Q&A With Dylan Todd Answers to Your Questions

Many of our brides have questions, this Q&A with Dylan Todd has answers to some of your most pressing questions! There are so many, we broke it up into two parts! Part two of the Q&A with Dylan Todd coming soon, so look out!

Are you available for our date? Do you have any time restrictions?
I’m happy to check my calendar for your date! I book rapidly in season, so as much notice the better for me. I also work towards not booking any other shoots the same day as your wedding day. I want to be there with all the energy, excitement, and stamina so that I can devote as much as possible to our time together.

How many weddings do you normally work each weekend?
I typically book one wedding every 2-3 weeks. Rarely is it multiple in a weekend. But who knows, the future could change.

Do you need to travel for our wedding? If so, are travel rates included in your contract?
Travel within reason is included. I cover Tampa Bay and Central Florida and do not charge for travel in these areas. Depending on where your wedding is, I may require travel and/or per diem. Let’s chat about it.

What do your standard packages include (from shooting hours to prints and files)?
All of my standard packages are tiered by the amount of time covering your wedding. And they all include full resolution edited images, delivered digitally and a mailed thumb drive.
I’m working on adding more items as well – such as prints and albums so be on the lookout.

How long have you been shooting weddings? What inspired you to start working in the field?
My first wedding shoot was probably about 8 years ago. I started my passion for photography in high school and went off to earn my degree in photography. I’ve continued growing as a photographer and as a business and every day I have a camera in my hand is a good day to me.

What style/size of wedding do you most enjoy shooting?
I really enjoy romantic, intimate weddings – or at least adequate time for the couple’s photos. This sort of one-on-one is the most fun for me. All in all, wedding days are joyous from start to end and I’m there for the ride – to document it beautifully.

What type of equipment do you use to shoot and edit?
I use Canon’s system of cameras. I’m currently using a full frame canon DSLR and full frame mirrorless camera. My main camera uses the Canon L series 24-70 f/2.8 and my secondary camera uses a 70-200 f/2.8 lens.

Do you shoot both in color and black and white?
Technically, I shoot and edit in color. In the editing process I often take duplicate images (ones that are really close to another) and make one color, one black and white.

Do you use a second and/or third photographer?
I’ve used second photographers in the past and plan to do so in the future. For smaller weddings (below 100 guests) – I am confident to cover it all. For larger weddings, a second photographer is amazing for making sure to get every detail of your wedding day.

Do you bring your own lighting?
I do bring lighting! Depending on the wedding venue and lighting, additional lighting may or may not be needed. Ultimately, I like to be 1) Prepared and 2) Have flexibility to use or not use flash. If I don’t bring anything – I wouldn’t have the option and that’s no fun.

How do you get to know a couple before the wedding?
In the booking process, I try to have a meeting of some sort. Preferably in person or on zoom. It’s important to make sure that our personalities work well together. I also try to be a resource and asset to my couples and hope they can reach out at any time with any questions (like vendor referrals, timeline planning, etc.). I also do a 2 week prior-to meeting and typically 1-3 days before the wedding as a last contact before the big day.

How do you help couples compile their shot list?
I help by providing a checklist of common shots and try to discuss all the things planned for the wedding that are important to the couple. If there’s a memory table or if you have some really neat details that are personal – I want to know so I can help capture it all.

Do you have experience photographing children at weddings?
Yes! Everything from making funny faces and working hard to get some giggles for the family photos to documenting them tearing up the dance floor during the reception.

How do you collaborate with a videographer?
I have a couple videographers that I recommend to people; but do not have a specific person that I always work with.

Have you worked in my venue before—or with any of my vendors?
I’ve photographed at a bunch of venues and am happy to discuss with and meet other vendors. If you’re planning a walkthrough – I’d love to join. It gives me the opportunity to get the creative juices going in my brain for how to photograph your wedding day.