How would you describe your style?

“Fine Art Photojournalism” is the best label for my work. I favor natural lighting and compositions that are organic rather than overly posed. Photojournalism is about being unobtrusive and allowing clients to remain present in their intimate moments. I aim to tell the story of your day and look for those in-between glances and gestures. While a major part of my craft is directing clients towards better light or natural poses, I try to blend into the background during an event so as to document natural expressions. In this regard, I wouldn’t say that I focus on traditional portraiture. I am first and foremost a wedding photographer, and as such, I have to work fast, and adapt to my subject matter.

How long have you been photographing weddings and How many weddings do you photograph per year?

I have been photographing weddings since 2012. I photograph around 20 weddings per year.

What couples do you enjoy photographing most?

I love working with couples with a taste for fashion and who put thoughtfulness into floral arrangements, ambient venue lighting, etc…Ultimately, I most enjoy couples who put their foremost energies and attention into celebrating being together. 

How do travel costs work for destination weddings?

While each destination is unique and requires its own arrangements, I always prefer to keep things streamlined with a single travel fee that rolls together all the associated travel cost for that weekend to keep things simple. Please email me for a customized travel quote.

If you have a destination wedding in mind, or would like some help putting together an idea, contact me with the details and we can discuss those fabulous plans! You can find some inspiration here.

How long will it take to receive our photographs and how many final images will be delivered?

In my busy season, it usually takes 6-8 weeks to finalize a portfolio. I also include several preview photos within a week after your wedding. Editing time for a single wedding is approximately 30 hours.

Expect approximately 400–700 photographs (based on the specifics of your day). I focus on quality over quantity; as with many art forms, photography follows the old adage that “less is more."  I prefer to focus on a fewer number of photographs in order to give them more attention in post-processing edits (the digital darkroom).  I edit every image individually, without using batch edits or hiring an outside firm. Editing is an art and good art takes time. 

Can you photoshop my body in any way—makeup/wrinkles/weight/etc…?

I don’t use Photoshop. I only tweak lighting, fix minor blemishes/distractions, and adjust my compositions in a natural way. It makes my job so much easier if clients take a moment to think about lighting, i.e.: facing a window while applying makeup or considering source lighting during a ceremony, e.g.: avoiding a backlit beach ceremony with the sun setting directly behind you.

I send all my clients a wedding insights and tips PDF, listing many helpful recommendations that will help improve the quality of the portfolio we create together. 

Can I have access to the RAW files?

No, I consider this an unfinished product.

What equipment do you use?

I work with Canon 5D Mark IV cameras and a Canon R5 with all L-series prime lenses.

Does your second photographer stay the entire evening?

Having a second photographer can be beneficial for capturing different angles, moments, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of your day. However, there are situations where a second photographer might become redundant. These moments might be during the getting ready stages if there is only one location, or during the reception phase of the wedding after speeches. In my experience, it’s best when my second works with me through the beginning of the reception. Around that time, I let them go and work the rest of the reception solo. Photographs start to get repetitive and we will have overlapping coverage at that point in the evening. 

Do you schedule a time in the day for family and wedding party portraits?

I recommend making thoughtful plans for family portraits. Prior to your wedding date, I will send out a questionnaire & request a family/wedding party portrait list. Having this list takes the pressure off couples, so they can fully enjoy their wedding day. Please note that I limit family portraits to under 15 combinations.

Do you ask for a wedding day ‘shot list’?

The only list I ask for is the family/wedding party portrait list. Our detailed approach ensures we capture your full story. If there is something particularly important to you, there is a line on my questionnaire for you to indicate that request. I will do my best to honor those moments/ideas; however, if I am focused on checking off bulleted items, then I will undoubtedly miss the authentic moments from your day. I do recommend bringing to my attention any special people, details, or planned moments. 

Do you offer wedding albums? Can I buy prints?

Yes, we offer beautiful leather albums. You can read more about these albums on my storefront, here.

All my clients have a “personal use license” which means that you can print and share your photographs for non-commercial use.

I always encourage clients to utilize my online print lab. If I took the digital still, I want you to be able to truly appreciate it. All images are professionally printed. You will receive them, un-matted and unframed, in sturdy, moisture-resistant packaging usually within a couple of business days.  I love my print lab and the checkout process is a cakewalk.  

How does your engagement session work?

An engagement session is a great opportunity for us to meet each other and get creative before your wedding day. I offer this session as an add-on to my Standard Wedding Package. You will receive approximately 30 digital downloads in an online album with rights to print and post for personal use. I schedule these sessions in Grand Rapids. My turnaround time with editing is usually up to two weeks.

Can we meet in person?

If I am not away traveling, absolutely! I'd love to sit down to chat through details and get to know one another.  Alternatively, I am available to talk over the phone if meeting in person is not an option for you.

How do we book you?

To reserve your date, I require a signed Photography Agreement and a non-refundable deposit of half your total package cost. Due to the high amount of inquiries, I ask that you return the signed Agreement and deposit within a week to ensure your date remains available. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to your wedding date. I can take a check, or credit card (a 3.5% credit card fee is added).

What happens after we reserve our date with you? Can I reach out to you with timeline questions?

There are no details I want to miss out on! Please feel free to contact me anytime. A well-thought-out timeline is important, and I am excited to help. A month before your wedding, I send an email checklist making sure we are on the same page. 

do you have reviews we can read?

Read what our couples say, here.