- How would you describe your photography style?
This is a tough one. In my head I consider myself a documentary style photographer. For most of the day I try to be a fly on the wall that doesn’t interfere much. A lot of my favorite photos that I’ve taken are genuine moments that occurred on their own without me giving much guidance beyond telling people where the best light is. I’m a portrait shooter at heart though. My favorite part of every wedding is getting alone time with the bride and groom. Whether it’s 15 minutes between the ceremony and reception or a full hour, I’m always super excited to find the best light and capture the best moments.
- We don’t really know how to act in front of the camera, do you do much posing?
I consider my posing pretty light. The first thing I look for each and every shoot is the best light and the best view. Once we find that I can give some really strong go-to poses as a starting point. The best shots are the ones that come between the poses. While we are shooting I ask questions about you and share stories about myself. I’ll tell really bad jokes. When people get comfortable with me being there they will open up. The best photos happen in between the “poses” where you are laughing, crying, kissing or hugging. These are the genuine expressions that can’t be posed for and they are always the photos that people treasure the most.
- Did you go to school for photography?
Nope. I went to school for Kinesiology on a track and field scholarship. I was going to be a teacher but my heart wasn’t in it. Once I realized that photography was what I wanted to do I chose to leave school to avoid more student loans and start taking photos. I was 6 classes away from finishing. I only regret not pursuing photography from the beginning. I did take a handful of photography classes in school but for the most part I’m self taught.
- Is photography your only job?
Yep!
- Do you travel?
I sure do. Ever since the beginning I’ve been pretty lucky to shoot weddings all over the west.
I’ve been all over the place for weddings. California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Illinois, and more coming every year.
- How much does it cost for weddings in X?
I can’t really say without knowing more info. I can assure you that I travel very modestly and try to keep any extra fees as low as possible.
- We are having a super small wedding/eloping somewhere remote, do you shoot things like that if we don’t need all day coverage?
Totally. Send me an email and tell me all about it. I am sure we can work something out even if it doesn’t fit the typical “wedding” mold.
- Do you shoot alone or with a second photographer?
In the first few years I shot almost exclusively by myself. Now, I’d say more than 90% of couples opt for a second shooter. Second shooters are pretty useful but it’s totally fine if you don’t want one.
- You’re a big dude, do we really need to feed you? (No one has ever asked this but I’m sure they want to)
You don’t need to feed me. It is greatly appreciated when you do though. I only ask that you let me know either way before the wedding day so that I can be prepared by bringing something or having a plan of where to get something. Some venues offer a vendor meal that equates to a bad sandwich and an apple. I’d rather bring or get my own food than eat a cold sack lunch.
- What kind of equipment do you have and are you insured?
I use two Nikon Full Frame cameras and a handful of lenses and flashes. I’ve got enough gear so that I can keep shooting if something breaks. I am happy to provide my insurance info to any venue coordinators when needed. Please let me know ahead of time so I can make arrangements to share it with the venue before hand.
- What happens if you get sick?
I can’t say that it will never happen but I can say that it hasn’t happened. In the summer of 2014 I shot 3 weddings in a 3 week span after developing a stress fracture in my foot. I don’t get sick often and even if I did I would have to be feeling seriously ill to not show up. In the event that I was so sick that I couldn’t show up I would notify you with as much time as possible. I am a member of several photographer networks and I would be able to make arrangements with someone awesome to cover for me.
- How many images do you deliver?
I typically deliver at least 800 images from a full days wedding. Some times much more. Each wedding is different.
Portrait sessions usually get 150 images or more.
- Do you do black and white as well as color?
I don’t do every image in black and white because I think only some images look strong without color. There isn’t a particular number of photos I aim for with black and white but I always offer to go back and add more if there are some you want to see that weren’t included.
- How do you deliver images?
Online gallery where you can download all the digital files. I may still have some USB drives laying around but for the most part digital delivery is way more efficient.
I’m an open book. If there is something I didn’t cover or you want to know more about something please get in touch with me. Click the contact button at the top of the page!