Tammy Horton Photography: 10 Questions with Tammy Horton

Photographer - Tammy Horton

Business: Tammy Horton Photography
Location: Cotati, California CA
Experience: 17 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Tammy Horton Photography
Website: www.tammyhortonphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi ya'll! I'm Tammy, the person behind Tammy Horton Photography. I've been photographing weddings for over 17 years and I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. I absolutely love getting to know my couples and sharing in all their big moments. It's a really special thing and I don't take it for granted.

My love for photography developed in college and I was hooked instantly! I quickly earned a fine arts degree in media arts and after graduating I drove west and I've been documenting stories ever since. It's pretty freaking great!

I love exploring, finding epic views and chasing beautiful light. It just makes my soul happy. I also love my person, my friends and my dog, they are my family. I've never met a stranger and belly laughs all day everyday is what it's all about.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I've been shooting weddings for 17 years now so I've photographed quite a few over that time. I have no idea of the exact number, but I would guess it's in the 300 range or so. I feel lucky that even after all these years I'm still inspired and creatively fulfilled. I get just as excited to shoot now as when I first started out.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my photography style as candid and honest. I focus on capturing real moments, the unmistakable ones as well as the subtle ones. Throughout the day I'm constantly observing and waiting to react with my camera. I love grabbing those in between moments, the ones you weren't even aware happened at the time. That's the magic! And when you look back at your photos it warms you all over again and you're reminded of your day exactly as it was.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

If you have a photographer who's work speaks to you and you must have them capture your day, book them as soon as you have a date for your wedding. Photographers can book up quickly and it can be hard to find someone you love last minute.

My peak booking months tend to be in the winter and early spring. However, I do book weddings all year long, especially now that more and more couples are opting for elopements.

Most of my larger scale weddings book a year in advance. Smaller more intimate weddings book a few months out and I've had some elopements book only a few weeks before.

The spring and summer months fill up the fastest. Most weddings I book are on Saturdays with the occasional Friday and Sunday mixed in. Elopements are more likely to be held during the week.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I offer a variety of packages that include different hours of coverage, and options like a second photographer, an engagement session or a custom album. All of my packages include professional editing, an online gallery for printing and sharing, the high res images and printing rights. My most popular package is $4800 and includes 8 hours of coverage, two photographers and an engagement session.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

I will be your lead photographer on your wedding day guiding you every step of the way. I shoot with dual cameras so that I always have two lens options available at any given moment. My second shooters are all fantastic photographers who shoot their own weddings as well and have a similar style to mine. Second shooters are great to have especially if you expect a bigger guest list.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I love to travel and welcome it! Travel over 100 miles is $1/mile. Fees outside of California typically include airfare, car and hotel stay but every wedding is different. Inquire for a custom travel package specific to your day.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

I do have some packages that include albums. And if you're on the fence, you can always order albums at a later date through your online gallery. You also have the option to design and print the album yourself and use any outside company you wish. Either way you decide to go, I highly recommend getting an album or printing your photos. It's a more fulfilling experience to have something tangible in your daily life. Too often we let our memories hide in our phones or on hard drives to be forgotten and rarely see the light of day.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

I take the time to edit each image personally to my specific style. It usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks to receive your full wedding gallery. But not to worry, if you just can't wait, I always send some sneak peaks within a few short days.