FAQs

Pricing and Planning

• Do you do both weddings and elopements?

Yes. I cover larger, traditional weddings as well as smaller, more intimate elopements. An elopement should have a guest count of no more than 25 individuals.

• What is your pricing?

For details on rates, packages, add-ons and individual options, please reach out and I will link you to my 2019-2020 pricing page. Everything you need to know about pricing is there.

• Are your prices set in stone?

For the most part, yes, however, I do offer reduced rates if your wedding or elopement is scheduled on a weekday (Monday - Thursday) or between the months of November and February. I also offer a special discount for all current and former members of the military (thank you for your service) as well as fellow alumni of USC (Fight on!). If you fall within one of these categories, please be sure to let me know. :)

• How do I book?

First, contact me and let me know that you’re interested. I will always respond within 24 hours. If I am available on the requested date, I will send you everything you need to know, including information about pricing and packages. If I am not available and if your event date is not flexible, I will gladly offer you a referral.

The next step is to simply confirm that you would like to book and to specify exactly which services you want. I will then email the contract. Just sign and return, pay the 30% retainer either online or by check and your date is confirmed!

• What payments do you accept?

I accept payments by check, all credit cards or Venmo. Credit card payments are processed using QuickBooks.

• Are you insured? Can you provide a COI for my venue?

Yes and yes.

What is your favorite wedding so far and why?

Allison and Ryan’s wedding in the campsite on the Oregon Coast is still one of my favorites. It's unique because it was truly a communal effort. They cooked their own food, baked their own cakes, picked their own flowers, put together their own arrangements and even laid down brick, which was used as an aisle for the ceremony, all with the help of friends and family. Virtually every guest contributed in some way. Being a part of that community for a weekend was a great experience and the setting was just amazing.

Why did you become a wedding photographer?

The main reason I became a wedding photographer because I wanted to have a personal connection with the people I am photographing. Simply put, I love being around people who are in love. There is something very special about pouring myself into my work, then handing that work over to my clients and seeing their reaction and appreciation. This is the joy that wedding photography brings me.

How many years have you been covering weddings?

58 weddings as of June 2019 (and counting...)

What do you love about working with couples?

Their willingness to be honest and open with me. I enjoy the process of establishing a friendship. Trust is a such a big component in the success of everything I do for my couples.

You

How will you make me look natural?

For each setting, I will tell you where to stand and there will be some very basic initial direction. Beyond that, how you engage with your partner is entirely up to you, just note that I will always step in if something doesn't look quite right.

My job is to create a space where you and your partner both feel comfortable expressing what you've always felt for each other: love, happiness and respect. The feelings are there, it's just a matter of tapping into them. Start by focusing on all the things you love about your partner. Find comfort in each other’s arms. When did you first begin to fall for this person? What did that feel like? What adventures do you look forward to in your future together?

Focus on those things and I promise you will both look very natural. More importantly, you'll do it entirely on your own!

What is the most memorable moment you captured with a couple?

The most memorable moment came after I asked Nick and Beth (pictured here), to “embrace as if they were going to be a part for one year.” Normally clients will embrace for thirty or so seconds and it's a nice moment. Nick and Beth held each other for several minutes and became very emotional. Apparently, they had spent a great deal of time apart due to work commitments, which was a real struggle for them. They later described how the sadness they felt at that moment was followed by shear happiness, because they knew the time being apart had passed. Nick later told me that moment reminded him of the value and strength of his relationship with Beth.

Moments like this simply cannot be fabricated. When I talk about sharing an intimate moment, this is what it's all about...

Who is your ideal client?

You of course, because you're madly in love with your partner and you're not afraid to show it! Seriously though, my ideal client is anyone who is willing to be themselves in front of me. It may sound daunting at first, but trust me it's not... You'll find the experience will actually bring you closer to your partner, which is never a bad thing!

Do you work with LGBTQ couples?

Absolutely. I run a gay-friendly business and I strongly support marriage equality.

Weddings and Elopements

• Who will be shooting my wedding or elopement?

For weddings of all sizes, I will always be your principal photographer. If you require additional coverage, I can bring along an additional photographer who has a similar style and approach for an additional charge.

• If I've booked your for an elopement and it blossoms into a larger wedding, will my rate change?

Yes. If your booked elopement grows into a full on wedding, please let me know as there is a difference in price between the two services. Please do not let me show up to a 75 person wedding expecting a 12 person elopement. It's happened twice and honestly, it's not fair to me or to my other clients who pay full price for their wedding coverage. Plans change. It's all good! Just let me know if they do and we can definitely work something out.

• How many images can I expect to see?

I never guarantee a minimum. Generally speaking, for weddings and elopements, you can expect to see about 50 - 75 images per hour of coverage.

• When will I see the images?

Depending on the time of year, it will usually take between four and five weeks for me to finish processing, at which point you will receive a link to your password protected gallery. From here, you can view and download all of your content in various resolutions for all purposes. All content is now delivered by PixieSet.

Please note, I do not use CDs, DVDs or any removable media or for any purpose.

• Will you do family posed shots?

Definitely. I am happy to take as many group shots as you'd like, but I always try to get through group shots as quickly and efficiently as possible so that your guests can enjoy themselves.

Family group shots should happen before the ceremony. That way, when the ceremony ends, everyone can enjoy themselves during cocktail hour.

• What kind of equipment do you use?

Currently, I shoot with two Nikon D810s and a range of Nikon prime and zoom lenses. For reception lighting, I will either use Nikon on-camera speedlites or off-camera Profoto strobes (triggered by remote) depending on the conditions. If you're familiar with these two looks, we can talk about what may work better for your event.

For editing, I use the Apple iMac and a MacBook Pro. All images are stored archived both locally and in the cloud on BackBlaze.

For film, I use the Nikon N80.

Beloved sessions

What is Beloved?

Beloved is simply a word that I use to describe what most call "engagement" portraits. I use the word Beloved because many of my clients are either not engaged or already married.

The goal in a Beloved session is to simply draw your attention towards your parter and to focus on everything you love about that person. In a sense, you are suppressing any barriers that may get in the way (i.e. work, bills, family drama... whatever), to allow yourself to focus on what is most meaningful to you.

Like any great photo, when you look at one of your images, you'll be brought back to that moment and you'll remember exactly what you were feeling. As life happens, revisiting these moments will rekindle those feelings and make you rediscover the value of your relationship.

What is included? Is there a time limit?

No. In fact, I would schedule the entire day for your Beloved session. We can shoot locally around Los Angeles if you'd like, but I would encourage you all to think outside the box when selecting a location. Big Bear? Death Valley? Joshua Tree? If there a location that's particularly meaningful to you and your partner, let me know! I am more than happy to make a day out of our session.

The session itself will last about 1 - 2 hours in total.

All content is delivered by Pixieset. You can view, share and download all of your content in various resolutions for all purposes.

How many images can I expect to see?

This really depends on how long we shoot. Remember, more is not necessarily better. For that reason, I do a tight edit to avoid repetition.

When will I see the images?

Beloved session images will always be delivered within 72 hours.

Destinations

Do you do destination weddings or elopements? What is your policy on travel expenses?

Most definitely!

For all destinations, airfare and meal expenses will ALWAYS be included. I only ask that you provide ground transportation and a place for me to sleep. Depending on the destination, I may be able to arrange for lodging and/or ground transportation with friends and pass that savings along to you.

When will we see you during your time at the destination?

It's entirely up to you. For all destination events, I am available as your photographer from the time I land until the moment I take off. Whether it's hanging out with your friends, exploring, hiking, ice climbing... If you want me there, I will be ready to go with my cameras. In my downtime, I will certainly take pictures as I explore on my own and pass those along to you as well. We will be sure to take full advantage of our surroundings for our portrait sessions...

Where are you located?

I'm currently based in Los Angeles, California, but I am happy to travel wherever your wedding or elopement takes place.

Where do you like to travel?

I definitely gravitate towards mountains and the outdoors more so than urban environments. Whenever I’m traveling, somehow I manage to include some mountain activity in my itinerary, whether it’s skiing, mountain biking or hiking. When I’m working with couples, I prefer to work outdoors in nature. It's quieter and there are fewer distractions.

Currently, my favorite spot in the world is Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland and a very close second would be southern coast of Iceland (pictured here)...

Final Questions

• Can I see a sample contract?

Certainly. Shoot me an email and I would be happy to share one with you.

• How far should I book in advance? What are the next steps?

Generally speaking, people usually book about one year in advance, though occasionally I do get some last minute requests. I would encourage you to reach out regardless of how far or close out your date is.

The pre-payment amount is 30%. The remaining 70%, plus the cost of any items added after the initial contract signing, is due one week before the wedding. If you are paying by credit card, payments will be made online via QuickBooks.