FREQUENTLY asked QUESTIONS
Planning a wedding comes with its fair share of questions, especially when it revolves around capturing those cherished moments. Below, I've compiled answers to the most common queries about my wedding photography approach and services. Let's make this process as clear and seamless as possible for you!
A COLLECTION OF COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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Considering me as your wedding photographer? Here's why it's a decision you won't regret: I approach each wedding as if I'm capturing moments for my own kin. I'll guide you in crafting a timeline that lets the day unfold authentically. With nearly two decades under my belt, I've seen it all. I understand the intricacies, the emotions, and sometimes, the chaos of weddings.
I'll be more than just your photographer. Think of me as your guide, your mediator when family dynamics come into play, and most importantly, your staunch supporter. My role is to ensure your day is captured with the elegance and authenticity it deserves.
Let me be your eyes, allowing you to immerse in the joy of having all your loved ones around, confident in the knowledge that every moment is being documented masterfully.
Unexpected challenges like rain, snow, delays, or even surprise venue issues? I've navigated them all. My commitment is not only to deliver exceptional photos but also to alleviate wedding day anxieties, ensuring you relish every moment.

COVERAGE + TRAVEL
Frequent inquiries touch on topics such as pricing, travel guidelines, delivery timelines, albums, and other specifics about wedding coverage. For your convenience, I've gathered the most common questions and their answers here. If your query isn't addressed, please reach out to the studio directly. I look forward to connecting with you.
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I completely get the desire to access pricing without the extra step of inquiring. For various reasons, I've opted not to display detailed rates and packages on the site. To start, pricing varies based on location, considering factors like travel for events beyond the Charleston, SC vicinity. Destination weddings have distinct considerations too. Furthermore, I frequently tailor packages to match individual client needs—a service I'm keen to extend to you. For a precise quote tailored to your wedding, a simple email will get you all the information. Expect a swift response, and I'm eager to discuss more.
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Discussing the financial aspects of this profession is complex. While factors like equipment costs, business operations, taxes, and insurance are universal concerns for all photographers, it's not just about these expenses. Each of us invests significant time with our clients, both pre and post-wedding, including the unseen hours of editing and post-production.
In an industry without a standard rate, photographers are free to determine their value. My rate might be higher than some but not the pinnacle. It reflects my seasoned experience, my knack for capturing beauty regardless of circumstances, the superior quality of the final products, my proficiency in achieving most of the desired effects in-camera without heavy reliance on post-production, and the inherent value of my work.
Defining the worth of creative work in monetary terms isn't straightforward. But with the vast experience I've accrued, I can assertively state that my services, especially on your wedding day, are priced aptly for the quality provided.
I'm always open to discussing rates and tailoring a package to align with your budget. Feel free to reach out, and let's converse.
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Yes! For every collection and a la carte option I work with a second photographer. A custom collection without one can be created if your wedding does not require one.
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Absolutely! Every photo you receive is individually hand-edited, ensuring personalized attention rather than bulk processing. Additionally, my expert editing team often picks out a few standout images for extra detailed refinement beyond the standard edits.
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I'm based in Charleston, SC. My photography journey has taken me across the America — from the streets of NY to the beaches of LA. As a seasoned destination wedding specialist, I've accumulated a wealth of travel experience and an uncanny knack for catching sleep on flights. When you hire me for your destination wedding, know that you're partnering with a seasoned traveler. As for travel costs, they're straightforward — any expenses like airfare, hotel, and car rentals are simply reimbursed directly by you.
For local weddings, I've got wheels and genuinely enjoy hitting the road. So, wherever your story unfolds, I'm ready to capture it.
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Yes, we can provide you with the A team that's as devoted to capture the photography and video of your wedding day.
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I see where you're coming from, asking for references. It's a standard practice in many situations. However, in the realm of wedding photography, I don't offer past clients as references. The reason is twofold: One, any reference would be cherry-picked, thus not wholly impartial. Two, out of respect for their privacy and time, I avoid imposing on my clients post-event. For firsthand insight into working with me, you might consider asking other vendors involved in your wedding.
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I'm here to assist, but the answer isn't crystal clear. When your wedding takes place at the venue, the odds of needing a permit are typically low. However, if you plan to venture away from the venue, a permit might be necessary. Certain locations, such as Philadelphia's Washington Square Park or New York's Grand Central Terminal, often require permits, but it's essential to note that obtaining the permit falls under the client's responsibility, not the photographer's.
Should you have inquiries about a specific location, please don't hesitate to ask, and I'll gladly help determine if a permit is necessary. It's crucial to avoid shooting in a location that mandates a permit without proper authorization, as it could lead to us being asked to vacate the premises, a situation we definitely want to avoid.
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Absolutely! Every image is provided in both black and white and color. This offers you the flexibility to select the version that best suits your preferences.
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Eight weeks post-wedding, your online gallery will be live, and that's when you'll get your digital files. If your collection includes printed proofs, you can expect them three weeks after your gallery’s debut. Once the album designs have your nod, it usually takes about twelve weeks to have the album in your hands.
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They are not. The high-resolution files do not bear any watermarks.
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How many photos you'll receive hinges on various factors: guest count, coverage duration, event nature, dance hours, among others. On a typical eight-hour day with a second photographer, the count hovers around 650 images, though this can fluctuate based on the day's specifics. If you're curious about image quantity, let's delve into your plans. It'll enable me to offer a more precise overview and estimate.
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I supply chosen, polished high-resolution digital files—think of them as the modern-day negatives. Once you have these files, should you wish to procure quality prints, I can share a roster of reliable sources. While I maintain the images' copyright and the prerogative to utilize them for promotions, contests, and professional critiques, I'm more than willing to furnish a formal release. This will empower you to produce endless personal copies for you and your loved ones.
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The matter of copyright frequently comes up. Some photographers talk about a "copyright release" in their contracts. Typically, this is just permission for you to get your images printed wherever you see fit. However, that doesn't equate to acquiring the copyright. Essentially, copyright indicates I'm the images' creator and thus, the holder of the copyright. Transferring or obtaining this "copyright" isn't on the table, but rest assured, you'll have full liberty to print and circulate your images to your heart's content.
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The raw images from your gallery are available for purchase, should that be something you are interested in.
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The images you receive undergo minimal editing, eliminating only unmistakable mishaps like closed eyes, untriggered flash, or unintended photo-bombers. Say, if there are multiple shots of you and your best friend sharing a laugh, I'll provide all unique captures, excluding exact duplicates. Any images not chosen won't be stored and, thus, won't be accessible.
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If you're keen on having coverage for your rehearsal dinner, you can opt to include it in your package; otherwise, I typically don't attend rehearsals. While we'll discuss your day's schedule and the event's progression, which includes the ceremony, I'd be eager to know about the ceremony's timing specifics. However, know that my absence from the rehearsal won't compromise the quality or extent of your coverage.
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Your digital images will be made available to you through a secure, password-protected online gallery, allowing for direct download. This platform doubles as a print-ordering system. Should you wish to purchase additional prints, you can do so straight from your online gallery. Though you'll have the freedom to print at any lab due to access to your digital files, we strongly advocate for using our affiliated lab. This ensures each print undergoes a stringent quality check. We can't vouch for the quality of prints from other sources. If you're inclined to get prints elsewhere, just give us a shout, and we'd be happy to point you to some trustworthy labs.
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In the contemporary albums I craft, images are imprinted straight onto the pages, reminiscent of the coffee-table books you'd find at a bookstore. My aim is to maintain a timeless, streamlined design, resulting in a keepsake for the generations to come. If you have a penchant for the conventional, I also offer the option to upgrade to a matted album.
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Your wedding photographs will be housed in a confidential, password-protected gallery on my website, accessible to you, your family, and friends. This gallery doubles as a secure shopping portal, enabling you and your loved ones to order prints, cards, and choose album photos online. Simply share the password with those you'd like to grant viewing privileges to. This platform is also your gateway to retrieve your wedding day digital files. With a provided PIN for downloading, you can access your images the moment the gallery is in your hands.
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Recognize that each gallery is unique, influenced by various factors like the duration of the day, extent of coverage, number of events, rehearsal dinner inclusion, and coverage spanning a whole weekend. Every wedding stands apart, and each is captured to the utmost capability, leading to varying counts of final images. Should you have reservations about the coverage and final output, there's always the option to bring in a second or even a third photographer to join me in documenting your day.
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Absolutely, I cherish engagement sessions! However, due to my packed wedding schedule, most engagement shoots are typically slotted for Tuesdays through Thursdays, though occasional openings pop up on Mondays or Fridays. I'm always game to venture out an engagement session, be aware that specific travel fees will be added. During winter, sessions usually kick off at 3pm, whereas in summer, we're looking at a 6pm start. For any questions or details about your engagement session, please reach out!

STYLE
I trust that these commonly asked style queries provide insight into my approach during the wedding. Although I aim for my portfolio to communicate my style, if you seek more clarity or have any other questions about how I photograph, please feel free to inquire.
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I approach wedding coverage with a journalistic lens, yet I believe photography shouldn't be boxed into a singular "genre." While I favor a discreet presence during the event, I also see the value in capturing beautifully, subtly staged moments of the couple. So, while I won't interrupt your cake-cutting for a pose, I'd appreciate an hour (or even more) solely with you both during the day, away from the gaze of guests and the wedding party. I place significant importance on capturing every wedding detail, from your jewelry to the intricacies of your cake. When it comes to your guests, my shots are predominantly candid. Don't expect me to halt entire tables for staged "table shots" during the reception. Instead, I focus on catching those genuine moments: laughter, dances, and joyous celebrations.
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Of course. Family images hold immense value as they chronicle your entire family during a pivotal moment in its shared history. A couple of weeks before your wedding, I'll forward a questionnaire to you which, among other things, contains a list of customary posed images that I usually capture at the weddings I cover. There's room for you to jot down any additional groupings you'd like. Remember, the essence of my work leans towards a journalistic and live-action style. A ultra-long list of posed shots could hamper this documentary approach. I typically suggest nine groupings, advising that your final list ideally not exceed twelve or thirteen in total. I ensure these sessions are swift, relaxed, and casual, aiming for a fun and breezy experience for all parties.
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If you're inclined towards a photography style that consistently employs even lighting, then my approach might not align with your vision. I extensively employ interplays of shadow and light, both in my natural light captures and in flash-assisted shots during receptions. It's crucial that you peruse the sample galleries I provide upon your inquiry. This will help ensure that the style evident in those galleries resonates with what you envision for your wedding day imagery.
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While I understand the desire for specific shots, beyond family groupings, I'd advise against such lists, and here's my rationale. Being informed about crucial family members and significant events during your day is invaluable. However, a constant flow of posed image requests or directing me by a "checklist" diverges from the style showcased on my website, potentially leading to a distinct shift in the final appearance of your image collection. The "shot lists" often suggested by popular wedding publications sound promising, but rest assured, the staples typically find their way into my shots organically. An extensive list detailing every college mate or high school buddy can detract from the candid, documentary essence, as more time is channeled into assembling guests as per the list. Similarly, guiding me using a collection of Pinterest images can stifle the spontaneity, resulting in a replication of existing shots rather than crafting distinct memories for you.