Hey there!

Since you are likely just starting out in your search for THE wedding photographer for you, I want to help with answering some of those burning questions, as well as clarifying what I offer! Have a question that isn't answered here? No worries! Send me a message and I'm happy to chat!

 
 

- SH-Main-Mark

 

+ How do you describe your style?

This question has two answers!

1- My editing is true to life. While I do edit my images, I do my absolute best to keep colors just how they were. They are not "blown out" (sometimes referred to as "Light &Airy") or " Dark and Moody" (when the mood of the image is more dramatic, with more brown or orange tones). If you ordered a grey suit, it will look grey in your images!

2- My shooting style is a mix of candid/photojournalistic and posed. Your wedding is a story, and I shoot it to showcase that! While of course I will guide you to the best light and will always tell you what to do with your hands, I find that the best images and the best expressions are captured when nothing is feeling forced. But don't you worry, I also understand the importance of formal family portraits!

+ How long have you been a wedding photographer and how many weddings do you shoot a year?

I am going into my 6th year of photographing weddings, and I shoot about 15 a year!

+ Do you offer the RAW images?

I like to use the analogy of going to a fine dining restaurant, that specializes in steak, and then asking if you can go to the kitchen and cook your own. My hope is that one of the reasons you are hiring me is because you love my style, and leave the "cooking" to me ;)

While it can vary a bit, depending on size of wedding party, family portraits, amount of hours, and any special elements, its safe to bet on 600 images. That said, if there are more to give, I don't hold back!

+ How long will it take to get our photos, and how do they arrive?

You will get your images 4 weeks after your wedding date, with sneak peeks on social media to tide you over!

You will get an email with a link to a private online gallery, where you can instantly download the images. You can also share with friends and family!

+ Most of your images are outdoors, how do you handle low light situations?

Yep, you're right! Since my home base is in Wine Country, a lot of the venues have outdoor ceremony/reception spaces to show off the view!

I have trained extensively to learn how to use flash, so that any indoor/low light situations are not an issue.

**Disclaimer- if you are getting married in a church, some have rules about the use of flash during the ceremony. It is important to find out the rules ahead of time.

+ What's the big deal with "Golden Hour" and why is it so important?

I know, photographers seem a little obsessive over Golden Hour, don't we? lol! I promise it's for good reason!

Golden Hour is the hour before the sun sets, and it's the most pleasing light- the photos that give you that gorgeous sun glow, and the most natural, soft skin tones. It's also a great time to step away from all the wedding "chaos" and take a little time together. These are the images you will probably put on your wall at home- you know, the ones that make you go "ahhh"!

+ Do you offer less than 8 hours of coverage?

I have in the past, but always find that either couples realize once the timeline is finalized that they can't fit everything in to less than 8 hours, or they end up stressed out on the wedding day when things start to get behind schedule. 8 hours gives you getting ready coverage, and usually ends about 1.5 hours into dancing. Let's document it all!

+ What is a second shooter and do I need one?

A second shooter is additional photographer coverage.

It is really helpful to have an additional photographer to help cover the groom getting ready shots (especially if they are at a different location), to help with organization of family photos, and to cover the ceremony (the groom reaction) if you decide against a First Look. Bottom line, it allows me to be in two places at once!

+ I have a really big, really loud family. How are you with organization of family portraits?

I do, too! It's funny- I have several quick ways to organize groups, to make sure we slay family photos, without you feeling like they are taking FOREVER. I got you covered! I am easy going, but know how to pull out my "Mom" voice when I need to!

+ What is a First Look?

Simply put, it is seeing each other before the ceremony.

+ I am unsure about having a First Look, what are the benefits?

I know there are a lot of people who want to stick to the tradition of the groom seeing his bride for the first time when she walks down the aisle. And if that is really important to you, we will adjust the timeline to make that happen. Here are the reasons a First Look is nice/helpful-

1- Your anxiety level! Wedding days are full of excitement and a little bit of nerves. Having a First Look gives you a few moments alone to see each other without a bunch of eyes on you at the ceremony. I am there to document the moment, and then I will step away for a few moments to give you true alone time.

2- You can get the formal family photos done ahead of time, so you can enjoy cocktail hour and greet your guests without being pulled away.

3- If your fiancé is a crier, he will probably STILL be emotional as he sees you walk down the aisle!

Side note- I have had brides do a First Look with Dad's and Brothers, too!

+ Do you travel?

I do! I have been to Texas and Mexico so far, with Southern California on my 2022 schedule! I have had Hawaii on my bucket list for a while now, fingers crossed!

+ I am getting overwhelmed looking for vendors. Do you have any you recommend?

I got married 9 years ago and remember getting cross-eyed looking on Google for vendors, and not having a clue who to hire. Once you book, I have a full list I send out with all my tried and true favorite vendors. These are vendors that I are team players, make the day flow seamlessly, and serve their clients so well! Only the best for my clients!