Frequently Asked Questions

What is your photography style?

I cover the goings on of your wedding day with as little intrusion as possible. I specialize in candid, photojournalistic photography, and work to make sure I capture the details, emotions and natural expressions that make each wedding unique and special. People find me friendly, easy-going and pleasant to work with, and I'm quick to smile.

You have a background in photojournalism - do you really enjoy doing wedding photography?

Of course! I adore a great love story! There are some photojournalists out there who look down upon wedding photography, but I like to think of it as the opportunity to exercise my photo story skills. This means I treat your wedding like a photo story that I'd do as a photojournalist. I capture the images that help tell the story of your day, from your initial preparation, to the emotions of your ceremony, to the fun and celebration during your reception, as candidly as possible. Each wedding is unique, each wedding varies in emotion, and I see it all as a welcome opportunity to provide you with my skills and training, just under a different label of wedding photography. I'm in no way a jaded photojournalist - I'm excited to be helping you on your big day!

What kind of equipment do you use?

I shoot exclusively digital with Canon cameras and lenses, including some specialty lenses. I also use a flash as needed, but prefer to utizlize natural light as much as possible.

Do you have insurance for your business? What does it cover?

Yes, I have photo business insurance. You can rest easy knowing that my equipment (including editing equipment and software) is covered in the event something is lost, damaged, or stolen.

How many pictures will you take at a wedding?

This varies greatly depending on how many hours I'm shooting. I shoot as much as I can, and edit down to selected photos before post-processing and giving them to you. Generally I shoot about 250-300 photos per hour.

How many pictures will you take for a portrait shoot?

Again, this varies greatly depending on my time shooting, but I average around 250-300 photos per hour.

How long before we see our edited images?

I usually have edited images up on a web site and ready for viewing within 2 to 3 weeks of your wedding date. I will keep you informed if there are extenuating circumstances that delay my turnaround time. This turnaround time may change in the future depending on how many events I'm shooting and how close they are to one another. I will, of course, make you aware of my estimated editing time.

What is required to book the date?

I require a non-refundable* deposit/retainer fee for any photo session as well as a signed contract. This guarantees your date. The deposit/retainer fee amount varies depending on the type of event/photo session I'm doing for you. The balance is due, at the very latest, 10 days after the day I shoot your photos. My preferred method of payment is check (this eliminates processing fees I incur via Google Checkout), but I can set up a Google Checkout option so you can pay with credit card if you'd prefer. I do book my dates on a first-come first-serve basis, so I do not hold dates until I actually receive the deposit/retainer fee and signed contract. If someone else is asking about services on your date, I will try my best to inform you of their interest.

*You are eligible to receive a refund on a canceled wedding. See "What if we cancel our wedding?" for more details on this special circumstance.

Will you ever send an associate to photograph a wedding or portrait shoot?

No. Not unless I am gravely ill. I'm the one whose photos and style you like, so I'm the one who shoots your event. I will occasionally have an assistant help me photograph a wedding and will inform you of this ahead of time. Having an assistant, at the moment, does not cost you any extra.

Do you charge extra for travel?

This depends on your location. Montana (and the west!) is a very large area! Contact me and we can talk details. I do also photograph destination weddings, and, depending on the location, have special rates for this option. Again, please contact me and we can discuss things in more detail.

What if we cancel our wedding?

If I am able to schedule another wedding on your date, I will issue a total refund of your deposit. If not, there is no refund.

What kind of clothing do you wear while shooting a wedding?

I dress nicely and comfortably to fit in with your guests, and to facilitate ease of movement to capture great photos. Please let me know how formal or informal your wedding is and I will adjust my wardrobe accordingly.

Do you take formal group pictures at weddings?

Yes, absolutely. But please remember, you have hired me for my candid, photojournlistic eye, so I try to limit posed formal portraits to 5 or 10 minute sessions per group. To facilitate ease in shooting posed formal portraits, please, if possible, have a list of small groups you would like photographed and designate a helper to aid you in rounding up people for each group shot. If you would like me to take more time for formal group shots, please let me know ahead of time so we can all plan on making necessary adjustments.

What is your backup plan for shooting if you become, say, very ill?

In the rare case this happens, I will refer you to an associate photographer who has a similar style and price range, and will issue a total refund.

What are your digital backup plans? (i.e., how do you save images, how many cameras do you use, etc.)

I keep all images on an external hard drive, which is backed up to an additional external hard drive, which is then backed up online to a storage facility outside of Montana, and I burn DVDs of all images. I have two camera bodies that I use. I have multiple lenses and multiple memory cards. I always carry plenty of extra, fresh batteries.

Will you help direct me in posed portraits and are you comfortable doing this?

Yes, if you need help remembering to stand up straight or to give me a bright smile, etc., I am more than happy to remind you to do these things.

Can I give you ideas of what kinds of shots I'd like?

Certainly - if you have any particular shots or ways you'd like to have portraits look, please let me know. I may suggest small adjustments to your idea to ensure we get the best photographs possible, but I'm more than happy to hear your ideas.

Do you allow people other than you to take pictures at a wedding?

Yes. Because I am documenting your wedding in a photojournlistic style, it wouldn't make sense to stop people from doing what they'd do at a wedding. However, I do kindly request that folks taking photos please be aware of where I am in relation to where they are, i.e., please don't step in front of me while I'm shooting. Additionally, to help keep people in group photos from looking in 10 different directions at other cameras behind me, I ask that guests wait to shoot these photos until I've finished what I need to do with each group.

I want to do Trash the Dress. Do I have to do it the day of my wedding or can we schedule it for a later date?

You can certainly do Trash the Dress the day of your wedding, but plan on leaving enough time for a relaxed photo shoot. If you want to do a more extreme Trash the Dress shoot, I recommend setting up a time for a different day so you can still show up to your reception (if you're having one) looking presentable. However, this is completely up to you. Just remember, the more time we have to do a Trash the Dress session, the more time there is to be creative and check out multiple locations. In my experience, couples are happier and more relaxed doing Trash the Dress sessions after the wedding day has passed.

Do I really have to "trash" my dress if I want to do a Trash the Dress session?

You can trash your dress as much or as little as you'd like. You are in no way obligated to get your dress wet or dirty...this is all completely up to you. Trash the Dress sessions are really more about exploring wedding photography in a more avant garde way, i.e. in an urban setting (where you don't need to get the dress dirty) all the way to the very extreme, such as in a lake, where you'll be pretty wet! I'm happy to work with your preferences and respect any choice you make.

Can my husband join in the Trash the Dress session?

Absolutely! I highly recommend that you both partake. The more the merrier!