FAQ
What is your approach to wedding photography?
Your wedding is a story told in photographs. Capturing every detail in a way that will make the memory live on for years is a priority. I retell your story with authentic emotion, natural composition, journalistic candid captures, and a relaxed style. From the moment you decide to contact me to the moment I deliver your final gallery, you will know that I focus on you and your needs, and how I can help make your day absolutely special. There’s a lot of prep work I do to make sure your day is effortless and enjoyable in every way. During consultations, I make sure that your vision is fulfilled and the timeline we create specifically for your wedding day will keep you organized and on point. You’ll find me and my team unobtrusive during your day. I’m comfortable taking charge in a friendly way to help put you at ease and navigate you towards the results we’ve prepared for. I’m truly honored with all the praise my past clients have shared (with over 150 reviews on several platforms, all 5 stars) and I look forward to keeping that streak alive.
What is your photography style?
Shall I say Fusion? You may have already set your eyes on a particular style but before you decide, please check out my blog post about style descriptions. I incorporate different styles throughout your day. For getting ready photos, I use a photojournalistic style to capture candid moments, but I also use an artistic style when photographing details like the bride’s dress, shoes, etc. Otherwise, a documentary shot of the bride’s dress would basically be the dress on the cardboard bust it comes with. During the ceremony and reception, I use a documentary style. For the couple’s portraits, family portraits, and wedding party, we inject the right amount of direction that makes everyone feel comfortable and enjoy the process.
What are your wedding prices and packages?
I offer a variety of packages, ranging from $3200 (for a solo photographer) to $3800 (with 1 assistant and 2nd photographer). I also have an associate photographer with pricing starting at $2,400. Before I send you my pricing packages, I’d like to find out more about your specific needs so I can make a recommendation. There are times we may be able to make a price concession for an off-season date. You can find out more about pricing factors or fill out our wedding questionnaire to get our recommendation and price list.
How far in advance do I need to book you?
For popular wedding months and dates like September and October, I tend to book quickly (even as far out as a year and a half.) Sometimes, I may not book until 3-4 months out from other dates. I would strongly recommend starting the process early and locking in a date when you are ready. If you would like to ensure we are available on your date, click our quick contact form to confirm availability.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I use professional-level Nikon Full Format cameras, a wide range of fast lenses, speed lights and off-camera strobes. Whether someone is using Nikon, Canon, Sony or other, each has its own niche in the market. In this day and age, the main companies have terrific cameras and basically surpass each other as they come out with updated cameras every two years or so. The main feature you want to look for is full format vs cropped sensor, and what kind of lenses and lighting they use. Want to learn more about equipment and what to look for?
How do you back up your images?
Images are backed up the split second they are taken and always backed up in two places until they are safely delivered to you. One of the many reasons it’s important to use professional grade cameras is that they have two card slots. Equally important is to ensure your photographer sets up their camera for backup and not overflow. Once downloaded from the camera, your images are backed up on an external hard drive. When they are delivered to you, they are saved in the cloud and remain on the external hard drive. Even after your gallery expires, we keep the hard drive as a backup and keep your images for years to come if you ever need it. Of course, we recommend you download them and keep them in two places as well for safekeeping.
When will we receive our images? How will we receive them and how many?
A few days after your wedding, we’ll send you a few images so you can share on social media. You may see a few more posted on our social media platforms. We’d love for you to follow us and encourage your family and friends to follow us too. From start to finish, we usually deliver your images within 4 weeks. During the busiest times of the year, delivery may take up to 6 weeks which we specifically stipulate in your contract. When your photos are ready, we organize them neatly in an online gallery for easy viewing. Many of my clients pay for additional years to keep their gallery online — the seamless organization allows for ease of finding particular images or viewing them in slideshow format. For an 8-hour wedding, you typically receive about 700-800 images in your online gallery (or more depending on your requirements or whether you had a second photographer) but with most of the weddings I cover are 10 hours and usually deliver anywhere from 900-1400 images. I do offer thumb drives in some of my packages that include all the bells and whistles, or as an add-on, should you want it. Our thumb drives are all-aluminum, gasket-sealed for dust and water resistance, and come in a case for extra safekeeping.
Can we send you a shot list or a board from Pinterest with photos we like?
Unless there is a very specific shot or detail you want us to capture (like a pendant that is on your bouquet for example), a shot list is not necessary. All of the important components will be outlined in our timeline. Plus, we’ll work with you in advance to list all the family portrait groupings. Trust us to capture the details and enjoy the moment! I encourage you to share photos you like from a Pinterest board, however, we’ll use those as inspiration rather than recreating another photographer’s photo. Keep in mind that images you select on any social media platform are the best shots of an entire photographer’s shoot where time of day, lighting, and circumstances all came together for that magical moment. It is best to let those moments happen organically to capture your own unique magical moment.
Can we see a full gallery?
Absolutely! I always encourage viewing a full gallery so you can see what to expect in quality that will be delivered to you. I have a few curated galleries here but just click on the button below to send us a request. Let us know where your venue will be and we’ll try to send you something relevant.
Should I require the wedding to be unplugged?
I never require this, but I do think couples enjoy having their friends and family fully present in the moment. It is inevitable — guests will use phones and iPads to take photos, or even cameras for those who are aspiring photographers. We don’t mind this at all. We only ask that they refrain from using flash photography which can impact the quality of images we’re trying to capture. We also ask that they stay at a good distance so they don’t accidentally come into our frame.
Our venue requires our vendors to be insured. are you able to comply?
Not a problem! If your venue requires proof of insurance, just let us know in advance so we can provide an up-to-date copy. If they require to be added as “additionally insured”, we will obtain a copy of our current insurance but won’t add them until the month before — there is a monthly fee involved for this transaction and we will only be at the venue for the day.
Have you ever photographed at our venue?
With so many amazing venues in the DC Metro area, there is a chance that I haven't photographed a wedding at your venue, but don't let that concern you. I will always visit any venue beforehand to acclimate myself of its surroundings. I usually look for areas and backgrounds that haven’t been photographed before to create unique images for you. I also look at the main attractions of the venue for additional backgrounds. Looking at it through a different lens so to speak. The photo to the left was for a couple that had a venue with very limited views, so I had scouted a nearby pond we drove to for their couples session. I think you'll be very pleased on the day of your event how smoothly I can guide you through the venue to capture terrific shots.
The question no one wants you to ask — What if something happens to you?
The quick answer — I have never missed an event or shoot, and I’m knocking on wood right now! But let’s face it. It has happened to people. Rest assured, I work with a number of independent photographers who, in case of an emergency, will step in. I’ve shot weddings before as a fill-in for someone else. But my plan is not to put you in that position, ever. Just know a solution has been prepared.
I like what I see. what’s next?
Great! I’m excited and look forward to meeting you and learning more about your wedding plans. The best way to get started is filling out our Wedding Questionnaire to give us some details to work with before the initial consultation. Don’t want to fill out a long form? Give us a call (703)401-4127 or email us to schedule a consultation. Consultations can be done over the phone, Zoom/Face Time if preferred. Our booking retainer is 35% due at the time of contract signing and the balance is due 4 weeks before the wedding date.