wedding photographY
The Experience
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera - they are made with the eye, heart and head.
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Naturally there will be questions whenever we take a step towards something new. We're wired to seek answers. We want to feel prepared. To feel confident. I totally get that.
My Philosophy
My Approach
This is all about you.
From day one, I want to learn about who you are and what your story is. I want to answer your questions, provide advice, and be your ultimate guide on this photographic journey. I want to ensure you are confident with the process and comfortable with me, so in turn you can be your most relaxed, natural selves.
Because that's when I get the real you. No forced smiles or awkward cues. That's when I'm documenting the way moments feel and not just the way they look. That's when we're having an authentic experience, and not just an exercise in posing. That's when this becomes a hangout with your best third wheel who also happens to own a nice looking camera.
I want you to enjoy one of the most memorable days of your lives. I want it to be honest to who you are as a couple. I want it to be uniquely you.
By providing you with a personalized experience tailored exclusively to your needs, wants, and ideas, I thrive on the opportunity to tell love stories in completely different ways.
I scout locations, visit your venue, and plan your wedding day timeline. I prepare. I create a deliberate framework for your photos to allow for unscripted moments that make your day unique.
And, I get it - not a lot of people like having their photos taken. That's why I offer guidance that will produce natural reactions. To make you feel at ease and allow the fun and spontaneous moments to occur naturally.
I want to deliver a well-rounded gallery that encapsulates all aspects of your day and evokes feelings of happiness and nostalgia when you revisit it. No two weddings are the same because no two people are the same. And that's what makes creating your visual legacy so exciting.
HOW THIS THING WORKS
Let's chat & connect
01
Drop me a line and let's get to know each other. I want you to get a feel of what it'll be like to work together because you deserve to have a photographer that fits your needs and wants. I can't stress this enough! I'd love to learn about you and your story and hear what plans you have for your big day. And I'm sure you'll have questions as you start your journey into everything photography-related, so fire away.
Let's book & prepare
02
If we're a good fit then let's get our journey started! I'll send you a contract and we'll reserve your date with a retainer. Following the formalities, I'll send you a questionnaire to gather additional information and help personalize your experience, start planning your wedding day timeline and photo lists to optimize utilization of natural light and ensure we get those golden hour newlywed photos, scout locations and make all other necessary preparations for your big day. We'll keep in touch throughout this process and I'm always a phone call or email away.
Let's shoot & have fun
03
I'll be there so you can be present. Enjoy your day and take it all in. From start to finish, my commitment is documenting all the meaningful moments happening around you and catching you at your happiest. By the last dance, we'll have a complete story of your day just waiting to be shared...
Let's re-live & reminisce
04
...and sharing your story with you is what I can't wait to do. Following your wedding, and while you're still on an adrenaline rush, I'll send you a gallery of some highlights. After your preview, I'll be working on getting you all your images so you can create beautiful keepsakes to memorialize this special time in your lives.
"He was so easy to work with. It felt like we had known him forever."
Ruth & Erik
OCEANSIDE, CA
FAQs
This list will answer some of the most common questions but is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to ask me anything that isn't addressed here.
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
My style can generally be categorized as documentary. This means I focus on capturing the candid moments and interactions between you and your loved ones that tell the story of your wedding day. When needed, I will provide gentle direction but I do so naturally so as to not interfere with the flow of your day.
I love the depth and colors of natural light, especially during golden hour which gives soft, warm skin tones. For this reason, I shoot in natural light and will only use flash during the reception when it is typically dark and/or indoors.
DO YOU USE FLASH OR NATURAL LIGHT?
WHAT IS A CUSTOM COLLECTION?
I believe each couple and wedding is unique and therefore I offer my couples the opportunity to invest in coverage and deliverables that best suits their needs and what is important to them. Your custom tailored collection can include things such as an engagement session, a signing album and wedding album, or rehearsal dinner to name a few. Please contact me directly so we can discuss what's right for you.
I love engagement sessions for multiple reasons. Of course, an engagement session serves the purpose of you having photos together (and in a location that is meaningful to you), but it is also a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to get a good feel of what it will be like having a photographer around. I'll show you it's not as scary as you think and your experience will allow you to feel more comfortable and relaxed for your big day.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION: Y/N?
HOW DO YOU MAKE US FEEL RELAXED IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
By getting to know you! In-person meetings, zoom calls, and before session drinks are all welcome. I aim to create a dialogue that is open and fun to make you feel completely at ease. You can make fun of my accent and I'll make fun of yours. It's all good.
Absolutely! One of the most important aspects to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly is taking into account the time needed for capturing all the various aspects of your day, e.g., getting ready, wedding party photos, family photos, first look (if applicable), transportation time and distances between locations at the venue, etc. Additionally, I always make sure to schedule your newlywed photos during "golden hour" which is the optimal time for these photos to occur.
WILL YOU HELP PLAN OUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE?
Around 650 fully edited high-res photos is average, however there is no set number because every wedding is different. For example, weddings with larger bridal parties or more family photo combinations can expect to receive more photos. Let me put it this way: I've never had a couple come back to me asking for more photos. I strive to provide above beyond what my couples expect and give them plenty to choose from.
HOW MANY PHOTOS CAN WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE FROM OUR WEDDING?
I would describe my editing style as warm, light and airy. There is a soft vibrancy to my images but I keep the colors natural and avoid heavy saturation. I don't change my editing style based on trends - I want my images to have a timeless look that my couples will still appreciate in 10, 20, or 50 years.
WHAT IS YOUR EDITING STYLE?
Absolutely. In fact, editing is where I spend most of my time. I'm meticulous when it comes to editing (I have been called OCD by my wife). I don't batch edit or outsource editing - I go through each photo one by one to ensure the final result meets my standard of quality and style.
ARE ALL OUR PHOTOS EDITED?
One week after your wedding I will send you a sneak peek of between 20 to 30 highlights. Four to five weeks after that you will receive all of your images. While I understand you are anxious to see your photos, I don't sacrifice the editing process for the sake of rushing through them. I believe the extra time is worth it and will check in with you during this time to provide updates.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR US TO RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?
HOW ARE OUR PHOTOS DELIVERED?
Your photos will be delivered to you digitally via a personalized, password-protected online gallery that you can share with family and friends. You can download all of your images directly to your computer in both full resolution (for print) and web ready format (for online purposes).
WILL WE RECEIVE RAW FILES?
RAW files are unprocessed image data. These files require conversion and processing through dedicated editing software before they are readable and become a finished product. Since the editing process is an integral part of my workflow in order to produce consistency in style, RAW files are not provided.
Yes - I strongly believe your photos shouldn't get buried on your hard drive! That's why I've partnered with a professional printing company exclusive to photographers. All prints are developed on industry leading photographic papers and all albums are handmade with old world craftsmanship and a whole lotta love. All albums are custom designed and you can choose between a variety of silk, linen, and European leather finishes, as well as a variety of sizes. I searched far and wide for the best quality materials and am confident you will love these products as much as I do. All product options are available to you directly through your online gallery.
DO YOU OFFER PRINTS & ALBUMS?
DO YOU SHOOT VIDEO?
No, I specialize in photography only.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I am located in Long Beach, California.
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR SESSIONS? IF SO, WHAT IS YOUR FEE?
Absolutely ! I love exploring and shooting in new locations. See here. I don't have a set travel fee as this is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on distance, duration, and other logistics. Please contact me directly to discuss.
