Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?
I’m based in Frederick, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, and I photograph weddings throughout the United States.

Do you charge travel fees?
No, I don’t charge travel fees, travel is included at no additional cost.

Do I need to arrange your travel?
No, I handle my own flights, lodging, and transportation. For any wedding that requires travel, I arrive at least one day early, so I am settled, rested, and ready. I stay close to the venue so I am nearby and accessible, and I travel with redundant gear and multiple backup systems for reliability.

How long have you been in business and photographing weddings?
I’ve been in business and photographing weddings for 25 years. Over that time, I’ve documented hundreds of wedding days with a focus on real moments, natural storytelling, and timeless images—plus portraits that feel relaxed and authentic, with gentle direction so you look your best without stiff posing.

What is your style?
My style is wedding photojournalism with natural, guided portraits. I work in an unobtrusive, storytelling way—capturing real moments as they happen, genuine emotion, and the in-between details that make your day feel unique and personal. When it’s time for portraits, I keep them artistic and relaxed with gentle direction so you look your best without stiff posing or long photo sessions.

Do you capture portraits and group portraits at weddings?
Yes. I capture both portraits and group portraits at every wedding. Couples portraits are relaxed and natural with gentle direction—enough guidance to help you look your best without stiff posing. For group and family portraits, I keep things organized and efficient, so I get all the combinations you want without without taking you away from the celebration for too long.

Will you shoot another wedding on the same day?
No. I book only one wedding per day, so you have my full attention, and I’m not rushing between events. This also gives us flexibility with timing, travel, and any schedule changes that come up.

Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG format?
All images are captured in RAW format, producing more vibrant colors and superior print quality. The RAW format also allows us to do more post-processing and make any necessary image adjustments. I deliver high-resolution Jpegs, making using the files and making prints easier. By starting with a RAW file,  I can deliver a better Jpeg file for you to make beautiful and vibrant prints. If a photographer captures images in Jpeg format, minimal post-processing and editing can be done, and large prints may look distorted. Since RAW is the standard format for professional wedding photographers, someone capturing images in Jpeg format might be a sign of an amateur photographer. Many studios shoot in JPEG format because it’s more accessible, and there’s less post-production work for them. The images come straight out of the camera “as-is.” Then, it becomes your responsibility to color-correct the images. Also, JPEGs don’t have as much information as digital files, so you can’t make large prints and lose the beautiful, rich colors you want.

Do you post-process/edit the images?
Yes. I personally edit each image to make any necessary adjustments. I offer 4 editing options for you to choose from.

How many images will you post process/edit, and how many will we receive?
I like to deliver as many images as possible, and generally, depending on the number of hours covered, most couples receive about 1000 post-processed images for one photographer and 1600 post-processed images for two photographers. The only images I remove are those with eyes closed, out of focus, etc. Some photographers only post-process/edit a handful of images out of the hundreds they may deliver to you. I believe that all of your delivered images should be processed/edited. Some like to overedit and remove too many images that they don’t like, such as people mingling and other more general wedding images. They may feel these images are nothing special and should be removed. Although these types of images may not be the most dynamic, I believe they are important in providing a well-rounded representation of your day. I believe in delivering all usable images that are captured.

Do we have unlimited rights to use our images, including making our own prints and albums and posting them online?
Yes, I give you unlimited rights to use the images as you wish, including making your prints and albums and posting them online.

Do you offer Videography?
I specialize exclusively in wedding photography, prioritizing mastery and depth in this craft. By dedicating myself solely to photography, I ensure undivided attention to capture every special moment of your wedding day. My approach emphasizes quality, consistency, and a personalized touch. While I understand the allure of all-in-one packages, my mission is to provide unparalleled depth in photography, ensuring that your wedding memories are captured with the utmost expertise and care.

How many images do you take at a wedding?
I don’t limit the number of exposures I take. On average, I take approximately 2,000 images at a wedding. 

Are two photographers better than one?
There are a variety of factors that go into deciding whether you should have one or two photographers. I offer various scheduling options for our second photographers, whether needed for just part of the day or the entire duration of your event. A second photographer should be considered if you have a larger wedding (more than 150 people). This is not to say that an experienced photographer can’t handle a large wedding alone. Consider whether you are getting ready at the same location. A second photographer might be beneficial if you are simultaneously getting ready at 2 locations. If you decide that one photographer works best for you, I can still capture getting ready at 2 locations as long as ample time is allowed. In some situations, such as church weddings, some churches restrict the photographer’s ability to move during the ceremony. In this case, a second photographer might be able to provide additional angles. One photographer can absolutely still capture all the key moments at a church ceremony without a second photographer. If you decide to have portraits taken during the cocktail hour and also would like coverage of the cocktail hour, a second photographer might be a good idea. In any of these situations, a second photographer isn’t required but should be considered. Every wedding & couple is different, with many factors to consider. Im always happy to discuss your wedding and make any recommendations.

Do you use assistants?
I don’t use assistants since Im a wedding photojournalists who document weddings more naturally. With my documentary approach, assistants would get in the way, and I would be unable to blend in and tell the story as it unfolds. Assistants are used more by traditional photographers who tend to do lots of posing. They generally assist the photographer with setting things up and do not do any photographing. With me, if you hire two photographers, you get two photographers & not a photographer & their helper. 

What do you require to reserve the photographer?
I require a signed contract and a deposit by check or credit card to reserve your selected photographer. No credit card fee.

What happens after booking?
My whole process is designed to ensure your wedding planning is as stress-free as possible. You’ll receive a questionnaire two months before the wedding to give me additional details about your day. 

What is your backup plan in case there’s an emergency?
With every wedding I photograph, I have a reliable backup team in place. If a true emergency ever prevents me from being there, a qualified replacement photographer can step in and still cover your day seamlessly. Besides my cell phone, you’ll also have my wife’s contact information—if you can’t reach me on the wedding day, she’ll have all your details and can coordinate a replacement right away. I’m happy to say that in 25 years, I’ve never missed a wedding.