I know these lists of questions and answers can be pretty boring, but I also know that some of these questions might be things you've been DYING to know, while others may be things you've never even thought about (the world of wedding photography is a vast and overwhelming place), so here they are!
Do you travel?
YES! I am based in Portland, Maine, but I travel regularly ALL over New England and I am thrilled to travel all over the country/world! So far I've done weddings/photoshoots in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York City, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, California, Puerto Rico, Atlanta, and Austin! Check my blog to see which towns/cities I'm currently offering discounts for. :)
What are engagement sessions like?
AWESOME, and not nearly as awkward as you'd expect (but, ya know, kind of awkward because being photographed always is). ! I try to keep engagement sessions personal and unique to the couple whenever possible. I am always open to ideas and suggestions for locations, but I am also happy to suggest locations as well. I encourage couples to dress up, dress down, wear costumes, bring props, bring your pets, kids, whatever you like! Whatever makes the shoot feel more like YOU. I also encourage couples to choose an activity or specific event if simply walking around taking photos makes you cringe -- we can hang out at a carnival, go bowling, have a beer or two at your favorite bar, apple picking, whatever you love!
Should I have an "unplugged wedding"/"unplugged ceremony"?
If that's something that, upon your own reflection, makes you happy and reflects your thoughts and feelings, absolutely! But do you need to do it for me? Absolutely not. I see friends and family taking photos at 99.9% of weddings -- it's completely normal, and when you think about it, kind of nice that they're so excited to capture such an exciting and meaningful event. If you're on the fence, you can always have the officiant tell guests that they're free to take photos from the comfort of their seat -- this way you know people won't be up
and about during the ceremony!
Do you photograph commitment ceremonies, civil ceremonies, elopements, etc?
Absolutely! I photograph civil ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals -- anything that involves two people committing their love to one another!
Do you photograph same sex weddings?
Of course! If it's two people in love, I'm there! I've photographed 15+ same sex ceremonies as well as other portrait sessions. I believe that we should always be striving for everyone to be treated with equal respect and honor in our society and am very much a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. If that answer bothers you, we probably aren't a good fit.
Can I give you a list of "must have" photos?
This is a simple question with a complicated answer. As we prepare for and talk about your wedding day, you will be giving me a list of the family and wedding party photos you'd like to have taken during the formal portrait part of the day-- things like "Me with my Nana" and "Us with both of our parents". This is totally standard and yes, I'd not only love a list, but I will ask specifically for it! But if you're hoping to send me a five page list of photos that I must take otherwise your wedding day will be ruined, well, I won't be able to take the awesome, candid, emotion-filled photos that have likely inspired you to hire me in the first place because I will be too busy checking photos off of said list and... well, that would be sad.
Did you go to school for photography?
Nope! I picked up my first camera at age 14 and haven't stopped since.
How many weddings have you photographed?
As of July 22nd, 2018, I have photographed 287 weddings. Bam!
How long have you been in business?
I photographed my first wedding in July 2009, and went full-time in August 2010.
Do you have insurance?
Of course! I'm happy to forward proof of insurance to your venue if they require it. :)
How do I decide how much coverage I want?
The good news is that you don't have to do it alone! We'll talk about what you think the timeline of the day will be and where your priorities lie as far as photography is concerned, and I will help you figure out a number of hours that makes the most sense for you!
What is your style?
My style is very photojournalistic - I prefer to capture unique and genuine moments as they happen rather than working from a shot list of "must have" photos. I do posed formals (family, wedding party, and the couple alone), but I try to keep the actual posing to a minimum and keep the mood relaxed and happy! My style has been described by others as FUN, offbeat, colorful, cool, happy, energetic, and funky. :) I have also been referred to multiple times as a "photo ninja", a title I am honored to wear.
When will I get to see my photos?
Turnaround time for weddings is generally 4-8 weeks, 2-3 weeks for other sessions, with teasers typically up on Facebook within a week (but usually sooner!). :)
Do you bring back-up equipment in case your primary equipment malfunctions?
Oh, man, yes. I wish I could show you just how much I over-prepare for anything I photograph (and, really, everything else in life, too). Actually, it's worth hiring me JUST so you can try to lift my insanely heavy bag that is filled 90% with things that are for those "just in case" moments.
How far in advance should I book you?
I book weddings anywhere from 1 month to 2 years in advance -- quite a wide range. I tell couples that as soon as you're sure, you should go for it! Wedding dates are officially booked once both a contract and retainer are received, and I'm unable to pencil anyone in, so seize the day!
Do you retain the copyright for the photos you take?
Yes, I do retain the copyright to the photos, but I also include a personal use release for all of my clients so you can share and make your own prints and products if you wish! I do just ask that you don't edit the photos in any way (including converting to black & white, applying selective color, or adding Instagram-esque filters).
Do you bring an assistant to weddings?
Yes! They help with carrying my gear around, switching out lenses, arranging formals in a quick and efficient manner, and just generally being AWESOME. They are extremely friendly, professional, and get along with everyone!
Do you do other photo shoots besides weddings/engagements?
Yes! Boudoir, couples/anniversary, senior photos, maternity, families, new babies, pets, head shots, you name it!
Woohoo, you made it to the bottom of the page! Seriously, high five for that. If you're still here,
you should probably e-mail me so we can chat more!
YES! I am based in Portland, Maine, but I travel regularly ALL over New England and I am thrilled to travel all over the country/world! So far I've done weddings/photoshoots in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York City, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, California, Puerto Rico, Atlanta, and Austin! Check my blog to see which towns/cities I'm currently offering discounts for. :)
What are engagement sessions like?
AWESOME, and not nearly as awkward as you'd expect (but, ya know, kind of awkward because being photographed always is). ! I try to keep engagement sessions personal and unique to the couple whenever possible. I am always open to ideas and suggestions for locations, but I am also happy to suggest locations as well. I encourage couples to dress up, dress down, wear costumes, bring props, bring your pets, kids, whatever you like! Whatever makes the shoot feel more like YOU. I also encourage couples to choose an activity or specific event if simply walking around taking photos makes you cringe -- we can hang out at a carnival, go bowling, have a beer or two at your favorite bar, apple picking, whatever you love!
Should I have an "unplugged wedding"/"unplugged ceremony"?
If that's something that, upon your own reflection, makes you happy and reflects your thoughts and feelings, absolutely! But do you need to do it for me? Absolutely not. I see friends and family taking photos at 99.9% of weddings -- it's completely normal, and when you think about it, kind of nice that they're so excited to capture such an exciting and meaningful event. If you're on the fence, you can always have the officiant tell guests that they're free to take photos from the comfort of their seat -- this way you know people won't be up
and about during the ceremony!
Do you photograph commitment ceremonies, civil ceremonies, elopements, etc?
Absolutely! I photograph civil ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals -- anything that involves two people committing their love to one another!
Do you photograph same sex weddings?
Of course! If it's two people in love, I'm there! I've photographed 15+ same sex ceremonies as well as other portrait sessions. I believe that we should always be striving for everyone to be treated with equal respect and honor in our society and am very much a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. If that answer bothers you, we probably aren't a good fit.
Can I give you a list of "must have" photos?
This is a simple question with a complicated answer. As we prepare for and talk about your wedding day, you will be giving me a list of the family and wedding party photos you'd like to have taken during the formal portrait part of the day-- things like "Me with my Nana" and "Us with both of our parents". This is totally standard and yes, I'd not only love a list, but I will ask specifically for it! But if you're hoping to send me a five page list of photos that I must take otherwise your wedding day will be ruined, well, I won't be able to take the awesome, candid, emotion-filled photos that have likely inspired you to hire me in the first place because I will be too busy checking photos off of said list and... well, that would be sad.
Did you go to school for photography?
Nope! I picked up my first camera at age 14 and haven't stopped since.
How many weddings have you photographed?
As of July 22nd, 2018, I have photographed 287 weddings. Bam!
How long have you been in business?
I photographed my first wedding in July 2009, and went full-time in August 2010.
Do you have insurance?
Of course! I'm happy to forward proof of insurance to your venue if they require it. :)
How do I decide how much coverage I want?
The good news is that you don't have to do it alone! We'll talk about what you think the timeline of the day will be and where your priorities lie as far as photography is concerned, and I will help you figure out a number of hours that makes the most sense for you!
What is your style?
My style is very photojournalistic - I prefer to capture unique and genuine moments as they happen rather than working from a shot list of "must have" photos. I do posed formals (family, wedding party, and the couple alone), but I try to keep the actual posing to a minimum and keep the mood relaxed and happy! My style has been described by others as FUN, offbeat, colorful, cool, happy, energetic, and funky. :) I have also been referred to multiple times as a "photo ninja", a title I am honored to wear.
When will I get to see my photos?
Turnaround time for weddings is generally 4-8 weeks, 2-3 weeks for other sessions, with teasers typically up on Facebook within a week (but usually sooner!). :)
Do you bring back-up equipment in case your primary equipment malfunctions?
Oh, man, yes. I wish I could show you just how much I over-prepare for anything I photograph (and, really, everything else in life, too). Actually, it's worth hiring me JUST so you can try to lift my insanely heavy bag that is filled 90% with things that are for those "just in case" moments.
How far in advance should I book you?
I book weddings anywhere from 1 month to 2 years in advance -- quite a wide range. I tell couples that as soon as you're sure, you should go for it! Wedding dates are officially booked once both a contract and retainer are received, and I'm unable to pencil anyone in, so seize the day!
Do you retain the copyright for the photos you take?
Yes, I do retain the copyright to the photos, but I also include a personal use release for all of my clients so you can share and make your own prints and products if you wish! I do just ask that you don't edit the photos in any way (including converting to black & white, applying selective color, or adding Instagram-esque filters).
Do you bring an assistant to weddings?
Yes! They help with carrying my gear around, switching out lenses, arranging formals in a quick and efficient manner, and just generally being AWESOME. They are extremely friendly, professional, and get along with everyone!
Do you do other photo shoots besides weddings/engagements?
Yes! Boudoir, couples/anniversary, senior photos, maternity, families, new babies, pets, head shots, you name it!
Woohoo, you made it to the bottom of the page! Seriously, high five for that. If you're still here,
you should probably e-mail me so we can chat more!