FAQ about wedding photography

How to choose a wedding photographer?

The personality, style and quality of work are equally important in my opinion. You can make a note of the personality of the photographer based on how they photograph. If their main emphasis is on candid photos in the portfolio, then they might prefer to blend in with the crowd and pay attention to details. More outgoing photographers might stage a lot of photos and bring more structure to your photoshoot. Both approaches are valid and should take place, but what the photographer focuses more on should be in alignment with your aesthetics. Make sure to meet your wedding photographer before signing the agreement to ask all the questions and see if you will actually get along and will vibe with the person.

What is your photography style?

I can best describe my style as a blend of a photojournalistic approach with a fine art wedding photography and a touch of editorial.

I believe that photographers also have to be flexible and adjust to different circumstances. For example, at certain moments I need to blend in. You don’t really want to see a photographer in your face the whole day. I love to see things unfold and capture them as they are, but there are times when I can come and stage certain moments. Sometimes I need to move certain objects out of the frame or to ask a couple to take a few steps into a better lighting. There is always something that can be adjusted. But again, if I only pay attention to these things I can miss a lot of natural moments. So, I like to constantly be on my toes and ready to adapt at any moment.

When is the best time to get wedding portraits of the two of us?

I recommend having a short session of just the two of you when it’s still bright outside (if we have this option). It can be a walk to your ceremony location, or a time right after the first look (if you have one), or a time between the ceremony and the reception. It all depends on the schedule and the circumstances of your wedding. But I highly recommend having this time just for the two of you. First of all, it gives you an opportunity to soak it all in and have a bit of quiet time to share with each other. Time flies by on a wedding day. Secondly, we can get some fabulous, fun, crazy or romantic shots. It all depends on your preference :)

How can we meet to get to know you?

If you are located in NYC I’ll be glad to meet you at your favorite coffee shop and go over your ideas, your questions, and needs. Aside from the stress of planning there is also a lot of joy and anticipation of making your vision a reality.

Can’t meet in person? No problem, after the quarantine times we are all very comfortable with Zoom and Face time now.

Some of my clients hire me over the email, that’s cool too:)

Why should we hire you?

I’m fully dedicated to bring you value and to take the best photos of your celebrations. I’ll be inspired to get the best portraits, I’ll blend with the crowd during the cocktail hour, I’ll direct your family for a group photo and will do my best to remove any stress from this aspect of your day.

Investment / coverage/ extra fees

I have different packages based on your needs. The range is $3000-5500. Taxes included. There are extra fees for travel, and accommodation if it’s more than a one day celebration.

I love traveling so if it’s a destination wedding I’ll be more than comfortable traveling for your celebration. I’ll do all the arrangements and send the reimbursement for travel, hotel or Airbnb.

My partner believes he/she is not photogenic?/ I am/ my partner is camera shy? How can you work with that?

I often meet camera-shy people and don’t believe there are non-photogenic people. I’ll find the right angles to capture your best side and show you in the best light. Our ideas of not being photogenic are probably based on awkward snapshots from our teenage years, or yearbook and that’s not the reality. It’s bad light, wrong angle, random moment, and bad equipment. We're gonna do it differently.

I’m also very grateful when couples express their concerns openly in terms how they would want to be portrayed. Because we are on the same team I want to keep all of the considerations in my mind to deliver the best results and I truly care that you enjoy your photos. I will also do my absolute best to make you feel comfortable and not think of it as a painful process but rather have an enjoyable time. And ultimately when looking at the photos, I want you to think - It’s so me, this is the real me.

Do you work with a second photographer or an assistant?

More often it’s just me, especially if it’s an intimate gathering and a wedding with less that 100 guests. But there are times when I have an assistant, usually based on the timeline of the day and other details. If your wedding has 150+ guests and has multiple locations and situations where we need to be in 2 places at the same time I recommend having a second photographer. Luckily I have a few talented photographers I work with and who will be a great addition to covering your big day.

Do we get Raw files?

The beauty of receiving selected and edited images is that you don’t have to go through those that are not so good. I always return all the best images from the wedding. I take my time to properly process the photos, so the flow of the narrative is present. Plus, Raw files are usually pretty dull and require editing. So, no, I don’t deliver the RAW files.

Do we get watermarks on photos?

No, the photos that I deliver don’t have any watermarks and are high resolution.

What does the copyrights of the images  entail?

You will be able to use the images for personal use however you want. All the digital files you’ll receive will be in high resolution without watermarks, so you can order any type of prints. Just make sure it’s only limited to personal use. Any sale, publication or commercial use of the photographs is only allowed with the prior permission of the photographer.

Can we see a full wedding album from previous weddings you covered?

Absolutely! I’ll make sure to share a few different albums from my previous clients with you.

Can I share a reference list or a mood board with you?

Yes, definitely. Especially in the first stages when we discuss your needs and vision, I love seeing what you have in your mind and some images you are inspired by. Even better if those photos are ones that I’ve previously taken :)

We are planning an elopement in NYC? Can you help us navigate it? 

Yes yes yes! Oh, how I love elopements in NYC. From recommendations of vendors, pros and cons of going to City Hall vs. hiring an officiant to venues and locations, I’ll be glad to share my experience and knowledge.

I see that you take a lot of candid shots. Do you take staged family portraits?

Yes, I do and I believe it’s very important. We definitely need to get those done!

Can we get black and white photos in color or vice versa?

Yes, I’ll be glad to deliver certain files you request in both color and b&w.

Should we do an engagement session?

I always think it’s a good idea, especially if you didn’t have a photo session together before. We can get to know each other and you have a chance to see how I work. You’ll get great photos which you can use for Save The Date cards, guest books, wedding website or any other personalized favors or decor. And in general, it’s a time well spent and an experience of its own.

Do you need a shot list?/ Can we give you a shot list?

Most of the shot lists I have seen include those photos a wedding photographer will take regardless of the list. But if there are some specific images you want to have, I’ll be glad to know them. So, yes, in this case a list is helpful. Also, if you are particular about family photos - all combinations of cousins and aunts are good to have mentioned.

In other cases, for an event photographer strictly following a shot list the whole day can be counterproductive, as many beautiful moments can be missed while stressing over the list.

Basically, I stick to the rule that It’s important to have a plan and It’s also important to be flexible.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes, and I will provide a proof of insurance to your event coordinator or any venue representative. So you don’t have to worry about it.

Do you have a back up?

Yes, I have backup cameras and lenses, and additional lights in case something might go wrong.

What if something happens and you can’t photograph our wedding?

We all hope that never happens. But in case that scenario plays out (which hasn’t happened yet in my career) , I’ll make sure you have it all covered with another photographer whose work I like and whom I trust. I have a couple of back up photographers and a network of people I know in the business.

When do we receive our photos?

My general turnaround time is 2 months, which can be a little longer on a busy season. But that’s something you will know ahead of time. I will also deliver a sneak peek online gallery a week after so you can enjoy the photos while on your honeymoon.

Our venue is dark? Can you work with that?

Yes, I have a lot of experience working in different light scenarios. I have additional lights and equipment suited for dimly lit spaces and environments.

What can I do with my digital files?

First, it’s good to have them backed up. So go ahead and do it. Make a copy and keep them safe.

Then, make prints. A lot of prints. Seriously, prints are the best! Best presents, reminders of the good times and mood boosters.

And also, invest into a photo book. It’s gonna last longer than any digital files.

Why should  I get a wedding album, photo book?

Getting a photo album is a great investment, you probably heard that already. A good quality wedding album will last longer than any digital carrier. Remember the times of CD disks? How often do you use them now? Considering how fast the technologies develop I expect that USB cards won’t be there for too much longer. But an album will.

Also, you know that feeling of flipping through a good photo book. It’s definitely not the same as going through the photos on the screen, no matter how nicely they are organized. You just can’t beat that pleasant feeling of holding these memories in your hands. I’ll be happy to create a beautiful, tasteful photo album for you, so you and your family will enjoy it for many many years to come.

What’s the process to get a photo album?

After you receive your full online gallery you will be able to mark the photos you want to see in your wedding album with a special label. I’ll make sure to include them in the draft of the album. You’ll get a draft to look over and see if you’d like to do some changes. You’ll receive your beautiful wedding album in two weeks after you approved the final layout and design. See, petty simple!

How can we secure our date with you?

First reach out either via the contact page or directly emailing me. Once we agree on all the details and sign a photo agreement with a 30% retainer your date is secured and I won’t accept new clients for that date.