Wedding Photography FAQ
I hope the questions and answers below help give you a good indication if we'd be a good fit to work together for your wedding day.
If you are excited to learn more, please contact me and we'll schedule a phone call to get to know each other and chat about your wedding day plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read through this FAQ and contact me with any additional questions.
How would you describe your photography style?
The best compliment my wedding clients give me is that they hardly remember me being there. My photography style is candid, natural and in-the-moment, and to achieve this, I try to be as unobtrusive as possible throughout your wedding day.
I'll step in and offer direction when it's appropriate...guiding you to the best light when it's time to put on your dress, coordinating your first look, posing and directing all portraits...But to me, the wedding day is more than a collection of perfectly composed portraits. It's about Emotion. Movement. Love.
I live for those "moments-in-between". The hug you give your mom. The eruption of laughter with your wedding party. The happy tears during your ceremony. When my clients look back on their wedding photos, I want them to feel something. That's how I describe my photography style: photos you can feel.
How did you become a wedding photographer?
When I was 2 years old, I built a camera out of legos and walked around pretending to take pictures, so in some ways, becoming a photographer was always meant to be.
I photographed my first wedding as a college student back in 2007 and felt an instant connection to the genre. Weddings gave me the ability to tell a story, work with people, capture emotion and be creative. The combination of which I fell in love with.
When I graduated college in 2009, the economy had plummeted, so instead of waiting around for a job, I decided to make one for myself. I briefly worked in marketing and graphic design, but within 2 years, I was able to leave my job and pursue wedding photography full time in Chicago.
Over 10 years later, I've photographed hundreds of weddings in Chicago and throughout the world. I feel lucky every single day that I found my passion so young and that I can call this my career.
My first "camera" at the age of 2.
What does your package structure look like?
All of my Wedding Photography Packages are customized and tailored to you. No two weddings are alike, so instead of picking from a set list of generic packages, I'll create package options that are a reflection of the celebration you've planned.
To get the best understanding for your needs, we'll schedule a phone call to get to know each other, answer questions and go over the details for your event. Following that phone call, we'll schedule an appointment to review 2-3 custom packages made specially for you. Packages can include 8-10+ hours of photography coverage, an engagement session, wedding albums and printed gifts, rehearsal dinner coverage and beyond.
If you decide you'd like to book your wedding date, I require a 40% deposit and signed letter of agreement. Upon submitting those materials, we'll make plans for your engagement session (if included) and let the celebration begin!
How much should I budget for wedding photography?
My clients consider photography as one of, if not the most important pieces of their wedding.
With that said, the majority of my clients spend a minimum of $8,000 on their wedding photography services.
My pricing is a reflection of 14+ years in the Chicago wedding industry, a professional and personable experience, responsive communication, excellence in customer service, the time and dedication I spend preparing for your wedding, my assistance with printing and preserving your photos afterward, and making you feel completely cared for every step of the way.
How many photographers will be present at my event?
There will be 2 photographers at your event: myself and my associate shooter. Additional photographers can be available upon request. My team and I strategize in the weeks leading up to your wedding to leave no stone unturned when it comes to your wedding photos.
Do you have experience with destination weddings?
My love for traveling and weddings is a perfect combination for destination work. I photograph a handful of destination weddings and engagement sessions each year.
Typically, my destination wedding packages will include coverage of your rehearsal, the wedding itself, and a bonus on-location portrait session to give you as many ways as possible to remember your scenic soiree.
Please inquire for more information.
What does your album design process look like?
Shortly after your wedding photos have been edited and released to you, I'll share my suggestion for your wedding album design. I put a lot of thought and heart into your album design to make it feel like a true reflection of the celebration you shared.
While some photographers will require a photo selection list first, I find that most clients feel overwhelmed by the process. To the average person, narrowing down a 1000+ photos to what will work well in a 50 page album can feel daunting. But for me, designing the album is my favorite part of my job.
We'll review every single page of your wedding album design together, discussing what you like, what you don't like, and what you'd like to have changed. Your wedding album is forever, and it's important to me that we get it just right. Using your feedback, I'll revise your wedding album until it is completely perfect for you.
Once the design has been approved by you, we'll go over all possible ways to customize the cover and exterior of your album (this is the fun part!). From there, your wedding album is sent to be be printed and bound and is typically in your hands within 4-6 weeks.
Can I work with you for an engagement session only?
Of course! I would sincerely love to hear from you and learn more about your vision for your photos. Please visit the Contact Page to inquire.
My engagement sessions are typically 2-3 hours long, which is enough time for exploring your favorite Chicago scenery, 2 outfits and a glass of champagne. ;)
As a photographer, what is your specialty?
Beyond my candid, natural style of photography (as described here), my specialty lies in printing my client's wedding photos in a one-of-a-kind way.
It seems to have become the norm for photographers to hand over a bunch of files and be done with it, but this does little to serve the client.
When digital files are the only end product, I find that most clients struggle with knowing how and where to go to print their wedding photos and feel overwhelmed by the idea of designing their own album.
Often times in this scenario, the majority of their photos will sit on their phones or computers, only looked at through a screen.
I believe whole-heartedly that photos are meant to be printed. Whether it be an album or a chic wall display, I'll work with you as closely as you need to print your favorite memories beautifully.
What is your approach to wall art?
The first wedding photo I ever remember seeing was a black and white photo of my grandparents kissing in the backseat of their getaway car. This photo was framed in their house and over 30 years later, I still remember how happy and in love they looked.
When I think about Wall Art, I focus on the photos you'll want to hang on your walls forever. The photos that bring you the most joy. The ones that generations of people will see.
As I mentioned earlier, printing your engagement and wedding photos is what I'm most passionate about. I offer complimentary virtual or at-home design consultations to display your favorite, most meaningful photos in a stylish way.
With dozens of framing and matting styles, and prints as large as 30x40", the sky is the limit as to what I can create for you.
If you'd like to see samples of my work, please visit my Prints & Albums Portfolio here.
Can I work with you for a boudoir session?
Yes, I'd love to hear from you about boudoir! I believe boudoir is for all women, of all shapes, sizes and color. It's a way to celebrate our bodies, feel more confident in our own skin, and let our inner beauty shine.
The women I've worked with over the years have truly inspired me. While many of my brides will use the photos as a wedding gift, I ask you to make the experience about you.
There's no dramatic before and afters or extreme makeovers. Just like everything else I do, I want your photos to look and feel like you. If I can make you feel even just a little more confident and in love with your body by the end of it, then I feel like I've done my job.
If you'd like to learn more about working together for your Chicago boudoir session, please visit my Boudoir Page.
Do you photograph small weddings & elopements?
A thousand times yes.
Truth be told, I've always pictured a small wedding for myself someday, so I'm always excited to receive inquiries for intimate celebrations.
Regardless if you've been planning a small wedding from the start or if you are shifting your plans due to the pandemic, I'd love to hear from you.
Please reach out via my Contact Form and we can schedule a call to discuss your unique plans, questions and photography needs in greater detail. I'm available in the Chicago area and worldwide.
