FAQ

Overview

What style of photography do you offer?

Photojournalism with an editorial approach. Beyond documenting, I look for moments that reveal true emotion in a beautiful way. I am captivated with individual beauty that goes beyond the skin-deep, and this is what has always attracted me in photography.

What is your background?

I attended the University of Texas/Austin’s College of Communications and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Photojournalism. I worked pre- and post-graduation for the National Geographic Society in a non-photographer capacity. I photographed extensively 5+ years with a film-generation wedding photographer who travels around the world photographing blue-blood celebrity clientele’s weddings. I photograph at every opportunity, taking assignments that stretch my creative and technical abilities.

I also love, and have spent a lifetime in, the fine and performing arts. I was exposed at an early age to the arts scene in New York City, and began taking the bus into the City for dance classes in my youth. When I moved there to pursue dance, I spent much time exploring on foot all that New York has to offer. I love going back to New York, the region is home to me.

Does education really make a difference?

All things being equal (equipment, personality, professionalism, experience), education counts when challenging and unpredictable situations arise. Your photographer can draw upon experience from situations they have been in before, but when something new happens, if they do not understand the technical aspects of their profession, they are bound to have difficulty solving the problem or knowing what to do.

Do you specialize in weddings?

Yes, I specialize in weddings, destination weddings, and related fine art photography. I also take commercial assignments that dovetail with my core business in the realms of food, fashion, and architectural photography, both here in the States and abroad.

What are you like to work with?

My clients have described me as relaxed, unobtrusive, easy to work with, remarkably professional, artistic. Please see the Reviews link above or visit the Three Lights Facebook Page to check out authentic quotes from past clients.

Destination Weddings

Do you offer or specialize in destination weddings?

Yes, I have extensive experience traveling to photograph destination weddings nationally and abroad. I understand the complexities of international business travel for photography – weddings in particular – and know how to procure the necessary travel documents, permissions, protocol, etcetera, for photographing in a foreign country. I have the advantage of being within driving distance of the foreign embassies and am able to easily keep updated on the latest in requirements.

Where have you traveled for destination wedding photography and assignments abroad?

Primarily I have traveled throughout the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. A complete list of cities and countries, as well as venues, will be posted for those interested. Please feel free to ask about my experiences or request to see more of my travel-related work upon contacting the studio.

Do you speak another language besides English?

I am fluent in Spanish from formal study through the post-graduate level at George Mason University, as well as a decade of living with a handsome foreigner (my husband’s first language is Spanish). I am avid about language and travel, especially for photography, so destination weddings are a natural for me.

Is it expensive to hire a destination wedding photographer?

It can be; however, I make it a point to work with couples closely who are considering my wedding photography services for a destination wedding and have found it possible to work with couples with a range of budgets. I focus on overall budget and work to create a package that fits your needs, covering costs without it feeling like more of an expense than would be to hire someone for a local wedding.

What is the advantage of hiring a destination wedding photographer?

Hiring someone State-side facilitates the post-production process of ordering prints and albums. It can also be helpful in the planning process. The key reason to hire a destination wedding photographer, however, is ensured performance and quality through reputation and rapport – you will have the chance to meet in advance and communicate your style preferences, hopes and expectations to someone accustomed to doing destination wedding photography. Many couples find this a big relief and one less thing to stress about in planning a destination wedding.

When you travel do you photograph more than just the destination wedding?

I bring my commercial work into the mix for destination weddings and spend much time photographing architecture, details and landscapes as well as scout out the best spots for doing creative images of the two of you. I work harder than I do at local weddings because more work is entailed and required over multiple days, but I absolutely love photographing destination weddings as they afford great opportunity to provide the best of what I have to offer to my clients.

My clients have trusted me enough to have me photograph them for destination weddings, engagement, and honeymoon sessions as near as Mexico and as far as Europe, and I feel this privilege stems from my experience, range of photography expertise, and their comfort level. Personality and professionalism are truly important factors when you have someone meet you on travel for destination photography coverage.

Weddings

How do I book you?

A confirmed contract and 50% deposit secures your wedding date.

Who will photograph my wedding?

Laura Luis (see About on the main site) is the lead photographer for Three Lights and photographs all weddings and assignments personally.

What if I need more than one photographer?

We can include an assistant/second photographer and additional lead photographers per your requirements.

What is your refund policy?

Deposits are non-refundable. We turn away all other weddings for your date once the contract and deposit have been received. As such, we are unable to offer a refund if you decide to cancel services for that date for any reason, NO EXCEPTIONS. This is a strict policy – please be sure you are ready to move forward before you contract us, and we begin turning away other brides.

Do you hold dates?

Three Lights offers service ONLY on a first-come, first-serve basis. We cannot hold dates without a confirmed contract and deposit.