What is an Associate Photographer and Meet Haylie, a.k.a- mine!
Let’s say you love a photographer’s style, connect with their work, but either they’re already booked or their packages are a little outside your budget. Does that mean you have to start the search all over again? Not necessarily. That’s where an associate photographer comes in.
It’s a great option that allows couples to get the same overall experience and final images they fell in love with—just with a different person behind the camera on the wedding day. In my case, that person is Haylie, my amazing associate photographer!
If you’ve never heard of an associate photographer before or just want to understand how it all works, I’ve got you. I’m breaking down what associate photography looks like in my business, how Haylie fits in, and why this could be a great option for your wedding.
So, What Is an Associate Photographer?
Think of an associate photographer as someone who’s part of the team—someone I trust completely to step in on a wedding day and photograph it just like I would. They’re not showing up with their own style or way of doing things. Instead, they’ve been trained in how I shoot, how I interact with couples, and how I tell a wedding day story.
Haylie is that person for me. She’s not a freelancer I hired off the internet—she’s someone I’ve personally mentored, worked with, and brought up inside my business. When she photographs a wedding, she’s using the same approach, mindset, and techniques I use, so the final photos feel exactly like the work you see on my website.
You’re not hiring a completely different photographer. You’re getting a trusted teammate who’s been handpicked and trained to create the same kind of experience and results that you’d get from me. For more about what it’s like to work with me, click here.
What It’s Like to Work with an Associate Photographer
1. You still work with me, just not the actual day of your wedding
Even if Haylie is the one photographing your wedding, I’m still your go-to person throughout the planning process. From the first inquiry to timeline help and location scouting, I’ll be in your inbox making sure every detail is covered. You’ll receive the same planning tools, tips, and guidance I give to all of my couples.
2. The Photos Still Look Like My Work
This is a big one, you may be asking: “Will my gallery look like what I see on your website?” The answer is yes! Haylie captures the day, and then I take over for editing. That means every image you get will still reflect my signature style—true-to-color, warm, timeless, and storytelling-focused.
3. What if we have an Engagement Session?
If your package includes an engagement session, you’ve got a few options: I can shoot it myself, Haylie can photograph it, so you can get to know her ahead of the wedding, or if it works out, we might both be there! No matter who’s holding the camera, the goal is to make you feel comfortable, connected, and confident in front of it before the big day.
4. You’ll Meet Haylie Before the Wedding
We never want your wedding day to be the first time you meet your photographer. That’s why we schedule a planning Zoom call where Haylie will join so you can chat, review your timeline, and talk through any last-minute questions. If you’ve already done an engagement session with her, even better!
5. I Relay Every Detail to my Team
On your wedding day, Haylie shows up with all the info, prep, and energy she needs to capture your story fully and beautifully. I make sure she has everything ahead of time—your timeline, your must-have shots, the vibe you’re going for—so you don’t have to stress. She follows the same approach I use: relaxed, efficient, and focused on real moments.
6. Same Sneak Peeks, Same Delivery Timeline
After the wedding, the process doesn’t change. You’ll still receive sneak peeks within a few days, and your full gallery within a couple weeks. I personally cull and edit everything to keep your final gallery consistent and true to my style.
Meet Haylie- my first Associate Photographer!
If Haylie were a dog, she would be a golden retriever. She is that girl that makes every person feel seen, valued and loved. She also has a way of putting people at ease. While the craft of photography can be taught, the personality can’t. That’s why I trust her to represent my business whole-heartedly.
Haylie started photography as a hobby, photographing her siblings homecoming photos and eventually fell in love with it. She officially started her own photography business in 2022. She has been second shooting weddings with me for two years now and does such a beautiful job! When not photographing, Haylie is a boy mom of three (a four year old and twin 18 month olds!). She lives in the Willamette Valley with her husband, kids and dog, Grizzly. Haylie’s perfect day starts with an iced coffee and a road trip, includes a sushi stop, and ends with a margarita by the fire with her sweet family on a warm summer night! Two of my favorite underrated things about Haylie- she always orders the special on the menu (like who does that, she’s so cool!) and asks the best get-to-know-you questions.
I absolutely love her and know you will too.
FAQs
Is Haylie experienced?
Yes! Haylie is a seasoned photographer who has worked with me closely and knows exactly how I approach weddings. She’s calm under pressure, fantastic with people, and truly talented. It took me SEVEN years to finally decide to hire an associate (I’m a bit of a control freak) and it turns out, I just didn’t meet the right person yet. I trust Haylie whole-heartedly to represent my brand.
Will my photos look the same as yours?
Absolutely. I personally edit every gallery to match my brand’s look, so your photos will be consistent with everything you’ve seen from me.
Do I get to meet Haylie before the wedding?
Yes! You’ll meet Haylie on a Zoom call before the big day so you feel comfortable and confident with who will be behind the camera!
How is a second professional photographer or second shooter different than an associate?
A second shooter is an assistant that comes with me (the lead photographer) to a wedding where an associate is acting as the lead photographer without me present.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re curious whether working with an associate is a good fit for your wedding, I’d love to chat. Associate photography is an amazing way to get the full experience of working with me, with a little added flexibility. I can’t wait to help you find the perfect option.
