FAQ – FAQ Banner – New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Who is photographing my wedding?

It will be me, myself, and I – unless we make other arrangements. Although I am the head honcho around here, I also have a team of personally trained and skilled associates as well. If I’m already booked for your wedding date, they will do a fantastic job delivering images that look just like mine! As far as my second photographers, assistants – You will be getting a top notch photographer who I have known for years, not someone random. Quality control is extremely important to me, and I keep things “all in the family” when it comes to people who I trust with my work.

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Where are you located?
Do you travel?

I live in Livingston, New Jersey and mostly work around the New Jersey + New York areas, but I do travel somewhat frequently. I spent a few years living in Florida, love seeing my dad who lives near Tampa, and soaking up some sun during the winter months, so I do take on a handful of winter weddings down in Florida as well. If you love my photography, I want to be there, wherever you are. 

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Can I see a full gallery?

Yes! I put this question high on the list because it is a question everyone needs to be asking photographers. Nothing should be a mystery. It is important to see how your reception, getting ready, and ceremony photos will look, not just the portraits taken in perfect lighting! Being able to take great photographs in difficult lighting scenarios (dim churches, hotel rooms, and ballrooms in venues) is what separates good, from great photographers.

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Do you photograph LGBGTQIA+ weddings?

Yes. In my about section, I expand on this a bit further, but I welcome people and couples from all backgrounds, races, religions (or lack thereof), gender identities, sexual orientations, etc… into my creative circle. I am fully aware this is a question many couples may have, so I am very upfront about it. If you are in love, and love my photography – I want to be there no matter who you are. I use he/him pronouns, and want to know yours as well, if that is important to you. The world can be a scary place right now, but you are safe working with me.

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How long does it take to get my pictures?

You get your full gallery of images within 4-8 weeks of your wedding date. Depending on how busy I am, it could be as early as 2 weeks. This is what we are aiming for in 2020-2021. The day after your wedding you will get 50-100 preview images depending on the size of your wedding. It’s nice to have something right away to show off on social media, or share with family/friends who may have not been able to attend.

I don’t cut corners either for the sake of expediency. You will look absolutely fabulous in your photographs. Part of being a professional photographer is getting your images correct in camera. Knowing the right angles, where the best light is, etc… While I certainly do have a look & style that you probably sought out, I do a little bit of custom work to each job depending on a few factors like the colors/theme of your wedding, the aesthetic of your venue/locations, and even the vibe I get from just speaking with, and getting to know the two of you.

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What makes me a professional?

Many people have nice cameras, and are even great photographers. The difference is some aren’t professionals. While “photography as a gift” from your friend or family member may seem nice, it can be a Pandora’s Box that you wish you never opened. Being a professional photographer means that I have a process that exceeds just buying cameras, taking pretty pictures, and posting them online. Anyone can do that. If that’s all I offered, I wouldn’t be able to stay in business. So what’s the difference?

1. I have backup equipment. Two of my cameras could break on the job, and I’d have two more to replace them. The same goes for all of lenses and lighting equipment.

2. I have backup storage. (This is a biggie!) If my house burns to the ground tonight, your pictures will still be accessible

3. I have liability insurance. This means if I accidentally knock over your Uncle, and break his leg with my telephoto lens, we’re all covered. Though I really don’t foresee this happening. Or if your drunk guest kicks my light-stand over, and the venue burns to the ground (Again I promise this has never happened), I’m covered!

4. I have experience. Unlike someone who may be offering to photograph your wedding for free, or an extremely low price, this isn’t my first, second…. or even 100th rodeo. In these time crunch situations, you need a photographer who can take over your wedding like an elite NFL Quarterback. Someone who can take charge and lead, sometimes loudly (sorry in advance), especially during the careful nuanced grouping of family photos that need to be done in .02 seconds. Amateurs often wilt in these situations, but this is when I thrive.

5. I hold your hand through this entire process. Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and I will be there for you personally from day one. I try to answer all of my emails and texts in an extremely fast manner. People often remark that I am the first person to write back to them – when reaching out to several creative partners. Quickest hands East of the Mississippi – and that’s a title I want to keep.

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Do I get all of the photos, can I have the RAW photos?

Yes and no. I carefully sort through your images, and take out the bad ones. Test shots, blinking eyes, unflattering faces (though I may leave some that are intentionally funny!), and anything else generally unimportant. This is the least fun part for photographers. Believe me, it would be a lot less work for me to just shove all of the images in your face without any discrimination. Companies even make video game style controllers that help photographers cull faster, and to make it less repetitious. It’s really that boring. Yet as boring as culling is, it is equally important. This means you end up with a nice large gallery, and the exact amount of photos will depend on the length of your wedding, how many guests, how many locations, etc… I always try to overdeliver, so you won’t be missing anything.

When it comes to RAW/Unedited images, the answer is no, and for a very good reason. As stated above, I go through a custom editing process for each wedding. You won’t look your best in RAW images, and I don’t want my brand misrepresented. You are hiring me for the full monty, which includes my bold, creative, and timeless editing style. There is a photography meme/cliche out there about chefs not serving raw ingredients on a plate to dinner guests, and I kind of hate it, but it’s also still true. That’s about as clear as I can make this 🙂

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How do we book our wedding?

After filling out my contact form, I will get back to you within minutes, unless of course I am asleep or photographing someone else’s wedding. Even during a wedding, I’ll try to let you know “hey I’m at a a wedding, but talk to you soon (insert emoji)!” At this point we’ll set up a quick phone consult, video conference, or in person meeting if we both have time, and figure out the best package for you, I’ll send you a proposal through my personalized booking system on my website – and then we will have a follow-up appointment to address any further questions or concerns you may have.

A flat $1000 retainer is required at the time of signing the contract to reserve your date. The remainder is due 4 weeks before your wedding.

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How are the photos delivered?
Do we have printing rights?

Your photos will be delivered in a user friendly,  online gallery, that stays up forever.  You can share the gallery with anyone you would like. You, your family, and guests will be able to order prints and wall art of all different sizes directly from the gallery. Alternatively, you can also use the provided download pin to download the photos yourself, and make your own prints. All photos are downloadable as an entire collection at full high resolution, or web/social-media size (defaults for days!) as well. This means that yes, you own print & personal usage rights to photos.

Bottom Line: You are free to print and/or display your photographs in *any* non-commercial way. I don’t hold them hostage! The only thing you are not allowed to do is sell your wedding photos commercially. That would be a copyright infringement. The copyright of the photos stays with me forever. This is generally non-negotiable, and the industry standard, but I know this can be a little confusing as there is a distinct difference between printing rights, and copyright.

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Do we get to meet you before the wedding?

Although I would love to meet everyone in person for our initial consult, it often isn’t feasible, but this is where engagement shoots come into play, and why I always highly suggest them! An engagement session gives us a chance to visually break the ice. I will get a better idea on how to direct you, and interact with you on your big wedding day. Even if you aren’t using engagement photos for “Save the Dates” it is still a great idea for all wedding couples. Everyone is different, requires varying levels of encouragement, and direction to get the best photos possible. Meeting my couples and becoming close with them is paramount to my success. While not everyone becomes a BFF FOR LIFE, I stay in touch with a lot of my couples over the years. People who hire me, tend to like my sense of humor, and my approach to life, not just photography. If you’ve already had an engagement session done, or you really just HATE the idea of it, I certainly won’t force it on you. We can grab a cup of coffee sometime before your wedding to go over the details.

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I saw this awesome picture on Pinterest, can you recreate it?

I am very happy to look at any inspiration/planning boards you may have on Pinterest, The Knot, Wedding Wire, or elsewhere. However part of hiring me is for my artistic expertise. You may see that *awesome* photo on Pinterest, but it may not be possible if your wedding is different. We will collaborate on this and come up with the best possible happy-medium. Every wedding is different, and I tend to lean more towards working in the moment, finding the best light, and making you look how I know (as the expert) you will look best.

If you do have some very specific ideas in mind, I will give you a form to fill out where you can include them. What you like is important to me, and I want to listen to all of your ideas! Working together like this helps you have unique timeless photography that will last for generations. Ask yourself, do you really want to have the *exact* same wedding photos as someone else? Working with me a customized/personal experience that produces images that are unique to your vision and taste.

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If my drunk guest keeps harassing you about photo suggestions, and won’t stop, do I have to ask her to shut up?

I don’t need photo suggestions, unless they come from you, but I am also happy to grab a guests iPhone and take their special group shot during the reception, in addition to the professional photos I will take.

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Do you offer video?

I specialize in photography, and refer out video to a trusted listed of creative partners, who share the same kind of visual style as I do. Also if you want to hire your own videographer separately, by all means go ahead. I consider myself a friendly person who can work with anyone. 

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What happens if we break up before the wedding, or the wedding is rescheduled/canceled?

If you decide to split before the wedding, even after signing my contract, I will work with you to make sure you are taken care of. Chances are that I have turned down work for the same date, but there will always be more weddings. Unlike other photographers who have bad customer service, I will do my best to work with you and make sure your retainer is refunded, so you have one less thing to worry about. I have to run my business, but I am not a monster and have empathy for those who are going through difficult situations. If you do plan on rescheduling the wedding, we will certainly figure things out. I want you to feel good about our interactions, and I stand behind taking care of everyone who hires me, even when things don’t go as planned.

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What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

Even outdoor weddings have backup plans, and while it sucks (I am not going to sugarcoat it and say it is good luck), it doesn’t mean your photos will. If the weather looks especially bad ahead of time, I will come up with a plan with you to make sure we have a nice area to use. Heck, even some photos in the rain, or with you standing under a covered area with rain in the background, can look super cool! We will always make the best of your day, and make sure you get great photos, even if your wedding day doesn’t go exactly as planned. However in the rare instance that a wedding is canceled due to something like a hurricane, you will reschedule with us, like you will have to with all of your other creative partners.

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What happens if you can’t make it to the wedding?

This won’t happen unless I die, or end up in the hospital with a life threatening injury. This hasn’t happened (yet, knock on wood) in over 10 years of being in business. I am photographing your wedding. In the past I have dealt with broken bones, high fevers, and stomach viruses. I am not trying to wax poetic about my bravery or toughness, but I do take my career in wedding photography that seriously. There are no “sick days” or “days off” for me. If I am not going to be 100% on your wedding day from illness or injury, I will bring on an additional photographer and/or assistant with me, to make sure everything is taken care of

What if I die before your wedding? This is getting a little morbid, but it’s something you should know. Obviously I won’t be photographing your wedding posthumously. The images wouldn’t be very good, and the guests probably wouldn’t like having a zombie around. While this is pretty out there, I do have contingency plans for an untimely death, just like Emperor Palpatine did. I have a designated executor who will be in charge of handling my business contracts, to refund you, and/or find you an appropriate photographer. You probably won’t see another photographer talk about death so much in their FAQ, but I just decided to do it, since someone out there is wondering.