BRANDYWINE PHOTOGRAPHY
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Q&A
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
My very first wedding was in 2006, a significant milestone in my journey as a photographer. I remember the specific date because it coincided with my youngest child’s first birthday. Over the years, I have traveled a long and rewarding path, gathering many lessons and experiences along the way. Each wedding I’ve had the privilege to photograph has contributed to my growth, sharpening my skills and allowing me to refine my craft exponentially. I truly believe that I learn best through hands-on experience, and with the countless weddings I’ve documented, I’ve not only improved technically but also developed a deeper understanding of the emotions and stories behind each couple’s special day. This journey continues to be fulfilling, and I look forward to capturing even more beautiful moments in the years to come.
Would you be able to show me full wedding galleries of your work?
Absolutely. If a potential client reaches out to see full galleries, I do share a few. It’s important to me for you to see the hard work I put into every single wedding but also to see how the day unfolds from start to finish. There are so many beautiful photos that I don’t post on social media so please take a look.
What is your editing style and how many edits do you include?
In recent years as a wedding photographer, I have moved away from following editing trends. My style emphasizes true-to-life colors with a touch of vibrancy and warmth. Every image I deliver is edited using Lightroom, with extended Photoshop editing applied to select images when necessary. I capture twice the number of photos I ultimately deliver, carefully curating them to ensure each one is print-worthy. I then apply my editing approach and include my favorite black-and-white edits to provide a polished, timeless collection.
What would you consider to be your wedding photography style?
Do you have experience shooting in different lighting situations?
Lighting is my jam. With owning various studios over the years and using my lights full-time, I am fully confident when working in any situation. From dark, orange barns to harsh mid-day sun. Though I do recommend to my clients to avoid a ceremony where the sun is straight above us, I am able to break out the lights if needed. With each wedding, I bring six lights and several different modifiers. I may not need them all, but I’m always prepared. Not only am I able to light any dark and harsh situations but I can do some pretty fun light and camera techniques to add to the reception dancing fun.
Do you offer a second shooter or do you mainly work alone?
For the majority of weddings I photograph, I work solo. However, I do offer the option of a second shooter for an additional fee. I always make it a point to have a conversation with potential clients to discuss the benefits of having both shooters versus handling the event on my own. With years of experience in the industry, I am confident in my ability to manage a wedding independently (figuratively speaking). However, there are certain circumstances where having a second shooter is highly recommended for optimal coverage.
What is your favorite part about photographing weddings?
Without a doubt, my favorite part about photographing weddings is the photojournalism side of it that often go unnoticed by others– Grandma wiping her tears, a little kid picking his nose during the ceremony, bride and groom giggling together, mother-in-law laughing hysterically, dad holding back tears, all of the laughing and crying and raw emotions and silly blunders. It’s these genuine, unscripted, emotional storytelling that truly define the essence of the day.
Do you offer elopement or destination photography?
I absolutely do! And I work out a budget-friendly deal if it requires me to travel out of state. I love traveling and I usually make myself a little trip out of it. I have my first California wedding March, 2025. Other places I have traveled to for destination weddings or elopements have been the Adironack mountains in New York, Baltimore, New Orleans, Florida twice, Texas, Utah and many in Tennessee.
What is it like to work with you on the wedding day?
First, I’ll describe myself and my work ethic. I’m a go-getter, always have been. I’ve never met a stranger. I have a gift of making anyone feel comfortable and just able to be themselves. (Thanks, many years of boudoir photography). I love to help others, I’m not shy and I’m a take charge type whose had leadership roles in every aspect of my life. I have a soft spot for children and the elderly. My personality traits show in my work. I’m not only a photographer on a wedding day but I’m also a coordinator, a boss, a friend. I’ve fixed brides hair that fell, I’ve buttoned dresses many times, I’ve found the lost shoe, I’m directing people to stay out of the aisle, I’m cracking jokes, giving ques and swatting flies off the cupcakes. I got you.
Do you offer extra hours?
Yes I do. My current rate is $100 for a half hour. I have 7 and 9 hour wedding photography options. During a phone consultation, I like to explain the differences and when 9 hours would be needed. If the decision is made during the reception that the bride and groom would like me to stay a little longer, that’s totally fine and we can settle payment after the honeymoon.
What is the typical delivery time for the wedding photos?
My contract states it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the final gallery to be delivered, and that time frame depends on the season. Spring and fall are very busy and with this being my full-time career, it does take the 8 weeks during those periods. I do have an edited preview available for the bride and groom within two weeks of their wedding, often sooner.
Do you offer prints or wedding albums?
Every photographer operates their business in a way that suits their individual circumstances and preferences. In the past, I offered albums as part of my services, but I found that the time and effort involved were not adequately compensated. If I were to offer albums today, the pricing required to justify the time spent would feel disproportionate and unfair to my clients. Instead, I deliver high-resolution images, allowing my clients the freedom to use them as they wish. Nowadays, albums can be easily created through a site I recommend, and they are reasonably priced. However, if I were to dedicate time to designing albums myself, I would need to raise my prices, something I currently have no interest in doing. For me, the true joy lies in the act of photographing, not in managing online orders. While many photographers have suggested that I’m missing out on additional revenue by not offering albums, I am content with my workflow and balance.
How does a typical wedding day go for you?
I can handle any outside stressful situation thrown at me (hello, Christmas minis!). The only thing that stresses me out is myself. Due to that, I’m never late. I arrive 30-45 minutes before the planned time so I can unload, set-up and sometimes get an early start. Every wedding is different, and I find a flow that works best for each one.
If I am working solo, my main focus is the bride and the bridal preparation, details and of course the candid’s. I get the guys finishing touches such as buttons and ties. We always do the Groom and groomsman photos and then the bride and bridesmaid photos before the ceremony. I do discuss with my brides whether or not we are planning on a first look before the ceremony. During the ceremony, I always get the grooms expression of the bride before turning to photograph her. My eyes are always peeled, looking to capture raw emotion from the guests and family. After the ceremony, It’s onto the family photos, wedding party and bride and groom together. Not necessarily in this order. Finally, onto the reception fun. I’m usually at a wedding up until a mock exit or a real exit or sometimes no exit at all. As always, plenty of candid moments and details thrown in throughout the wedding day. I am a LGBTQ+ friendly photographer and respect any couple whether bride & bride or groom & groom!
How will you communicate with me before the wedding day?
I have a phone number specifically for my brides and wedding inquiries. I decided to do this a few years ago when I realized I was so busy that I would easily miss texts. I didn’t want that to happen again. In most cases, my brides book a boudoir session which they get $100 off. I love to really get to know them and talk a little wedding during that time. We also do either a complimentary engagement or bridal session. I call each bride the week before their wedding to get the full scoop on what to expect on the wedding day including the family list and other information I need to make the day go smooth. If the bride wishes, I then send her a photography itinerary that serves more as a guide on the wedding day. I also send her a detail shot list to have prepared for me so that when I arrive on the wedding day, she doesn’t have to move a muscle. My brides are welcome to text me anytime. There are days where I am working a full 12 hours at my studio, but I always reply when I’m not shooting.
