• HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?
I have been photographing weddings and portraits since 2009. Photography is my full time job. I have worked with several hundred couples and families who have trusted me to make memorable photos of their wedding day.
• WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I use top of the line Sony cameras and lenses. Because I am skilled at using natural light and artificial light, I also bring a collection of flashes and modifiers which allow me to create timeless images in any lighting condition or weather. I will also arrive at your event with backup equipment.
• ARE YOU A "NATURAL LIGHT" PHOTOGRAPHER? WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS ON OUR WEDDING DAY? WHAT IF WE GET MARRIED AFTER DARK?
I love using natural light and choose to photograph most of the wedding day with available light if that is the best option. It's quick and the amount of gear required is minimal. However, not all natural light is a great quality light. There are occasions when artificial light should be used as a tool to create beautiful images. Sunset is a perfect example of how artificial light can help create dramatic portraits. Rainy weather and ceremonies that occur after sunset can also benefit from having a photographer who is skilled at working in any lighting condition.
It is very important that I show a body of work that is diverse in lighting conditions and weather. If it rains on your wedding day, we make lemonade out of lemons!
• HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
The best way for me to answer that question is to let the photos speak for themselves. I am not "trendy" and I do not use filters that drastically change skin tones or the natural color of the environment in which I'm working. There are trends with wedding photography and those trends change often, just like there are trends with bridal fashion, hair styles and so on. I do not want my clients to look at their photos decades from now and see an editing style that "dates" their photos.
I love bold, true to life colors. Darks and lights are important in an image. Contrast adds depth and richness to photos. Properly colored, sharp images that are in focus are timeless. I like to produce classic images with a slight edge. A mixture of candids and posed portraits that have an ease to them, are what my clients can expect in their wedding gallery.
Throughout my portfolio, you will see photos that span the course of over 10 years. I am proud to be able to show images that remain timeless.
• DO YOU OFFER ALBUMS?
Yes. Luxury, heirloom quality albums are available in select collections and as an add on before or after your event. Many of my clients opt to purchase albums after the wedding. There are an array of sizes and cover options. I also offer parent albums.
• HOW MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH A YEAR?
I work with 15-20 couples per year. This allows me to provide the accessibility and imagery my couples expect. I also photograph families and corporate clients between weddings.
• DO YOU OFFER VIDEOGRAPHY?
I am not a videographer but I do work with several talented videographers who have honed their skills over the years to be leaders in their craft. Vendor recommendations are given to my contracted clients upon request.
• DO YOU NEED A LIST OF PHOTOS WE WOULD LIKE FOR THE WEDDING DAY?
The only portion of the day that I will refer to a shot list is during family groupings for the formal portrait time. This allows us to work quickly and efficiently so that your family is included in these important photos but it also allows them to enjoy cocktail hour.
If you have a particular photo that is important to you, I'm happy to talk about how to use that as inspiration to create something that is unique to your wedding.
• ARE THE DIGITAL FILES INCLUDED WITH WEDDING COLLECTIONS?
Yes, they are included and received either by flash drive or digital download.
• WE ARE NOT LOCAL TO NORTH FLORIDA. CAN WE STILL CONTRACT WITH YOU FOR OUR WEDDING?
Yes, most of my couples are not local. In fact, I meet over half of my couples for the very first time on their wedding day. I am completely comfortable with producing the same quality of photos to all of my couples, regardless if we have met before the wedding or not. I like to have phone meetings and/or FaceTime meetings with potential clients if possible but it is not required. If you are local to the North Florida area, I'm happy to meet in person.
• ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?
Yes I am. If your venue needs a copy of the certificate, I am able to provide that to them.
• WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
Wedding photography commission rates range depending on the length of your desired amount of coverage and products included. I have several collections that most clients choose but I am also able to customize a collection perfect for you. Fill out the contact form with as many details as possible. Once I have your information, I will send over my commission rates and suggestions for coverage.
Portrait session rates also vary depending on size of your group, location and length of session.
• DO YOU RECOMMEND CLIENTS CONTRACT WITH A PROFESSIONAL HAIR AND/OR MAKEUP ARTIST FOR THE SHOOT?
Yes! If you're investing in great photos, having healthy skin with flawless makeup application is super important. I'm happy to recommend some of my favorite makeup and hairstylists to my contracted clients. Using professionals who are experienced with creating looks that last the entire day is key and we have some really great ones in the local wedding industry.
Great skin is something I encourage clients to think about long before the wedding day. I personally use and recommend Bella Lei Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness. www.bellaleiaesthetics.com
They have a phenomenal team and will work with you one on one to formulate the perfect plan to healthy skin.
• WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
My favorite color is gray. Mention that you read this on the comments section of the contact form. I have a sense of humor and like to see who reads this entire information page. ;)
• HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE RESERVE OUR DATE?
Most of my couples contract anywhere from 6-18 months out. A signed contract and retainer of 1/3 are required to reserve your date. I will only photograph one event on any given date so once your date is reserved, the timeline can be finalized closer to the wedding date.