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- Do you shoot digital or film?
Digital all the way baby! All files are shot in color and then some are changed to B&W afterwards.

- How long before my wedding should I book my photographer?
At least 6 months to avoid disappointment, but for late summer and fall dates, I'd highly recommend up to 12 months as those are some of the most popular dates!

- Do you work with an assistant?
At all weddings, I bring at minimum an assistant. Most brides also book a second shooter, so then there will be three of us there for your day.

- How much time do you need for photos?
For the best results this is the ideal breakdown of a wedding day:
(Remember, this can change if you decide to do "first look" photos. We can then do some couple photos, bridal party and family formals all before the ceremony leaving plenty of time for just couple photos after!)

Decor shots: 30 min (Ideally, this can be done before I see you if things are done being set up. This will give plenty of time and no guests around to mess things up!)
Bride and Bridesmaids before ceremony: 30-45 minutes
Groom and Groomsmen before ceremony: 30-45 minutes
Ceremony: 30 min – 1 hour (this is totally dependent on your ceremony)
Family & Group formals: 20 - 30 minutes
Bridal Party: 20 - 30 minutes
Couple photos: 1 hour +
Reception: All depends on you…

- When will I receive my photos?
Typically, E.ngagement Sessions and Family Sessions are ready 3-4 weeks after our shoot. Weddings are longer, approximately 6-8 weeks after your day. There is almost always a same day preview posted to Facebook, so make sure you are a fan!

- Do I get the digital files? How many finished photos will I receive?
YES. You will get ALL of your final images sent to you via PASS. I strongly believe that your memories should be yours to keep and offer a digital collection with every session and wedding.

For Family Sessions and Engagement Sessions, typically 20-30 final images are provided. This of course is just an estimate and the amount could be more or less depending on length of session and the cooperative spirit of the participants. Typically 150-250 images are shot in an hour, however, only the images that are up to my quality standards will be delivered.

For Weddings, approximately 50 final images per hour of coverage will be delivered to the client.

- Do you travel for weddings?
Of course! No distance is too far! I offer super affordable rates and awesome coverage options for destination weddings, so don't be afraid to ask. I have been lucky enough to shoot weddings in Jamaica (twice!) and Mexico in 2011 and I'm looking forward to an awesome 2012 with weddings in the Florida Keys, Michigan, Jamaica and Vancouver!

- Do you charge a travel fee?
It depends when & where I'm going, and how long I'll be away from home. to photograph your special event. For sessions, typically within a 30 mile radius, travel fees are not charged. I have photographed many out of country destination weddings and I offer super affordable pricing!

- When can I schedule my Engagement or Family Session?
As soon as possible! I take on a limited number of portrait commissions each month and typically am booked 2-3 months in advance. Engagement and Family sessions are scheduled Late March - November. Engagement and Family sessions are scheduled on weekdays and some weekend days by availability.

- What is your weather policy?
HGP Sessions are shot on location. If 24 hours before your scheduled session there is a 40% chance or greater of rain or severe weather, we will reschedule without penalty. I use www.weather.com for forecasting predictions.

- Do I pick the locations for our shoot?
ABSOLUTELY! I want your session to be a reflection of who you are as a couple or family. Think about what you like to do for fun, where you like to hang out, what you do on Saturday mornings, a favorite scene from a movie, where your first date was or a location that is special to you and your family. The sky is the limit! As a photographer, my job is to tell your story, let's make it interesting! If you'd like location suggestions, I'm always happy to help!

- What do I wear to my session?
Whatever makes you feel gorgeous! Seriously. Ditch the matchy - matchy outfits for the family sessions, be bold and vibrant and FUN! For engagement sessions, bring a few different "looks", one casual, one more dressy and something maybe a little sexy or fun! Ladies, professional hair and makeup is not a must, but it can definitely help give you that extra boost of confidence on the day of your session!

- Why is wedding photography so expensive?
Funny you should ask, I get this one a lot!

Experienced wedding photographers are invaluable on your wedding day. For one, they're going to know their equipment inside and out. They'll know exactly which lenses and settings to use to get the perfect shot in a given scenario, and they'll anticipate important moments.

Believe it or not, it costs a lot of money to run a small business. Professional photographers invest a lot of what they make back into their businesses. Just a few of these carrying costs include insurance, taxes, licenses, marketing, and continuing education. Camera equipment is a major expense, with camera bodies, lenses, and lighting priced at thousands of dollars (and of course, you have to have a backup set too!). Also, 30% of what photographers charge is handed over to Uncle Sam when it's time to pay income taxes!

Anyone can go out and buy a fancy camera, but a true artist can use any equipment they're given to create beautiful images. You can't go out and purchase vision at the store. So when you find someone whose vision you admire, I would say it's worth paying a little extra for them.

I know I'm a little biased, being a photographer and all, but I truly believe that hiring a good photographer is so important because when it's all said and done, when the flowers have wilted and the food has been eaten and the dress has been boxed away, all you have are the photos.. It's worth the investment. Pinky Swear.

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