Frequently Asked Questions
Before scrolling, you’re invited to download our free guide
Captured, Not Curated : A Guide to Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of questions, especially when it comes to choosing the right photographer. In our guide is a list of questions we believe are most important when interviewing photographers!
We believe couples deserve clarity, honesty, and helpful guidance when making important wedding day planning decision.
Our free PDF guide explains what documentary wedding photography really means, how to choose a photographer whose style aligns with your values, and what to look for beyond pretty photos.
Now — here are answers to the questions couples ask us most often.
The Big Picture
What does a wedding photographer do?
A wedding photographer documents your entire wedding day — including getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, reception, and the candid in-between moments you may not even see happening.
At So Many Moments, we specialize in documentary wedding photography that captures real emotion, humor, and authentic storytelling. As an award-winning husband and wife wedding photography team based in Sandpoint, Idaho, we focus on natural moments rather than long stretches of posed formal images.
What makes documentary style wedding photography different?
Documentary style wedding photography focuses on real moments as they naturally unfold rather than heavily posed or staged images. This doesn't mean we won't help you pose for a few shots too, it just means the bulk of our work aims to tell your true love story.
Instead of directing every interaction, we have spent years learning to observe and capture genuine emotion — think laughter, tears, quiet exchanges, and the energy of your celebration. Our approach is rooted in photojournalism, meaning your wedding gallery reflects what truly happened, not just what was orchestrated.
The result is timeless, emotional imagery that feels authentic and honest.
Why should we hire two wedding photographers?
Hiring a two wedding photographer team ensures twice the photos.
While one photographer shadows the bride, the other is with the groom. It's two perspectives for those fleeting moments, like walking down the aisle or cutting the cake. It's two artists perspectives on your one beautiful story.
So Many Moments is always photographed by Sam and Matt — an award-winning husband and wife team with over 15 years of experience working side by side. Two photographers mean multiple perspectives, fuller storytelling, and complete coverage of your special day.
Why do you offer half color and half black-and-white wedding photography?
One of the most unique aspects of So Many Moments is that your wedding is photographed intentionally in both color and black-and-white.
Sam photographs in rich, true-to-life color, capturing the vibrancy and atmosphere of your wedding day. Matt photographs exclusively in black-and-white — even in camera — focusing on light, contrast, and emotional depth.
This means your final gallery includes two artistic perspectives: the beauty of full drenched color and the timeless impact of monochrome documentary photography. Together, they create a wedding collection that feels both modern and enduring.
Awards & Recognition
Is So Many Moments an award-winning wedding photography team?
Yes. Our work has been recognized by several respected international photography organizations dedicated to documentary storytelling and we are active members of the Fearless and WPJA wedding communities.
We are grateful to be considered an award-winning wedding photography team, and we remain focused on serving our couples with the same care regardless of accolades.
What is the WPJA, wedding Photojournalism Association?
The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is an international organization that recognizes excellence in documentary wedding photography. Photographers are judged on candid, real moments rather than posed portraits.
Being ranked within the Top 10 in the United States by the WPJA places So Many Moments among leading documentary wedding photographers both nationally and internationally.
What does it mean to be ranked a Top 10 Wedding Photographer in the United States?
In 2025, Sam of So Many Moments was honored to be ranked #8 Wedding Photographer in the United States by the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA).
This ranking reflects performance in international documentary wedding photography competitions judged by industry experts and working photo editors. It recognizes consistency in authentic, unscripted storytelling.
You can view the award-winning wedding images that earned this recognition in this blog post here: Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the USA 2025
What is Fearless Photographers?
Fearless Photographers is a highly competitive international directory and award organization celebrating bold and emotionally powerful wedding photography.
What is the FPJA (Family Photojournalist Association)?
The Family Photojournalist Association (FPJA) honors documentary “Day in the Life” family photography.
In addition to wedding awards, Sam is also a Fearless Family Award winner, recognizing excellence in documentary family storytelling throughout North Idaho and beyond.
Location & Travel
Where are you based?
So Many Moments is based in Sandpoint, Idaho in North Idaho, just outside of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
We regularly photograph weddings throughout Florida, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Washington, Montana, and destination weddings worldwide.
What areas do you serve?
We serve couples throughout North Idaho, including Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, as well as Spokane, Washington, Montana, Oregon, as well as across the United States and internationally. We've photographed weddings in all corners of the USA, into Europe, and the Caribbean and can't wait for more.
We never charge travel fees.
Do you photograph weddings in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho?
Yes. We photograph weddings in Coeur d’Alene and throughout North Idaho, including lakefront venues like Coeur d'alene resort and mountain destinations, such as Schweitzer Mountain, and everywhere along Lake Pend Oreile in-between.
Do you photograph weddings in North Idaho or Spokane, Washington?
Yes. We photograph weddings in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington as well as through out Idaho, Oregon, and Montana as our local market.
Do you photograph family sessions in North Idaho or Spokane?
Yes. In addition to weddings, we offer award-winning documentary “Day in the Life” family photography sessions throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington, including Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.
Coverage & Investment
What is included in your wedding photography package?
So Many Moments offers one all-inclusive wedding photography package called “We’ve Got You Covered.”
Our $5,800 flat-rate package includes:
• Two award-winning wedding photographers (Sam and Matt)
• Full-day coverage
• Hundreds of edited, high-resolution digital images
• Shared printing rights
• Private online gallery
• Complimentary engagement session or day-before/after session
• A 24-hour “Night Of” wedding photo
• Custom heirloom leather or linen album
• No travel fees worldwide
How much does wedding photography cost in North Idaho?
Luxury wedding photography in North Idaho typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on experience and coverage.
So Many Moments offers an all-inclusive flat-rate wedding photography package for $5,800 with two photographers, full-day coverage, engagement session, album, and no travel fees.
How many wedding photos do we receive?
There is no set limit. We deliver a complete gallery of professionally edited, high-resolution wedding images that tell the full story of your day.
What is a 24 hr “Night Of” wedding photo?
This means you’ll have a professional photo from your wedding texted or emailed to you within 24 hours of walking down the aisle to say “I Do”, giving you the option to share about your nuptials with style.
Do you offer albums or prints?
Yes, every one of our clients receives a custom heirloom wedding album to be able to hold their wedding photographs in their hands and pass them on to generations to come. Wedding albums are printed flush mount and bound in either linen or leather.
Planning & Logistics
How long does it take to get our wedding photos back?
You will receive a “Night Of” wedding photo within 24 hours of your ceremony. Your full edited wedding gallery is delivered within 3–4 weeks.
How far in advance should we book a wedding photographer in Idaho?
Most couples book their Idaho wedding photographer 9–18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season (June through September in North Idaho, Coeur d’Alene, and Montana).
We photograph a limited number of weddings each year, so early inquiries are encouraged — though we occasionally accept last-minute dates if available.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Rain often creates some of the most emotional and dramatic photographs!
As experienced documentary wedding photographers in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, we are fully prepared for rain, snow, or changing weather. We use professional mirrorless gear and off-camera lighting to create beautiful imagery in any conditions.
Do you help with wedding day timelines?
Yes. About a month before your wedding, we send a short questionnaire and collaborate with your planner to create a photography-friendly timeline.
Our goal is to ensure enough time for portraits, candid storytelling, and relaxed coverage without feeling rushed. We want our couples to get to enjoy their guests, not spend their whole wedding day posing for photos.
What do you mean by you are not an “available light photographer”?
Available light photographer is code for a photographer who doesn’t know how or is not comfortable using lights.
We bring small strobe lights with modifiers to ensure we can achieve consistent quality professional results no matter the venue or weather. From inside ballrooms to golden hour ceremonies, we’ve got you covered.
What if I feel awkward posing for photos?
That's just one more great benefit to hiring a team of professional wedding photojournalists over a traditional photographer who makes your big day an elongated photo shoot!
We also have a lot of great tips to help you relax and enjoy the process here on this blog post here: No Awkward smiles, tips for natural photojournalism.