engagement sessions
Getting comfortable in front of the camera before the big day
Engagement sessions are about more than just getting photos for your save-the-dates. They're a chance to work together in a low-pressure environment, figure out how you move as a couple, and get comfortable being photographed. We'll find a location that means something to you, whether that's a favorite hiking trail, a quiet beach along the New Hampshire coast, a downtown street you love, or the backyard where you spend summer evenings. The session is relaxed, unhurried, and focused on capturing genuine connection. You'll laugh, you'll move naturally, and by the end, the camera won't feel like a big deal anymore. The images you'll receive have that same timeless, film-inspired quality as my wedding work, and many couples find that doing an engagement session makes their wedding day photography feel infinitely easier. It's also just a really good excuse to spend an afternoon together doing something that celebrates this milestone in your life.
wedding
photography
Full day coverage that captures your story as it unfolds
Your wedding day is a mix of carefully planned moments and wonderful surprises. My approach is to document both with the same level of care and attention to detail. I arrive ready to capture everything from the morning preparations to the last dance of the night. You'll see me working throughout the day, but you won't feel managed or directed unless you want to be. I watch for the stolen glances, the tears during vows, the laughter between family members, and the way light falls across the angles of a room full of the people you love. I also make sure we carve out time for portraits that feel natural rather than forced, working efficiently so you can get back to your guests. The result is a complete visual narrative of your day with that classic, film-esque quality that won't feel dated in twenty years. Every wedding is different, which is why I tailor coverage to fit your specific timeline, venue, and priorities. Ultimately the goal is to build something that makes sense for your day.
let's talk investment
Here's what most couples invest, and how we'll customize it for you
Most couples invest around $6,100 for complete wedding day coverage, though pricing varies based on your specific needs, timeline, and whether you'd like a second shooter. That investment includes high-resolution images delivered in an online gallery, full editing, and a photographer who's there to celebrate with you while keeping things fun and focused on the moments that matter most. I don't believe in hidden fees or surprise costs, so when we talk through your wedding, I'll give you a clear breakdown of what everything includes. If you're also interested in an engagement session, we can build a package that makes sense for both. The goal is to make sure you're getting exactly what you need without paying for things you don't. If you'd like detailed pricing information or want to discuss what coverage looks like for your specific day, I'm happy to walk you through everything.
frequently asked questions
Authentic, photojournalistic, and classic. Nothing overly trendy. In my mind, timelessness trumps trendiness. My style is largely documentary: I aim to work as unobtrusively as possible, but will help guide you from time to time.
400+
To check my availability, please use the Contact Form or email me at mike@mikesearsphotography.com, and I will aim to get back to you asap.
About 13 or 14 final images - JUST KIDDING! - 600-800, but the total number of images depends on hours of coverage, of course. I believe in quality over quantity.
All edited images are uploaded onto a private/password protected online gallery (Pixieset) from which you can view, share, download, and purchase images, including full resolution file sizes. This online gallery also serves as a backup archive for your memories.
Yes! Download the high-resolution photos from your gallery and print them anywhere you want. They are all yours!
Within a day of your wedding, I'll share with you a handful of images as a "sneak peek" of what is to come. Within a month after your wedding, you will receive your gallery.
Once I return home from a wedding, there is quite a bit of work that begins. I upload all of the RAW images to three hard drives to ensure I have backups immediately. I methodically go through each and every image on my MacBook Pro. Then I edit the images in Adobe Lightroom which involves color correcting, tonal adjustments, contrast and vibrance boosts, clarity adjustments for smoothing skin, cropping, etc.
Not necessarily. I shoot many weddings solo. What I will tell you, however, is that including a second shooter in your package is money well spent. A second shooter means more photos taken from different locations and perspectives. For example, if I am shooting a ceremony in a church aisle, the second photographer can be capturing epic shots from the upper balcony. A second photographer also helps make the family and wedding party formals go faster as we can divide shoot in half the time.
Yes. I shoot full-frame Sony’s (A9 and A7riii) and Leica cameras, and have multiple lenses and lighting gear.
Yes! The first look is great way for the bride and groom to see and spend time with one another in an intimate and relaxed way prior to the ceremony. It also allows us to possibly get a good amount of the family and wedding party formals photographed before the ceremony, giving the two of you more time to spend with guests at the cocktail hour. See a Sample Wedding Day Timeline Here!
Good question! Remember the idea of a second shooter being money well spent? All of my second shooters are seasoned pros who could step in for me as the primary photographer in the event something catastrophic happened to me. In addition, I have an extensive network of wedding photographer colleagues to whom I could turn to in a moment’s notice to fill my shoes. Let’s hope this were to never happen, but rest assured, I have a plan and process in place, and were the worst to occur, your wedding would be photographed by an experienced and talented shooter.
I dress respectfully and conservatively, but typically never a tie or suit. If you want me to wear my good shoes, let me know!
Yes. I ask for a list of these group shots in advance so I can photograph them as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can get on with the important business of enjoying your day!
A 30% retainer and a signed contract will secure your date. The balance is due 2 weeks prior to the wedding day.
Yes! Certificate available upon request. Good question!!
'Mike is who you want to be your photographer!"
He has a special talent for connecting with people, making you feel comfortable, and getting amazing photos. His philosophy is to tell the story of your wedding through photos and he definitely achieved this when I look back now. Mike was friendly and communicative from the start. He asked what style of photos we wanted and he delivered on our vision. Everyone at the wedding including family and the vendor was raving about how great he was. I am so glad we chose Mike and we now have these photos to remember our wedding. Both my wife and I highly recommend!
"Mike was attentive to detail and went above and beyond to help us capture our vision for our wedding day."
The thing that drew us to him was his extensive portfolio that allowed us to see his work going back to 2016 and seeing how his work has developed over the years. It was clear from the start that he was experienced and we would be in good hands. After reaching out to Mike, we set up a phone call and he walked us through what our wedding day would look like with him. This part was especially helpful because it was obvious that he had a systematic approach after years of experience. Closer to the wedding day, we met in person to go over details and the itinerary for the day...
"Mike's work is stunning. And his passion for photography was obvious once we spoke with him."
He took so much time talking with us, getting to know us, and explaining what to expect. He was incredible at our engagement shoot, making us feel comfortable in front of the camera and sharing his photography knowledge. And, THE MOST FUN! The wedding day came and we were even more thrilled. We already knew how great Mike was, but one of the top comments we've been hearing about our wedding from our guests was how awesome the photographer was. He made my family laugh, and feel comfortable and is so incredibly kind and relatable. So many positive things to say!...
"My first impression was that he was thorough, candid, and communicative."
We did both an engagement shoot and our wedding with him, so I can say with absolute certainty that Mike is a truly excellent photographer. I've almost never done professional photographs, and the ones I have were always awkward with posing... Not with Mike! He knows how to pose and direct you into natural shots. Mike also takes risks with his photos which results in stunning photos that you'll cherish forever. For the day of the wedding, he was punctual and organized. He took control of the shots and did exactly as we asked. He was almost invisible, too - he was never in the way of anything and blended in so well with the events....
"Mike ensures he gets your bridal parties and families and other "staged" photos, but he does so in a way that makes them feel natural and not "posed"."
My husband STILL raves about Mike and the photos a month after our wedding day. Mike shoots in a way that makes the subjects feel relaxed; he is insanely funny and we were constantly entertained... It can be difficult and awkward working closely with someone you don't know, but Mike immediately makes you feeling comfortable and like he is an old friend. At that moment in time, my beauty girls were late starting my hair and I knew that we were behind schedule, but as soon as Mike walked into the room, I knew that everything was going to be fine. He told me he was there and would handle everything -- and he did....
