Must have gear/accessory for a day of weddings?
- 2 camera bodies: Canon 5D Mark IV & III
- Lenses: Canon 50mm F/1.2L USM (my favorite lens, I literally use this 75% of the time), Canon 16–35mm F/2.8L USM, Canon EF II 85mm F/1.2L, Canon 135mm f/2.0L, Canon 50mm F/2.5 Macro
- Ample camera batteries and memory cards
- A large Lowepro camera backpack which holds all my equipment
- Snacks/drinks: Photographing a wedding is generally 8+ hours on your feet, so being prepared is a must. I bring RX protein bars, beef jerky, almonds or cashews, several waters and gatorades.
Do you accept every job you are offered? Why or why not?
In the beginning stages I accepted just about every job, as I was still learning and trying to establish myself. (~ 30 weddings a year). At this stage, I was much more lenient with my prices, package offerings, and time.
Now, I am much more picky about the weddings I choose to do. As a full-time marketer at my primary job and a part-time wedding photographer, my time and energy are limited. Doing 30 weddings a year is not sustainable and can easily cause burnout and lose its meaning if you’re saying yes to everything.
As an established wedding photographer, I have clearly defined my target audience and the types of weddings I want to photograph. After years of doing wedding photography, I now receive dozens of wedding inquiries and referrals each year, and often times I will say no if I feel it’s not a good fit, if the budget is lower than what I charge, if the wedding venue is not something I am comfortable with, etc. If this is the case, I have a list of other photographers I recommend to these clients.
What is your preferred camera/shooting style for weddings, and why?
I shoot weddings on digital. I would describe my style as a mix of traditional and photojournalistic. My photos are sharp, bright, warm and utilize natural lights in a vineyard or estate outdoor environment
What are the top 3 most frequently asked questions you get from clients?
As the photographer, there are two things I like to do before the wedding day. I ask the bride for a list of every family group shot she wants (to ensure we are quick and efficient), then I like to create a timeline with the bride to take full control of the day, and set myself up to be successful and take advantage of the best light of the day. I give myself plenty of time for group photos, bridal party, and private photos of the bride and groom.
2. “How would you describe your style/can I see examples of your work?”
I like to show prospective clients my website, as well as recent weddings I have done. I want to give them upfront expectations of what my work consistently looks like as well as my personal style.
3. “Do you have a second shooter?”
Yes, I always have a second shooter! It allows us to be two places at one time and makes the day generally smoother. I consistently work with the same shooters, where we know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. It really is a team effort.
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