Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and picking the right photographer for your wedding comes with a lot of questions. Whether you’re planning a Southern California celebration, a destination weekend wedding, or a quiet elopement on the cliffs of Big Sur, these FAQs walk through my process, what’s included, and what it feels like to work together.
If you don’t see your question answered here, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Style & Experience
How would you describe your wedding photography style?
My work blends editorial composition with a documentary storytelling approach. You’ll receive images that are cinematic, soft, true to color, and timeless—romantic portraits alongside the in-between candid moments that often become your favorites years later when you’re flipping through your album with your kids. I’m always looking for genuine connection and real emotion, rather than posed perfection.
Do you photograph with film as well as digital?
Yes—I’m a hybrid digital and film wedding photographer, and every wedding collection includes both. I shoot on 35mm and medium format film throughout the day, blended with digital coverage. My favorite film cameras right now are my Contax G2 and Contax 645, though I’ve been known to pull out my Olympus Mju-ii (a.k.a., my “90s Mom Camera”) during a fun wedding dance floor. Film brings a softness and depth to skin tones and light that digital can’t quite replicate; digital handles the fast-moving moments with speed and reliability. The two are woven together in your final gallery—you won’t receive them as separate sets but as a cohesive story. I do, however, scan my film photos with borders visible, so you’ll know them when you see them.
How much of the gallery is film versus digital?
It varies by the day and the light, but a typical wedding includes roughly 5 - 7 rolls of 35mm film and 3-5 rolls of medium format film, alongside my digital photography coverage. The exact split depends on conditions as well as the couple’s preferences, but every gallery includes a meaningful amount of film imagery throughout.
Do you include black and white photos?
Yes, I include a thoughtful mix of color and black and white images throughout your gallery. If you love black and white photography, just let me know and I’m always open to creating more. It’s an easy preference to accommodate.
Can we include our pet in our session or on the wedding day?
Absolutely! I love including fur babies in photography sessions and have done it many times. If you’re bringing your pet to an engagement session, I’d recommend having a trusted friend come along to care for them when they’re not being photographed, so your attention isn’t being split during portraits that don’t include your pet. For the wedding day, just be sure to coordinate with your planner so your pet has dedicated care throughout.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples and couples of any religion or background?
Yes, wholeheartedly. I’ve had the honor of photographing love stories from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ weddings, interfaith ceremonies, cultural fusions, and nontraditional celebrations. My approach is rooted in respect, genuine connection, and joy—no matter who you are or how you love.
Wedding Day Details
How many hours of wedding photography do we need?
Most wedding days fall somewhere between 8 and 10 hours, which is why coverage starts at 8. That's usually enough to move from getting ready through the first hour of dancing — though it depends on things like how many locations you have and how long your ceremony runs.
If you're planning something that stretches the day, like a grand exit you want documented, you might want a little more. The nice thing is you don't have to decide everything now: most couples book the minimum they know they'll need to reserve the date, then add hours closer to the wedding as their timeline takes shape. Beyond the base of 8 hours, additional time is a simple, fixed $500 per hour.
If you're not sure where your day will land, that's exactly the kind of thing we can map out together on a connection call.
Do you bring a second photographer?
Often, yes. Coverage begins with me as your photographer, and a second photographer can be added to any wedding day. A second photographer means both partners can be photographed getting ready at the same tgime, two perspectives during the ceremony, and more. For most weddings above roughly 100 guests, I'd highly recommend adding a second photographer.
Will you direct us during portraits?
Yes, for portraits I'll offer gentle guidance to help you feel natural in front of the camera. Small adjustments, gentle prompts, a direction to walk—all of these things help settle front-of-camera nerves. I'll also create a shot list for your family formals ahead of the wedding day. This is not something you have to do on your own; I'll guide you through it so we're not figuring out groupings on the fly. For everything else throughout the day, I step back and let the day tell its own story, documenting all the way.
What if it rains or the weather is bad?
Beautiful images can be made in any weather. Some of my favorite work has happened in fog, overcast light, or light rain. That being said, your comfort always come first. I will never push you outside for portraits if conditions are uncomfortable; we’ll work with your planner to adapt the timeline as needed.
What do you wear to weddings?
My team and I always dress in business casual or above, adapting to the dress code of the wedding. We typically wear dark-colored clothing—usually black—so we’re unobtrusive in the background of your day. Comfortable shoes are the one non-negotiable, because we’re on our feet often for 8 to 10 hours, but we always dress appropriately and with respect for the event.
Do you eat at the reception? Is a vendor meal required?
Yes, a vendor meal is expected and included in our standard contract. We'll be with you for the full day, and a meal is part of making sure we can sustain the coverage through the evening. Your planner or catering team will typically handle this automatically.
Do you use flash or additional lighting, or do you only shoot in natural light?
I work with available light whenever possible, but I'm fully equipped with flash and continuous lighting for darker venues, evening receptions, and dance floors. My approach to artificial lighting is always to supplement rather than overpower.
What's your backup plan if something happens to you on my wedding day?
I have a team of associate photographers I've worked with extensively, as well as a strong network of trusted photographers in the area. One of the real benefits of having a second photographer is that there is always at least one experienced person at your wedding if something happens to the other. If something were to happen to me, my second shooter could step into the lead role (every second photographer I work with is a strong photographer in their own right and runs their own wedding photography business).
Do you photograph rehearsal dinners, welcome events, or day-after brunches?
Yes, all three are available as add-ons to your photography package. Rehearsal dinners and welcome event coverage run up to three hours, which is typically enough to cover the event and some portraits. Day-after brunch coverage is also up to three hours, usually including coverage of the brunch itself and morning-after portraits. These are some of my favorite additions for couples who want the full wedding weekend documented and are especially nice for couples who are having a destination wedding.
Videography & Content Creation
Do you offer wedding videography?
Yes. I offer wedding videography through a small team of trusted associate videographers with whom I collaborate closely. Every wedding film package includes a cinematic highlight film, a full documentary edit—with your ceremony and speeches in their entirety—and a 1-minute social media reel. That's the complete record of your day and something beautiful to share, all included in every package.
One thing couples often appreciate: when photography and videography are covered by the same team, the experience on the day is noticeably smoother. There's no navigating between two separate companies, no competing for the same moments, and no awkward coordination between vendors who've never worked together. My team and I know each other, work together regularly, and share the same documentary sensibility, which means your gallery and your film feel like they belong together.
What's the difference between the highlight film and the documentary edit?
Both are included in every videography package, and they serve different purposes. The highlight film is cinematic and concise—a short film following the arc of your day, set to music, designed to be watched from start to finish and shared with people who weren't there. The documentary edit is the fuller record—your ceremony and speeches in their entirety, along with a broader edit of the day. It's the version you'll return to when you want to hear your vows exactly as spoken or listen to your best friend's toast in full. Together, they give you both the feeling of the day and the record of it.
Do you offer content creation for social media?
Yes—content creation is available as an add-on to wedding photography. This package includes a dedicated content creator who attends your wedding specifically for this purpose—separate from your photographer and videographer, who are fully focused on their own coverage. Your content creator captures vertical video clips throughout the day on a phone, optimized for social media, and delivers 3-4 edited reels within a few days of your wedding. It's designed for couples who want short-form content to share immediately, alongside the more polished photo and video deliverables that follow.
We already have a photographer. Can we book just videography?
Yes. Standalone videography is available, and I love collaborating with other photographers.
Engagements & Proposals
Do you photograph engagement sessions?
Absolutely. Engagement sessions are one of my favorite moments with a couple—a chance to slow down, get your first professional photos together, and get comfortable with me before the wedding day. Every session includes a blend of digital and film photography coverage, location and wardrobe guidance, and a curated gallery. By the time your wedding comes around, you'll know how I work and the camera will feel like less of a stranger.
When should we schedule our engagement photos?
Most couples schedule their engagement session about 6-12 months before the wedding, often timed with save-the-dates. Sunset sessions in scenic California locations book up early, so the sooner you can schedule, the more flexibility you'll have with location and timing.
Do you photograph surprise proposals?
Yes—and I love every second of it. Proposal photography is some of the most exciting work I do. I work closely with the proposing partner to plan the surprise: choosing the location, timing it with the best light, and working out logistics for staying hidden or blending in until the moment happens. Sometimes I pose as a fellow hiker or photographer in the area; other times the proposing partner tells their partner it's a photo shoot and the proposal happens during the session. Whatever approach works best for your situation, we'll have a clear plan in place in advance.
How far in advance should we book a proposal session?
At least one month in advance is ideal, and more lead time is better, especially during wedding season when my weekends fill quickly. Proposals often require a specific location, time of day, and light window, so the more runway we have to plan, the better the experience for everyone.
Can we book an engagement session without a wedding?
Of course! While most of my engagement sessions are booked alongside weddings, I’m always happy to photograph couples who want beautiful images of this chapter of their lives.
Do you offer family, maternity, or other lifestyle sessions?
Occasionally, on request. I usually photograph lifestyle sessions—family, maternity, newborn—for existing clients and referrals on a case-by-case basis, and usually only during less busy seasons. If you’re interested, reach out and we can talk through what you’re looking for. And even if I’m not the right photographer with you, I’ll do my best to connect you with other photographers who might be.
Pricing & Investment
What does wedding photography cost?
Wedding photography starts at $5,800 and includes 8 hours of coverage on your wedding day by one photographer, digital and analog film photography coverage, sneak peeks within 48 hours, your full gallery within 8-10 weeks, and ongoing planning support. For elopements and courthouse weddings, I offer a separate set of collections starting at a lower price point. Reach out to receive the full pricing guide with all collections, coverage options, and add-on details.
How do I know which collection is right for us?
The right collection comes down to how long you want photography coverage. For couples having something simpler—a courthouse ceremony or an elopement—I also offer focused Elopement collections. We can talk through what fits your day on our connection call, and I'll make a recommendation based on what you describe.
Do you offer payment plans?
My standard structure is 50% due at booking to retain the date and the remainder due one month before your wedding. Custom payment plans are available upon request. Everything is payable by credit card or bank transfer with no added fee.
Do you offer associate photographer collections?
For couples drawn to my work but with different budget considerations, my studio offers collections led by trusted photographers I've personally worked with and trained, with the same editing standards. Reach out for details.
Booking & Planning
How far in advance should we book?
Most of my couples book their wedding photography 9-18 months in advance. Peak dates—fall weekends, May, and June—fill the most quickly. That said, I occasionally have last-minute availability, so it never hurts to reach out regardless of timeline.
What’s required to secure our date?
A signed contract and a 50% retainer officially secure your date. Everything is handled through my online booking system and payable by credit card or bank transfer. Most couples move from our connection call to booked within a week or two.
Do you recommend working with a wedding planner?
Almost always, yes. A professional planner or coordinator makes a real difference in how your day flows and how present you and your guests can actually be. My couples who work with planners consistently report feeling more relaxed, more in the moment, and more able to enjoy what they spent so long planning. If you haven't hired one yet, I'm happy to share a list of planners I love working with.
Do you help with the wedding timeline?
Yes—I work closely with couples and their planners to build a photography timeline that fits seamlessly into the larger flow of the day. I think about things like getting-ready windows, first look timing, golden hour portraits, family formal groupings, and transition time between locations. That said, I'm not a wedding planner—I focus on the photo-specific moments while your planner coordinates the full day. When the two work together, the result is a timeline that serves everyone.
How does the experience continue after we book?
After your contract is signed, I'm available throughout your planning process for questions, recommendations, and timeline thinking—I think of myself as part of your vendor team, not just a service you've hired. About two months before your wedding, I'll send a wedding day questionnaire where we'll build your photography timeline together, covering family formals, the must-have moments, and the small details that matter most to you. From there, I stay in steady contact with you and your planner through the day itself.
Delivery & Your Gallery
When will we receive our photos?
You'll receive sneak peeks within 48 hours of your wedding—typically 25-35 images you can begin sharing right away. Your full gallery is delivered within 8-10 weeks. Priority editing (5-week delivery) is available as an add-on for couples who want their gallery faster.
How many images will we receive?
A minimum of 100 edited images per hour of coverage, with most galleries exceeding that. Every image is hand-edited by me personally.
How do we share and print our images?
Your gallery is delivered through Pic-Time, a beautifully designed online platform where you can download your files, share with family, and order professional-quality prints, albums, and wall art. Your digital files are yours to keep. The gallery remains accessible online for two years after your wedding.
Can we order an album?
Yes—I offer custom-designed heirloom albums through my Pic-Time gallery store, and there is genuinely nothing like holding your wedding day in your hands. The design process is built right into the gallery, and most couples find it intuitive to use on their own. If you'd like help with the design, I'm available to help you for an additional design fee. I'd encourage you to try the self-design process first; it's simpler than it sounds, and saves you the extra cost. Albums can be ordered anytime during the two years your gallery is active; if you need help after the gallery goes offline, just reach out.
Can we print our photos anywhere or only through your gallery?
You have unlimited personal print rights with your digital files—you can print through any provider you choose. I do recommend ordering professional-quality prints through the Pic-Time store rather than consumer services like Walgreens or Shutterfly, simply because the color calibration and paper quality are significantly better. But the choice is entirely yours.
Destination Weddings
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes—I photograph weddings throughout California and travel nationally and internationally for destination weddings. Whether it's a vineyard weekend in Napa, hacienda wedding in Spain, a cliffside elopement in Big Sur, or a beach celebration abroad, I bring the same editorial and documentary approach to every location.
How does travel pricing work?
Travel fees are quoted individually based on location and logistics, and cover flights, accommodations, and transportation. I always arrange travel as efficiently as possible. Reach out with your destination and I'll put together a custom quote.
Do you photograph multiday wedding weekends?
Yes—destination weddings often include welcome dinners, rehearsal celebrations, and post-wedding brunches, and I love capturing the full weekend experience. Multiday coverage is available as a custom package or through individual add-ons for each event.