FAQ: Weddings

I always knew I wanted a career in the arts, but struggled to find out what was the right fit for me.  I discovered my love for photography after spending a little time in front of the camera when I was fresh out of high school.  I was very good friends with the photographer and would study how he worked in Photoshop and Lightroom (the main programs used for post-production).  Once I watched the process from beginning to end, my interest was sparked.  I ended up buying a camera of my own and joining him as a second shooter at weddings.  After that, everything else fell into place and I started booking clients!  I believe it was a part of God’s plan for my life that I “fell into” this career.

My first wedding as the lead photographer occurred in late 2011.  Since then, I’ve photographed well over 100 weddings, averaging 20-25 per season.

I like to touch all bases by mixing candid/documentary style of photography with a touch of traditional.  Each client receives an assortment of images including smiles and laughter, serious, formal, and the like. I always pose my clients but I also ask them to let themselves have fun and be relaxed so that I can get a natural feel to the images.

I estimate between 400-600 final images; however, image counts vary based on the amount of coverage (i.e. 10 hour packages with a large amount of guests and big wedding party will generally include the most photos due to longer coverage).  If there are 700+ great images, they will be included in the final gallery!  I provide high-res JPEG files and allow clients to print at a lab of their choice.

I shoot with a Canon R5 and I own a variety of lenses that will allow me to shoot in any situation. I do have backup cameras and gear.  Additionally, my camera has dual memory card slots, which means your wedding images are immediately recorded to two separate memory cards while I shoot – simultaneously.  I store wedding files on multiple separate devices to ensure your images are safe.  Depending on technology can be a scary thing, so I take every possible step to avoid any issues.

I have photographed both small and large weddings and wedding parties at a variety of locations – from churches and hotels to backyards, golf courses, wineries, beaches, and more.

Yes, I have lighting equipment that I use for each reception and for portraits if needed.

No, the hours of coverage in the “Prime”, “Premium”, and “Deluxe” packages only apply to the hours of coverage on the wedding date. The engagement photo time is complimentary 🙂

That is not a problem! I allow clients to make necessary changes to the length of coverage, and the payment will be adjusted when the final balance is paid off.

At this time I do not offer a coverage beyond 10 hours.

I have multiple second shooters that I have available to bring to each wedding.  Each photographer I work with has a skill and creativity that I feel is at a similar level to mine.  My second shooters will generally be photographing for the same amount of time as I am, unless otherwise discussed with the client.

A first look is when I photograph the bride & groom’s reactions to seeing each other for the first time on their big day. Many couples choose this route instead of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony.  This allows the majority of formal photos to be taken beforehand.

If a first look is not desired, that is totally okay!  Each bride and groom are unique in their preferences.  If there is no sight of each other until the ceremony, we can easily work that in to the schedule by photographing the bridesmaids + bride separately from the groomsmen + groom before the ceremony, and then altogether afterward.  Depending on the time allotted, the separate families can be photographed prior to the ceremony as well – and vice versa.

I have an itinerary/general information document that I use with each wedding to keep organized and ensure no shots are missed.  I send over a list of questions a few weeks prior to the wedding date (to ensure all details are ironed out), and then draft an itinerary to be sent over for each couple’s approval.  That way, all parties are on the same page and the day will flow smoothly.

My return time is ~2 months for weddings and ~1 month for engagement sessions to allow for the best possible post-production. The actual time will vary slightly depending on what time of the year the wedding takes place due to on/off season. I send out a touch-base to update clients when I am nearing completion.

To secure your date, I require a signed contract and a 50% deposit. Clients have the option to pay one (1) down payment of 50%, or two (2) down payments totaling 25% each; one due upon signing, and the second due 6 months prior to your big day.  The final payment (50%) is due 2 weeks after your wedding date.  Yes, after!

Yes, please!  I have photographed weddings and engagement sessions in Nashville, Clearwater Beach, Aruba, San Diego, Los Angeles, Colorado, and more!  I will hop on a plane anytime to take photos and hope to do so as much as I can.  In these scenarios, clients cover my accommodations – that generally includes airfare, hotel, and rental car if needed.  Please inquire for more information! Have passport, will travel.

Wedding dates are secured by executing a contract and paying a deposit, and I operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.  When I receive multiple inquiries for the same date, I allow a 48-hour window for the first client who reached out to move forward.