My Photography Philosophy

What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

Please read this entire section as it will really give you a glimpse of my style, so you can see if I am the right photographer for you.

I think my strength comes from balancing two distinct styles together.

Typically, photos that have a soft, romantic film-look, tend to be very composed, with an editorial quality. While these images tend to look very "perfect," they often don't look natural and fail to make an emotional connection with the viewer(s).

On the other side of the spectrum, one will often see images with a TON of emotion, but they are edited to be very dark or with brown/orange tones. I'm not really sure why this is, but it is something that is very common in the photography industry.

My assumption is it's because the soft, romantic look is often achieved via film. However, when one shoots with film, every single element needs to be posed well in advance as every single shot really counts. The lack of movement here can lead to images that may look stiff.

For this reason, I intentionally shoot with digital cameras. However, I leverage light and edit in a specific manner to give images a romantic look with dreamy tones. Using digital cameras offers me the flexibility to get the best of both worlds - composed shots AND shots with a lot of movement for a more "spontaneous" quality.

With this said, I like to marry two different approaches and styles together. I focus to create dreamy, intentional images that are beautiful, but also heartfelt. I also want the editing to be timeless, in that it isn't following a current trend and will be considered to be just as lovely 20 years from now.

Apart from that, my photography education engrained something very important in me. In class, when we'd critique each other's work, a crucial question was always asked, and that was "What could have been done to this photo that would have made it stronger or more creative?" My photography background has me trained to always challenge myself when photographing. I am constantly asking myself "What can I do with this shot to make it more creative?"

Ultimately, my intention is to offer a blend of composed, artistic images as well as photos that are less orchestrated and exude a beauty that comes from being sentimental, emotive and genuine.

What is your background and philosophy regarding photography?

My mom bought me a film camera for Christmas and I quickly grew attached. Noticing my fascination, my mom said, “you know, you can do that as a job when you’re older.” In that instant, I knew that would be my path.I went on to major in both photography and business at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I spent hours upon hours in the darkroom, completely entranced by the process.

I loved exploring Los Angeles and documenting something real, whether it was an emotion or nuanced detail. I also loved creating images that involved me artistically composing shots with intention and direction. This brings me to wedding photography.

I’m drawn towards wedding photography because it unites these two very different approaches. Using artistic direction, I get to compose shots filled with captivating light, color, and interesting backgrounds. I also get to pull back and shoot in a documentary style, which isn’t about capturing the “picture perfect,” but about telling a story with all of it’s honest and heartfelt details.

On your wedding day, I will be there to guide you towards dreamy light, utilize artistic compositions, and offer pose prompts that lend to natural movements and genuine emotions. I’ll also know when to focus on documenting things as they naturally unfold, infusing heart and sincerity into the images. I want you to feel connected to your wedding photographs and it’s often the smallest of details within a photo that ends up piercing the viewer, compelling one to fall in love with it.

Travel Fees

Are there travel fees associated with the engagement session and/or wedding day shoot(s)?

Any location in the Los Angeles or Orange County areas DO NOT have a travel fee provided the shoot take place in the same area. If multiple locations are involved and the distance between them is more than a total of 15 minutes away, there is an additional travel fee. This fee varies and depends on the distance, but an hour of travel will approximate to a $200 travel fee.

Locations outside of the LA or Orange County areas will have a travel fee. All travel expenses are based on the distance between your event location(s). The following destinations are subject to the following travel fees:

– San Francisco, CA – $1,200 flat fee / Santa Barbara, CA – $450.00 flat fee / Big Bear, CA – $450.00 flat fee / Palm Springs, CA – $450.00 flat fee / Joshua Tree, CA - $450.00 flat fee / San Diego, CA – $450.00 flat / Temecula, CA - $350.00 flat fee / Yosemite, CA – $1,200 flat fee

– All other destinations are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Logistics & Photo Delivery

Do you deliver every image you shoot?

No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. For example, because I shoot with a low aperture, sometimes I take a few extra shots to make sure I have the perfect focus. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend hours doing that on my end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. I might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure I have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. I will say that I never place a cap on the amount of images I give to a client, so if it is a good shot, you will be sure to receive it.

Do you edit all the images we will receive?

Yes, I do. Every image I deliver is post produced with my signature style. This involves color correction, exposure adjustment, selective black and white processing, clarity adjustments, tone-mapping, and other corrections. I photograph and edit with a film-like style, leveraging dreamy light while shooting and editing images to have a natural, ethereal look. Overall though, I keep editing to look "dreamy, yet timeless," as I want one's images to still be considered super beautiful 20 years down the line, not just in the present day.

Do you shoot in JPEG, Small Raw, or Large Raw?

I shoot in large raw to get as much detail as possible within each image.

Have you shot at my venue before?

I have shot at hundreds of venues, so there is a good chance that I have. However, if I haven't, I will get to the venue early on the day of and be sure to perform a thorough walk-through to scout out the best photography locations. I also do extensive online research prior to your big day!

Does your studio provide videography services?

No, I do not. I specialize in photography to provide the best possible quality. However, I do have videographers in the Los Angeles area I can recommend.  

My venue is very dark. How does your studio handle these situations and can I see samples?

I have shot in the darkest of dark chapels and reception halls so no need to worry! If the situation allows, I will set up additional lighting to ensure I get focused pictures. Some chapels do not allow for flash photography; and for that reason, I shoot on camera’s with superb low-light performance and lenses with low apertures.

How many hours do you suggest we set aside for wedding day photos?

My recommendation is a minimum of 8 hours. Typically this is enough to cover "getting ready" images through 90 minutes to 2.5 hours of the reception.

I have some downtime between events on my wedding day. Will I be charged for that downtime?

Yes, all photography coverage hours are continuous.

What happens if we go over the contracted amount of time?

I understand that not everything goes as planned during a wedding. If things get delayed, I will ask you at the end of your contracted time whether or not you would like to extend. If you would like me to stay, I will charge the rates specified in your contract rounded to the closest 30-minute increment.

What rights do I have to the digital prints?

You have the right to download, print and share the images (online, with family & friends, etc.) however you'd like.

Do you provide the RAW files from my engagement session and/or wedding day?

Each of my packages comes with downloads of the full resolution JPEG images. However, I do not provide RAW (unprocessed) files from my shoots because I believe in delivering a finished product.

How long is our online gallery up?

It is up for 90 days after the gallery is sent to you. I strongly suggest you make at least 3 copies of the downloaded images. For example, they can be saved on your laptop, an external hard drive, and dropbox.

What type of camera/equipment do you use?

(2) 5d Mark IV Camera Bodies, 50 mm 1.4, 35 mm 1.2, 85 mm 1.4, 24 mm 2.8, 70 - 200 mm 2.8, external flashes, and external lighting equipment if the situation calls for it. My second photographer carries similar equipment.

Do you back up our images? How can we ensure that our images won’t be lost?

I have never lost an image from a wedding due to the following backup workflow for each our events:
During the event, I shoot on two cards at the same time. This instantly creates a backup of every image in the camera. Afterward, I separate the primary cards from the backup cards, should anything happen to one set. I then back up the images to a local server, as well as copy them to an offsite hard drive. At any given point before delivery of the images, there are two copies of the files in separate locations.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. Many venues require the photographer to have Liability Insurance.

Do you travel to meet clients?

Due to the limitations of my schedule, I currently do not travel to meet clients. If you would like to schedule an in person meeting, I am available to meet in Pasadena, CA. Otherwise, we can always schedule a comprehensive phone call to go over any questions you may have.

How do I reserve you for my date?

All dates are reserved once we receive your signed contract and retainer. I do not hold any dates without these two completed.

What is your payment schedule?

30% of the total is due to reserve a date, as a retainer. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the event date.  

If we cancel the wedding, will we receive our retainer fee back?

No, as retainer fees are used to reserve your date. Once I've reserved your date, I do not accept new clients for your date.

If we change our wedding to a different date, will we be able to use our retainer fee towards a future date?

Yes, however there will be a $750.00 "change of date fee" added to the remaining balance in order to change one's wedding date. Also, if my rates change from your original date to your new date, the new rates will apply.

Do you offer any discounts on weekday weddings, Sunday weddings, or weddings during the off-season?

I do not offer discounts on Sunday weddings and off-season weddings. Wedding season is almost year round here in sunny California. Because of that, I am shooting throughout the year. I also cannot offer discounts on weekday weddings as all of the costs (second shooter rates, etc.) associated with the wedding remain the same.

When should I choose my venue and vendors?

I always tell couples to choose their venue first. After you book your venue, it's a good time to start looking at vendors. I will say the wedding planner and photographer are usually booked right after the vendor.

How Far in Advance Should we book you for our wedding?

My calendar fills up quickly so you should plan to book about 12-18 months in advance.

Do you carry back-up equipment?

Yes, I do. I always have two cameras on me, as well as additional back-up gear.

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Are family & friends able to buy & download images as well?

Yes!  All images are placed onto a password-protected site. If you give friends and family the password they can also view, buy & download your images if they’d like.

When can we expect to see our wedding images?

The final gallery is sent 10 - 12 weeks after the wedding date.

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Engagement Session

When can we expect to see our photos from our engagement session?

Post-production for engagement sessions are completed 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot. If you require the images to be completed prior to 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot, a rush process fee of $250.00 will be charged.

When should we do our engagement session?

I encourage you to do your engagement session as soon as possible. The latest we suggest is at least 10-12 weeks prior to the wedding date due to the time necessary to post produce each image.

Can we schedule our engagement session for the weekend?

Because most weddings occur on weekends, I typically do not shoot engagement sessions on weekends. If you can only do your engagement session on a weekend, I can tentatively schedule your engagement session on a weekend, however, if a wedding is scheduled for that weekend, later on, we will have to reschedule your engagement session. I also like to shoot on weekdays because locations are typically less crowded.

Why are Engagement Sessions important?

I strongly feel that engagement sessions are important because this is not only when we get to meet and spend time together, but this is also where I will get to know what you're comfortable with, what you like, what you don't like and who you are as a couple. Engagement sessions are a great way to practice being in front of the camera and working with me --- so that way your wedding photos are much more natural, easy, and fun! This helps tremendously when the wedding day comes because you two will understand how I shoot and will be a breeze to get through the photos faster.

I don’t photograph well and can tend to be really awkward. Can you help me?

Most definitely! I don't expect any of my couples to know "how to pose" in front of the camera. Being in front of a camera is a new, semi-awkward situation for most people, but it's my job to make you both feel comfortable and guide you through post prompts that make you feel & look natural. I promise, It will be a breeze and it will actually be fun!

How far out for save the dates?

My recommendation is to send out save-the-date cards 6 to 8 months prior to your wedding and the wedding invitations 2 months before your big day. If it's a destination wedding, guests will have to accommodate for travel, so I'd recommend sending the invitations 4 months in advance in that case.

Who covers the cost of the permit? 

Some wedding and engagement session locations require a permit. The couple is in charge of the permit research & fees.

How many images do you typically deliver from an engagement session? From a wedding?

I typically deliver anywhere from 60 -100 images per 2-hour engagement shoot and for a wedding, I typically deliver 60 - 100 images per hour. Keep in mind these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the flow of the day and the number of events/activities needing to be captured.

Destination Weddings

Do you do destination weddings? What additional fees are associated with destination weddings?

Yes, I do. My destination wedding collections are the same as my regular wedding photography packages, however, additional travel costs would be added, including: airfare, baggage fees, hotel accommodations (typically 2 nights, but it depends on the length of the event), rental car (typically 3 days), vendor meals for the day of the event(s), per diem ($45/day per photographer for meals on travel days and days not on events).

Wouldn’t it be easier to hire a wedding photographer who is already located at the locations of my wedding?

Not necessarily. Typically hiring photographers from your wedding location is not only more expensive but riskier in terms of receiving your images. Past clients have decided against hiring foreign photographers for a couple of reasons. It is not only harder to coordinate with them about the details of your wedding day, but also if you were to have any questions about your images. Rather than having to deal with a prolonged and inconvenient correspondence, you could simply just come directly to me for assistance.

And that is it, you got through it! If you have any other questions for me that I didn't answer here, please contact me HERE.

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