10 Questions with Sam Yonane

Wedding Diaries interviewed one of the most experienced and a highly sought-after wedding photographer from Queensland, Sam Yonane of Emotional Moment Photography & Film. Brisbane based Sam is the founder and owner of Emotional Moment Photography & Film.

Wedding Photographers - Sam Yonane

Business: Emotional Moment Photography & Film
Location: QLD
Experience: 12 Years
Profile: Emotional Moment Photography & Film
Website: emotionalmoment.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi, I’m Sam Yonane, founder and lead photographer at Emotional Moment Photography & Film. My journey into photography began over a decade ago, driven by a deep passion for storytelling through visuals. This curiosity eventually blossomed into a full-time career after I moved to Australia, where I honed my skills with a Diploma in Photography from TAFE QLD.

Specializing in weddings, fashion, and night events, I’ve spent the last 10 years capturing the raw emotions and unique stories of couples and clients from all walks of life. Whether it's the joy of a wedding day or the energy of a fashion shoot, my aim is to create beautiful, timeless imagery that people will treasure for a lifetime.

Beyond photography, I’m also the director of WaveCards, a digital business card solution, and I have a passion for helping businesses grow through my videography and marketing expertise. Let’s create something beautiful together!

2. How long have you been shooting weddings and how many weddings have you photographed?

With over 10 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing more than 400 weddings across various locations, from Australia to Georgia, Italy and Lebanon. Every wedding has its unique story, and I strive to document each one in a way that reflects the true emotions and atmosphere of the day.

From intimate elopements to large, glamorous ceremonies, I’ve worked with couples from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own charm and vision. My style focuses on a blend of candid moments and beautifully composed shots, ensuring that the spontaneity and emotions of your special day are captured in timeless imagery. I’m dedicated to working closely with each couple to understand their story, their preferences, and the special moments they want to treasure forever.

Weddings are one of the most important events in life, and I consider it an honor to be trusted with preserving these precious memories. Whether it’s the first look, a quiet moment shared between the couple, or the joyful energy of the reception, I approach each wedding with the same passion and dedication that I’ve had since the beginning of my career.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my photography style as a blend of candid storytelling and timeless elegance. My goal is to capture authentic moments as they unfold naturally, allowing the day's emotions, joy, and connection to shine through in every frame. I believe that the best photos come from real, unscripted moments—the laughter, the tears, the spontaneous smiles—and I focus on documenting those raw emotions.

At the same time, I also value beautifully composed shots that highlight the romance and beauty of the day. Whether it’s a stunning sunset portrait or a quiet moment between the couple, I aim to create artistic and timeless images, giving you photos that evoke the feelings of the day and stand the test of time.

My editing style leans toward warm, natural tones that enhance the emotion without feeling overly stylized. I want your photos to feel as real and vibrant as the day itself so that when you look back on them years from now, they still feel fresh and full of life.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

The best time to book your wedding photographer is as early as possible, especially if you have a specific photographer in mind. Typically, couples book their photographer 12-18 months in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak wedding seasons.

For me, the busiest booking months tend to be from September through April, as these months often coincide with the most popular wedding dates. Saturdays and Sundays during this period tend to get booked very quickly, sometimes over a year in advance. If you’re planning a wedding during these peak months, or on a weekend, it’s ideal to secure your photographer early to avoid disappointment.

However, if your wedding falls on a weekday or during the off-peak months of May through August, there’s a bit more flexibility, though I still recommend booking at least 6-8 months ahead. Overall, whether you’re planning a large event or an intimate gathering, the earlier you can lock in your photographer, the better. This allows for ample time to plan and collaborate on creating the perfect memories for your special day.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I offer a range of wedding photography packages to suit different needs and budgets:

1. 1-Hour Small Wedding/Engagement Package – $499
Ideal for short ceremonies or engagement shoots.
Includes 1 hour of coverage.

2. Silver Package – $999
A great mid-range option for smaller weddings. 5 hours
Includes 5 hours of coverage to capture critical moments.

3. Gold Package – $1,999
Includes 8 hours of coverage of your wedding day.

4. Full Day Package – $2,499
10 hours of coverage from start to finish.
Depending on your needs, additional hours can be added at an extra cost. Let’s work together to find the perfect fit for your big day!

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

On your wedding day, I will be the lead photographer, ensuring that every important moment is captured. Depending on the package you choose, I may work with a second photographer or assistant to make sure we cover multiple angles and moments throughout the day. Typically, we operate with two cameras, capturing a mix of candid shots and posed portraits. My team and I work discreetly, ensuring we blend into the background so you can focus on enjoying your special day while we capture all the details and emotions.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I am absolutely open to traveling for your special day! Whether you’re planning a destination wedding abroad or a beautiful country wedding a few hours away, I’m ready to pack my gear and capture your big day wherever it takes place. I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings across various regions and countries, and I’m excited to explore new places with you. Additional travel fees may apply depending on the location, but I am flexible and always willing to work with you to make it happen.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums or prints are not included in any of my standard wedding photography packages. However, I can help you design beautiful, high-quality albums or provide prints at an additional cost if you would like to preserve your memories in a physical format. This gives you the flexibility to choose the format that works best for you after you’ve received your digital images. If you’re interested, we can discuss album options and pricing to fit your preferences.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive their wedding photos? How will they be delivered?

After the wedding day, I carefully sort and edit all your photos to ensure every image is beautifully polished and reflects the essence of your day. This process typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the season and the volume of photos. Once editing is complete, the final images will be delivered via an online gallery, making it easy for you to download, share, and print your photos. You’ll receive all your edited images in high-resolution, ready for you to relive and treasure each moment.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

For cancellations, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your wedding date. If the cancellation is made within a certain timeframe prior to the event, additional fees may apply. Refunds are not typically offered, but I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and I’m open to discussing rescheduling options if needed. Please reach out as soon as possible if any changes occur so we can work together to find a solution. Specific terms can be outlined in the contract upon booking.