Frequently Asked Questions
(AKA: Should Ask Questions)
Are you LGBTQ friendly?
YES! Love is love. xx
How far do you travel for weddings/portraits/small-businesses?
I love travelling for photo sessions! That's why all weddings within 75km of North Brighton, SA incur no additional travel fee, that's free travel to and from your wedding (but not during event coverage), from the Adelaide Hills through to McLaren Vale. I'm willing to travel just about anywhere in Australia, please contact me for more information.
How many weddings have you shot?
I’ve been capturing weddings as part of Little Car Photography full time since the start of 2014, and part time since 2011. In that time I’ve photographed over 300+ weddings, 10+ years in the industry and counting.
Do you do portrait sessions?
Yes! I love to take lifestyle couple and family portraits with a very natural and candid feel that is true to your wonderful, movement filled lives.
How much is your booking fee?
I charge a flat rate booking fee of $350 for portrait photography and elopement sessions. And a flat rate booking fee of $1,000 for weddings. This booking fee will come out of the final balance owing on your particular package.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! After making your booking fee, you are welcome to pay the remainder of your package in pre-determined installments in the lead up to your session.
Can I make additional payments in the lead up to my session?
Yes! If you decided not to go for the payment plan, but wanted to make payments in a few lump sums in the lead up to your session I am happy for you to do so. Please be sure to notify me of this via email so I can keep an eye out for your payment and send you a receipt.
Is your business Insured?
Yes, Little Car Photography is a professional, registered and insured Company.
What is 1% for the Planet?
As a member of 1% for the Planet I have singed a legal contract pledging a minimum of 1% of all sales to Earth loving charities. Such as Bush Heritage Australia, Trees for Life, Farmers for Climate Action etc. On top of this, I also currently make a monthly donation to UNHCR, Greenpeace Australia and a monthly payment to Our Trace to offset my carbon emissions.
What happens if we have poor weather conditions on our wedding day?
I have photographed in almost any South Australian weather condition you can think of, from 45 degree heat waves to icy 2 degree days of fog, flood and storms. Of course, I have photographed many, many perfect days too! No matter the weather conditions, I know we can capture some beautiful photos. I'd be happy to chat with you about any of your particular concerns. x Please note, it is your responsibility to provide, umbrellas, water, fans, etc. for yourselves and/or your guests if you think it is necessary.
What happens if we have poor weather conditions on our scheduled portrait photography day?
I am always happy to reschedule your portrait photography session (given 24-48 hours notice minimum) if the weather is looking particularly bad, such as an unbearable heatwave or pouring rain. We'll simply find another day that suits us both in terms of availability. If your portrait session cannot be reschedule, we will do what we can to find alternative options during your session, such as backlighting raindrops or running through sprinklers.
Do you photoshop?
Whilst I don't believe in or include photoshop with my packages (because we are all beautiful as we are), if you're bruised from a bucks night, have an unfortunate pimple or random photo bombers lurk in the background, I'll happily remove these temporary & unwelcome additions for you (where possible) in photoshop from your favourite photos for a small fee (most elopement/wedding packages include free, small alterations for up to 20 of your favourite photos). Please be sure to let me know though, as I love natural photography I won't make any alterations to your photos unless you request it. My photos come standard as a true record and representation of your day/session. If you want me to retouch your hair, skin, figure, eyes, teeth, tan etc, or request extensive photoshopping this is charged from $22 per photo.
How do you edit / process your photos?
I'm glad you asked! I've written a blog post that shows you some before & after examples as well as a brief description of how I choose to process my photos. You can read the post here.
What equipment do you use?
I use a variety of cameras! Recently I’ve moved over to Canon’s amazing mirrorless system, including an R and R6 along with stunning R lenses. If shooting film I'll be using my Mamiya RB67 or polaroid cameras, most likely with Kodak Portra film. I also have a couple of pro flashes, but prefer to use natural & ambient light where possible. Flashes come out at sunset, when it’s raining and/or later on for reception fun. If the sun is hiding I may bring them out for some backlighting magic.
Do you use manual or automatic settings?
I shoot 100% manually for all but focus, where I will swap between eye detect, single point auto, or manual depending on the situation and scene. Why? Because I like to have complete control over how my photos will come out, to choose which point of the frame is important, how fast or slow I want motion to appear, how soft, how sharp. Everything. I’ve shot manually since the beginning (when I learnt on film), and am generally so quick you’ll barely notice my ninja fingers tweaking my settings.
Why are weddings and elopements more expensive than portrait sessions?
Weddings and elopements involve more work than a portrait session. There is more planning in the lead up, a venue visit included and more photos captured simply due to the faster pace of the day, and candid / natural way in which I shoot for most of the event. This is why portrait sessions cannot be used to capture elopements.
Do you have a Winter discount?
Only when advertised. xo
Do you have a week day discount?
Please see my pricing page for details on photography costs. Wedding packages are the same price regardless of day. However, elopement and portrait sessions may be cheaper on weekdays.
How do I book?
To book me, simply give me a call or send me an email to check if I’m available on your date. If so, we can arrange a time to catch up for a chat (via phone or wine/coffee), so we can get to know each other a little better. To lock me in and secure your booking and package, a non-refundable booking fee is required, and submission of your digital contract agreeing to my Terms & Conditions. This locks me in for your date and ensures that no one else can book in your day! If you do not submit you digital contract and/or pay your booking fee, then your booking will not be confirmed and I may become unavailable for your date.
How early should I book?
I start booking out the more temperate months an average of 8-18 months in advance, but if you love my work and we get along great it's best to book as early as you can. (To avoid the disappointment of missing out). Want to know more? I've written a whole blog on how early you should book your wedding photographer! NOTE: This has changed a little since Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the world. We’re all still settling, some dates book out years in advance - others with only 3 months notice. It’s a strange time, but it’s always worth enquiring!
How early can I book?
You can start booking dates for 4+ hours coverage up to 18 months in advance. Please note that I don't start taking bookings for packages shorter than 4 hours on a weekend date any more than 3 months in advance.
I'm worried I've left it too late to book now, do you take last minute bookings?
Of course! There's no harm in enquiring last minute. Some dates slip under the radar, and late Autumn, Winter or hot Summer weddings are also more likely to have last minute availability. I generally don't take bookings for weddings with less than 2 weeks notice, just because it can leave things quite tight to get all of our schedules etc together.
Do you work public holidays?
Yes, I work some public holidays, but not always. I'm generally closed from Christmas Eve 24/12 through until early January. Australia Day (26/01), the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day (25/04), etc incur a 20% holiday surcharge (dependent on booking location and times etc).
What payment methods do you accept?
You can make your payments online via credit card, visa card or bank deposit/transfer. Paypal, cash or bank cheque are also accepted, but not preferred. Visa and PayPal payments incur a small fee to cover processing costs.
Can I split my wedding photography package in half? Eg. have a break between the ceremony and reception?
Sorry, packages cannot be split into 2. However, if you need photography coverage to span a couple of days we can arrange a discount for 2 or more package bookings.
What isn't included as standard with your photography packages?
My photography is all about natural moments and authenticity. Please note that Photoshop, “Face-Tuning” and/or "Hollywood style editing" is not included as standard with your package. I will not excessively smooth skin, enlarge eyes/lips, change skin tone, remove wrinkles, fix tans, liquify or adjust body shape unless alternate arrangements are made for an additional fee. (From $22 per photo). However, I think you’re gorgeous as your are and totally don’t need that crap! x (Pardon the French).
I've found a cheaper photographer, do you price match?
No I don't price match. My prices are based on my skill and experience, not on other people’s prices.
How long will it take to receive my photos?
I want to get your photos back to you in as timely a manner as possible, but also understand how important it is to do things properly. I provide a sneak peek of your photos within a 1 week or so of your shoot. Portrait sessions are generally delivered within 2-3 weeks, elopement sessions are generally delivered within 2-4 weeks, and weddings are generally delivered within 2-8 weeks.
Want all of your photos back super fast? Just ask me how! You can request a rush job for an additional fee.
Can I print my own photos?
Yes! All of my current personal packages allow you to print as many photos and products as you like with your preferred local printer. (Or with me! xo)
Can I have a copy of the RAW files?
Sorry, no I do not give out copies of my RAW files. The editing process is a vitally important step in delivering a finished product that reflects the true artistic intent of the photo. You will receive the highest quality jpg outputs of the beautifully finished image files instead. You’ll get the delicious cake, not the flour. xo
Can I share my photos on Facebook, Instagram or other social media sites?
Yes! You can share your photos with friends and family online via email and/or social media. Every package includes a copy of your photos at "web resolution", which is optimised for fast uploading and viewing on the web. I do request that you avoid using filters though and credit Little Car Photography where possible please.
How long do you keep a copy of our photos?
I will keep a backed-up copy of your photos for 12 months following your shoot date. After this time there is no guarantee that I will have a copy of all of your photos (should you loose yours). I do try to keep an archive of all photos on local hard-drives (but these wil eventually fail), so please please please make sure you keep a backup copy of your photos somewhere safe. You can share copies of your photos with family and friends, they also make great backups!
What happens if Sarah Graue is sick or injured and/or cannot photograph my wedding or event?
Little Car Photography has a list of carefully selected back-up/associate & second photographers. If Sarah is simply a little unwell or slightly injured, a free second shooter will be engaged to accompany Sarah on the day. If Sarah isn't able to attend your wedding or event due to severe illness, injury or family emergency as much notice as possible will be provided along with every effort to supply a substitute photographer (no wedding to date has EVER been left without a talented photographer). Sarah will still edit all of your photos, and be involved in all other aspects of your photography process where possible.
Why do I need to pay a booking fee?
The booking fee paid protects both you and the photographer. You will have your shoot date and package price confirmed in writing, and the photographer will have a guarantee that the booking will be honoured. Your booking fee will cover the standard running costs that would otherwise cause the business to run at a loss in the event of a cancellation. Photographers often turn down several other clients to keep your date free after booking, with no booking fee a cancelled booking would result in a more than sustainable loss of income.
When is the final payment due?
Your final payment is due 5 business days (1 week) before your photo shoot, payments in cash on the day are not allowed for safety reasons.
I need to change my wedding date, what happens to my booking fee?
If you need to change your wedding date for any reason, you can transfer your shoot to any other available date given 8 months notice minimum. If providing less than 8 months notice you will loose between 50% and 100% of your booking fee to accommodate the changes. (Please see your contract for details). Please note, that for every additional year that your shoot is postponed, the package selected will increase in price by 5%, or kept in line with current package prices (whichever is lower). Packages cannot be postponed more than 2 years.
I need to cancel my wedding or photo shoot, what happens to my booking fee?
If you choose to cancel your booking and don't intend to reschedule, your booking fee is forfeit. If you've made any additional instalment payments towards your package, these will be refunded to you within a reasonable time frame, provided these additional payments are not to cover travel and/or additional work, (such as an engagement session, etc).
I've decided that I want to change my photography package, can I do this?
Yes, you are more than welcome to update your photography booking. Please note, you cannot reduce your wedding booking below the smallest package option (5 hours).
Where did the name Little Car Photography come from? :)
I'm glad you asked! This business is named after my beautiful old little fiat bambino (which has sadly moved on). It wasn't just a car. Tiny, quirky & a little weird, it always made people on the street stop, smile, laugh & wave. It made people happy and took me on adventures to so many wonderful places (at a snails pace!). It's an honour for my business to be named after something so quirky that it could make people happy just at a glance. There have been a few business cars over the years (including an awesome Jimny with a bright yellow stripe able to tackle the toughest of locations). For now, my car is no longer tiny (it is a tiny home on wheels for remote adventures!) But one day… the tiny car shall return!
Didn't answer your question? Please get in touch and I can help you directly.