JANIS FOLEY

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
SAN DIEGO

20+ Years Experience
· 1000+ Events Photographed · Fast Turnaround · 5-Star Rated

Photography should feel effortless on your big day.

My job isn’t just to show up with a camera — it’s to make sure you feel completely taken care of from the moment you reach out to the day your gallery lands in your inbox. Over 20 years and 1,000+ weddings and events, I’ve refined a process that keeps things organized, personal, and stress-free for you.

Below is a step-by-step look at what working together actually looks like. If you have questions along the way, I’m always just a phone call away.

How it works — from inquiry to delivered gallery.

Intro00

Initial Consultation — Let’s Make Sure We’re a Great Fit

Before anything is signed or paid, we connect — by phone, video, or in person — to talk through your vision. This is a two-way conversation. You’ll get a feel for my personality and approach, and I’ll learn what matters most to you.

Here’s what I’ll want to know:

  • Your event date, venue, and approximate guest count
  • The overall mood and style you’re going for
  • The must-have moments and people you want captured
  • Whether you’re interested in an engagement session or on-site headshots
  • Any concerns or questions you have about the process
Tip: Come to the consultation with a few photos you love — even from other photographers. It helps me understand your visual taste quickly and makes the whole conversation more productive.
 
Step01

Secure Your Date

San Diego is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country, and dates — especially spring and fall weekends — fill up fast. Once we’ve confirmed the right package for your needs, your date is held with a 50% retainer.

  • The retainer is not a deposit— it’s applied directly toward your total photography fee
  • The retainer is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation
  • Need to reschedule? No problem — the retainer moves with you to the new date
  • The remaining balance is due closer to your event date (outlined in your contract)
  • A signed contract and retainer together officially lock in your date
How far in advance should you book? For weddings, 10–14 months in advance is ideal. For corporate events and other occasions, 2–3 months is typically sufficient — though busy seasons book faster.
 
Step02

Planning & Design Phase

Once you’re booked, the real collaboration begins. This phase is all about making sure the photography integrates seamlessly with everything else happening on your day.

  • We’ll discuss your venue layout and identify the best locations for portraits and key shots
  • I’ll coordinate with your planner or coordinator if you have one
  • We’ll talk through your shot list — the specific people, moments, and details that are non-negotiable
  • For weddings, we’ll also plan your engagement session during this phase if applicable
  • I’ll share advice on lighting, timing, and what tends to work best at your specific venue
Don’t have a planner? That’s completely fine. I’ve worked with and without planners for years and can offer solid guidance on pacing and flow to keep your day on track photographically.
 
Step03

Timeline Curation

A well-built timeline is the difference between a relaxed, beautiful wedding day and a rushed one. I take timeline planning seriously — and I’ll walk you through it in detail before your day arrives.

Key things we’ll map out together:

  • Getting-ready start time and how long hair & makeup realistically takes
  • First look (yes or no) and how that affects your portrait window
  • Family formals — we’ll build a manageable list to keep this efficient
  • Bridal party photos and couples portraits (golden hour if possible!)
  • Ceremony start time and any special rituals or readings to anticipate
  • Reception flow — first dance, toasts, cake cutting, open dancing
  • Buffer time built in, because things always run a little behind
Golden hour is magic. If your venue and schedule allow, I’ll always recommend building in 15–20 minutes for couples portraits during golden hour. Those images are consistently the most treasured of the entire day.
 
Step04

Your Big Day — Just Be Present

This is what all the planning was for. On the day of your event, your only job is to enjoy every moment. I’ll handle everything on the photography side.

  • I arrive early to scout the space, check the light, and get set up before guests arrive
  • I work through your shot list methodically without making it feel like a photo shoot
  • Candid moments are captured throughout — the real laughs, the quiet glances, the happy tears
  • I direct poses naturally, so even camera-shy guests feel comfortable
  • I stay until we’ve captured everything agreed upon — no rushing out the door
  • A second photographer is available for larger events and full wedding days upon request
My style in a nutshell: A blend of natural, candid moments and gently directed portraits. The goal is always for you to look like yourself — just your very best self.
 
Step05

Image Delivery — Your Gallery Arrives

Every image I deliver is individually edited in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I don’t batch-process or rush — each photo gets the attention it deserves before it lands in your gallery.

  • Sneak peeks delivered within a few days of your event via email and social media
  • Full wedding galleries delivered within 6–8 weeks
  • Event galleries (corporate, parties, etc.) delivered within 48–72 hours
  • All images delivered via a private, downloadable online gallery
  • High-resolution files suitable for printing at any size
  • Gallery link shared with anyone you’d like — family, wedding party, your team
Why 6–8 weeks for weddings? Because I retouch even the smallest details to make sure every image is truly perfect. The wait is worth it — and the sneak peeks will keep you going in the meantime.

FAQs

Everything else you might be wondering.

Every wedding is different, and my packages are customized to fit your specific day. Wedding coverage starts at $3,000. To get a personalized quote based on your date, venue, and coverage needs, reach out directly — I’m happy to walk you through the options.

Yes — a 50% retainer and a signed contract are both required to officially hold your date. The retainer is applied toward your total fee (it’s not a separate deposit). If you need to cancel, the retainer is non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, the retainer simply transfers to your new date.

Each event is unique. Wedding day quotes are customized to fit your specific needs. Corporate Event Photography often have special events built in to the schedule. For a complete, custom estimate please reach out to me.

Turnaround time depends on the type of event:

  • Wedding galleries are delivered within 6–8 weeks.
  • Corporate and event galleries are typically delivered within 14-21 days.
  • Rush turnaround is available upon request — ask when booking

Yes — every image I deliver is edited individually using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. My editing style is timeless and true-to-color, not trendy filters or over-processed looks. I want you to look like yourself — just beautifully lit and polished. I don’t do extreme retouching, but I do make sure every photo looks its absolute best before it reaches you.

Not at all — that’s my job. I’ll guide you through every pose naturally and gently, so nothing ever feels stiff or awkward. Most clients tell me they were surprised by how comfortable and easy the whole experience felt. If you’re camera-shy, you’re in good hands.

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a selection of Canon lenses chosen for each specific shoot. My personal favorite is the 85mm f/1.2 — it produces stunning depth and a beautiful quality of light that you’ll notice immediately in the finished images. I always bring backup equipment to every event.

Absolutely — I travel frequently for destination weddings and events. Within San Diego County (including La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar, Carlsbad, and surrounding areas), there is no travel fee. For shoots requiring travel outside of San Diego County, a travel fee applies and will be outlined clearly in your quote.

My style is a warm blend of candid storytelling and gently directed portraits. I want the images to feel real — full of genuine emotion, rich color, and depth. My editing is timeless, not trendy, which means your photos will look just as beautiful 20 years from now as they do the day you receive them. I work hard to bring out the best in every person in front of my lens, including the ones who swear they’re not photogenic.

Yes, and I highly recommend it. An engagement session isn’t just about getting beautiful photos — it’s a chance for us to work together before your wedding day so you feel completely comfortable in front of the camera when it matters most. San Diego has incredible locations for engagement sessions, from La Jolla Cove to Balboa Park to the beaches of Coronado. Ask about adding one to your package.

Ready to check your date?

Reach out to confirm availability, ask any questions, or request a custom quote. Most inquiries receive a response within a few hours.