FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  


Does your standard package include prints and albums?

Prints and albums can be purchase separately with a customized package, with the wedding contract, or within six months after the wedding.


Do you touch up all the images received?


Every image I deliver is post produced with my unique style and technique. This involves color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, dodging/burning, cropping and other corrections.


What is the difference between advanced retouching and standard image editing?


Advanced post production and retouching includes touch ups such as removal of blemishes, sweats, smoothing of skin, removal of dark circles under eyes, etc. This will be performed on 10 event images which I feel best represent the event. You have the option to pay for extra retouching for any prints or album images.


Can I choose color or black/white images or have both?


You only receive one or the other. The color and black/white images are chosen by me only. If you have any preferences, please make sure to tell me a couple of weeks before your wedding when we go over your timeline in detail.


How long can you keep copies of the images if we lose them?


Your wedding images and online gallery are available for a year. Please make sure they are backed up in different places for insurance. I even recommend putting a flash drive in the safety deposit box with all your other important documents.


Do you deliver raw and all shot images from the wedding day?


As per the policy of most professional photographers, I never provide raw, unedited images. You’ll receive the best 300 edited images. I never give out less than perfect images. My main concern is quality instead of quantity and I like to work with couples that expects the same.


How long does it take to receive the images?


Usually 90 days, but I do my best to finish them as soon as possible. Once the post production is done, I’ll email you a password protected online gallery, from which you can download your high res images.


Can you capture all the guests?

My main focus is to capture the story of your wedding day and to concentrate on the couple and important guests.  


Does your assistant also shoot and do you recommend a 2nd shooter?

My assistant isn’t a 2nd shooter, since the quality of the work wouldn’t be the same and I would never want less than perfect images for your wedding. A 2nd shooter is unnecessary for weddings up to 250 guests. If you desire to have a 2nd shooter, I’ll be happy to provide that service for an extra cost.


How important is the lighting in the venue?

I usually mix my lighting with available lighting for a natural and romantic look. I like to be as close as possible to the natural lighting and that can get tricky with very dim lighting. It’s a fine balance between capturing someone’s face in a dim light and making it look as natural as possible. The dimmer the light, the brighter my lights have to get and you could lose the natural and romantic look of the photos. Also I have to be more obtrusive and get closer to you in dim lighting. Adding small lighting units that are placed on the floor to shine up the walls are great way of adding to the WOW effect of the venue and looks great on the photos. I have no problem shooting in dim lighting, but the above is what I recommend for an ideal lighting situation.


Can I use non-professional photographers or videographer if they aren’t in a way?


Since I’m good at moving unobtrusively fast, it’s hard for others to keep up with me. I have had photographic moments ruined because of it. By the time I tell them to move, the moment is gone. 


Can you work with restriction during the ceremony?


I don’t recommend it, but if necessary I’ll follow it. Keep in mind you will not receive as many photos of the ceremony due to the restrictions.


Can we send a shot list?

I don’t recommend a shot list. My focus would instead be on trying to get the best creative images that would tell the visual story of your day. However, if there are particular shots which are important to you, we can certainly discuss this further.


How many hours do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos?

Photos outside the venue: 10-15 minutes, if outside the venue is photogenic.

Preparation Shots: 1 hr, could be more if you need more detail shots. Please make sure the room is as uncluttered as possible, so I don’t have to waste time removing unwanted objects in the background. Put away any items that you don’t want included in the photos. It’s preferable to have a nice hanger for the dress which should be hanged and ready for photographing, without any cardboard or papers. Any invitations, rings, shoes, etc. should all be in one place and ready for me to photograph. That way we won’t spend time searching for things.

Couples session: 1 hour, I highly suggest doing this before the ceremony in conjunction with a first look. That way you can enjoy the rest of your day without having to worry about taking too much time out for photos and miss out on other photos with your guests. Also this is when the makeup and hair are fresh.

Family Formals: 30 minutes, these are usually not the most creative shots and it’s best to keep the number of these shots to a minimum. Also it’s best to do group shots outside during the day. Keep in mind that each group shot can take an average of 3-6 minutes to do and the time can easily add up. I suggest that you designate one person from each side of the family to organize the groups so that we can proceed more efficiently.

Bridal Party: 10 minutes is ideal, if possible.

Cocktail photos: Around an hour, depending on you. I don’t recommend skipping on these photos, since it’s the best time to capture you and your guests interacting with each other.

Reception details and room shot: 15- 20 minutes, It can be longer if there are more details to cover. Please make sure the room and details, including candles, are ready to photograph.

Reception: You don’t really need me till the end, as long I capture the guests dancing and optional key moments (first dance, parents dance, speeches, cake etc) before the end of the day. Don’t feel obligated to follow the rules for the key moments, if it’s not your style.

Dinner break: At least 30 minutes for my assistant and me to eat during an 8-hour day. I generally continue taking photos for the whole day, aside from dinner time. Since no one want their photos with their mouth full. If the dinner is later in the day, we do need to take 15 min break during cocktail time to eat to make sure I have the energy needed to do the best possible job.  Ideally it's best to eat with the guests or before them, since I don't want to miss out on any great images after dinner.

Extra time: Not everything goes as planned during a wedding, so it’s best to leave some extra time for the timeline and traveling between locations. You want to make sure you are relaxed enough to enjoy your big day.