Most of the questions I get are the same ones. Not because couples aren’t thoughtful. Because they’re all worried about the same things, and nobody told them it’s okay to just ask.
So here’s a post that does exactly that. These are the real questions I hear before couples book, along with honest answers.
“How many weddings do you shoot per year?”
Twenty. That’s my cap, and I keep it there on purpose. It’s not a marketing line. It’s what lets me actually show up for each one without running on fumes by October.
“Do you shoot alone or bring a second photographer?”
I bring a second shooter to every wedding, no exceptions. Two of us means nothing gets missed. While I’m documenting your ceremony from the front, my second is capturing your grandmother’s reaction from the back. You don’t have to choose between those moments. You get both.
“What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?”
I have a network of photographers I trust. If something happened to me, I wouldn’t leave you without coverage. I’d work to find a qualified replacement and make sure you were taken care of. It’s not a fun question to think about, but it’s a good one to ask any photographer you’re considering.
“How long until we get our photos?”
Six to eight weeks for full wedding galleries. Sometimes sooner, rarely later. I don’t rush the edit just to get it out the door, but I also don’t sit on your images for months. You’ll get a sneak peek within 48 hours so you’re not waiting completely in the dark.
“Can we give you a shot list?”
You can give me a list of family formals, and I’ll follow it exactly. Beyond that, I’d rather you trust me. The moments that end up mattering most are rarely the ones that were planned. A shot list for candids usually means you’re trying to choreograph something that works better when it’s left alone.
“Do you travel for weddings?”
Yes. I’m based in Northern Virginia, but I’ve shot in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Travel fees vary depending on distance. If you’re planning something outside the area, just ask.
“What’s your style?”
Documentary, with an editorial eye. I’m not directing you through poses every five minutes. I’m watching what’s actually happening and making sure I’m in the right place when it does. That said, I do step in for portraits. I just don’t turn the whole day into a photoshoot.
“Why do you cost what you cost?”
Because photography is one of the only things from your wedding day you’ll actually keep. The flowers are gone by Sunday. The cake is gone by Saturday night. Your photos stick around. My pricing reflects the experience, the second shooter, the editing time, the equipment, the insurance, and the fact that I’ve been doing this long enough to know what I’m doing.
It’s a fair question. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for asking it.
“How do we know if we’re a good fit?”
Usually, you can tell pretty quickly. If you’ve read this far and something clicked, that’s a good sign. If you care about photos that feel real, if you want someone calm on a day that might not be, and if you’d rather have a photographer who blends in than one who takes over, we’re probably a good fit.
The best way to know for sure is to get on a call.
Ready to ask your actual questions? Reach out here and we’ll find a time to talk.
