{Wedding} FAQ


How much is the non-refundable retainer? $500 paid via PayPal when you complete the contract.

How far do you travel for weddings?
I am based out of Southern Maryland. My service area is a 150 mile radius from zip code 20695 - Baltimore to Richmond; this includes Washington DC, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, Northern Neck of Virginia, and NOVA. For weddings in 2018 and beyond; I am extending my service area to New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Charlottesville, West Virginia, and the Outer Banks. I love to travel and love destination weddings. I am available to photograph weddings anywhere you would like.

Is there an additional charge if my wedding is outside your range?
Yes. I consider the local area a 75 mile radius from zip code 20695, over that is a.50¢/mile fee. We handle destination weddings on a case-by-case basis. A travel fee of $100 will also be applied if your wedding ends after 11pm and is more than 75 miles away. A travel fee is charged for certain areas such as DC, Baltimore, and Old Town Alexandria to cover parking garage fees and tolls.

Are you a professional photographer or hobbyist?
I am a professional photographer and this is my full-time occupation. 

What kind of weddings have you photographed?
The kind where people get married! Please do not count me out because I have not photographed a certain style of wedding. I have photographed weddings inside, outside, daytime, nighttime, on the beach, in churches, in fields, and at a baseball stadium. I have not had the opportunity to photograph an elopement, or ethnic wedding, but I would love to. Every year I photograph several all-day events; parades, festivals, fishing tournaments, home renovation, school concerts, and military ceremonies. I photograph people, love is love.

Do you offer digital images in any of your collections?
Yes, edited digital images and a password-protected online image gallery for viewing and ordering prints.

Does it cost extra to have the images edited?
Never. In fact, you only received edited images, and a re-edit of a limited number of photographs (if required).

Do you offer albums/prints in any of your collections?
Yes, a la carte, see the collections page.

Can I see an example of your albums/prints?
Yes, I have a portfolio on my website and a sample book for you to view.

What if my family/friends would like to order the prints online? Is there a website they go to?
Yes, they will be able to view and order prints online.

Can I just have digital images and not order prints?
Yes.

Do you offer professional retouching services of blemishes?
Yes, we do this as needed. We selectively edit so everyone looks their best and natural.

What is the first look?
It is a moment staged and set up by a wedding photographer for the couple to see each other before the ceremony. Normally, on site away from family and friends to give them privacy and to make that moment just for them.

Do you make all your couples have the first look, or is it optional?
It is completely optional.

How much time is typically needed to photograph a wedding? I suggest a Minimum of three hours to photograph the couple getting ready and a minimum of 90 minutes to photograph family formals. We will discuss your timeline at least twice before your wedding. Also, be aware, if a timeline is not provided, wedding day photography will commence at the ceremony location.

How many photographers come with you on the wedding day?
I photograph most weddings without assistance. You can add a second photographer. But, all additional photographers need to be hired and vetted by me. I will not allow another photographer to photograph your wedding and the couple is prohibited from hiring a second independently. I strictly enforce the exclusive photographer clause in my contract.

Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. I carry two cameras, several lenses, several flashes, memory cards, and batteries. I have more than one of everything; I charge, test, and clean everything before the wedding.

What do you wear to your weddings?
Comfortable, business formal, in black,  I like to blend in as much as possible.

Is an engagement session included in any of your packages?
Engagements sessions are a s
eparate fee.

What happens if I cancel my wedding or change the date?
My retainer is non-refundable and collection balance is non-refundable if canceled within 6 months of the wedding date. I would seriously advise against changing a wedding date after you have booked vendors and a venue unless there are extenuating circumstances. Wedding vendors book out 6 months to a year or more in advance. The vendors you want may not be available and they may not offer a refund depending on their policy.

If you have to reschedule and we have the new date available we will gladly reschedule to the new date. More than one (1) reschedule is not allowed and will result in cancelling of the wedding contract, the retainer is non-refundable. If the new date is already booked, this will be treated as a cancellation, and the cancellation policy will apply.

When is the remaining balance due for the wedding?
30 days before the wedding day. Payment plans can be arranged at no charge and billed via PayPal.

Do you offer a Friday/Sunday wedding day discount? No, unfortunately this is not a discount we offer.

If we would like to have several locations for the bride/groom and bridal party photos, do you charge for each additional location on the wedding day? No, but we will need to discuss your timeline to ensure there is enough time to accomplish travel to and from each location.

Do I have to use the wedding coverage all on the same day?
Yes, wedding coverage for the primary and second photographer is consecutive on the day of the wedding and cannot be split-up on different days. There is a waiting charge if there is a gap in required photography coverage. Additional sessions can be purchased for
rehearsals and day after couple/family sessions.

How far in advance do I need to book?
As soon as possible! Dates fill up quickly and we only photograph one wedding per day. We will never double-book your day with another session or wedding.

Can we meet before I book?
Yes, I insist on it! In person, on the phone, or we can talk on Skype. If we are more than an a 45 minute commute from each other I request we talk on Skype. I charge a travel fee of $100 per hour if an in-person consultation is more than 45 minutes away.

How would you describe your wedding photography style?
I offer a balance of posed, photojournalistic, and lifestyle photography.  I direct and pose when required. During most of your day I make sure you are in the best light and let the scene develop as it will. You do not need to know how to pose, I will take care of placing and posing in a way that flatters.

How long have you been photographing weddings, and how many per year?
I photographed my first wedding in 2008 and photographed for friends and family.  I accept only 20 weddings a year.

Do you use flash for any of your photography? Yes, when required. Otherwise, I use available light.

Are you a member of any professional photographer organizations?
I belong to Professional Photographers of America, The Rising Tide Society, and Charles County Arts Alliance.

Have you won any awards or been published? Yes, I have been published in the blogs The Overwhelmed Mommy, Borrowed and Blue, Equally Wed, The Overwhelmed Bride, BP4U Macro Photography Blog, and Photographers Artistry and my photographs are in several gallery shows around Charles County, Maryland. I have not won any awards simply because I do not compete in print competitions. Art is a personal endeavor and I do not like the idea of judging something that is unique.

Can you send me a list of references?
I have reviews online that some clients have been gracious enough to provide.

Do you offer annual anniversary sessions?
Yes, definitely I would love to see you on your anniversary. I am a portrait photographer and love photographing people, wherever they may be, I am available for family, maternity & newborn, anniversary, boudoir & glamour, and graduation portraits.

Do you work with any specific vendors?
I have a preferred vendor list, vendors I have worked with in the past. These individuals or businesses are true professionals and give 110%.

Can you hold my date without a retainer?
No, unfortunately we cannot but we will give you first right of refusal and 24 hours to decide if we receive another request for the same date.

How long does it take to receive my photos after my wedding?
Approximately 6 weeks after the wedding we will deliver your photos. Photo albums require 2-3 weeks to print and process.

How many photos should I expect from my wedding day?
Approximately 500 edited photographs.

Do you offer videography? No, we do not have any videographers on staff.

Do you offer slideshow presentations at the reception?
No, at this time this is not a service we offer. We do post 10-20 images 48 hours after the wedding on Facebook and send you a link to a gallery.

Do you offer live photo booths? No, this is not a service we offer.

Do you offer save the date/thank you cards? Yes, we partner with Minted for cards and Invitations .

What happens if you get sick on my wedding day?
This is handled on a case by case basis. I will be there. If something really bad happens, I will find a suitable replacement for you, and issue a refund.

How many events do you typically photograph on a wedding day? Just one, your wedding.

Does it cost extra for black and whites or adding a vintage look to my photos?
No, I love black and white. I will convert images to black and white as much as possible. I do not use photo filters or any faddish editing processes. I love black and white and will convert as many images as possible.

What will you do if something happens to my wedding photos? This situation is handled on a case by case basis. I will offer a refund if the situation warrants. To prevent any loss, your images are downloaded the same day of the wedding, copied three times and digitally backed-up on 3 separate drives.

Do you photograph with film or digital? I photograph primarily digital.

What questions do you have for me?