FAQs

When can I see my photos?

Typically, portrait session processing can take 2 weeks. Weddings can take a bit longer at 4-8 weeks. I will give you an estimated time frame at your session. Also, although I do everything I can to get your photos done within this time frame given, please be assured that I will work diligently to get them done as soon as possible.

How many photos will we get?

This can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. There is really no way for me to give a estimate for your Weddings, however generally I take between 600 to 1200 on average.

For portraits, I only provide the final edited photos. The “rejected” files are discarded, as they do not meet my rigorous evaluation. My goal for one hour portrait sessions is to provide at least 50 images for you to choose from.

Can we see the unedited photos right away?

Every client is excited to view their photos after a session. However, I feel that showing my clients their unedited portraits is similar to a painter displaying his new masterpiece before it is finished. I assure you that you will be much more satisfied with the final product! That being said, I may show you some of the images from the back of my camera several times during our session!

Can we have the unedited original (RAW) files?

No. Once I have evaluated and “culled” all of the photos, I do not archive the RAW files from the camera. These are only read with special software and are not available for purchase or viewing.

Are all of my photos edited?

All of the photos that I deliver to you via your online gallery are edited. Minor retouching is provided when needed to correct skin blemishes and color correction.

How do you choose which photos to edit?

I immediately backup all of the files on my hard drive. After picking my favorites and deleting any test photos, blurred images, or ones that just aren’t flattering to my subjects, I will correct all of the images for general color and lighting.

I go through several processes before I decide which photos I should retouch (edit) and which ones not to. Once I pull out all of the ‘rejected’ photos, I pick from the remaining ones based on some basic criteria:

1) I love it!

2) It’s good quality (no closed eyes, blurred faces)

3) I think the client will like it (it displays the subject in a flattering way).

Do you provide any black and white images?

All photos that I choose to edit for Portrait Sessions are provided in color as well as black and white.

Wedding photo editing is a different process, I will provide black and white versions of a images when it best suits the story.

Do you offer wedding albums?

Yes. I have album choices starting at $395. I will create your album to tell the story of your day. I choose the photos for this and I plan the pages based on what photos I have to tell each part of the story from the day. Once finished you are able to review prior to me placing order at that time you are able to requests for changes can be made. This review process can be repeated up to 2 times. If changes need to be made after the third/final review an additional fee will be charged.

Can I see the photos from an entire wedding?

Definitely! I provide password protected access to the gallery as my client’s privacy is very important to me! My galleries and archives are great sources for seeing how my photos typically look. Keep in mind that there are typically over 800 photos in a wedding, so make sure you have some time!

What equipment do you use?

I currently use a Sony A7R3 for my main camera. I also carry a backup/secondary camera to all weddings: a Sony A73. I primarily use a Sony 24-105mm lens for most of my shoots.

Do you have a second shooter for weddings?

A Second Shooter is available with my wedding packages.

How many weddings have you shot?

As of the March 2022, I have been the primary photographer at over 90 weddings and a second shooter at least 25 more. I have been photographing weddings since the year 1999!

Do you charge for travel?

I typically charge a travel fee for weddings if they are outside of the Richmond-Petersburg Tri-City area. When I do need to add mileage to a wedding package or portrait session, it is at $1.20 per mile over 30 miles (round-trip).

What if I need to reschedule a portrait session?

I fully understand that plans have to change sometimes. I will do my best to accommodate clients that need to reschedule. Please do your best to give me heads-up by phone, text or even email.

Is there a retainer?

Yes, all sessions require a small, non-refundable (but transferable) retainer to hold your date. Wedding retainers are currently $300.00. There is a $50 retainer to hold other events and portrait session dates and times.

What happens if you get sick, or worse, on my wedding day?

This is probably the question that worries the most brides and grooms! If, by some stroke of bad luck, I am completely incapacitated on your wedding day, I will contact all of my photographer friends to try to find you a replacement. If I am unable to do so, all monies paid will be refunded. In choosing me for your wedding photography, there is a very small risk that there will not be someone to cover for me and that your wedding will go undocumented. I have never been late or missed a wedding yet!

Allow me to share a story about this, two weeks prior to a wedding I was playing basketball with my son, I jumped, came down wrong with a torn Achilles and had to have surgery. I was unable to put pressure on my foot for 6 weeks. I am very particular about the wedding day story I produce so I had two photographers come to shoot the wedding for me that are excellent at there craft, however I was still there on my scooter that the surgery team provided making sure my vision was captured.

What types of payments do you take, and when do I pay you?

I am able to accept cash, credit card payments can be accepted as well with a fee online through my invoicing system. A 3.9% surcharge applies for all online/credit card payments. Payment is always due at the time of your session, balances on wedding contracts are due a minimum of 7 business days before the day of your wedding.

Do you offer military discounts?

I price my packages to suit even the smallest budget to make professional photography available to everyone in my area. My current pricing does not allow me to offer any additional discounts at this time.