When can I see my photos?
Typically, portrait session processing can take 2-5 weeks. Weddings can take a bit longer at 5-8 weeks. It can be more or less depending on how busy the previous weeks have been. I will give you an estimated time frame at your session. Also, although I do everything I can to get your photos done within this time frame, daily life can get intervene. Please be assured that I will work diligently to get them done as soon as possible.
How many photos will we get?
This can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. For Weddings, I generally deliver approximately 60 images per hour on average.
For portraits, I only provide the final edited photos. The “rejected” files are discarded, as they do not meet my rigorous evaluation. My goal for one hour portrait sessions is to provide at least 40 images for you to choose from.
Can we see the unedited photos right away?
I know that every client is anxious to view their photos after a session. However, I feel that showing my clients their unedited portraits is equivalent to a painter displaying his latest masterpiece before it is finished. I assure you that you will be much more satisfied with the final product! That being said, I’ll probably show you the back of my camera several times during our session!
Can we have the unedited original (RAW) files?
No. Once I have evaluated and “culled” all of the photos, I do not archive the RAW files from the camera. These are only read with special software and are not available for purchase or viewing. (see answer above also)
Are all of my photos edited?
All of the photos that I deliver to you via your online gallery are edited. I do not provide any unedited photos. Minor retouching is provided when needed to correct skin blemishes or bruises.
What do you do when you “edit” photos?
A photo can be edited in infinite ways. A quote I once read states: “A photographer doesn’t take a photograph, they make it.” Of course, computer editing is only a small portion of making a photograph. The staging and the background can make all the difference between a good photo and a bad one. However, the most important aspect of photography is lighting. Being that I am an on-location photographer (meaning – I do not have a studio or studio set-up) I have to rely on the available light and my flashes to adequately light my subjects. Since I cannot always control the situation, or, in the case of weddings, move the subjects to a better spot, I sometimes have to correct exposure and color balance digitally. Once all of the photos look “right”, I move on to more details, such as lightening shadows, and revealing highlights. In the photos that I choose to edit for the package, I also remove blemishes (where possible). Occasionally I also have to “open eyes” using another photo from the session (this is a typical step for me with photos of large grounds or groups with small children).
How do you choose which photos to edit?
Once I get home from a shoot, I immediately backup all of the files on my hard drive. After picking my favorites and deleting any test photos, blurred images, or ones that just aren’t flattering to my subjects, I will correct all of the images for general color and lighting.
I go through several processes before I decide which photos I should retouch (edit) and which ones not to. Once I pull out all of the ‘rejected’ photos, I pick from the remaining ones based on some basic criteria: 1) I love it!, 2) It’s good quality (no closed eyes, blurred faces, etc), and 3) I think the client will like it (it displays the subject in a flattering way).
Do you provide any black and white images?
All photos that I choose to edit for Portrait Sessions are provided in color as well as black and white.
Wedding photo editing is a different process for me. Your total number of photos will determine the number that I also provide in B&W. Occasionally, I will provide only a black and white version of a photo when it best suits the image.
Do you offer wedding albums? What is the process?
Yes. I have album choices starting at $895. Wedding albums are planned in one of two ways. I will create your album to tell the story of your day. I choose the photos for this and I plan the pages based on what photos I have to tell each part of the story from the day. Samples are available to view in person.
Album designs will be provided for review in PDF format via email and requests for changes can be made. This review process can be repeated up to 2 times. If changes need to be made after the third/final review an additional fee will be charged.
What is your photographic “style”?
I love candid moments. Most photographers describe the way that I approach a wedding as “documentary” in style. I try to capture even posed portraits as naturally as possible. I am more apt to have you look away from the camera than at the camera, in order to create a more “natural” look. When we are working together, I will guide you into poses that look the most natural for your attire, location, body type, etc, without being overly intrusive or demanding. I want to make sure you are comfortable throughout the session, and will change things up if it seems that a particular pose or idea isn’t something you like. (I’ve been to those department store studios that have a list of poses that they will not vary from and many of them made me feel silly and uncomfortable – which showed in the photos. That was the last time I did that!)
Can I see the photos from an entire wedding?
Absolutely! If you would like to view a full wedding, we can arrange to meet in person (I do not provide general access to the gallery as my client’s privacy is very important to me!). My galleries and archives are great sources for seeing how my photos typically look. Keep in mind that there are typically over 800 photos in a wedding, so make sure you have some time!
What equipment do you use?
I currently use a Canon 5D Mark III for my main camera. I also carry a backup/secondary camera to all weddings: a Canon 5D Mark II. My main camera shoots at 23 MP and my secondary camera shoots at 21 MP. I primarily use a Canon 70-200mm IS f/2.8 lens for most of my shoots. I also have several fixed lenses (do not zoom) that I use frequently during receptions.
Do you have a second shooter for weddings?
A Second Shooter is included with my base wedding package.
How many weddings have you shot?
As of the winter or 2021, I have been the primary photographer at over 75 weddings and a second shooter at at least 25 more.
I have been taking pictures since I was in high school (over 20 years ago). I didn’t start getting into taking portraits and wedding photography until about 2011. Once I realized that I could turn it into a business, I started to seek out friends and family to practice on and to build a portfolio. Putting my business online is what really allowed me to succeed and build it to where it is now. I have learned everything I know about photography from blogs, websites, books, workshops, and other photographers in my area. I love everything about taking pictures and make amazing memories for my clients to look back on forever!
Do you charge for travel?
I typically need to charge a travel fee for Weddings if they are outside of the Hampton Roads cities. When I do need to add mileage to a wedding package or portrait session, it is at $1.00 per mile over 20 miles (round-trip).
Portrait Sessions in some rural areas of Hampton Roads (i.e. Sandbridge) may incur a flat travel charge of $10.00. Portrait Sessions at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront require an additional $10.00 fee for municipal parking.
A Note about Photography in Virginia Beach City Parks.
Recently, the City of Virginia Beach has begun enforcing Commercial Use Permits and Fees for any paid photography sessions on their properties. Weekday fees are $25/2 hours and weekend fees are $50/2 hours. This includes pretty much every general location that I have shot at in Virginia Beach. Although I am disappointed that this is being enforced for small businesses such as myself, I do understand why they need to have such rules and fees in place. Since my session fees are set for other municipalities in Hampton Roads that do not charge this fee, I will be passing this fee along to the client. Once the permit fee is provided by you, I will initiate the process to register and obtain the permit, which can take up to 30 days.
More information about this, as well as a link to the fee schedule, can be found here.
What if I need to reschedule a portrait session?
As a full-time employee, a part-time photographer, and a part-time step-mom to a beautiful little girl, I COMPLETELY understand that plans have to change sometimes. I will do my best to accommodate clients that find themselves over-booked! Just be sure to give me enough heads-up by phone (and email) so that I don’t leave to meet you (at least an hour).
Is there a retainer?
Yes, most sessions require a small, non-refundable (but transferable) retainer to hold your date. Wedding retainers are currently $500.00. There is a $50 retainer to hold Portrait Session dates and times.
What happens if you get sick, or worse, on my wedding day?
This is probably the question that worries the most brides and grooms! If, by some stroke of bad luck, I am completely incapacitated on your wedding day, I will contact all of my photographer friends to try to find you a replacement. If I am unable to do so, all monies paid will be refunded. In choosing me for your wedding photography, there is a very small risk that there will not be someone to cover for me and that your wedding will go undocumented. I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE TO OR MISSED A WEDDING TO DATE!
What types of payments do you take, and when do I pay you?
I am able to accept cash and check in person. Credit card payments can be accepted, with a fee, online through my invoicing system – they should be arranged at least 48 hours ahead of time for portrait sessions. A 3% surcharge applies for all online/credit card payments. Wedding payments by credit card can also be arranged when signing your contract. Payment is always due at the time of your session (or 24 hours before yours session if paying by credit card). Balances on wedding contracts are due a minimum of 10 business days before the day of your wedding.
Do you offer military discounts?
I have tried to price my packages to suit even the smallest budget to make professional photography available to everyone in my area. Unfortunately, my current pricing does not allow me to offer any additional discounts at this time.