These are the questions worth asking. I am answering them about myself, but they apply to any photographer you are considering.
What is Your Photography Style?
Documentary, with an editorial sensibility. I am not a poser. I do not direct people into poses and click. I watch, I anticipate, I move. The portraits we make together are collaborative, but they start from real moments rather than manufactured ones. I have a strong point of view about light and composition. My images tend toward the dramatic, the specific, and the emotionally honest. If you want soft, airy photos, I am probably not your photographer. If you want real, I am.
What Do Your Packages Include?
My collections include coverage hours, professional editing, and a high-resolution online gallery with full download rights. Some collections include a second shooter and an engagement session. Albums are available as an add-on. I do not have hidden fees. What is in the contract is what you get. If you want to know specifically what is in my current collections, the best thing to do is get in touch directly, since pricing and structure can change year to year.
Do You Have an Assistant or a Second Shooter?
For most full-day weddings, yes. A second shooter means comprehensive coverage of simultaneous moments, different angles during the ceremony, and someone covering the wedding party getting ready while I am with the other partner. For shorter or more intimate events, a second shooter is sometimes not necessary. I will tell you honestly whether your day needs one.
Can I see a full wedding gallery, not just your highlights?
Yes, and you should ask this of every photographer you consider. A highlight reel tells you what a photographer looks like at their best. A full gallery tells you what they look like across an entire day, in every light condition, at every moment. Ask to see a complete wedding from a venue similar to yours. If a photographer will not show you full galleries, that is useful information.
Have You Worked at Our Venue Before?
I have shot at many venues across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and beyond. If I have not been to yours before, I research it thoroughly before your wedding day. I look at the light, the layout, and the timing, and I arrive with a plan. An unfamiliar venue is not a problem as long as the photographer does the work. Ask any photographer you interview how they prepare for venues they have not seen before.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes. Many venues require proof of liability insurance from all vendors before they will allow access to the property. If a photographer cannot provide a certificate of insurance, that is a red flag. Ask every photographer you consider.
How long will my online gallery be accessible?
My galleries do not expire. Once your gallery is delivered, you have permanent access to it. This varies by photographer and is worth asking about upfront. Some photographers deliver galleries that expire after six months or a year. If you do not download everything in time, you may lose access. Know the policy before you sign.
What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?
I have a network of photographers I trust whom I would contact in a genuine emergency. This has not happened in twenty-five years of shooting weddings, but the plan is in place. Ask every photographer you consider what their backup plan is. If they do not have one, keep looking.
