Q: How long have you been shooting? How many weddings have you photographed?
A: I’m currently in my sixth year of business. I photographed exactly 100 weddings prior to making portraits my main focus.
Q: Do you have any formal training?
A: I do! I earned my bachelors degree in photojournalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes! I encourage all potential clients to read through THESE testimonials on TheKnot.com.
Q: Do you have liability insurance?
A: Yes, I do. I have a one million dollar policy through Hartford Insurance.
Q: What equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment?
A: I use all Nikon bodies and lenses, both for primary shooting, as well as backup equipment.
Q: How would you describe your working style?
A: I take a very photojournalistic, fly-on-the-wall approach. However, when the circumstance calls for direction, I give it. This is the case during wedding party, bride and groom, and family portraits.
Q: Can I see your portfolio of wedding images?
A: I encourage all potential clients to peruse the WEDDINGS category of this blog. I believe there’s no better way to see how I go about photographing a full wedding than viewing posts from full weddings.
Q: How much are your packages and what do they include?
A: Packages begin at $2800 not including sales tax. All include myself as your photographer, eight hours of coverage, 500-600 high-resolution images delivered via download link with print permission, and online gallery for proofing and print purchase. Albums, second photographers, and portrait sessions cost extra.
Q: Can we customize our package?
A: Yes! All packages are customizable.
Q: Do you charge for travel?
A: I charge for travel anywhere outside Houston’s Beltway 8. Cost is determined by mileage, time of day, and opportunity cost of being out of the office.
Q: How far in advance do I need to book with you?
A: Anywhere from six months to a year. Because I only take on up to one wedding per month, more advanced notice is better than less. I will not book weddings that are more than one year out.
Q: How do I reserve my date?
A: A signed contract and 50% retainer fee are required to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due no later than 14 business days before your wedding day. You can pay via cash, check or credit card.
Q: When would we schedule our engagement session and/or bridal session?
A: We can schedule your engagement session as soon as you’d like. Same goes for bridals. I do, however, require that we complete all shoots at least one month prior to your wedding day, giving me time for image selection, editing, and delivery.
Q: What is an “after” session?
A: An after session is a shoot scheduled any time after your wedding day. It’s a great excuse to get in your wedding gown and tux a second time so we can capture some fun images. It’s also a great last resort for clients who decline a first look and don’t allow ample time for naturally-lit portraits on the wedding day.
Q: What is a “first look?”
A: A first look is when a bride and groom opt to see each other before their ceremony. Not only does it allow you one-on-one time before the wedding begins, but it ensures ample time for naturally-lit portraits. Learn more HERE!
Q: Will you create an ideal timeline for my wedding day?
A: I work closely with all my clients to create their wedding day timelines. The end goal is to prioritize your images and ensure a smoothly-run celebration.
Q: What is your refund/cancellation policy?
A: In the event of cancellation, your 50% retainer fee is non-refundable and cannot be used as credit towards other products or services. If cancellation occurs within three months of the wedding, the client is required to pay the balance due to the high probability that I will not be able to book a replacement for that date. Once a balance is paid, it is nonrefundable. Cancellation must be documented in writing.
Q: At what point do we talk timeline/must-have shots/vendor information/etc?
A: About a month before your wedding day, I will send you an online questionnaire that you will need to answer by two weeks prior to the wedding. It will get us on the same page about all sorts of last minute details.
Q: Do you take breaks during the wedding day?
A: I will need one 15 minute break every three hours in order to pump breast milk for my infant son. I also don’t shoot during dinner, as I will be eating as well.
Q: Do you eat what we eat and when?
A: My contract requires that I (and my second shooter or assistant) be served a hot meal at the same time as the wedding party so I can be finished and ready to continue photographing the reception immediately afterward.
Q: What if my event goes longer than expected? Will you shoot overtime? Is there a charge?
A: Overtime must be agreed upon before the wedding day, at the rate of $350/hour.
Q: What if you can’t photograph our wedding due to an emergency?
A: In the event of an emergency, I will secure a substitute photographer of high qualifications to fulfill the obligations of our contract. If the client declines the substitute photographer, they may instead terminate our agreement and receive a full refund, less expenses and any other services/products unaffected.
Q: Do you work off a shot-list?
A: I do not. I believe that the best, most creative and genuine images are made when I’m free to shoot in the moment. That said, I do ask my clients for a list of 5-10 photo opportunities that will be unique to them and their wedding day. Must-haves, if you will.
Q: Do you select the final images we receive, or do we?
A: I do. It’s my job as your photographer to make image selections that best tell the story of your session or wedding day. Clients are not given the opportunity to see images taken but not chosen for final inclusion.
Q: Are images delivered in color as well as black and white?
A: I deliver all images in color. You are welcome to make B&W prints, but I do not deliver images in B&W.
Q: Do you provide retouching or other corrective services?
A: I provide minimal retouching to those images I decide to blog, but no others. All images are adjusted for color, exposure, contrast, and sharpness.
Q: How will our pictures be delivered?
A: Your high-resolution images will be delivered via download link. They will remain hosted online for proofing and print purchase for three months.
Q: How many images will we receive? What is your turnaround time?
A: Your 500-600 images will be ready approximately six weeks after your wedding day. Albums take longer, depending on how quickly you give me your image selections.
Q: What are your wedding albums like?
A: All the albums I offer are flush-mount. Each spread is printed on satin luster-coated paper and then mounted to thick card stock to lay flat. You will have 20 different cover options to choose from. I offer albums in both 8″x8″ and 10″x10″ sizes. Each album holds up to 75 images, which YOU select for inclusion, and I design into spreads. You’ll be given the opportunity for one collective revision before the album goes to print.
Q: Can I see a sample contract?
A: Once you’ve decided to book, you’ll be sent a contract that you can review online. Most questions you would have regarding the contract are covered on this page.
Q: Can I schedule a meeting with you?
A: I reserve meetings for those potential clients who are ready to book, but want to make sure our personalities are a good fit first. If you have read through this page and feel we are a good fit where FAQs are concerned, we should schedule a meeting.
Q: What are my next steps?
A: If you’ve read through this page and are ready to book, inquire through THIS contact form. If I can work with you, I’ll follow up with a contract!