Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I learned you are listed with several “1-Stop-Wedding-Shop”companies for Wedding Photography. Should I just book you through them or directly?
Like many vendors, I work with agencies because they help keep me busy and fill in open dates. However, there are several differences and benefits to booking directly with me:
With many agencies:
* **Limited Vetting:** Photographers are often assigned based on availability, even if you haven't seen their work.
* **Remote Sales Tactics:** Your first point of contact is often a salesperson who may pressure you into additional services without understanding your needs or budget. They might also leave out key details such as delivery times, branding on photos, and the specifics of your final products.
* **Pressure to Commit:** You'll likely be pressured to pay a deposit to secure the contract. I've heard from clients that salespeople sometimes make misleading claims, such as tips being included or photographers receiving the majority of your payment, along with vague promises of "timely" delivery.
* **Minimal Photographer Information:** As a photographer, I often receive limited information about the event, such as the date, hours, and general location.
When you book with me directly:
* **Direct Connection:** You connect directly with me, and by the time you reach out, you've already seen my portfolio.
* **In-Depth Discussion:** We discuss your specific coverage needs and my offerings, clearly outlining what you'll receive for your investment, allowing you to compare my services with others.
* **Personal Meeting:** We meet in person to review the contract, and you have the opportunity to get to know me, ask questions, and make a comfortable, informed decision.
* **Cost**: Agencies often mark up prices to cover their overhead, including studio costs and production staff. In some cases, I receive as little as 1/5th of what you pay upfront for your package, minus the cost of other vendors.. Additionally, they may charge much extra for printed materials and albums.
* **Quality Control**: Agencies sometimes outsource photo and video editing to companies overseas. When working with agencies, many handle hundreds of weddings each weekend during peak season. Due to this high volume, they often impose file size restrictions, requiring me to submit lower-resolution photos than my cameras can produce. For example, one agency requires images to be 8 megapixels. However, I provide the full-resolution file in a universally accepted .JPG format. Additionally I've also been assigned unprofessional or unethical second shooters who don't follow my instructions, which adds stress to the day. In one instance, a second shooter didn't even show up! Some of their claimed professional 2nd shooters have arrived with entry-level photography equipment, producing images with red-eye, significant dust spots, or failing to synchronize their cameras with the universal time clock. Upon questioning, several of these "hired professionals" they have admitted to having little to no experience in wedding photography and lacked a basic understanding of their camera or lighting equipment. Many rely on the "P" setting (the camera's fully automatic mode), while I prefer "M" mode for full manual control, including flash output. Additionally, I use a flash bracket, and or off camera lighting to prevent red-eye. My wedding portfolio includes photos of my professional equipment to demonstrate my typical setup.
* **Sales Tactics**: I don’t have the advertising budget to compete against those High-Volume agencies, nor do I have the pushy sales staff, trying to get you to pay for additional vendors for additional sales commissions for them, for service that you probably won’t need i.e. a 2nd shooter. The majority of the weddings I've covered were shot entirely by me.
* **Personalized Service**: Unlike agencies, I handle all aspects of my business, from answering calls and emails to helping plan your wedding from a photographer's perspective. I only assign trusted professionals if my clients request their services.
* **Full Resolution and Quick Turnaround**: When you book directly with me, you receive an unmarked gallery of high-resolution pictures that you can download and print at your convenience, without markup costs. Additionally I don't have photo limitations that require me to not exceed a certain number of pictures I take in an hour, regardless of what is taking place in that hour, and my turnaround time is typically within a week.
Booking directly with me ensures you get the best service, quality, and value for your investment, with no high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees, or expectation of gratuity.
Q2: 1. How much does an additional photographer or videographer cost and what do they do?
Typically, a 2nd photographer is needed for about 6 hours, even with a 10-hour package, and is often unnecessary. I've covered most weddings booked entirely on my own. Since I recommend photographers from Northeastern IL and Southeastern Wisconsin, their fees vary, but generally range from $400 to $500. They capture images from additional angles or cover specific tasks, like photographing the groom's side getting ready while I photograph the bride. They may also assist with carrying equipment or holding reflectors and lighting, which isn't always the case with my competitors.
As for videographers, I only recommend those I've seen in action and who respect the lead photographer's role. From my experience, the still photographer needs space to capture what matters most, since still photos are displayed more often. The videographers I recommend understand this and work with me as a team.
I leave the cost of the videographer up to them, so you can work independently with them.
Q3: What do you mean by “Touch-Ups”..?
Touch-ups include removing or reducing the appearance of scars, marks, pimples, stains, and converting images to black and white.
Please note that touch-ups do not include color filters, altering a person's appearance to seem thinner or younger, adding individuals to a group photo who were not present when the photo was taken, changing clothing, removing large tattoos or marks, changing the location, swapping backgrounds, or altering anything not naturally captured in the original photograph.
For services beyond my capabilities, such as those listed above, I recommend contacting a third-party image retouching service. Many of these services do amazing work with a quick turnaround time. Most are located internationally. Upon request, I can gladly provide you with the names and contact information for several that I recommend.
Q4: Why do you offer wedding planning consultation? Shouldn’t we just hire a professional wedding planner and have you follow a checklist?
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous wedding planners, with varying levels of expertise. One time there was a situation where I had to completely revise a wedding plan created by a remote planner for a January wedding. The original plan failed to account for the cold weather and limited daylight typical of that time of year in Wisconsin.
The couple had initially planned a traditional wedding. I suggested having them switch to a 1st look with couple photos, wedding party photos, and most family photos before the 5 p.m, plus holding the ceremony indoors, The original plan was problematic because the outdoor ceremony and subsequent photos would take place in the dark and cold. After discussing these issues with the couple, I helped them create a new timeline to maximize daylight and warmer temperatures.
Another wedding planner apparently advised a couple to ask their guests to bring cameras as a "backup" in case their professional photographer didn't deliver the images. Unfortunately, this resulted in a disruptive guest with a camera interfering with what should have been a beautiful ceremony and subsequent photos with the ring bearer.
In my many years as a wedding photographer, I'm proud to say I've never had an issue with delivering the final images to my couples. To ensure reliability, the cameras I currently use are equipped with dual memory card slots. This feature provides a safeguard against data loss, although I'm pleased to report that I haven't experienced a memory card failure since I started shooting weddings digitally in 2003.
From a photographer's perspective, I carefully review the wedding day plan with my clients. Many wedding planners overlook crucial details such as backlit shots of the bride's dress, receiving lines, bubble send-offs, sparkler send-offs, the middle-of-the-aisle kiss during the recession, sunset photos, table-photos, etc. and especially, a plan to streamline formal photos, I advise couples to create a group combination shot list and designate a "wrangler" to gather people for each photo, so I can get people in front of my camera for photos quicker and without missing any important combinations, which is also the most stressful part of most weddings if not conducted with a good plan.
Additionally, about half the time, planners neglect to schedule meal breaks for vendors. That's why I work with every couple to ensure not only great photos but also a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Q5: Do you consume alcohol at weddings or other events where you are hired?
Given my personal choices, I do not consume alcohol at weddings. I am also never under the influence of drugs at weddings, including THC.
Q6: How do you dress at weddings? We’ve seen some photographers who show up looking like they are about to mow their lawn. Do you dress up for the occasion?
I've adopted a Johnny Cash-inspired dress code: black shoes, black socks, black pants, black shirt, and a black sports coat. I even wear black knee pads. My knees were built in the 1970s, when things weren't exactly made to last—think Ford Pintos and Chevy Vegas!
Q7: Do we need to provide you with a meal at our wedding?
My contract includes a condition in the terms and conditions section that for weddings lasting five hours or more, the couple is to provide a hot meal at a table for myself and my associate photographer. If a meal is not provided, we reserve the right to leave the venue for up to one hour to find food, which has been the standard for vendors as long as I can remember.
To date, thanks to clear communication and planning, it hasn’t been necessary to invoke this condition. This is also a standard stipulation for vendors working extended hours at events.
Q8: What will you do with the pictures of us? Will you sell them to 3rd parties?
Typically, my photos are stored on hard drives or displayed in the online gallery I provide. I generally don’t sell photos to third parties unless it's for commercial use related to the wedding, such as a venue or vendor promoting their services. In those cases, I usually provide the images with the understanding that I will be credited. However, if a client requests privacy for their photos, I always respect that without question, as has occurred on a few occasions.
Q9: Were all the pictures in your portfolio actually taken by you?
I can confirm that I do not use any stock photos, nor do I present the work of other photographers as my own. Additionally, I do not stage photos with hired models. Each image in my portfolio is captured at authentic weddings, complete with the actual pressures, schedules, and emotional moments that come with such events.
These photographs reflect the real conditions I've worked under—whether it’s navigating tight timelines, managing unexpected weather like an incoming thunderstorm, or working swiftly amidst real-time constraints. Everything you see in my portfolio was photographed by me, showcasing my capabilities and experience in genuine wedding environments.
Q10: Can you explain what your “Changing Tarp” is and how you use it to save time?
Years ago witnessed a fashion shoot in Milwaukee’s historic 3rd Ward that took an unexpected turn. The photographer had set up a changing tent on the sidewalk, but it collapsed when the model leaned against the walls for support. Unfortunately, she hurt her elbow, which ended the shoot and probably led to an expensive ER visit.
It reminded me of the saying, "It’s better to learn from the mistakes of others!" I’ve found that using a large tarp for changing works much better. Models can lean against a building or sit on a bench—whatever is available. This is especially useful when time is short and there's no opportunity to return to a vehicle (which isn’t very private) or find an available restroom.
My changing tarp has been used hundreds of times in various locations, from beaches to urban settings, for engagement, senior, and fashion shoots. It’s quick, effective, and doesn’t take up much space.
Q11: Do you offer any discounts?
I'm pleased to announce that I now offer a 10% discount to senior couples who are getting married.
In addition, I offer a discount to those who are actively serving in the military or reserves. For couples where one or both partners are actively serving, I am happy to provide a 20% discount on my wedding and engagement photography services.
Q12: I have a friend who has a nice camera. Will you allow them to take pictures at my wedding too?
As the professional photographer you've hired, I bring years of experience and expertise to capture your special day. I understand that guests may want to take their own photos to preserve memories, and I'm generally fine with that.
However, I kindly request that during key moments, such as the ceremony and family portraits, guests refrain from taking photos that could interfere with my work. In the past, I've encountered situations where well-intentioned guests obstructed my shots, and or extending the time needed for formal photos. I work fast, as apposed to most people who take much longer composing a picture, and or retaking it, especially if they are taking pictures from over my shoulder, which distracts the people I am trying to photograph, who end up looking at their camera, not mine. Furthermore, I use professional-grade equipment and techniques to deliver high-quality images, quickly, and these can be compromised when others are shooting from over my shoulder or getting in the way.
I've noticed a growing trend of using "Unplugged Wedding" signs to encourage guests to put away their phones and cameras and allow the professional photographer to capture the special moments. Unfortunately, these signs aren't always effective. There have been instances where guests, despite the request, have inadvertently interfered with key moments like the wedding processional or the first kiss. These are once-in-a-lifetime events that cannot be recreated.
I wanted to touch on something I've noticed becoming more common: loved ones, such as mothers or sisters, offering to take the bride's getting-ready photos for free. The intention is often to save on costs or reduce the hours needed for wedding coverage.
Interestingly, after speaking with several couples who went this route, I asked if they were ultimately happy with those photos compared to the rest of their wedding images I captured. I also inquired if they wished I had photographed those moments in my style. So far, every couple has expressed that they would have much preferred their loved one to be *in* the photos, sharing those emotional moments, rather than behind the camera. No one has suggested that those amateur photos were comparable in quality to the professional ones.
This brings up an important point: wouldn't you rather have your mother or sister with you in those precious getting-ready photos, experiencing and sharing those emotions, instead of them being the ones taking the pictures? When you consider the overall investment in your wedding and the lasting value of professional photographs, the additional cost for a few extra hours of my coverage to capture these moments beautifully becomes negligible.
Q13: I’m paying for the photography of my child’s wedding. I want to direct the wedding to make sure it is done the way I want it covered by you. Is that something you can accommodate?
Yes, I'd love to discuss your photography needs!
To get started, please tell me more about what you're envisioning. I'm happy to discuss the logistics, including your ideal timeline.
If you have any reference photos—whether from my portfolio or other sources—please send them my way. This will give me a better understanding of the style and feel you're aiming for. Ultimately, my goal is to capture photos that you and your loved ones will love.
Q14: I have a friend attending my wedding who has experience photographing weddings too. Can they help to pose us and or direct your photography?
I'm always open to hearing suggestions, and I appreciate when they enhance our work together. My primary goal is to capture your vision while bringing my unique style to the shoot. Clients often tell me they chose me because my photography stands out.
Given that, I want to ensure we're aligned in the creative direction. I'm dedicated to delivering the best possible results using my experience, equipment, and planning support. To avoid unnecessary stress on the day of the shoot, I'd like to respectfully request that I have the freedom to do what I do best.
If there's a strong desire for someone else to direct the photography, it might be worth considering whether they would be a better fit for your project. My aim is to provide you with exceptional photography that reflects my expertise and your vision.
In the past I've come across some who have insisted that they direct the creative aspects of the wedding photography, which completely contradicts the direction that they couple had with me in the planning talks, where this 3rd party person was not included in the conversation. The last thing I want to do is end up in a squabble with someone who may think they are offering their help, but I've found them to be rather annoying, causing me much unneeded stress, and in a few cases, pretty much ruined what could have been a very fruitful photoshoot.
I had an unfortunate experience a few years ago that illustrates a point about wedding day dynamics. While recording a video, (because I was being threatened by an abusive individual who seemed to have some personal issues) confronted me, stating, "If you want to take artistic pictures at a wedding, don't be a wedding photographer." This was surprising, as the couple had specifically asked me to follow my artistic vision, not hers.
This experience highlighted the importance of being prepared for potentially challenging personalities on your wedding day, especially when enhanced by alcohol. . If you anticipate that someone might cause issues, please let me know. We can then discuss a contingency plan to address their behavior and allow me to mentally prepare for potential confrontation. Over the years, I've developed strategies for diffusing such situations and addressing narcissistic tendencies, often preventing issues from escalating.
Q15: How far in advance should I consider booking you?
My work is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a deposit is accepted, I dedicate my time to that project, even if larger opportunities arise.
For projects like weddings, bookings are typically made six months to several years in advance. However, I recommend securing your date as soon as possible, as I often receive multiple inquiries for the same date. For smaller projects such as high school senior pictures or corporate PR shots, I advise booking sooner rather than later.
For serious inquiries, I can provide my availability upon request.
Q16: What if I already have engagement photos or am not able to schedule an engagement shoot?
I understand that an engagement shoot might not always be feasible due to prior photos, distance, or scheduling conflicts. The primary benefit of the complimentary engagement shoot included in my packages is the opportunity for us to collaborate and understand each other's styles and preferences. This ensures we're all on the same page regarding posing, coverage, and my involvement on your wedding day.
If an engagement shoot isn't possible, I'm happy to offer a 16x20 print of your choice from your wedding photos, delivered directly to you. This will replace the engagement photo guest signature print.
Q17: I saw that you have a 4 hour, 6 hour and up to 10 hour package, why don't you offer an 8 hour package?
There's a specific reason for this: based on my experience shooting many 8-hour weddings, usually arranged by an agency. Couples often try to fit 9 or 10 hours of events into that time frame, adding additional stress to their wedding and everyone involved.
Offering an "Up to 10 hours" package helps reduce stress and allows me to comprehensively cover everything from the getting-ready photos through the open dance floor, without needing to charge overtime at a premium rate. I've observed that most weddings tend to wind down around 9 p.m., as guests leave to manage other commitments. While the later part of the evening often involves repetitive dance floor photos.
The 10-hour package ensures that I can beautifully document your entire day, from the preparations and portraits to the key moments before you say "I do," as well as the evening celebrations, providing a complete narrative of your special day.