FAQ
Do you travel to photograph weddings?
Yes I do! Some previous destinations I’ve been to include San Francisco, California – New York – Dallas, Texas – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Detroit, Michigan, Reykjavík, Iceland and Hong Kong.
Black Sand Beach – Vik, Iceland Pre-Wedding
How much is travel outside of Chicago? What are your travel fees?
Travel fees are two parts: airfare + per diem.
Airfare is $300 for the first 300 miles from Chicago, IL then $0.20 per mile. You can calculate the distance to your destination using this distance calculator.
Per Diem (meals, lodging, etc.) is an all-inclusive $200 per night in the US Contiguous 48. $250 everywhere else. Every wedding requires at least a two-night stay (the night before and the night of).
Example: A wedding in New York is 712 miles away from Chicago, resulting in an all inclusive travel fee $782.40. $382.40 for airfare plus $400 in total per diem.
This is a general guideline. Unique circumstances may change the fee slightly
Will you travel for pre-weddings or engagement sessions as well?
Yes! I’m happy to meet you at the destination of your choice. Travel fees will be waived if I’m in the area already so drop a line to see if you can catch me in your city! There is no per diem for photoshoots in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
What’s your photography style?
Honestly, my style is flexible and can reflect anything you’re looking for. When I began my career 8+ years ago, I itched to categorize my style as many photographers do but through time, I grew to enjoy, appreciate, and be versatile in many styles. Style aside, I always provide my couples with direction on poses, angles, lighting, backgrounds/photo locations, and more.
My ultimate goal is to capture moments that tell your wedding day story. We can make it whatever you want it to be – fun and relaxed or dramatic and conceptual. It’s all up to you since it’s your day. No worries if you don’t know what you like. I’m happy to share a few photo samples and galleries during our complimentary consultation meeting so we can pinpoint what suits you best.
Chicago, IL Wedding
I don’t know how to pose and I’ve never had my photo professionally taken, will our photos still turn out nice?
The photos you see on this site are from real weddings and engagements featuring real couples. I never do styled shoots and I never use models unless its for commercial work. It can be intimidating being in front of a camera but if you’re not sure what to do with your face and hands, I’m here to guide you and make you look and feel your best. If you happen to be very photogenic and are comfortable with getting close to your partner, then we’re already on a good start.
Dallas, TX Wedding
Do you photograph details and family photos during the wedding day?
Of course! A wedding day would not be complete without family portraits and details from your day.
Can I give you a shot list?
When you contact me about shooting your wedding, I will send you some full galleries of real weddings to look through. You’ll see that I make sure everything important is captured. The only list I will ask for is your list of family group shots.
How many photographers will be at my wedding?
I always recommend at least two photographers for each wedding. The second photographer is chosen from a reserved list of very talented people who either run their own photography company or have worked with me directly. The second photographer is responsible for shooting the groom prep, details, capturing a second angle on the ceremony and reception, and assisting the lead photographer with lighting for portraits.
What do you do if it rains/snows on our wedding day?
If it does rain/snow, we’ll make the best out of it and unique photos that no one else will get. All my equipment is weather sealed so rest assured we can keep shooting and stick on schedule. If your ceremony is outdoors, many outdoor venues offer a indoor back up location for inclement weather.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I shoot with the latest professional Nikon equipment and edit on a Apple Macbook Pro/iMac 27″. Check out the full list here.
When will we see our photographs?
After a triple back up of your wedding photos, I go through all the images taken from the wedding day and select the best ones to edit for your gallery. It takes about 8-12 weeks during peak season (May-October) and 7-10 weeks the rest of the year. Once the photos are completed, your online gallery will be made available for you and friends and family for viewing. Products such as prints, canvases, and albums can be purchased at that time.
That’s a long time to get my photos – some photographers have faster turn around time, why do you take so long?
Like all good things in life, some things take time. I work hard to make sure the photos you receive will be ones you can look back on proudly and share for many years to come. Because of this, all work is done in house and I personally review and adjust each photo individually for the best print standards and colors.
Great! How do we book you for our wedding?
Use the CONTACT at the top of the page to get the latest info about about pricing, products and availability. When you’re ready to move forward, all I would need to secure your wedding date is a signed agreement and a retainer for half of the balance.
CAMERAS
Sony A7IV x2 – New for 2023, the updated version of my A7III’s. The ergonomics and real time tracking has made it a worthy upgrade.
Sony A7III x1 – I’ve switched completely to Sony from Nikon for 2021 and beyond. After tinkering throughout 2020, the Sony system aligns better with my future goals. I’m excited for what’s to come!
LENSES
PRIMES
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 – Essential travel and storytelling lens for photo.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 – Great lens for portraits. Super sharp. This and the 35mm are on the cameras 80% of the day.
ZOOMS
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM – Perfect vlogging/walking around lens.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II – Best midrange zoom I’ve ever used. It’s change my perspective of primes for wedding days. It’s that good.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II – A true workhorse. All the Mark II versions of Sony’s lenses have been stellar!
LIGHTING – OFF-CAMERA FLASH (OCF)
Profoto A10 x4 – I switched over to the profoto system in 2023 and have loved the quality of light that I get out of them. I use to not believe the hype but they are worth the price of admission. The only bad part is that the batteries don’t last as long as the other systems but its probably designed that way to maintain output
Profoto B10x – For the bright days
Profoto Connect Trigger
MODIFIERS
Photek Softlighter II 47″ & 60″
BAGS
All my gear is housed my trusted Think Tank Airport Navigator + Think Tank Airport Essentials Convertible Rolling Backpack so I never have to check in any vital equipment when traveling.
When transporting without wheels I opt for my Mindshift Gear Backlight 18L and the ThinkTank Airport Essentials Backpack. For personal days, I use the Peak Design Everyday Zip 15L
I use a Sachtler C-Stand Bag to roll around my Avenger C-Stands + Matthews C-Stands and various grip equipment when doing on location commercial work and executive headshots.
GRIP
Matthews MERF x4 – Hands down the best reverse folding stand in the market. Holds almost 3x the payload of the Manfrotto Nano and has no sway/wobble when fully extended. Packs down into an international carry on luggage if needed.
Manfrotto 5001B Nano x2 – I got these before I knew about the Matthews Stands. They’re slightly cheaper and weigh a little bit less but over time the legs become loose and you can’t tighten down rivets. Pay upfront for good grip gear, it’ll last you forever.
Matthews Medium Duty Maxi Stand x2
Matthews Light/Heavy 12′ x1
Matthews Hollywood C+ Stand x3 – A C-Stand is your best friend on any production. I never use them for weddings but for everything else, nothing beats a C stand.
Really Right Stuff TFC-14 & TQC-14 – There’s an old adage that you should spend money on a sturdy tripod, it’ll last you forever. I didn’t listen and I wish I had bought this sooner. Both are great for traveling and on location interviews.
Gitzo Systematic GT3533 – Mainly for studio work. Kind of bulky for travel but the sturdiness is unparalleled.
Leofoto MT-03 – I was searching for a sturdy mini tripod and this one had the unique feature of having a built in extension in the legs without the use of a center column. It has replaced my Gorillapod for tabletop set ups.
Cosco Aluminum Step Stool – Great for larger group photos and dancing photos like the hora.
Matthews Apple Box – Good for sitting or standing.
