the EXPERIENCE

the STYLE

Do I create magazine worthy images? Yes, absolutely!

Creating content is not my motivating factor however, I am here to create images specifically for you. With over 15 years experience, I’ve honed a style that transcends fleeting fads. I gravitate towards emotion, connection, beautiful light, real-life colors, supporting details, and to create a sense of story and place that is timeless and intentional.

HOW I WORK: A Summary TO SAVE YOU time:

• ME: on-time to a fault, black coffee please, often distracted by good light
• LOCATION: based in San Diego, California, and serving destinations world wide
• INCLUDES: almost always a 2nd photographer and the set of edited images to start
• TRAVEL: generally included in your proposal
• PRE-SHOOT DAY: ideally, yes. Plus count me in for the lifestyle session + welcome party!
• DELIVERY: sneak on Tuesday, then final at generally 4 weeks

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NAVIGATE TO GALLERIES:

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the PROCESS

Here is a summary of how we work together. For a more detailed explanation of our process please contact me directly.

1. The Inquiry: see if your date is available
2. Discovery call with you or your planner to get on the same wavelength
3. I create a custom proposal for your consideration, then a follow up phone call with all key decision makers
4. Meetings and Engagement Session(s) scheduled
5. Your wedding (photography) weekend is incredible!
6. You’ll see images in about 6-8 weeks
7. The Art: order custom albums & prints to show off your wedding story in style

the ART

It may be hard to imagine right now, but in the years to come, those dear to you will want to sit next to you, see your stories, and hold something tangible (like a wedding album or paper print). They want to experience the laughter, see the tears, and sense the electric atmosphere that filled the air on your incredible day. It’s more than the color of your flowers or what everyone wore; it’s the beginning of your love story, the beginning of your new family together.

So how would you like to share your history with future you?

the FAQ

Hello, I’m Jennifer Dery, a professional documentary lifestyle photographer based in San Diego, California, and serving clients world wide.  You can read more about me on my bio page.

Below is a collection of questions I’ve been asked over the years. I hope this information helps you.

How do I choose the right wedding photographer for my San Diego Destination wedding? 

• Look for someone whose style resonates with you, you click with, and who understands your vision. 
• Finding someone with artistic, technical, travel, and event management experience is incredibly important as destination weddings are one of the few photography events where nearly anything can happen… and does. I can handle all of it with grace, creativity, and a calmness that is hard to find.

What should I consider when looking at a photographer’s portfolio?

• Examine a portfolio for consistency in style, color, storytelling, and emotion. 
• Look for a diverse range of images that reflect the real flow of a wedding day. Make sure you aren’t just looking at pretty “styled photo sessions”.
• Look at the backgrounds, are they cluttered? clean? exposed well?
• Is there a consistent mood or style shown through the day?
• View images to full size, don’t just view a pretty grid. Do you like the solo images alone?
• Do people seem aware of the camera? Posed? Directed? Which styles do you like?
• Would you would want this for yourself?
• Are the couples serious or silly? Happy or thoughtful? Do you see yourself and your partner acting the same?

Do I need an engagement session?

• Engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and establish rapport with your photographer. They are incredibly fun to have, but definitely not a requirement.

Can I see a full wedding you’ve shot?

• Absolutely! Reviewing a complete wedding can give you a comprehensive understanding of how I capture different moments in different locations and weather conditions.
• I can also show you weddings in different destinations as I travel as well!

How do you handle challenging lighting conditions?

• I have no issues creating my own light as needed, I will bend it to my will! I come prepared for anything, but my favorite light will always be natural light.

How do you ensure you capture all the important moments?

• I work closely with you, your planner, and the rest of your creative team to ensure a detailed timeline that covers all crucial moments, but also gives us breathing room and space for the magic to happen. Extra team members will be brought on as needed to execute everything needed at any given moment.

How do you handle group portraits?

• I work with you to create a very short list for important family portraits if you want any. Ensuring that no important group is overlooked, but also keeping the list and time to a minimum so it doesn’t overtake your day. Need more group photos? Consider adding a custom backdrop and dedicated photographer to capture all the group photos you ever wanted. Guests LOVE a dedicated instagram-type backdrop and will supply you with more guests photos than you ever wanted.

Do you offer videography services too? What about social media content? A drone? A photo stylist?

• VIDEO: While my expertise lies in still photography, I can definitely recommend trusted videographers.
• For content creation and drone work, I prefer you go through me directly to assemble a creative team alongside your planner.
• STYLIST: Also consider adding our decor and clothing stylist if you are thinking you would like your event published

Can I order prints and albums through you?

• Oh yes! I prefer this! Your story isn’t complete without seeing it in print. I offer art prints and custom albums for up to a year after your event.

Do you work well with other event professionals?

• Absolutely, I place a high priority on collaboration with your creative team.
• If you need referrals for other wedding Professionals, such as florists, dress fitting, wedding coordination, or video please don’t hesitate to ask.

Can you provide references from San Diego couples you’ve worked with?

• Certainly, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with couples and can provide references upon request.
• You can read these reviews on my site. These ones on google, the knot, wedding wire, yelp, and facebook.

As you navigate the process of choosing a wedding photographer, I’m here to provide honest and transparent answers to your questions. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and finding the right photographer to document it is a crucial decision. 

I hope this Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions was helpful. Feel free to reach out to me for any additional queries you may have—I want your day to be captured flawlessly and beautifully.