A handful (or twenty) of some of my most frequently asked questions. However, please don't hesitate to reach out if yours isn't listed.

and
pricing

Money? How much?
My elopement + mini wedding packages are $2800-4200, with full wedding days (which include a complimentary engagement session!) ranging from $5200-$6800, and couples portraits or engagement sessions start at $800.
If you’re especially drawn to my work but my rates are a little outside of your budget, please still reach out! We’ll probably be able to figure out a way to make it work, be it through a payment plan or customizable package.
A non-refundable 25% retainer will be due to secure your date, with the remaining 75% balance due one month prior to the wedding day.
Can you share a full wedding gallery with us?
Absolutely! I would be concerned if you didn’t want to see a full day from start to finish before booking. Send a message through my contact page and I’ll send you a few galleries to look over.
How many images will we receive? How and when will you send them? Do we have printing rights? Can we get the RAWs?
It varies depending on all the unique factors that go into your wedding day, but I average a minimum of 75-100 edited images per hour (this number is closer to 100+ when I bring along a second photographer) of consecutive photography coverage. These carefully curated and edited images will be delivered to you with printing rights via a digital gallery within 8-10 weeks of your wedding day and available for you to download or order prints for one year. Since my specific editing is such a vital part of my style and service, I do not offer unedited or RAW images.
Why do you include so many damn photos?
It’s my experience, personal and otherwise, that we all have a specific idea of what makes us look our best that others may not agree with. Any given photo of me, with all of my self-perceived flaws that fashion magazines insist I should be ashamed of, may be my best friend’s favorite image of me.
The same goes for you: an image in which you have your head thrown back, neck ever so slightly wrinkled, a hint of a double chin, full of joy and laughter, may be one that your mother or lover prefers, whereas you feel it’s a terribly unflattering reflection of yourself. Who’s right? Who’s images are these to judge? Because of this dichotomy of opinions, I include a lot of images. Fellow photographers may insist that editing down thousands of images to a well curated few is part of the photographer’s job (they’re not wrong, and I do do that) but I know all too well how it feels to be haunted by an image of myself that someone else insists is a true representation of me. So you pretty much get EVERYTHING, aside from blinks or out of focus or those images in which I accidentally take a photo of my feet while running to the bathroom.
I also try to keep in mind how you’re potentially going to display these photos and choose to offer plenty of variations for whatever your framing, printing, or digital needs may be.
The same goes for you: an image in which you have your head thrown back, neck ever so slightly wrinkled, a hint of a double chin, full of joy and laughter, may be one that your mother or lover prefers, whereas you feel it’s a terribly unflattering reflection of yourself. Who’s right? Who’s images are these to judge? Because of this dichotomy of opinions, I include a lot of images. Fellow photographers may insist that editing down thousands of images to a well curated few is part of the photographer’s job (they’re not wrong, and I do do that) but I know all too well how it feels to be haunted by an image of myself that someone else insists is a true representation of me. So you pretty much get EVERYTHING, aside from blinks or out of focus or those images in which I accidentally take a photo of my feet while running to the bathroom.
I also try to keep in mind how you’re potentially going to display these photos and choose to offer plenty of variations for whatever your framing, printing, or digital needs may be.
Do you offer albums or prints? How do I order these?
Yes! When you receive your images you—as well as any friends and family members you grant access to—will be able to order prints, cards, calendars, albums, or additional editing through the digital gallery. BONUS: I always bring a Polaroid and a few packs of film to your wedding, too, so any of these images that turn out are yours to keep! To see some of the many printed items available, send me a message through my contact page and I'll gladly share a link to an existing gallery with you!
How many hours do we need? When should we include a second photographer?
I'll be able to help you figure out which package is best once we start chatting about what's most important to you, but within my package & prices below I've included a rough guest count to help get you started. Are you envisioning an intimate wedding spanning a few hours with only a few dozen of your favorite people in your gram's backyard? My package with 5 or 6 hours of coverage may be a good one for you. Are you hoping to have a total blowout rager that lasts until the early morning hours? You may want to consider closer to 10 hours with one of my second photographers along for the ride.
As for a second photographer, I’m wholly capable of and thoroughly enjoy photographing a wedding solo, but since my first wedding in 2012 I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to have a second talented set of eyes, ears, and lenses along. If the details and decorations are especially important to you or if your guest list includes more than ~125 of your people, we'll definitely want to discuss including my second. They would make it more possible for me to take dedicated time away from the guests and details to be with you for portraits without missing a beat.
For smaller, more intimate weddings and elopements (typically ~50 or less, if any, guests in attendance) and those in which the details are less important, I strongly prefer to photograph these solo as I feel too many cameras can be distracting in smaller groups.
As for a second photographer, I’m wholly capable of and thoroughly enjoy photographing a wedding solo, but since my first wedding in 2012 I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to have a second talented set of eyes, ears, and lenses along. If the details and decorations are especially important to you or if your guest list includes more than ~125 of your people, we'll definitely want to discuss including my second. They would make it more possible for me to take dedicated time away from the guests and details to be with you for portraits without missing a beat.
For smaller, more intimate weddings and elopements (typically ~50 or less, if any, guests in attendance) and those in which the details are less important, I strongly prefer to photograph these solo as I feel too many cameras can be distracting in smaller groups.
What's your ethos on editing?
Do you remember that quote from Spiderman: with great power comes great responsibility? This is exactly how I feel about Photoshop, too. As someone who has struggled with eating disorders and low self esteem, I can admit that it’s tempting to just run some filters and edit a photo of myself to make it look like heavily edited images of celebrities. But this is also incredibly damaging to myself and those who see these photos because I’m contributing to the toxic culture of perfection and unrealistic beauty standards.
This goes hand in hand with how I approach a wedding day: I want it to be a realistic representation of what happened on the day rather than a trendy or manipulated creation of what I think it should be. I may clean up a few distracting elements for the sake of composition, accuracy, and tidying up the image (ex: a distracting Exit sign, a branch that appears to be impaling a groom, or stress acne that showed up the day before the wedding, or swapping a blinking grandma in a family photo with one where her eyes are open) but would rather not digitally manipulate someone’s natural appearance.
However, you're also able to request additional editing (head swaps or removal of people in group portraits, smoothing lines or bulges due to wardrobe; scars; etc) for a fee after I've delivered your gallery.
Tina Fey has a quote about Photoshop which I think resonates with how I approach things:
“Feminists do the best Photoshop because they leave the meat on your bones. They don’t change your size or skin color. They leave in your disgusting knuckles, but they may take out some armpit stubble. Not because they’re denying its existence, but because they understand that it’s okay to make a photo look as if you were caught on your best day in the best light.”
This goes hand in hand with how I approach a wedding day: I want it to be a realistic representation of what happened on the day rather than a trendy or manipulated creation of what I think it should be. I may clean up a few distracting elements for the sake of composition, accuracy, and tidying up the image (ex: a distracting Exit sign, a branch that appears to be impaling a groom, or stress acne that showed up the day before the wedding, or swapping a blinking grandma in a family photo with one where her eyes are open) but would rather not digitally manipulate someone’s natural appearance.
However, you're also able to request additional editing (head swaps or removal of people in group portraits, smoothing lines or bulges due to wardrobe; scars; etc) for a fee after I've delivered your gallery.
Tina Fey has a quote about Photoshop which I think resonates with how I approach things:
“Feminists do the best Photoshop because they leave the meat on your bones. They don’t change your size or skin color. They leave in your disgusting knuckles, but they may take out some armpit stubble. Not because they’re denying its existence, but because they understand that it’s okay to make a photo look as if you were caught on your best day in the best light.”
What if we need to reschedule? Or cancel? Or the weather is bad?
My goal is always to be as flexible as possible and operate from a place of empathy. Having gone through my own cancelled wedding, I can understand how incredibly sensitive the many layers of a relationship and planning a wedding can be.
My contract goes into full detail about my reschedule and cancellation policies, but outside of the COVID-19 pandemic you’re able to reschedule or cancel your wedding up to one month (30 days) prior to the booked date. As with all things, communication is key when dealing with schedule changes so let me know as soon as possible and keep me up to date often when you’re considering a date change or cancellation.
As for reschedules or cancellations regarding weather, I embrace the elements and love what it can add to a story. If the forecast suggests rain on a wedding day I’ll bring along protection for my gear, but if you’re up for it I am always game to play in the rain or wind to create dramatic photos with you. It’s okay if you don’t want rainy photos, though! We can always reschedule due to weather, however mild or severe. If our health or safety is on the line (including but not limited to: fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme heat or cold, snow or ice storms) we will reschedule or adjust plans accordingly.
My contract goes into full detail about my reschedule and cancellation policies, but outside of the COVID-19 pandemic you’re able to reschedule or cancel your wedding up to one month (30 days) prior to the booked date. As with all things, communication is key when dealing with schedule changes so let me know as soon as possible and keep me up to date often when you’re considering a date change or cancellation.
As for reschedules or cancellations regarding weather, I embrace the elements and love what it can add to a story. If the forecast suggests rain on a wedding day I’ll bring along protection for my gear, but if you’re up for it I am always game to play in the rain or wind to create dramatic photos with you. It’s okay if you don’t want rainy photos, though! We can always reschedule due to weather, however mild or severe. If our health or safety is on the line (including but not limited to: fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme heat or cold, snow or ice storms) we will reschedule or adjust plans accordingly.
How do we book? What's your availability?
Send me an email through the contact page and we’ll set up a time to meet over snacks or drinks. As of 2022 I'll be relocating, so if you’re not local to NYC we'll instead hop on a phone call or video chat. I'm always happy to answer whatever questions you may have and will have a few of my own as well. Whenever you know whether or not you want to book me, just say the word and I'll send over a contract and invoice for the non-refundable 25% retainer to secure your date.
Why do you photograph weddings?
My childhood was spent digging through the boxes of images my gramps created of my mom; hours came and went as I sat in a dark guest bedroom clicking through the slides of family picnics and weekends at the cabin that he so lovingly crafted from film to projection in his basement darkroom. He was my first introduction to what photojournalism is and how it made me feel: as if I had been there, creating these memories for myself. I like to think he passed along his passion to me and that I’m living out both of our dreams.
This is also my approach to wedding days: to tell the story of the day you two became a family. No gimmicks, no creating moments that didn’t occur organically, and as little Photoshop as possible. I offer some simple direction during portraits throughout the day, but my goal is to stay in the background and honestly document the day as it naturally unfolds, allowing you, your story, and your favorite people to be the focus.
This is also my approach to wedding days: to tell the story of the day you two became a family. No gimmicks, no creating moments that didn’t occur organically, and as little Photoshop as possible. I offer some simple direction during portraits throughout the day, but my goal is to stay in the background and honestly document the day as it naturally unfolds, allowing you, your story, and your favorite people to be the focus.
Did you go to school for photography?
After a bad breakup in 2009, as a means of therapy spent months watching Youtube videos and reading countless blogs in an effort to teach myself photography and Photoshop. Through lots of trial and error and relying on my 2-year-old nephew as a model, I worked my way through those early, awkward stages of learning how to use a camera.
In 2011 I took a few film and digital photography classes at a community college to learn the finer science behind crafting an image and spent my evenings and weekends photographing musicians at gigs in dark bars and venues with my original photography dreams residing within the pages of Rollingstone. I went on to photograph my first wedding in 2012 and fell in love immediately. I’ve learned over the last few years that I’m an autodidact and continue to educate myself through photography blogs, books, podcasts, workshops, and through the work of peers.
In 2011 I took a few film and digital photography classes at a community college to learn the finer science behind crafting an image and spent my evenings and weekends photographing musicians at gigs in dark bars and venues with my original photography dreams residing within the pages of Rollingstone. I went on to photograph my first wedding in 2012 and fell in love immediately. I’ve learned over the last few years that I’m an autodidact and continue to educate myself through photography blogs, books, podcasts, workshops, and through the work of peers.
What gear do you use? Do you have insurance?
I'm a Canon photographer through and through (however, I’ll admit that Fuji has become more and more tempting in recent years...) and will arrive to your wedding equipped with their professional, full-frame camera bodies and crisp lenses. I also utilize Sigma Art lenses, Fuji instant and digital cameras, and instant film. I keep all memory cards from the day on my body until I'm able to upload and back them up to my computer and the cloud the night of your wedding. I have liability insurance and can provide proof if your venue requests it.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
My first wedding was in July of 2012; the groom was a musician friend who I randomly met at a festival in Illinois. Worried of failure, I repeatedly refused the offer to fly to the beautiful hills of Western New York to photograph his bohemian, barefoot, lakeside ceremony. (Modern day Me to 2012 Me: Dream wedding! Say yes, you sweet fool!) After some friendly badgering he was able to convince me that the wedding would be a lot of fun and that it would be an easy day, so I said yes and am grateful every. single. day. that I did.
Fun fact: After flying in late the night before (I no longer arrive less than 24 hours prior to a wedding when traveling) I woke up the morning of the wedding with a fever of 102° but, in a pre-COVID world, photographed everything anyway. Also! The couple parachuted into their reception which made for a preeeetty epic first wedding.
Fun fact: After flying in late the night before (I no longer arrive less than 24 hours prior to a wedding when traveling) I woke up the morning of the wedding with a fever of 102° but, in a pre-COVID world, photographed everything anyway. Also! The couple parachuted into their reception which made for a preeeetty epic first wedding.
What's your favorite thing to photograph at weddings?
I love so many elements of the day for so many reasons; seeing the little details you’ve chosen to decorate yourself with, the way your mom is caught off guard by tears when she sees you in your wedding clothes, the sparkling moment right after you kiss your new spouse during the ceremony and realize, “OH SHIT WE DID IT!” But my absolute favorite part of the wedding day, once all of the schedules have fallen aside and the formality of the day has started to fade, is when everyone comes together during dinner and dancing.
The nervous energy has morphed into pure celebratory exuberance—often aided by a little alcohol—and connections are pinging across the room like electricity. There are funny and heartwarming speeches, powerful on the day but made even more so with the passing of time. Your high school friends and cousins realize they were in the same kindergarten class and your best man is spinning your aunt in circles on the dance floor. This day, which is so often considered a formal event and took so many months of preparation and meticulous planning, has suddenly become a huge, once-in-a-lifetime party with all of your favorite people. They’re all here for you, and your love, to celebrate the commitment you’re making with your person.
The nervous energy has morphed into pure celebratory exuberance—often aided by a little alcohol—and connections are pinging across the room like electricity. There are funny and heartwarming speeches, powerful on the day but made even more so with the passing of time. Your high school friends and cousins realize they were in the same kindergarten class and your best man is spinning your aunt in circles on the dance floor. This day, which is so often considered a formal event and took so many months of preparation and meticulous planning, has suddenly become a huge, once-in-a-lifetime party with all of your favorite people. They’re all here for you, and your love, to celebrate the commitment you’re making with your person.
What if we're really awkward in front of the camera?
Can you believe that every. single. one. of my couples tells me this before we work together? And honestly, I completely feel you on this. I get nervous before every shoot and wedding, so I make sure we work in a relaxed, fun, and chill manner. I consider myself to be an empathetic individual (my Enneagram and Myers-Briggs back me up on this) and have a tendency to adjust the way I direct and photograph couples depending on how comfortable they appear in front of my camera during our time together. My goal is to focus on your connection to one another, so most of my direction during portrait sessions (be it engagement sessions or periodically throughout a wedding day) will be in service of that.
If we're doing a portrait or engagement session I'm not above all of us taking a shot to loosen up before we start, but only if you want to.
If we're doing a portrait or engagement session I'm not above all of us taking a shot to loosen up before we start, but only if you want to.
What happens if you can't make it to my wedding?
I’ve photographed weddings while battling the flu, heartbreak, pneumonia, my own broken engagement (!!!!!), a sprained wrist, seasonal allergies, a really bad haircut, food poisoning, and migraines. I don’t believe in pulling a sick day for weddings and haven’t yet, but should the fates have other plans *knock on wood* I would reach into my vast network of talented wedding photographers to help find a replacement.
Do you travel for weddings or portrait sessions? How much does this cost? What does it look like?
Many of my weddings and engagement or portrait sessions since 2013 have required travel and have taken me from New York City to Los Angeles and everywhere in between. As of 2022 I’m based out of NYC working a full-time food photography gig and picked up two feline family members (Miso and Tuna may be familiar if you follow me on Instagram) and am therefore greatly limiting my time away from my new home city, job, and cats. I'll consider weddings that require travel on a case by case basis, but these opportunities will be extremely limited.
When my travel plans require flying for a wedding I arrive no later than 24 hours before the morning of the wedding to avoid any travel delays. This day before the wedding is often spent combating any jet lag while also location scouting to familiarize myself with your venue and loosely plan portrait locations, whenever possible. I try to lay low the day before to preserve my energy for the wedding day, but am usually available to document your rehearsal dinner, portraits, or other wedding-related event if we plan ahead of time.
As of 2022, Weddings and portrait sessions that require a flight (West Coast, Midwest) will more often than not include a flat $1200-2k travel fee I add to the total package (directly covers flights, hotel/Airbnb, and rental car/ride share/public transit) but this is dependent on the exact schedule of events, location, and time of year. I can offer a personalized travel quote when you reach out with your event details.
When my travel plans require flying for a wedding I arrive no later than 24 hours before the morning of the wedding to avoid any travel delays. This day before the wedding is often spent combating any jet lag while also location scouting to familiarize myself with your venue and loosely plan portrait locations, whenever possible. I try to lay low the day before to preserve my energy for the wedding day, but am usually available to document your rehearsal dinner, portraits, or other wedding-related event if we plan ahead of time.
As of 2022, Weddings and portrait sessions that require a flight (West Coast, Midwest) will more often than not include a flat $1200-2k travel fee I add to the total package (directly covers flights, hotel/Airbnb, and rental car/ride share/public transit) but this is dependent on the exact schedule of events, location, and time of year. I can offer a personalized travel quote when you reach out with your event details.
Do you need a shot list?
In my earliest days of photographing weddings I would request a detailed shot list (I recall one was 10pt font covering the entirety of 3 pages) and spent one too many wedding days with my head down, staring at a piece of paper trying to figure out what photographs I still needed to get rather than focusing on the memories that were being made right before me.
The way I shoot is natural, honest, and focused in documentary. For portraits I’ll offer guidance and some light coaching, but for everything else I encourage the day to flow as its intended, without my interference or a detailed list telling us what moments or memories we should artificially create.
If there are a few activities that may be considered out of the ordinary, key details, people, or special moments (ex: your grandmother just got out of a long stay in the hospital, you’ll be wearing your mother’s veil, or your best friend will be singing a song during the ceremony) please don’t hesitate to let me know about these so I can be on the look-out. For small wardrobe, jewelry, and paper goods, I’ll document these at the very start of the day so it’s best to have them set aside and ready for me when I first arrive.
The one and only shot list that’s important: I request and require a family photo list to keep us all organized. Without a detailed list (more on that below and in my Planning Guide) the flow of the day can quickly unravel in the span of 20 minutes due to stress, confusion, and missing aunties.
The way I shoot is natural, honest, and focused in documentary. For portraits I’ll offer guidance and some light coaching, but for everything else I encourage the day to flow as its intended, without my interference or a detailed list telling us what moments or memories we should artificially create.
If there are a few activities that may be considered out of the ordinary, key details, people, or special moments (ex: your grandmother just got out of a long stay in the hospital, you’ll be wearing your mother’s veil, or your best friend will be singing a song during the ceremony) please don’t hesitate to let me know about these so I can be on the look-out. For small wardrobe, jewelry, and paper goods, I’ll document these at the very start of the day so it’s best to have them set aside and ready for me when I first arrive.
The one and only shot list that’s important: I request and require a family photo list to keep us all organized. Without a detailed list (more on that below and in my Planning Guide) the flow of the day can quickly unravel in the span of 20 minutes due to stress, confusion, and missing aunties.
What's a first look? Do we need one?
A first look is the first time on the wedding day that you and your partner see each other in your full wedding attire. It’s usually an emotional moment, and some couples prefer to do it privately or with only me and my camera present. It gives you more time together on a day that is notorious for just flying by.
If you’re especially anxious or nervous leading up to the day (I would be) then this is a great opportunity to step away from all of the energy and spend a few precious, quiet minutes focused on each other rather than seeing one another for the first time in front of all your guests.
From a pragmatic standpoint, a first look also adds much more flexibility to other parts of the day as we can get family photos done before the ceremony and there will be more time for you to party with your favorite people afterwards. I always recommend having a first look but won’t pressure you into one if you would rather not.
If you’re especially anxious or nervous leading up to the day (I would be) then this is a great opportunity to step away from all of the energy and spend a few precious, quiet minutes focused on each other rather than seeing one another for the first time in front of all your guests.
From a pragmatic standpoint, a first look also adds much more flexibility to other parts of the day as we can get family photos done before the ceremony and there will be more time for you to party with your favorite people afterwards. I always recommend having a first look but won’t pressure you into one if you would rather not.
How much time do we need for family photos?
I like to move fast through family photos and guests always comment on how easy and painless the process is afterwards. If you're able, I recommend keeping family photos to parents, siblings (and spouses), and grandparents, which we can easily accomplish in twenty to thirty minutes. If you wish to do large group photos with multiple extended family groups (aunts, uncles, cousins) we will need to allot more time for this in the photography schedule, and keep these groupings as limited as possible.
A general rule of thumb is to allocate 1 minute per photo. For example: You have 28 different groupings you want photographed, we’ll want approximately 30 minutes for this. To be on the safe side I always tack on an extra 5 minutes which helps to make up for anyone who may be late or missing.
A general rule of thumb is to allocate 1 minute per photo. For example: You have 28 different groupings you want photographed, we’ll want approximately 30 minutes for this. To be on the safe side I always tack on an extra 5 minutes which helps to make up for anyone who may be late or missing.
Will you help us with the schedule?
Absolutely! Unless you're going for the most laid back and casual wedding taking place at a single location or opting to elope, we'll need to build a detailed schedule. It’s important that we have a schedule 2 weeks before the wedding so there’s still time to make any necessary adjustments. Lighting is pretty essential when it comes to photography so I like to have some input in regards to when certain events are scheduled.
Can you recommend a videographer or florist?
Above and beyond the videographers I’ve recently worked with who stand out are: Lauren at LoveBug based in Portland, Oregon; and Steven and his team at Wild Light Films, or Iron and Fern, both based in SoCal. We each work in a similar unobtrusive, fun, and creative manner which really compliments the overall vibe we each try to support on a wedding day.
My favorite Oregon and West Coast-based florist is Sarah at Selva Floral, and my favorite NYC and East Coast-based florist are Tati and Eric at Kraft & Company.
My favorite Oregon and West Coast-based florist is Sarah at Selva Floral, and my favorite NYC and East Coast-based florist are Tati and Eric at Kraft & Company.