FAQ

You've got questions, I've got answers!
What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary, Photojournalism.

How far in advance should we reserve our wedding date and Is there a deposit due?

You should reserve your date as soon as possible. Some couples book my services 2 years in advance, and I’ve also photographed weddings with as little as 5 days notice. Wedding dates are not reserved until a $750 deposit is received, and a contract is signed.

Is your media preference film or digital?

I began with film when I was much younger, but moved to digital in 2002 and haven’t gone back.

I start editing your wedding photos within a couple days of shooting your wedding. I’m usually finished within three to 6 weeks and have everything uploaded onto a secure, password protected photo gallery hosted by pixieset.com. I’ll email you a password as soon as the photos are ready to view.

What’s up with the print credit?

I am a firm believer in making prints. Once my clients started requesting the digital files, I realized a lot of them were only sharing their images on-line, and they weren’t printing any photos at all! I started offering a print credit to my clients so they actually make hard copies. I’ve found that most people end up splitting the credit and gifting it to their parents so the families can have copies too.

So do we have to purchase photos from you?

Absolutely not! You will receive a flash drive with all of the edited photos saved high resolution. You can make poster sized prints with these! Although you can order photos from Walmart or CVS, I highly recommend ordering from an online service, like Mpix.com – If you do decide to order photos through me, they will be printed and delivered by a professional lab at a very reasonable rate.

Do you take B&W or sepia pictures?

Another wonderful aspect of digital photography is that it provides nearly limitless options. Since it’s digital, everything is shot in color and can be converted later. When I design the album, I use my best judgement when determining whether the image will be in color or BW/Sepia. If you have a preference for BW please let me know!!!

Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?

Oh yes. During an 8 hour day = starting inside a dark hotel room for getting ready shots, moving outside for some photos with the girls, back inside a super dark church, then outside for some group photos, and uh-oh clouds… dang, then cocktails under a tent, inside for dinner and dancing etc….

How many photos are typically taken at an average wedding?

One of the advantages of shooting digital is my ability to shoot a ton of images, without the increased cost to the client for expensive film and developing, etc. During an average 8 hour wedding, I shoot anywhere from 1000-1800 images. I edit out all the bad stuff, and a typical 8 hour wedding has between 500-700 edited photos.

Have you ever photographed a (fill in the blank) wedding ceremony?

I welcome all religious faiths, sexual orientations, races, cultures, etc. After all, variety IS the spice of life! If I haven’t had the opportunity to photograph a certain type of ceremony, I can’t wait until I do!

Do we need to get you a shot list or do we need to meet prior to the wedding to discuss how the day will go?

A shot list is OK but not necessarily required. A basic list of family photos works fine. Coming out to meet me is good, but not always required. I understand that a lot of couples are planning weddings from far away, so I am almost always available to speak on the phone or via zoom. And anytime you want to come out to meet, I’ll make myself available.

Do you take formal pictures?

In general, I’m a much stronger candid photographer. My number one focus is on capturing unscripted moments of your wedding day, but I also understand the value having formal photos of the important people in your life. For some couples it’s just one large group shot of all the guests, for others it’s several combinations of smaller groups. For my clients, I generally recommend keeping the posed photos at a minimum… parents, siblings, wedding party.

What are you like on the wedding day?

Energetic, omnipresent, unobtrusive. I’m always there, always aware, always shooting. I believe the best images come from natural, unscripted, uninterrupted moments that are honest and real. Likewise, my post-production style is also simple and clean so that your personal style and preferences can take center stage. Your wedding day isn’t about me – it’s about you and the love that surrounds you. There may be some people who you may never see again after your wedding day, which is why I feel it’s important for you to spend your time interacting with the people you love instead of posing for the camera.  For more insight on what I’m like during the wedding day, visit the Testimonials link above to read what other couples have to say about me!

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. I am fully insured through Marsh U.S. Consumer Insurance. Having business insurance is required for a photographer to work at most wedding venues and reception sites.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?

Yes. I’m a self employed photographer who does NOT contract out my vision or my work. I rely on my reputation and on the images I create.

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?

I never book more than one job per day, that’s crazy! I will sometimes book a wedding on a Saturday and a wedding on a Sunday, but only if they are both in my area and I can guarantee a good nights sleep.

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?

Yes. I have an agreement with several other shooters in the area who I respect as photographers. Thankfully I’ve never had to call on anyone for this, but you know how life can throw a curve ball!

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?

I’m a Canon boy all the way! I shoot with professional Mirrorless Canon cameras and only the best and fastest lenses.

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?

I always carry a backup camera and multiple flashes and lenses.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?

The standard turnaround time for portrait and engagement sessions is 5-10 days. Weddings take between 3-6 weeks for on-line proofs.

As the creator of the images, I do retain the copyright. But you do get a photo release so you can make prints and share on-line!

Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?

No. I always make sure you are OK with me publishing photos. Most couples are happy to let me post images on my website and blog. Some want more privacy, and I absolutely respect that. I like to submit images to other wedding related websites, magazines, and blogs. I always ask first though!

Will images be available for viewing online?

Yes, it generally takes about 3-6 weeks for on-line posting. Sometimes faster!

What kind of albums do you offer?

I love Graphistudio flush mount coffee table style books. Heavy, solid, hand made, and beautiful! You can view some designs here: Album Designs

When will we get the final album?

Here’s the scoop about the album and design: Once you pick the photos you want in your album, I begin a preliminary design using the photos you choose. I also use a mix other images in an effort to help make the album flow and to really tell the story of the day. After you see the design, we work together in adding or removing images so we can create the perfect album! Once you approve the final design, it takes about 30 days for printing and delivery.

What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?

I will rest when I’m done. Many photographers stipulate in their contracts that they must be provided a meal and, if not, they will leave to get one and then charge the couple for it! Personally, I think this is silly. First, you have a lot more to think about than whether or not I get to eat. That’s not to say that the majority of couples don’t check in with me to make sure that I receive a meal. However, I always bring some snack bars with me just in case. If I get a meal then I’m stoked. If I don’t, that’s okay. (I’m pretty good at sneaking appetizers during cocktails!) BTW, many caterers will charge you for the musicians and the photographer/videographer meals whether we eat or not!

Do you charge for travel?

Since I’m located in the Southern Berkshires in Western MA, I’m in a great central location and I’ve shot weddings from Lake George & Albany, South to NYC, East to Boston, all throughout Connecticut, into Southern Vermont, down to Newport RI, on Cape Cod, Portsmouth NH, Salem, Plymouth, Worcester, Long Island, NJ and I’ve even gone to West Virginia, Colorado, Key West, and St. Thomas! There is a travel fee once I leave my area, but my travel fees are very reasonable. For destination weddings, please add flight price (from Hartford, CT or Albany, NY) two nights hotel, and transportation (if I’m staying at a separate hotel) Please call or email me for an exact quote.

 

As a professional wedding photographer based in Western Massachusetts, I am devoted to capturing the essence of your special day. My passion for creating lasting memories through my lens has led me to hone a keen eye for detail and a distinctive creative flair. I find joy in blending the natural beauty of the Berkshires with the intimate emotions of wedding celebrations, resulting in beautifully evocative images. Each photo I capture is not just a picture, but a testament to my dedication to my craft and my clients. I aim to tell the story of your special day through my photography, creating timeless mementos that can be cherished forever.