Get the Answers

to common questions

I take on 15 weddings and 20 senior sessions a year. I used to photograph 30-35 weddings a year and I felt that spread me too thin…especially if I had to travel to more than one wedding a weekend. I’ve since learned that setting a limit for myself is important because you will always have the best of me – energized, creative and fully invested in YOU. 

I typically book 8 months – 2 years in advance for weddings and 6 months or more in advance for seniors. However, if your date is closer than that, don’t worry! Please give me a shout (HERE) as I may still have availability and would love to help you if I am able! 

Absolutely! I am also a destination wedding photographer and have traveled throughout the US, as well as internationally, to document weddings. I will HAPPILY travel wherever you would like me to come help document your day! Contact me directly to share details and discuss just what you need. 

For senior and couples sessions, I work primarily within 2 hours of the greater Portland area or the greater Phoenix/Sedona area. I do also travel often and love to arrange sessions with you while I am in your area. Make sure to check my upcoming travel schedule (HERE) and contact me if you’d like to schedule (BOOK HERE) with me. 

For weddings, I typically deliver your gallery within 4-6 weeks (during quiet season) and 6-8 weeks (during high season) with your fully edited images available for immediate download directly from your viewing gallery. If you have albums or prints in your collection, I do all album design myself and am ready to create your album, as soon as you are ready!

For senior sessions, I typically deliver your image viewing gallery within 2 weeks of your session. Once you have viewed your images and selected your yearbook image, I will deliver that image directly to you in full resolution format. After viewing your images, you will be able to choose how you would like to use your print credit. If you would like guidance on how to use your print credit towards fine art prints, albums and products, we can arrange for an in person or virtual meeting.  

My background is in documentary film photography and my backyard playgrounds were NYC, Washington DC. I have had a camera in hand since my teen years and began my journey shooting/developing film imagery. In 2010 I followed my passion and created Rachel Bell Photography. Since that time, I have photographed over 300 weddings and countless portrait sessions. 

Along with my years of photographic experience, I also earned my undergraduate degree in Foreign Studies and an MsEd in Teaching and Learning. I taught 4th & 5th grade in public and charter schools for 11 years. 

In addition to my photography experience and education, I am also a master gardener, classically trained pianist and former a cappella vocalist, musical theater performer, Irish dancer and band member. To learn more about my life, creative style and approach, visit my About page (HERE)

Great question! The short answer is fine art and film inspired documentary and portrait imagery. But what exactly does that MEAN?  Come learn more about my creative style and inspiration (HERE)

This is another excellent question that deserves thought and detail in my answer. Come learn all about how we work together (HERE) and see if you feel we would be a great match! 

Should a serious health or emergency situation arise, I am connected to several networks of phenomenal professionals that would immediately be available to step in as me. I would communicate promptly and thoroughly with you about the situation and then arrange for professional coverage on your wedding day…connecting you with the photographer to help you feel assured and confident that you will be well taken care of. Afterwards, I would still do the editing to ensure style consistency for your final gallery of images. 

Yes! I almost always include a second photographer for weddings. Most of the time it is my amazing partner, Paul. Also, my incredibly talented daughter, Julia, often accompanies us at weddings and senior sessions to take BTS video footage & clips for your social media. We just love collaborating together with you and working together to capture your day. It’s also such an advantage that we know each other so well we can even finish each other sentences. 🙂 To learn more about us, come visit my About page (HERE)

Yes, I am fully insured and I use Nikon gear, exclusively. I shoot both digital and film using a range of professional prime and zoom lenses, full frame and mirrorless camera bodies, speed lights and off camera flash setups. 

YAY! So excited you feel we would be a match! The first step is to CONNECT with me (HERE) to tell me more about you and to check on my availability.

For weddings, I require a $1000 retainer (along with your contract) to hold your date and the balance is not due until your wedding.

For sessions, I require a $150 retainer (along with your contract) to hold your date and the balance is not due until your session.

To learn the step by step process, you can visit my EXPERIENCE page (HERE)

I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

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Please do come say “hi”. I can’t wait to talk more with you! 

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