FAQs
Coverage & Travel
Do you work with a second photographer?
I do offer a second photographer as an optional add on to my packages, but do not require them. There are weddings that greatly benefit from having an additional camera for coverage reasons, and others where it isn’t necessary. I would love to talk with you about the different situations where a second photographer can be an asset and see if your unique wedding would benefit from them.
Do you edit all your images personally?
This is a resounding YES! Every image that I deliver has been processed by me, one at a time. I am not a fan of bulk editing as I feel details can get missed when you’re not focused on a single image at a time. I also have a highly skilled team to help me with significant edits such as head swapping, or background distraction removal.
Where are you based, and do you travel?
I live in the soybean capital of the world, that is Decatur, IL! However I am available to travel all across the country to photograph weddings. Travel fees for long distance are simple, if a flight, rental car, and hotel room are required all you’re responsible for is a direct reimbursement for those charges.
For weddings that are within a 4hr drive then a mileage rate and potentially a hotel room reimbursement apply, and for local weddings with less than 1hr of driving no travel fee is charged. International weddings will potentially need a work visa.
How many photos will we receive?
The number of images delivered varies wildly based on the wedding itself. Some weddings will last for 12hrs with 300 guests, while others will be shorter with a more intimate guest count.
A typical 8hr day with a second photographer will produce a gallery of between 350-450 images. I would love to talk with you more about expectations though once I hear about your wedding day plans.
Have you photographed my venue before?
I’ve shot at lots of venues, (especially in Central Illinois) so there is a good chance that I have. However, if I have not, I will get to the venue early on the day of and be sure to perform a walk-through to scout out the best photography locations. I also do extensive online research prior to your big day!
Style
What is your style of photography?
I cover weddings with a journalist style, but feel that photography doesn’t lend well to being classed in a specific “genre”. While at some points in the day you won’t even realize that I am there, other times I will gently pose and direct you to get the best images possible.
Being flexible and jumping between styles is one of the skills that I have worked very hard to perfect!
I have never had my photo taken, what if I look awkward?
I completely understand the awkward feeling of having a camera pointed at you, but I want to stress that you don’t need to be a professional model to have amazing photos taken!
We will work together to make sure that you and your partner feel relaxed. I use a combination of bad jokes and embarrassing stories to get real laughs from you while gently guiding you into the most flattering positions.
When you see the back of my camera you will be blow away, I promise!
Do you deliver every image you shoot?
No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery.
For example, because I shoot with low apertures, sometimes I will take a few extra shots to make sure I have the perfect focus.
In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. I might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure I have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment.
Can we provide you with a “shot list” of must have photos?
Other than specific family formal photos, I would rather you didn’t. Let me explain why though! It is helpful to know what guests and important family members are coming to your wedding, as well if a unique or special event bears any significance to you, but having me work from a list is going to be distracting and counterproductive.
The lists that you see in wedding magazines or blogs are typically captured as the day happens organically, and while attempting to force these images we will lose out on the ability to have them happen naturally.
Business & Details
How are my images delivered to me?
All full resolution, un-watermarked images are delivered in an online gallery to you no more than 45 days after your wedding day. This link is private and will only be shared with you, so you’ll get to decide who is able to view and download your images.
Anyone with gallery access will also be able to order prints, canvases, and download all of your images straight from this gallery and have them shipped to their home.
Will I receive the RAW images? What about the copyright?
The RAW, or unedited, files are not available for viewing or purchase as I do not believe in delivering an unfinished product.
A “copyright release” is also something that I see added to other photographers contracts quite a bit. Generally this is meant to allow you to print your photos by yourself, or any lab that you choose. That is not the same as obtaining copyright though!
Copyright simply means that I am the creator of the images, and I “own” the copyright. Selling or obtaining the copyright is not possible, but you will have a print release in your contract that gives you the ability to legally print your images anywhere you’d like, as much as you’d like.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes! Absolutely, and without question any professional vendor that you are hiring for your wedding day should be required to have lability insurance and be able to show you, or your venue, a certificate of coverage if you request it.
What equipment do you use?
I use Canon’s top of the line professional mirrorless cameras as my main bodies, and have extensive backups. I love camera gear, from film cameras and darkroom equipment, to the most modern cameras. Here is a list of cameras and lenses on me at the average wedding though if you’re curious:
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R6
RF Canon 50mm 1.2L
RF Canon 28-70mm 2.0L USM
RF Canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM
RF Canon 14-35mm 4.0L IS USM
Can you hold my date?
I am so sorry, but without a signed contract and retainer I am unable to hold a date. I accept all bookings on a first come, first served basis.
What is your payment structure like?
A retainer of approx 30% is due at the time of signing, with the final balance being due 30 days prior to the wedding day. I will break up the balance and spread it out over the months leading up to your wedding, although that payment schedule is all customizable if you wish!
When should we book you for our wedding?
ASAP! I am unable to hold, or pencil in a date and they are booked when they are booked. Most of my couples reach out about a year in advance, but I have had some people get in with just a few months before their day.
It is easy to predict popular weekends, but not easy to predict when they will book up! Click the button to check your date availability and receive a digital brochure with pricing information and more by filling out my contact form, I can’t wait to hear from you!