How would you describe your style of wedding Photography?
I shoot in a photo journalistic documentary style. Unobtrusive and here to capture couples as they really are versus curating every moment to look perfect. I love the nuances of relationships, and often find myself drawn to the moments no one else sees. Pulling myself all the way back, going across the street and letting couples walk through the space we’re in. I am not only interested in the people on the dance floor, but the aunt, uncle, or friend who doesn’t like dancing at all. I tell stories from start to finish, shooting everything and adding an artistic angle to it.
Do you pose people and give directions?
Absolutely, I think while we are trying to be as authentic and true to reality as possible, we all need some direction and guidance for creating well done images. With that being said, I am not the type of photographer to suggest jumping on each others backs or running towards me and giggling to create something that looks like you’re having so much fun. I invite couples to show me who they really are, how do you act as a couple when no one else is watching, of course there is definitely a performative aspect to photography, but a truly documentary style means re-creating real life VS pretending to be someone else for photos. I believe life is beautiful as it is and those fun moments do happen naturally, I promise they really do! In over 10 years of experience doing this, it’s the honest work that stands the test of time, and speaks to the soul. Thats what I care about and thats the kind person I am. I of course want you to feel and look your best. We work together collaboratively, and see this is as a joint effort.
Couples often ask what about family portraits how does that fit in with documentary style photography?
Family portraits are set up and curated with a more specific goal, mainly to get people together and make sure I capture all of the various combinations with the best back drop available to us. As a documentary styled portrait photographer I try and do this artfully, and less stagnant as traditional work.
What do you think of shot lists do you help make them?
For my purposes, I need a very minimal skeletal structure list and yes I help make this with my couples, I also help with ideas for portrait sessions, back drops for all set up and posed shots from the list. Most of the lists I work with on couples focus on, My arrival time, ceremony, family portraits, portraits, reception, dinner, and dancing. If you do opt for an extensive shot list, make sure to higher a wedding planner or have a trusted friend help to coordinate.
Do you offer Location Scouting prior to the wedding?
I am not always able to offer this considering weddings are in different locations and sometimes different states. Sometimes we get lucky and I’ve recently shot at the same location a week before your wedding. But more often, I will say with much love and confidence that there is an element of needing to go with the flow, as much as we try to plan and be thorough, weddings take on a life of their own, we cant control things like construction zones or weather. I approach every wedding similarly with a really opened mind. With over a decade of photo experience I have developed the ability to think on my toes and creatively choose locations and back drops that lend to my personal style.
We See you mainly shoot intimate weddings and elopements do you also photograph larger weddings?
While my passion is has been intimate work, and city hall elopements. I do take a few select number of larger weddings each year, usually maxing out at 200-250 and 8 hours of coverage. You can always have the second shooter stay longer, but I personally don’t do over 8 hours of coverage.
Who are your second photographers?
Second photographers are people I have worked directly with or vetted extensively. All of the photographers who work with me have comparable camera gear and specialize in 35mm film. Typically a second shooter has less wedding experience but has solid photography experience over all.
What Is an assistant and what do they do?
An assistant is someone who helps carry camera gear, 35mm film cameras, helps to load film, change batteries, and assist with all photo related needs. This is ideal for weddings over 150.
What if you get ill have an emergency and have to cancel?
In the event that I have become too ill to perform, or something catastrophic occurs I will provide you with a backup photographer. I am a part of a large NYC and Northern PA photography group that allows me access to other photographers in the event of an emergency. I will also remain a part of the team and will be editing and sending out your final gallery. If all else fails I will issue a full refund.
Remember for weddings over 100 I encourage second photographers, and those will also ultimately act as another back up in the event of an emergency. Some ask does stuff like this happen often? No it doesn’t. To give some statistical data in over 500 weddings and elopements I’ve worked on, it’s happened (3-5) times.
What do we need to book the day?
I require a %30 non-refundable booking fee to hold your day. This is non refundable based on the fact that by holding your date I lose other work opportunities. This also insures I can still run my business in the event of catastrophe.
Do you have Insurance?
Yes, I carry standard coverage for both liability and venue COI options. Please just inquire if it’s needed.
What’s the payment Process?
I currently use Zelle as my primary online mode of payment. I also have CashApp and PayPal and accept cash for final payments only.
Can we see a full wedding gallery before booking?
Yes! please just inquire with me.
What is included in the hours we book with you?
Wedding and elopement packages include photo, travel and vendor meals. I make sure to confirm start times and timelines before the event so we know we’re both on the same page. It’s also always good to review contracts as they also restate those agreements.
What if were late?
I always give a 15 minute buffer for elopement’s, I get it, things happen. For larger weddings I give the couple the full day and as long as things have been communicated a week prior, I am fairly flexible. However, if a client is running 2 hours late, leading to the entire wedding being pushed back, then we add on more time as needed to the originally contracted package.
Can you help us find a wedding officiant?
Yes! I work with an amazing team of officiants here in NYC & PA and I am happy to connect you with them.
Can we meet with you in person before booking?
Unfortunately, No. I do offer complimentary calls where we can get aquatinted and you can interview me, and of course see me.
What format do we receive our photos in?
All images are sent in high resolution around (7-10mg) JPEG format, meaning you can print as large as 11×14 and higher. They are sent through an website gallery (Pic-Time) that you can download directly from, order prints, and easily share with friends and family.
Can we have raw files or 35mm film negatives?
I do not currently offer this. By choosing to work with me you are also trusting me and my professionalism as a photographer and editor. All images I release to clients are tended to with the utmost care and detail and are fully edited in my unique style. The final images you receive are ready to print.
How long will the wedding or elopement gallery be online?
Up to 1 year, all images should be downloaded and backed up within that year, options to renew galleries can be arranged for a small annual fee.
What does editing mean?
Editing is color correction of all images, adding slight contrast, fixing highlights and white points, cropping images and straightening them, as well as culling and curating galleries by removing closed eyes, duplicates or unflattering angles.
Do you provide retouching?
My packages include editing as described above. Retouching is a special add on. I work with an amazing photo-retoucher who can literally do whatever you need done, from air brushing faces to reshaping bodies, and removing people from the background of an image. I do however shoot in a natural style and couples don’t typically request this.
Can we have images in black and white?
Yes! I include duplicate black and white galleries of all of my shoots and weddings. I love black and white so much its really a staple of the work I do.
What if I want my photos kept private?
I know some couples need this for work related purposes. At this time I only offer NDAs on a case by case basis. NDAs are a 1k add on. Other than a full NDA add on, I always work with couples who are more private to exclude names, and choose images to post or promote that we both agree on.
Can we hire video through you?
At this time I work with an awesome artist who is offering super 8 video, we can include as a 1K Add on for elopements. For larger and more in depth weddings we offer custom quotes.
What are the best times of day for elopement and engagement photography?
I love shooting in the afternoon and right before sunset . Midday (meaning 12 noon) Is the most challenging because the sun is right above our heads. With that being said, it also doesn’t matter, as a master of my craft I can get amazing and dynamic images at all times of the day.
What camera gear do you use?
For Digital I am currently using the R6 Mark II and have a Canon R6. I only use fixed lenses I have the 50 1.2, 24 1.4 L and a 16mm 2.8. For 35mm film I usually bring 3 bodies with me, a standard 35mm, a point and shoot with flash, and a half Frame. I offer medium format as well for my larger weddings.
What is 35mm Film ?
35mm film is the original photographic medium, both the still image and moving image was shot on. With the rise in digital we forgot about this historical format. It’s too bad we did, because on so many levels the image quality is superior to digital. The grain and texture of film gives the images this truly real and unique quality. It’s one of a kind.
What if it rains, snows etc?
Weather usually requires we pivot or re design our shoot together, for smaller intimate weddings or elopements, this means umbrellas and opting for more indoor time, think of a cafe, your apt, or hotel. For larger weddings I encourage couples to have a rain option at their chosen venue, sometimes that’s the tent, but we should have more of a back up plan than that.
Do you travel ?
Currently I serve NYC, Parts of upstate NY, Parts of Jersey, North Eastern PA and Philly. As my little guy odin gets older I am beginning to open to the idea of more travel. Febuary 2025 I have a Wedding in Miami that’s turned into the perfect family vacation, and I’m really excited for that.