Rochester, NY Portrait and Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography FAQ’s

These FAQ’s will help answer questions or concerns you may have about Photography on your wedding day. This is by no means a complete list, so if you have a questions or concerns that are not covered here, or if you need clarification on anything I’ve answered; head on over to the contact page and send me a message.

General Questions:

Do you have my date available?

Good question… Give me a call or send me an email to let me know when your wedding is scheduled.. The good thing is, If I don’t have your date available I have a lot of photographer friends that I can refer you to.

How far in advance do I need to book with you?

I’ve had clients have book weddings with me from 2 months to 2 years. As long as I have the date available I’m ready to book.. However, the sooner you book, the sooner we can start the planning process.

How long have you been in business?

Since 2010. I initially started out as a portrait photographer and gradually expanded my services to include weddings. More information about my business history can be found on my ABOUT page here.

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is photojournalistic with a creative mix of posed formals and directed candids. This style lends to a more casual wedding day with natural, candid photos taken as your day unfolds. We usually plan posed group shots immediately after your ceremony followed by a quiet moment with the Bride and Groom for uninterrupted intimate portraits.

What type of equipment do you use?

I use Nikon digital SLR cameras. I arrive at every wedding with two camera bodies and a variety of lenses, lighting, memory cards and more. My assistant also brings a camera and if you choose to have us bring a 2nd photographer, he or she will arrive with a minimum of 2 camera bodies and appropriate lenses and flashes. This ensures that we will always have properly functioning equipment so we don’t miss a single moment of your wedding day.

Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

Absolutely! as a matter of fact, when you book with me will provide you with a welcome packet where you will find a wedding shot checklist. Feel free to use this to let me know what shots you absolutely must have.

Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour? What about an “instant” slideshow of the ceremony?

Yes and Yes.

An engagement session slideshow can be created and given to you ahead of the wedding to have it run during your reception. This slideshow can include photos you provide as whether they are digital or printed.

Same day slideshows can be created displaying images taken during the day leading up to the reception. Keep in mind some time will be needed to select images, create the slideshow for display.

Wedding Day:

Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding?

Yes. I will be the primary photographer at your wedding.

Will you have any assistants or second photographers with you on that day?

Yes, I bring an assistant with me to every wedding.
A dedicated second photographer can be made available for an additional fee.

Do you have backup equipment?

Yes, I have Backup cameras, lenses, lighting, memory cards batteries etc all comes with me to every wedding. I check all of my equipment well before the wedding and if there are any problems I am able to rent what I need to make sure I have properly functioning cameras to capture your day perfectly.

What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?

As a member of Local, State and National Professional Photographer Networks and have built relationships with many Professional Photographers in the region. Should something happen, like illness or injury, and I am unable to make it to your wedding, I can reach out to this network of pros to make sure a competent and capable photographer is able to take my place.

If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?

If flying : $250 per day, plus round trip airfare, Car Rental and hotel accomodations.
If driving: $250 per day, plus fuel expenses and hotel accomodations
- I will arrive on the day before your wedding and notify you upon my arrival.
- Visit the venue(s) to familiarize myself with the layout.
- If possible I will reach out to a venue contact person to discuss any important details needed.

Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?

No. Once your wedding date is secured it is blocked out for any other events so that my full attention is on your wedding.

How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?

Business casual with dark colored button down dress shirts, slacks and dress shoes.
Outerwear as appropriate for weather.
If your wedding is a more formal event, we will dress accordingly upon request.

Is it okay if other people take photos while you’re taking photos?

Absolutely! While I appreciate an unplugged wedding (no cameras or phones allowed) I can also appreciate getting instant candid photos from your friends and family throughout your wedding day. The only thing I ask is that the aisle be kept clear during the ceremony and guests respect our workspace while we are performing our photography duties.

If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?

I will stay as long as you need me to. The rate for additional time is $150 per hour.

Packages, Proofs and Prints:

What packages do you offer?

I’ve found over the years that many clients preferred to build their own packages rather than choose lock themselves into a package that might contain items they don’t want. So with this in mind, beginning in 2016, I’ve moved to an A La Carte (build your own package) price list.

Can I customize a package based on my needs?

I love custom packages. See above

Do you include engagement photos in your packages?

Engagement sessions are an add on service. I highly recommend you choose to add engagement photography to your wedding selection as it will give us an opportunity to work together before your wedding day in a more relaxed and stress free environment. You will get to see how I work, Learn about lighting and posing and in the end you will have some nice images to share with friends and family

What type of album designs do you offer? Do you provide any assistance in creating an album?

I offer a variety of album sizes and styles. After your wedding If you’ve chosen to purchase a wedding album, I will design the pages and covers for you (your input is always welcome). Together, we will review the design for approval before sending to the lab for printing & binding.

Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services?

Basic processing such as color adjustments, lighting adjustments and crop is included. A selection of images may also be processed further for creative effect.
Advanced retouching services available upon request: rates ranging from $10-30 per image.

How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online? On a CD?

Images are generally ready within 6 to 10 weeks from your wedding day. A password protected online gallery will be created for you which you can share with family and friends. Your images will also be downloadable from the same online gallery.

Downloadable images are sized for social media use. They are perfect for Facebook, Instagram, etc. You are encouraged to post, share, and enjoy them on any online services. I only ask that you tag me in any images you post. Additionally, I request that you avoid printing these images at third party consumer labs. (e.g. local pharmacy or superstore) I cannot guarantee or be held responsible for the quality of prints made at these consumer labs.

What is the print ordering process?

A viewing session will be scheduled where we will review your images together and place print orders. Your online gallery also has a limited selection of prints products available for purchase online. You may share this gallery with family and friends who may also order prints if they’d like.

How long after I order my photos/album will I get them?

7 to 10 days (may be longer around the holidays)

Will you give me the negatives or the digital images, and is there a fee for that?

All wedding clients will receive digital copies of the final processed images sized for social media (facebook, instagram etc.) You are encouraged to post, share, and enjoy them on any online services. I only ask that you tag me in any images you post. Additionally, I request that you avoid printing these images at third party consumer labs. (e.g. local pharmacy or superstore) I cannot guarantee or be held resposible for the quality of prints made at these consumer labs.
I do not give out RAW unprocessed images.

Contracts and Policies

When will I receive a written contract?

If you choose to hire me during our in person meeting, a contract can be drawn up right away. Otherwise a contract will be delivered by e-mail or USPS as soon as you tell me the good news.

How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?

A 20 percent deposit is due upon signing the contract. This will secure your date so no one else can get it. Payment plans are available however entire balance must be paid before completion and delivery

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

The 20 percent deposit is non-refundable (special considerations may be made depending on circumstances). Notification of cancellation must be made as soon as possible by phone call or email. A signed cancellation form must be received before refunds are processed. The Cancellation form will be emailed to you and must be mailed back or hand delivered. Once the form is received the refund will be processed which will take approximately 7-10 days.
Product Refunds or exchanges: If you are not satisfied with your product, every effort will be made to correct the problem up to and including a refund or replacement.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. Proof of insurance can be provided upon request.

Have a question that’s not covered here? I’d be happy answer any question you have. Just send a message and I will get back to you promptly.