A: My interest in photography began in early highschool, but it was just for fun back then. When I got to college, I found out that my school, Rochester Institute of Technology, had one of the top photography programs in the country! I took on a second degree program and received a 4-year BFA in Advertising Photography in 2016. I've been officially photographing weddings for 9 years now.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is light, bright, and airy. I like to keep my subjects exceptionally sharp but keep the focus on them by making the backgrounds creamy and soft. The thing that makes my images really stand out is my use of color to make soft and bright greens, warm skintones, and gentle blues.
Q: Is this your fulltime job?
A: No - I work fulltime as a Data Engineer. I run my photography business because I am passionate about photography and I love that I get to meet new people all the time.
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: I shoot using a Canon 5D Mark iii with my main lenses being 28mm, 50mm, 70-200mm, and a 100mm macro. Indoors I like to use a Canon 430EX-RT flash to bounce light off the ceiling. I also have a Profoto B2 set but use it sparingly.
Q: What is the best time of day to schedule our session?
A: The lighting is always best just after sunrise and before sunset. Most of my clients prefer to schedule for the evening before sunset for golden light and the convenience. Morning sessions can be really great too though, especially in the hot summertime! It will be slightly cooler and you're likely to get a beautiful hazy background as the dew evaporates.
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: I'll be keeping an eye on the weather ahead of time. If the weather is expected to be exceptionally bad, we can either move locations or reschedule.
Q: How can I pay you?
A: I accept cash, check, Venmo, and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express). 50% of your total session payment is due at the time of booking and the remaining 50% is due before your session begins. Sales tax is charged at the Texas state rate of 8.25%.
Image Questions
Q: How long will it take before I can see the finished images?
A: It depends on the event. If it's a small family or engagement session, you can expect your images to be delivered within 3 weeks. For weddings, it's a lot more images so it takes a while longer. You can expect your finished images in 8 weeks (but make sure I have your number so I can text you a couple of sneak peeks while you're on your honeymoon!).
Q: How many images do I get?
A: You will get all finished images from your session. I try to remove any images where someone is blinking or making a bad (not in a funny way) face. Everything else will be professionally processed and delivered to you as a high resolution .jpg file.
Q: Can I print these photos myself?
A: No. These images are a representation of my brand and all my products are printed professionally with the highest quality. If you were to print one of my images through a consumer printer, the quality of my image will be depreciated and could misrepresent my brand whenever you share the images with others.
Q: Can I have the unedited or raw files?
A: No. I do not provide raw files because, again, these images represent my brand. I have a specific editing style for my images (basically my magic fairy wand to make everything super bright and beautiful) and I want any images you share to have that same level of magic. As for raw files, you need an additional software to be able to process those so they probably wouldn't do you much good anyway. I keep those files to myself because they act as my proof of copyright ownership.
Q: Can you photoshop my belly, double chin, thighs, bald spot, and everything else I don't like about myself?
A: Here's the thing - I am pretty good at photoshop. I can do some of these things but it's extremely difficult and time consuming, especially if it's in every image. Rather, I need you need to love yourself as you are and have realistic expectations going into the session. I can assist with posing you in a way that diminishes your worry-points and my editing style will help to make you look radiant. I will do everything in my power to make my clients happy so feel free to ask, but I cannot be held legally responsible for factors that are out of my control.
Q: Your contract says you can publish my images wherever you want. Can I keep my images private or at least get a heads up that it will be used?
A:Absolutely. I believe in compassion above legal jargon and I totally understand your reservations. I always want to respect my client's desires first and foremost. If you don't want intimate portraits shared or you don't like a specific image that I want to publish on my blog, just let me know and I will take it down. If there's an advertising opportunity and I want to use your image, I will reach out to you first to make sure you are comfortable with the publication and use. In the case that you don't approve, I will respect that decision and try to find an alternative or turn down the opportunity altogether.
Q: Help! I lost all of my digital files! Do you have a copy?
A: While I always recommend best practices for preserving your images, I try to keep a copy of all images from your session in my archives. Please keep in mind that this service has no guarantee or legal obligation at this point. The best way to keep your files safe is to keep multiple copies in different locations and get physical printed products in case files get corrupted over time (we're talking generations here).
Wedding Questions
Q: I don't know how many hours of coverage I need. Do you have a sample timeline to help me plan and figure this out?
A: I'm glad you asked! Every wedding is different, but you can see a sample timeline for a traditional American wedding on my pricing page. Please keep in mind that almost every wedding runs late. If you want full coverage, I need to be there for detail shots, getting ready pictures, bridal party photos, ceremony images, reception events, and portraits of the bride and groom separately. Don't forget to add buffer time between each schedule item and keep sunset timing in mind.
Q: What happens if we go over time but I still need you?
A: No problem at all! I will check in with you about 10 minutes before our time is up to make sure there isn't anything else you need. If you would like me to stay longer, coverage can be provided at 1.5x the hourly rate (see pricing page).
Q: Do you provide videography?
A: I am a photographer first and foremost. I do provide limited videography coverage but it can be hard to cover both photography and videography at the same time. Please realize that if you request both photography and videography services from me I will have to set another camera to record video on a tripod while I take photos in order to capture the same important moment at once. If you want more in-depth video coverage, please consider hiring a separate videographer. I personally love the work of Contista Productions.
Q: What religions do you cover? Does it matter if my ceremony is in a different language?
A: I cover all religions and languages, but so far I am experienced in American traditional (Catholic, athiest, and everything in between), Pakistani (Muslim), Indian (Hindu & Muslim), and several fusion styles including Vietnamese, Mexican, and Nigerian cultures. If I haven't photographed your style of wedding before, I want to understand what is going on so I can capture the best images and be in the right spot at the right time. I love learning and experiencing new cultures so please educate me beforehand about the significance and meaning of each ceremony. Sometimes it helps to pick a cousin or sibling to help me if I have questions as we go.
Q: Do you shoot destination weddings? How much does that cost?
A: Absolutely, I love to travel!! Any expenses such as flights, lodging, and food will be added to an invoice which must be paid after the wedding is complete, but before any images or products are delivered. I prefer to book my own accomodations but I will always send over expected costs for your approval before making any purchases.
Q: My venue is really dark and most of the photos I've seen there come out dark. Can you do anything to make sure the pictures come out brighter?
A: Photography is beautiful when the light is beautiful. But sometimes that's out of our control. I work with professional equipment that will allow me to capture the best quality possible, even in low-light conditions. I actually studied advertising photography in school so I'm trained in lighting control if your ceremony location allows for artificial/flash lighting. Worst case scenario, I can use post-processing to slightly brighten images, but there is no guarantee that the images will retain their quality at that point. I will do everything in my power to make your images look their absolute best, but please understand that the look and feel of images in a low-light location may not match my typical bright & airy style.
Q: Are we supposed to feed you?
A: I super appreciate when my couples feed me during their wedding. With such a long day of working it helps me keep going if I can rest for a few minutes and eat. Besides, it will make you and your guests a little more comfortable to know that I'm not taking pictures while everyone is chewing.
PS ~ I'm a vegetarian.
General Portrait Questions
Q: What should I wear for my photoshoot?
A: The age old question. This is such an important thing to consider, but it would take too long to explain here. Instead, check out my clothing guides on my blog! I have posts about engagement sessions, family sessions, maternity sessions, and several posts about what to wear for specific seasons (links can be found in the engagement/family session posts).
Q: Should I get my makeup and hair done? Do you know any good MUAH artists?
A: You should definitely get your hair and makeup done. I want you to look and feel your very best for our session together because you will feel so much more confident and pose more elegantly. This isn't something you do everyday and considering the investment you're making in the photos it makes professional hair and makeup absolutely worth it.
Q: Are there any great locations you know of that we can use for our session?
A: I have a big list of great Houston photography locations for you to choose from! I have a personal project coming out about this soon, but in the meantime please reach out and I can help you find the perfect spot!
Q: Can we bring our pets with us?
A: Yes, absolutely! I am an animal lover! Just keep in mind that pets don't take posing direction quite as well as people do. If they start acting up, you'll be distracted and the pictures may not come out as well. It sometimes helps to have a spot where you can keep them or another person to hold them while we do some potraits without them. Let me know ahead of time and I will bring treats for your pup to help keep their attention.
Q: Should we bring props?
A: By all means, you are welcome to bring any props you would like to use. I personally don't carry props for my clients because I feel that props are often overused and I want to focus on you, not a prop. If you do want to use props, keep it simple and don't bring too many things. Large floral bouquets with silk ribbons are always a favorite for me because they give you something to do with your hands and add a whimsical feel to your session without distracting from you.
Engagement Portrait Questions
Q: When should I schedule my engagement session?
A: The earlier the better! You definitely want to have ample time between taking the pictures and the actual wedding day so you can use the finished images in things like your Save The Dates, invitations, guestbook, or prints at the wedding for everyone to see. Remember that it takes me 3 weeks to deliver your photos.
Q: Should I do anything ahead of time to prepare?
A: Definitely get your engagement ring cleaned! I will want to take close up pictures of it and cleaning the ring helps to keep it looking just as shiny and bright as when you got it. Professional hair and makeup are always a great idea as well.
Family Portrait Questions
Q: What's the best way to get my kids to behave?
A: Snacks, of course! Oh and maybe a little bribery... It's best to get your kids energy out ahead of time. Let them go crazy at the playground and really run. Then when they arrive for the session, they'll be less distracted. Make sure you can keep them going with mess-free snacks though! Oreos and Goldfish crackers are great options.
Maternity Portrait Questions
Q: How far along should I be when I take my maternity portraits?
A: Most maternity sessions are scheduled between 29 and 36 weeks, but the best time is around the 32 week mark. You want to be showing a nice baby bump but there's always a chance your little one could come out a little early.
Q: Can my other family members be in the pictures?
A: Of course! I highly encourage you to bring the father of the baby and kids are also welcome. While I'll be there to help you get around and pose, it helps to have someone else at your session that you're extremely comfortable with. Posing with a big baby belly can be difficult, especially if we do any sitting or laying down poses.
Q: Is there anything I should do to prepare ahead of time?
A: If you choose to pose nude or lightly covered, it's a good idea to avoid tight undergarments the day of your session. If you wear something tight, it can leave marks on your skin which are indented and slightly discolored. It's also a good idea to apply a non-greasy lotion to your skin about an hour or two before your session. You don't want to look dry, but you do want to be shiny. Applying lotion early gives it time to absorb so you have a beautiful pregnancy glow.
