Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WEDDINGS?
I move through the day using a combination of unobtrusive photojournalism and relaxed portraiture, all topped off with a dollop of artistry. It’s really about anticipating and observing simultaneously, being in the right spot at the right time while also just going with the flow. And putting a little flair on it!
I want to capture all of the joy and emotion AND all of the details and personal touches. I’m always on the lookout for those between-the-obvious, delicate, fleeting instants. Those glorious reactions and intimate sprinkles of time that you’ll cherish forever.
My utmost priority is that you’re comfortable and enjoying the entire experience. I’ll be your documenter, your cheerleader, and your wingman. After all, your wedding day is all about YOU and the unique & resplendent love that you’re celebrating.
YOU ALSO TAKE SOME “FORMAL” PHOTOS, RIGHT?
I completely appreciate the value & importance of some nicely structured & polished portraits. So, yes, most definitely. (And when it comes to family photos, I strongly recommend putting together a list of all of the different groupings that you want to be included. It helps things flow that much more smoothly!)
CAN I GIVE YOU A LIST OF SPECIFIC PHOTOS TO BE TAKEN?
While my overall focus is to capture the organic & unscripted pieces of your day, I also want to make sure that you get all of the photos that you want. So if there are specific items, people, or other elements that are important to you, just let me know and I’ll cover it.
CAN YOU HELP ME PLAN THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY?
For sure! I am more than happy to help draft up a detailed timeline for all of the photos, from getting ready to the portraits to the last event of the evening. The schedule can be as specific or as loose as you like—and there’s nearly always some improvisation along the way on the day-of.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT A FIRST LOOK?
I love them! Not only do you get to have a beautiful, private interlude with your betrothed but also we can then knock out a lot of the portraits before the ceremony (and you can head straight to cocktail hour after you say “I do”). However, I also totally appreciate when couples don’t see each other until the ceremony… There’s just something so romantic & classic about it. Bottom line, it’s all about what you prefer and feel comfortable with.
DO YOU EDIT ALL OF OUR IMAGES?
Big yes! Every image that I deliver is hand-edited and post-processed, just like every image on my website.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE OUR PROOFS?
8-12 weeks. Everything is uploaded to a personal gallery page, which you can share with friends & family and from which you can download & print the images.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR DO YOU USE?
Although you only need a basic camera to take good photos, it’s also true that great tools can make things that much better… I have a variety of lenses that are nice and fast and sharp. All of them are primes; they really do impart a little something extra! And I combine them with full-frame mirrorless Nikon bodies so that I can produce high quality, high resolution files. Here’s the breakdown:
Cameras: 3x Nikon Z6ii bodies
Lenses: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm macro, 135mm
Flash: 4x Godox V860II with MagMod kits, 2x Godox AD200, 2 Godox AD100, 1 Godox AD400 + various modifiers
I also have a fully loaded digital darkroom, which includes a Mac with Lightroom & Photoshop, two calibrated monitors, a pen tablet, and an ergonomic gaming mouse. All together, it’s pretty magical!
DO YOU HAVE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT?
Yes, I have both studio and portable lighting kits. So no worries if your venue is especially dark; I can shoot with ambient lighting, set up strobes, and/or pop a speedlight on my camera and roam as you & I please. (But I absolutely adore atmosphere and pull in as much natural light as possible!)
DO YOU HAVE BACKUP GEAR?
Always! I have backups of everything, from batteries & memory cards to lenses & flashes to the cameras themselves. In fact, I even have backups of backups.
WHAT ABOUT A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
A second shooter is definitely an option! If you’d like to have an extra set of eyes & hands (and someone to cover everything else going on while we’re working on portraits & such), you can add on another photographer. All of the photos will be edited by me, in the exact same style as the rest of your images.
DO WE ACTUALLY NEED A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
I shoot most weddings all by myself. But, if you’re going to have a lot of guests (150+), if you’re going to use more than 1 venue, and/or if you’re not doing a first look, then a second shooter may be a valuable addition. Let’s talk about everything that you’re planning and we can discuss what would work best!
WHAT DOES AN ALBUM LOOK LIKE?
Please head over to this page to read all about them!
CAN I HELP PUT MY ALBUM TOGETHER?
Absolutely; you can have as little or as much input as you’d like. I have a variety of layout options that can be mixed & matched, or we can come up with something entirely new. And I construct each page individually so that every element is completely adjustable along the way.
WHAT ABOUT PARENT ALBUMS?
Parent albums can be added on to any album purchase. They’re exact copies of the master, only just a little smaller.
WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL FEES?
For weddings, travel is included for all locations within Los Angeles, Ventura, and/or Orange County. For locations beyond that but still within driving distance, I’d probably need a room for the night. If you cover those accommadations, then there are no extra fees or per-diem charges. For destinations outside of Southern California, please contact me and we can hash out a plan. I love adventures!
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
Most definitely. If you need a certificate of liability, just let me know and I’ll whip it up for you.
WHAT’S YOUR BACKUP PLAN?
I’ve never had to bail on a wedding. But, in the extreme case that I’m not able to make it, I have a handful of colleagues who would happily fill in.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY IMAGES SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE?
Rest assured that I never delete shoots and that I keep multiple backups of everything. I can always send you another copy!
CAN I TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CONTRACT?
Sure! Shoot me an email and I’ll send over a blank one for you to review.
CAN I SEE AN ENTIRE WEDDING?
Of course! Just ask and I’ll send you some links.
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT? WHEN IS THE BALANCE DUE?
A 25% retainer is due at the time of signing the contract; this guarantees that your date is held unconditionally. The balance is due by the day of your wedding.
HOW DO WE GO ABOUT BOOKING?
If everything sounds good, I’ll send you a personalized agreement detailing all of the specifics. All you need to do is e-sign it and send in the deposit. Then we’re ready to party!
