Wedding Related Questions & Answers:
I've tried to answer some of the most common questions I am asked. If you have any other questions or you would like to book a date, please contact me!
What is your style of photography?
On your wedding day I will photograph a mixture of mostly candid/photojournalistic moments along with some traditional/formal portraiture in order to capture all the emotions and events of the day. Mostly, I will be capturing the moments as they happen without giving direction or posing you… but there are times when I will ask you to pose a certain way (especially for group and family photos).
I edit all of your wedding images myself for consistency in a clean, natural style… while trying to avoid trends and fads. Each photograph you receive has been individually retouched. I do edit skin for blemishes and will whiten teeth (if needed) but I do not do so in such a way that looks "fake" or "doll-like". I feel that clean edits are best! I want to provide you with timeless, lasting photographs that you will love in 5, 10, 25 years and longer!
Do I need a second photographer?
No, you do not need to have a second photographer. I have photographed many weddings as the only photographer and am able to capture the special moments of your day on my own. However, a second photographer is great to have if your budget allows for one! The second photographers I use are experienced in wedding photography – they are not newbies and they are not assistants! Having 2 photographers will allow you to have a photographer meet up with the girls and a photographer meet up with the guys to get more “getting ready” images! A second photographer will also capture different angles during your ceremony, help arrange people for the group & family photos, and will be able to capture many more candid moments of your guests throughout the day!
Why do most of your packages include a photo book or album?
I started to include wedding albums or books in most of my packages because I feel it is important for my clients to have a storybook representation of their day that they can pass on to future generations. It is a wonderful way to quickly look back on your favorite wedding day moments or a great way to share your day with friends or family that weren't able to attend. The albums are designed with YOUR favorite images and the covers can be customized to reflect your colors and tastes. These are a professional high-quality, long-lasting, durable product that will last years longer than those you can get at "discount" printing sites. Albums also take time to put together. I've known several people who said they were going to make their own after they got their files... but never did (myself included!).
Smaller books or albums make wonderful keepsakes for parents! Books can be upgraded to albums for an additional fee. I have samples of each type... once you see them you'll understand why I fell in love with them!
The cost of the album as part of my Wedding Experiences is very reasonable (and is highly discounted). If you ask what the cost is without the album, please realize it may not change all that much!
Do you photograph same-sex weddings?
Yes! Absolutely!
Have you shot at our location before?
I have photographed at several locations in Northeast Ohio… but I love to shoot at new venues! I’m confident I would do a great job capturing your wedding at any venue. I always scout out any new locations/venues prior to the wedding so I know what the layout and lighting conditions are like and where the best spots to shoot are... I'd be happy to have you join me if you'd like! Sometimes fresh eyes are a good thing!
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes! I always carry a backup camera with another lens and an external flash on me and ready to go. This way if there is are any problems with my primary camera it only takes a moment for me to switch to the other camera and keep clicking away… without missing shots or holding up your day!
How many images do you deliver?
Every wedding is unique so I don’t like to give a specific number of images you will receive. I take a lot of images on your wedding day and you’ll receive most of them (except duplicate images)! On average… a 4 hour wedding will receive 400+ while an all day wedding with 2 photographers could very likely receive 1000+! You won't be disappointed in the number you receive!
Do you convert the images to black & white?
Yes! I will convert select images to black and white. When I do so, you will receive both the color and black & white image. If there is an image you love that I didn’t convert, please let me know and I will do so!
How soon will we see previews from the wedding day?
I will put up several sneak peek images on my business Facebook page within 72 hours after the end of your reception that you are welcome to share! I know how eager you are to see them and I don’t want you to wait long for a glimpse of them! I will also make a blog post of most weddings that will have about 75-125 of your images! (If you do not want them put on Facebook, please let me know beforehand and I can setup another way for you to view them!)
When will the photographs be ready?
Normal processing time before you will receive your complete, fully edited, online gallery is 6-8 weeks. You'll get the rest of your order (USB and album, if applicable) soon after.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, absolutely! My business is a legal LLC (limited liability company) and is registered with the state of Ohio. As such, I must collect sales tax when applicable and carry insurance. I can provide a Certificate of Liability to your venue if they request it!
What will you wear to the wedding?
If it is a black-tie, formal wedding I normally wear all black – dress pants, blouse, and a possible jacket or sweater. If it is more informal (such as a beach wedding), lighter slacks and a blouse. I, and my second photographer, will always dress professionally and appropriately for the event and location we will be shooting.
What happens if you are not able to photograph our wedding?
I have never missed a wedding or any other photoshoot I was hired to photograph! In the unlikely event I was going to be unable to photograph your wedding I would do my best to find a suitable, experienced replacement.
Where are you based?
I am based in Madison, Ohio but I travel at no additional charge within 65 miles of zip code 44057 (about 1 hour away)… this includes much of northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania! I feel my travel fees, if they apply, are very reasonable.
Are you available for out of state weddings or elopements?
Yes! I am more than willing to travel in the US to take your wedding images! Any travel fees would be disclosed to you when you would sign the contract. If you are planning to have a mountaintop elopement or an adventurous wedding at a gorgeous location there may be little to no travel fees! 😊
Contact me for special elopement pricing!
We are ready to book! What is the next step?
Wonderful! Whenever possible, I always prefer to meet with both of you in person at a coffee shop or the like about halfway between the city you live in and Madison. This allows all of us to talk about your plans for the wedding, what is important, and for us to start getting to know each other to make sure we are a good fit. It is important for the clients to feel comfortable around their photographer as this person will be with you all day long on your wedding day! If this isn’t possible, we can set up a time to chat on the phone and I can email you the contract to print out, sign, and return to me.
To lock in your date, I require a signed contract and a $100 retainer (which is applied towards your package). The balance isn’t due until the day of the wedding. You may pay beforehand if you’d like so it’s one less thing to think about on the wedding day!
Why is it important to have an engagement session?
It allows both of you to get to know and feel more comfortable around me so on your wedding day we are more like friends than strangers! It also allows me to get to know both of you – your personalities and how you act in front of the camera prior to the wedding day. I will suggest tips and posing help (if you need it) so you’ll both know exactly what to do on your wedding day!
Engagement sessions really are fun! It is your chance to show your love for one another in a fun and playful way… while I capture some amazing pictures of you both! If you are having a hair and/or makeup trial this may be a good day to do it so you are looking your best! Most of the engagement shots are candid photos – or I may give you a prompt and then capture your reactions! I will provide you with a list of suggestions and dos and don’ts prior to this day. Sessions can be done at the location(s) of your choice… I can also give you some great suggestions too if needed!
If you really against doing an engagement shoot or had one done already by someone else… that’s ok too!
Do we meet again to discuss the final wedding details?
Yes! I like to schedule an in person or phone meeting about 2 weeks prior to your wedding to go over all the final details and the timeline of your wedding day. I also ask both of you to have a list for me at this time of all the family pictures you’d like taken. This way you don’t have to think about it on the wedding day and it greatly reduces the chance of forgetting to get a picture with someone important to you.
What happens after the wedding?
Within 72 hours after your wedding, I’ll post a couple sneak peek images on my business Facebook page. I may also do a blog post on your wedding that will be posted before your gallery is ready.
Within 6-8 weeks I’ll let contact you to let you know your complete, edited, online gallery is available to be viewed. This is a password protected gallery but you can share the information with family and friends if you’d like!
If your package includes a wedding book or album, I’ll ask you to pick about 70-150+ of your favorite photos from the gallery to put into the book/album following guidelines I will give you (number of pictures depends on the number of pages in the book/album). I will use those images, and a few others of my choosing (if needed), to custom design your book/album. This should take me about a week after I receive your selections. When I’m done, I’ll send you a PDF file with proofs of each page for your approval. If you’d like any changes you can let me know! Once approved, I’ll place the order and your book/album will be delivered at your home within a few days!
You’ll also be able to choose an image for the front of the custom USB box. I should have that, your USB with all your edited high-resolution images, and your print release form for you around the same time. I can drop these off or mail them to you!
Should I tip my photographer?
The best "tip" you can give me is to write a review of the service you received and recommend me to your friends and family! Monetary tips aren't required or expected, but if you do decide to give one for exceptional service it would be appreciated!