stories wherever they unfold.

    Take a look at my travel schedule to see if I’ll be in your area. If not, no worries, I'm happy to pack my bags and travel to wherever your dream wedding or photo shoot is taking place. Let’s make your vision come to life, no matter the destination!

  • For engagement sessions and photo shoots, I love getting into the details with you. That means researching and scouting locations, building out a timeline that accounts for lighting and weather, and brainstorming personal touches that make the session feel uniquely yours.

    For weddings, I work closely alongside your planner to make sure the photography fits seamlessly into the bigger aesthetic. I'll contribute a photo-specific timeline, flag any pressure points I see, and make sure we've thought through every meaningful moment well in advance. It's a true team effort, which is exactly why I require a planner to be in place for every wedding I take on.

    Either way, I'm in your corner from the very beginning!

  • The best thing you can bring to our time together is trust and presence. That's genuinely it.

    My job is to handle everything else. I don't follow trends or replicate what's been done before. Every choice I make (location, light, timing, edit) is rooted in who you specifically are, not a formula. The small, unnoticed moments are often the ones that matter most, and I've built my entire approach around never missing them.

    So show up as yourselves. Let go of any pressure to perform or look a certain way. The less you think about the camera, the better your photos will be and I'll make sure of that.

 PHOTOS

  • I don’t set a specific number of photos you’ll receive because every session and wedding is unique, and I believe in delivering everything that tells the full story of your day. I don’t cap or limit the images I provide, if it’s important, it’s included. If you’d like to get an idea of what I deliver, just fill out my contact form, and I’d be happy to send over full galleries for you to explore.

  • For couples sessions, you can expect to receive your gallery within 3 weeks, and for weddings and elopements, the turnaround is typically around 8 weeks. I always strive to deliver your photos as quickly as possible while ensuring each image gets the attention it deserves. If you’re looking for a quicker turnaround, I offer expedited editing services to meet your needs.

  • Your final images will be delivered in a beautifully curated online gallery where you can view, download, and share all of your photos. The gallery also includes a professional print shop, perfect for ordering fine art prints, custom albums, and gifts for loved ones. You'll have full access to high-resolution downloads for printing, as well as web-size files ideal for sharing on social media.

    Your film photos will be developed and scanned into your gallery, ready to download or print just like the rest.

  • My editing approach is all about keeping things real. I won’t change your body to look skinnier, tanner, or erase every wrinkle because my goal is for you to feel beautiful, not unrecognizable. I’ll absolutely clean up skin and remove any distractions (like an unwanted blemish or background eyesore), but the heart of my work is preserving how everything actually felt. I want you to look at your photos and see you. Your love, your energy, your magic.

    I believe in preserving what was truly there. I do not use AI to generate people, moments, or elements that didn’t exist in real time aside from minimal blemish or small distraction removal. Every image is hand-edited with intention, care, and respect for the integrity of your day.

  • I promise you and your partner aren't "awkward." You've just had awkward photos taken by someone who didn't see you clearly.

    My approach is rooted in what I call “invisible direction”. Instead of posing you, I give you something to do, feel, or focus on. A quiet moment, a natural movement, a reason to laugh. You're never standing still waiting to be told where to put your hands. You're just living, and I'm capturing what happens.

    The result is photos that feel unmistakably like you. Honest, unguarded, and completely natural. No stiff poses, no pressure. Just real moments that happen to be photographed.

  • If you’ve placed a deposit to reserve your wedding date and plans change, the deposit is non-refundable and a new one will be required to secure your new date. For photo sessions, I’m happy to reschedule once at no cost, after that, a new deposit will be needed for each additional reschedule.

    If you’re feeling uncertain about booking due to the unexpected (like another COVID-type situation), let’s hop on a quick call. I’m here to walk you through how I handle reschedules and make sure you’re supported every step of the way. I promise you won’t be left hanging, I’ll always do everything I can to make it work.

  • Some of the most unforgettable sessions happen in weather that’s a little wild like fog, overcast skies, even a bit of wind can add so much magic and movement to your photos (I secretly hope for wind every time).

    That said, your comfort, everyone’s safety, and my gear’s safety are top priority. If the forecast looks especially intense, we’ll make the decision to reschedule together. But when possible, I always encourage embracing the moment, it often leads to something beautiful.

  • While it’s extremely rare, if an emergency or unforeseeable circumstance prevents me from making it to your shoot or wedding, I have a trusted network of talented photographers (local and out-of-state) whose style and professionalism align closely with mine. I would personally handle the editing and delivery of your photos to ensure they still reflect the experience and aesthetic you hired me for. Your story will always be in good hands.

  • Your online gallery comes with a built-in print shop where you can order museum-quality prints and heirloom albums at your own pace. Everything is beautifully curated and customizable giving you the freedom to design meaningful keepsakes without any pressure or deadlines.

    You can also easily share the gallery with loved ones, so your family and friends can enjoy the images and order their own favorites too.

  • Professional film photography is available to all weddings and photo shoots. It’s a mix of 35mm and medium format film, the kind that brings in all the dreamy tones, soft textures, and timeless nostalgia that only film can offer. These images have a depth and intentionality that digital just can’t replicate, making them feel like heirlooms the moment they’re developed.

    If you’re curious, I’m happy to send over full galleries that include film so you can get a feel for how it weaves into the story of your day.

TRAVEL

  • Whether it’s in Texas or across the globe, I’m always ready to capture your love story wherever it takes us. To see if I’ll be in your area soon, feel free to check out my Travel Schedule. If your dream location isn’t listed, don’t worry, let me know where you’ve been dreaming of going, and we’ll make it happen together.

  • While some photographers charge a flat travel fee, I prefer to keep things simple and transparent. For destination shoots or weddings, you'll cover the essential costs (flight, transportation, and hotel accommodations) and I'll handle everything else on my end. If a second photographer is required, their travel costs are covered the same way. This way you're only paying for what's necessary, and I can focus entirely on capturing your day!

  • Many couples turn their photo sessions into a memorable weekend getaway, and Texas offers some truly stunning locations. Think national parks, scenic countryside, dramatic desert landscapes, and rom-com vibes of downtown Austin. If you’re looking for inspiration on places to shoot, explore, or visit, I’d be more than happy to share ideas!

    I also frequently work in Oregon, California, Washington, New York, and Colorado, so be sure to check out my Travel Schedule to see if I’ll be in your area. No travel fees apply for locations I’m already scheduled to visit.

EXTRAS

  • To reserve your date, I require a non-refundable 50% deposit, along with a signed contract (and travel fees, if applicable). This ensures that your date is exclusively secured for you.

    For weddings and elopements, the remaining balance is due one month prior to your big day, while for photo shoots, the remaining balance is due two weeks before your scheduled session. This helps keep everything seamless and stress-free as we approach your event.

  • Absolutely! I offer flexible payment plans to help make the investment more manageable. I'd love to connect and find an option that works best for your vision and budget!

  • My work is exclusively weddings. On rare occasions I'll consider something outside of that if the concept is compelling. Feel free to share your vision and I'll let you know if it's a fit!

  • Yes, and I'd love to be part of such a special moment! Head over to my contact form and share your location, vision, and how much time you're envisioning. From there we can fine-tune the details together.

    Weekdays tend to work best for my schedule since most weddings fall on weekends, so keep that in mind when planning!