Photos are one of, if not the most important part of your wedding day (aside from your future spouse of course!) When all the fuss is over and as years go by, it’s those photos that will serve as the lasting memory of, not just your event, but the family and friends who shared in the celebration. Whether it’s a big or small affair, it’s important that you find the right photographer to help preserve those memories.

How do I find the right person to photograph my wedding? Find someone with an approach you like. Someone whose style you like. Someone who is experienced and has work which demonstrates this. Find someone with whom you hit it off with over the phone and especially in person. Great photos are often built off a great working relationship with your photographer from day one.

Here is a list of other commonly asked questions that I provide to each of my prospective clients:

How is your approach different from that of a traditional
wedding photographer?
Rather than encouraging posed photos, I aim to capture the real moments as they happen, quietly, without choreographing the event. Your photographs will reflect the true emotion of the day, leaving you with a lasting visual narative of what made your wedding so special. Keeping in mind lighting conditions and background possibilities that could yield creative results, I work to document your day from beginning to end while recording the meaningful, fun and beautiful moments throughout.

Do you use film or digital media?
Digital. There’s no longer a visible difference between film and digital media, provided the photographer is experienced with the technology. I have been working digitally for the last seven years and have a reputable lab doing my final printing. Online viewing and ordering has become the standard. Digital books are now much more feasible and of higher quality than ever before. What’s most important is finding a photographer whose technical excellence will yield quality photographic results.

Will you take black and white photographs?
I photograph everything in color because any color picture can easily be made into black and white – of equal or superior quality to what black and white film will render. Unfortunately, the process doesn’t work in reverse! Color from the get-go gives you greater flexibility in the end.

Do you take any formal portraits?
Absolutely. I find that the best opportunity for formal portraits – including family, bridal party, and photos of the bride and groom alone – is following the ceremony, before the reception. Prior to the date of your wedding, I will provide a list of standard group photos from which you can select those that interest you. This ensures that the photos will be taken as smoothly and as quickly as possible in the alotted time.

What sites should I consider for group portraits?
While you are welcome to take pictures inside the church, I encourage you to consider areas outside or at a nearby location that would provide a simple and uncluttered background. A historic home or museum might provide a nice architectural element, while an ivy covered wall or vineyard will provide a simplistic, natural setting.

Do you offer finished albums?
Yes. Professional grade leather albums are available, as well as parent albums, digital books or a black leather portfolio box to showcase matted prints. I offer my creative services in helping you design your professional wedding album.

What is your background and availability?
I have been photographing weddings in New York and across the Midwest for close to ten years, and I am available for weddings worldwide. I am a staff photographer for The Post-Standard – a daily newspaper in Syracuse, New York – and a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photojournalism.

How far in advance do you recommend we book you?
To ensure that I am available for your desired date, I recommend that you book at least a year in advance, especially if you are to be married during peak wedding season (June-September). However, please do not hesitate to contact me if your wedding is coming up sooner than that! I will certainly do my best to accommodate if I still have the date open.