Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? I've got answers.
Everything you're probably wondering before you reach out — booking, pricing, what happens if it rains, whether your dog can come. It's all here. If something's missing, just ask.
Working Together / Wedding Photography / Family Sessions / The Practical StuffWorking Together
How do we inquire and get started?
Fill out the contact form here, tell me what you’re planning, and I’ll take it from there. If we’re a good fit and I’m available for your date, the next step is simple — signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer lock you in.
How far in advance should we book a photographer?
Most couples book 8–12 months out, and family sessions book out 3+ months in advance, which gives us room for planning, engagement photos, and a relaxed timeline. That said — I’ve stepped in with a few days’ notice before. If you’ve got a date, reach out and we’ll figure out if it works.
How many weddings or sessions do you take per year?
I cap my wedding season intentionally — 10–12 weddings and elopements maximum per year. I cap portrait sessions at a maximum of 4 per month (February-November). That’s not a marketing line. It’s how I make sure every couple and family actually gets me, not a burned-out version of me.
Are you insured?
Yes. Fully insured.
Will my photographer always be you?
Yes — in every normal circumstance, I am your photographer. I’m transparent about the fact that I have a trusted backup network in place for true emergencies, because I think every professional should. That network is made up of people I know personally and trust completely. In nearly a decade of doing this, I have never missed a wedding. Not once. Here’s my story on back-ups.
Weddings
“I’m awkward in photos. Help.”
This is the most common thing I hear and I mean it when I say — you don’t have to do anything. You don’t need to know how to pose. You just have to show up as yourself. I’ll guide you through movement, conversation, and connection. Most couples tell me afterward they forgot I was even there. That’s the goal.
What’s your photography style?
Documentary-driven editorial storytelling. Most of the day I disappear — fly on the wall, 135mm, real reactions. When it helps, I step in and direct. I read the room and reach for whatever the moment needs. Three words: Documentary. Editorial. Human — Check out my blog post here.
Do you photograph engagement sessions?
Engagement sessions are included with wedding packages on Mondays through Thursdays for couples who book their full wedding with me — it’s time to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. I don’t typically offer standalone engagement sessions, because I only have the capacity to accommodate them for my wedding couples.
Do you help with our wedding day timeline?
Yes. Timeline planning is part of the experience. I’ll build a draft early on, refine it as your plans come together, and finalize it as the date gets close. The goal is a timeline that protects the moments that matter and gives the day room to breathe.
Do you need a second photographer or extra hours?
Most weddings are documented solo for a more present, less scripted experience. If the day spans multiple locations or needs more breathing room, adding continuous coverage hours at $365/hr is usually the smartest and most budget-friendly option. A second photographer ($825 flat fee) is a preference, not a requirement, and is helpful for simultaneous coverage in different locations, tighter timelines, or additional perspectives. Every second photographer is hand-selected — friends in the industry who own their own photography businesses or people personally trained to carry the same values. You're not getting a stranger.
How many photos will we get?
A rough rule of thumb is about 50 edited images per hour of coverage. An 8-hour wedding typically comes back with 400–800+ final images. I don’t cap deliverables — every wedding is different.
How long until we get our photos?
Sneak peeks first. Full gallery delivery within 4–16 weeks depending on the season. My average is around 6–8 weeks.
Do we get RAW files?
RAW files aren’t included. You can purchase a full JPG vault of your images for 20% of your total contracted price if you want everything.
What does wedding photography cost?
Full pricing is on the wedding investment page — no hoops, no “contact me for pricing.” It’s all right here.
What are the payment terms?
A 50% non-refundable retainer and signed contract secure your date. The remaining balance splits into two equal payments — one at the midpoint between booking and your wedding date, and the final due one week prior.
What if we need to reschedule or cancel?
Let me know as early as possible and we’ll talk through it. Rescheduling is handled case by case depending on my availability for the new date. Your contract covers the full details — I always recommend knowing that section before you need it.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We adjust. Overcast skies, rain, unexpected Midwest nonsense — I plan with flexibility built in and I genuinely love a good plot twist. It’s never stopped a great photo.
What if there’s an emergency on your end?
In almost a decade, I have never missed a wedding. I carry full insurance, redundant gear, and I have a trusted network of photographers who could step in if a true emergency ever happened. You will never be left without a photographer on your wedding day.
What backup systems do you use for the photos themselves?
Dual card slot cameras — every photo saves to two cards simultaneously the moment I take it. Backed up again immediately when I’m home. Stored in redundant systems after that. Your images are safe.
How long do you store our photos?
One year is guaranteed in the contract. In practice, I keep everything backed up in a fire and water resistant safe well beyond that. If something ever happens after the year mark, reach out — I’ll do everything I can.
Do you work with videographers and other vendors?
Always. Wedding days run best when the vendor team communicates. I’ve worked alongside planners, videographers, DJs, coordinators, florists, and more. Collaboration is part of the job & I love a team-effort. The More the merrier.
Can you officiate our ceremony?
Yes. I’m ordained and can legally sign your marriage license for courthouse weddings and elopements. You handle the mailing. I handle everything else.
Family Sessions
What kind of family sessions do you offer?
Lifestyle family sessions for families, maternity, newborn, and milestones. Sessions are buildable — starting at 1 hour, with the option to add time for adventure sessions. You can shoot at home, your favorite location, or in my studio at The Ellery in Crystal Lake, IL. All within a 60-mile radius of Hebron, IL.
What does a family session cost?
Full pricing is on the family session investment page here — it’s all laid out for you.
What are the payment terms for portrait sessions?
Same structure as weddings — 50% non-refundable retainer to book, with the remaining balance split into two equal payments. One at the midpoint between booking and your session, and the final due one week prior.
What if we need to reschedule our session?
Portrait sessions are easier to move than weddings — just let me know as soon as possible. During unpredictable seasons I’ll often set a backup rain date at booking so we already have a plan if the forecast goes sideways.
What should we wear?
Something that feels like you. Coordinated doesn’t mean matching — it means cohesive enough that nobody’s outfit is distracting from the actual humans in the photo. Comfort matters more than polish. If your kid has a favorite costume or a stuffed animal they take everywhere, bring it. That stuff is the whole point.
When should we schedule maternity or newborn photos?
For maternity, I recommend 6.5–7.5 months — bump is bumpin’ and most moms still feel comfortable moving around. For newborns, we run entirely on baby’s schedule. I dedicate my full day to newborn sessions — feedings, diaper changes, fussiness, all of it is expected and built into the time. There is no rush.
Can we include our pets?
Absolutely. They’re part of your story too.
The Practical Stuff
What are your office hours?
Monday–Thursday, 12–4PM. If you reach out outside of those hours, I’ll get back to you within the next business day. If you haven’t heard from me within 72 hours, check your spam first — then email me directly at hello@nicolekilday.com. I will always respond.
How do we contact you?
Through the contact form here or directly at hello@nicolekilday.com. Add that email to your contacts before you send anything so my reply doesn’t disappear into the void.
Where do you photograph weddings?
I’m an Illinois & Wisconsin wedding photographer based in McHenry County, Illinois, and I regularly photograph weddings throughout Northern Illinois, Chicago, Lake Geneva, and Southern Wisconsin, and destination wedding locations.
Do you photograph weddings in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are common locations I photograph along with Lake Geneva and Southern Wisconsin venues.
Where can we take our wedding or engagement photos?
Anywhere that means something to you. I’ve photographed couples in courthouses, living rooms, on the Chicago skyline, in Lake Geneva, in forests, and many other meaningful locations.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes. I photograph weddings across Illinois, Wisconsin, the Midwest, and destination locations throughout the United States and beyond. My travel and destination wedding photography packages and pricing can be viewed here.
What’s actually included in the travel cost?
For destination wedding photography, flights, accommodations, and travel logistics are included within the collection price so couples are not surprised by extra fees.
Do you photograph courthouse weddings and elopements?
Yes. Courthouse weddings and weekday elopements are available for smaller, intimate celebrations. View my full courthouse wedding and elopement photography packages and pricing here.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re planning a wedding, engagement session, elopement, or portrait session and aren’t sure where your plans fit, reach out through the contact form here or send me an email at hello@nicolekilday.com and tell me what you're envisioning.