faqs

. Frequently Asked Questions .

How would you describe your shooting style?

The following ingredients make up an experience with Melissa. . .
1 big scoop of education
A bigger scoop containing years of experience with weddings, events, portraits and people of all walks of life
An even bigger scoop of passion
2 scoops of direction to lightly pose you into looking your best
A huge dash of coziness
And a splash of natural light

Please feel free to browse my online galleries and photography journal to get a sense if what I create is what you’re looking for.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I’m very inspired by your chemistry and your story.  No two weddings are alike; {perhaps why I love them so} it allows me the opportunity to dive into your lives, your love and your story.  I’m very inspired by the good relationships I have in my own life.  When I’m not photographing you, I’m off experiencing nature, new places, hanging with my dog, Leo and spending time with those I love.

How long have you been shooting weddings?

In 2001, my wedding photography career began and took me to Southern California where I have had the honor of photographing high end events, nation wide, ever since.

How many weddings do you photograph a year?

In order to provide a customized experience, I prefer to keep my bookings right around 15 events per season.  I enjoy working closely with each of my clients to provide a personal experience from the time we first discuss your wedding day plans to designing and delivering your wedding album.  Bookings can take place up to two years in advance so it’s strongly recommended to secure your date as soon as possible.

How can you capture the events leading up to our wedding day?

I would love to photograph your journey leading up to your big day.  Engagement : love sessions on location, bridal session on location and rehearsal dinner coverage are great examples of how I can capture the anticipation leading up to your big day.  I find for both my clients and myself, that it is amazing to work together to capture your complete wedding day story.

What is an engagement : love session and why should we do it?

In my years of experience, I have found that it’s one of the most important hours we can spend together before the big day.  My sessions include one hour of on location photography at a location of your choice with online viewing and sharing.  It’s great to take an evening, little slice of time, out of your busy schedules leading up to the wedding and have some serious fun with each other.  I believe it’s a great way for you to stop and reflect during this big step in your lives and have these memories captured.  The time will allow us all to get to know one another and help guide you both into feeling 100% more comfortable on your wedding day.

** Grooms always find a way to say how much more relaxed they feel after the engagement session **

Do you travel?

I welcome destination events as no event is too far.  I’m sure my soul would shrivel up without the ability to travel.  My soul craves it as much as my photography portfolio.  I was based in Southern California for 7 years.  In addition to the weddings in California {Los Angeles, Big Sur, Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Diego}, my travels have taken me to such wonderful places as Mexico, Hawaii and Trinidad.  I’m now based, where my heart is, in New England.  This allows me to be closer to my roots, my family and the coast of Maine.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I’m a Nikon girl!  I shoot all digital with the Nikon D750 camera.  I carry a backup camera body with me to all events and I use a variety of different lenses.

Who is your second photographer?

If you do choose to have a second photographer which I feel is a great way to go, I have a pool of photographers I choose from.  I base my decision on who I feel would bring the best style to your day.

When do we see the photographs after our wedding?

Typically the turnaround time is anywhere between 6-8 weeks and even sometimes sooner depending on the time of year.  Please understand that I photograph anywhere from 60-70 photos in an hour at your event so editing and post-production is a big part of the creative process.  The production artist opens every single photograph to give each a little love.

Once the wedding is finished, you will receive a link to view your online gallery where you can share easily with friends through social media and order professional prints.

Do you provide the high-resolution digital negatives photographs?

Yes!  Personal usage rights are included in all wedding collections.  Your online gallery allows you to do a one-click download of your final collection straight to your computer.

Who has the copyright to the images?

Melissa Mullen Photography owns the copyright of all photographs our photographers capture at the wedding.  Reproduction of the photographs are used as samples for portfolio galleries online at melissamullen.com, on the photography journal and sample albums which are shown to prospective clients and/or for instructional purposes.

What isn’t your style?

Adding any amount of color to a black and white photograph.  Example : black and white photograph with the color of the flowers being brought in.

We love your work, how do we hire you?

Yay!  I would love to get to know you and hear about your wedding day plans.  In addition to getting to know one another a non-refundable reservation fee and signed wedding day agreement is collected in order to secure your wedding day.

Any other questions?  Please feel free to fill out the contact form or call 207.749.2585

O!  And what’s the with the bug behind the names of your journal posts?

That’s a honeybee found to incorporate into my brand.  The reason, Melissa means honeybee and Maine’s state insect is honeybee so we wanted to rock the bee!!  : )