information
frequently asked questions
Yes. Yes. Yes. Forever and ever.
I want to make a space for anyone to be fully themselves. Come as you are.
I’d want to do this even if I wasn’t a queer person myself.
And please know that this goes for anyone who has ever felt like an “outsider” or “unloveable” in any way, sexuality and/or gender (or lack thereof) aside.
I love you. I’m glad you’re here. It would be an honor to work with you and highlight your glory.
Aside from what comes in your wedding collection (time and knowledge and coverage and the hundreds of gorgeous images and whatever other extras with full printing/sharing/downloading rights), my personal cell, a client folder and portal full of help, and maybe a few other surprises, you’ll also receive:
– my 15+ years of being in the wedding industry (full time), specializing in photography.
(AKA. I have seen and photographed it all– behind the curtains and on the main stage.)
– An artist and lover and dreamer and nurturer as your photographer.
– The skills and tech to handle whatever the weather/lighting/hiccups throw at me and the ability to handle it with grace and a sense of humor.
– The desire to not only tell your story truthfully, but to do it with some razzle dazzle and artistry. Photos that feel like you, look like you, but also look like they could be in an art gallery or magazine.
– A trauma informed/child-of-divorce/pastor’s kid/eldest daughter/chairperson of one of Oklahoma’s most diverse lil communities and non-profits/Leo/Enneagram 4/ambivert.
Which means that I know how to stay outta the way when needed, but can also get shit done when it’s my time to shine. This ain’t my show, but it is my rodeo if that makes sense?
I have the vocal chords to wrangle any Uncle Bobs as loudly as we need and also the softness and heart to honor alllll the love and tears and tender moments and make sure it’s done beautifully. I contain multitudes, as do you! (This also means your wedding photos will not be cookie cutter. FWIW.)
– A trained eye, a quick and efficient shot, immaculate “paying attention” skills, and killer intuition means you get to spend the day being with your people and celebrating instead of being directly in front of my camera.
– A new friend, cheering you on, and not letting anyone get in the way of you celebrating how you see fit.
Yes, absolutely. Many of my weddings and elopements are destination weddings. My passport is current, and I am a skilled traveler. If you want me at your wedding and it’s not in Oklahoma, I would be delighted to discuss details.
I’ve photographed from coast to coast and all over the in-between and have traveled internationally several times for elopements and weddings.
At this point, I reserve 5 spots in my calendar year for weddings outside of Oklahoma. First come, first served.
Rates are custom, though all collections include full wedding day coverage, a day-before or after session, and/or welcome dinner/thank you brunch (etc.) festivities.
Not everyone is comfy in front of the camera. I know I’m not–otherwise this website would probably be filled with many more~*~artistic selfies ~*~.
I aim to make anyone who steps in front of my camera feel relaxed, like a human with feelings and thoughts and ideas, and confident in their own humanness. I will direct when I see fit, but I want you to show off who you are. We’ll start slow and will ease into it. (Friendly reminder that I’ve literally seen nearly half a thousand people make out in front of me (among other things), so nothing is weird or strange to me. You know when you’re going to the doctor and are worried about them seeing a part of your body that you’re not super stoked about, but then you realize they see these things multiple times every day? It’s like that.) I’m nonjudgmental, really want to show off who you are, will hype you up, and will do everything in my power so that you actually have an enjoyable and fun time during your wedding or session. I direct and “pose” in ways that feel organic, easy, and/or fun, and I want all this to be an experience for you–not just a thing to check off your list.
I’m NOT the photographer for you if you want only posed, smiling at the camera, eyes at the camera, “perfect” photos.
PS: Not to brag or anything, but one of the compliments I receive the most is how easy being in front of the camera is from people I direct and photograph. Sessions and weddings days with me are stress-free, light-hearted, easier than you think, and 100% doable!!!! And, chances are…you’ll end up having way more fun than you originally thought.
I always try and deliver quality over quantity.
For sessions, you can expect 50+ for your standard hour session, and can expect another 50+ per extra hour of coverage.
For weddings, you can expect an average of 700-1000 total images, depending on how much coverage you receive (though this often reaches 1000+ in some cases). With that said, I won’t ever cap the number of images I give you if I feel like they all are contributing to your overall story, and tend to only leave out the ones with blatant technical errors, “extras” of a similar shot, unflattering faces/angles, or the like.
Yes! And I believe your photos deserve to live off the screen. Print your photos. Blow them up big. Decorate your house with them. Make a coffee-table book out of them. Turn them into wallpaper. All clients receive full printing and sharing rights. Your online gallery has a store from which you can order all sorts of additional products (but you are not obligated to order from there, and I’m happy to provide reputable printing places). I kindly ask that if you choose not to print through the labs I work with, that you opt NOT to use Walmart/Walgreens/Target/etc, as I’ve had many issues with them and the colors they print out.
I can, but prefer to keep digital as my primary way of shooting for things that can’t be redone. If you’re interested in adding in some film during your wedding or session, I’m happy to talk about that, though I’d keep things pretty simple. I could bring some disposables, one (or 2) 35mm point and shoot, and/or I have a Holga and some Polaroids and Instax cameras. It’d be more of a fun add-on instead of the main thing.
After 15+ years and 300(?)+ weddings, the only time I couldn’t show up was when I tested positive for Covid 48 hours before a wedding. Within 2-4 hours, I had not one, but two backup/associate photographers lined up for a job (on NYE, no less). I still edited everything and delivered per usual. One time I photographed a 15 hour wedding day after getting 2 hours of sleep the night before. Another time I photographed an elopement in negative degree temps in snow and ice. Once I flew across the country and photographed a wedding with an eyeball that was scratched to hell. I show up. But on the extremely off chance that I, for some god-forsaken reason am unable to attend your wedding after you’ve hired me, I’ll find a professional as close to my style as possible (I am very well connected), who can shoot your day for me (if not more than one). If it’s possible, I will still do the editing so that your final images are as close to what you see on this website as possible. If I fail to do that, then you will receive a refund of what you have paid me.
If we find ourselves, state-wide, country-wide, or on a global scale to be facing a pandemic or reason why large events need to be postponed/canceled, I will do everything in my power to make things right with you. First, there will be no fees to reschedule your date in my calendar the first time. After one reschedule within one year of your original date, I will require another retainer to book another date, but will still honor old collection pricing. I would love if you asked me which dates are open so we can make sure I’m still available. If I am not available, I would have an associate photographer cover your wedding for me, with me still doing all the final edits and/or would give you a future photo credit to be used.
I tried it and enjoyed it and it’s too much for me to handle on top of photography as a one-person-show. If you’re wanting something *super* low key and chill, we can chat about what that would look like. But for expert videography or super in-depth projects, I am not your person (at least not yet).
Here are some videographers I recommend (and enjoy working with):
Kyndal Capps Films, Pulley Productions, Jimmy Tran, Maiigo, Reagan Lynn Films, and Alumni Productions.
If you’re having an intimate wedding, you’re probably good without one. However, I HIGHLY recommend booking one if your wedding day has any of the following: multiple venues, a large wedding party, no first look, a “short” day (in terms of light), 100+ guests, or you’re super-interested in lots of candids or just want some extra peace of mind. I am pretty particular with who I allow to be my second photographer. I have a handful of photographers (many of whom have trained under me) whom I rotate out, depending on their schedules. I’m a helluva solo-shooter when it comes down to it, too. If you aren’t sure if you need a second shooter or not, we can totally discuss it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
starting rates
All collections include:
– Rachel as your lead photographer
– Options for additional photographers, sessions, and coverage
– Private online gallery
– Full printing and sharing rights
Local (OKC) wedding coverage begins at $4000.
Custom collections, larger collections, wedding weekend coverage, and add-ons available.
My average couple spends $5500-$7000 for full coverage and extras, but I do custom quotes based on whatever you may want and need.
Destination weddings are custom to each couple and include travel fees. Get in touch if you’re getting hitched outside of Oklahoma and want me there. <3
All collections include:
– Rachel as your lead photographer
– 4 hours of coverage
– 2 packs of Instax photos
– Options for additional coverage or sessions
– Private online gallery
– Full printing and sharing rights
Local (OKC) elopement coverage begins at $1999 for Thursday-Sunday.
Weekday coverage: $999.
Custom collections, larger collections, and add-ons available.
*I consider an elopement an event where two people are getting married with no more than 10 guests.
All collections include:
– Rachel as your lead photographer
– 1-2 hours of coverage
– 100ish+ high-res, edited photos from your session for you to download in your…
– Private online gallery
– Full printing and sharing rights
– Options for additional hours and extras
Local engagement sessions start at $750.
Mini engagements sessions (30-45 minutes, 30-45 images): $400
Available weekdays only.
Taxes and travel fees not included.
All collections include:
– Rachel as your lead photographer
– 1+ hours of coverage
– 75+ high-res, edited photos from your session for you to download in your…
– Private online gallery
– Full printing and sharing rights
– Options for additional hours and extras
Local portrait and family collections begin at $800.
Custom collections and add-ons available.
Mini sessions:
– Weekday evenings only
– On location in OKC or in your home
– 30 minutes of session time
– 20 of the best photos (high-res, edited in a private gallery)
– Additional images available at $25/ea or 10 for $150.
$250.
Destination sessions and adventure sessions available–I may be in a city near you.
Taxes + travel fees not included.
Looking for something different? I offer photography for empowerment/boudoir, brands, businesses, magazines, artists, poets, and just about anything/everything if you think we’d be a good fit.
All collections include:
-Rachel as your lead photographer
– Custom session time
– Custom moodboard and brainstorm session
– Private online gallery
– Full printing and sharing rights
Custom quotes only at this time.
Average investment: $600-$900.
I’ll be real with y’all–I love a good trade. Are you looking for photography services and would like to pay in a non-conventional way (or the most conventional way?)? Let’s chat. I typically do dollar-for-dollar or hour-for-hour, but am open to discussing.
Things I am interested in trading for, but if you have something not on the list, feel free to reach out:
Tattoos/piercings (sessions only); home/gardening/organizing; other art!; trips/vacays; camera/computer gear; website upkeep/blogging/social/SEO/etc; concert tickets/music/theater/art gallery experiences (and fun experiences in general); hair/nail services; general styling/tailoring/someone to put away my laundry for me??; classes; random things from the internet; and more.
(I cannot accept trades for everything at this time–limiting to 3-5 a year–but if you have something in mind, I’d love to hear from you.)
Awe, Rachel. You are true love. Thank you so much for being a part of our day and making everyone feel comfortable. Your team is wonderful and you're also so dang efficient. Thanks for staying late with us too. That meant a lot. We are LOVING these photos. You got an A+ from my older sister which is a much higher score than I've ever gotten from her. "
Morgan + Nick
features
– junebug weddings best of the best wedding photos, 2x winner –
– junebug weddings best of the best engagement photos, winner, and runner-up –
– junebug weddings’ instagrammers to follow –
– green wedding shoes –
– huffington post –
– brides –
– white magazine, print and digital –
– junebug weddings –
– wedding chicks –
– elle decor –
– elle japan –
– cover of brides of oklahoma –
– cosmopolitan –
– cosmo uk –
– lookslikefilm –
– carats + cake-
– offbeat bride –
– lemonade and lenses–
– brides of oklahoma, print + digital–
– photobug community–
– 405 magazine, print + digital –
– southwest: the magazine, print + digital –
– framed network –
– beloved magazine, interview, print –
– american express, instagram –
– darling magazine, issue 19, print and digital –
– landing co. –
– edible OKC –
f e a t u r e s
love letters + receipts












































as seen in:


























Rachel Waters is a curious human, poet, and award-winning and internationally published wedding, lifestyle, and editorial photographer based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and available for creative and/or heartfelt projects worldwide.
They are happy you’re here.
Direct email: hello@rachelwaters.co and/or rachelwaters.co@gmail.com
Office hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9a-5p CST.
Sat-Mon by appointment only.
© Rachel Waters 2012-2024