Where are you based? Do you travel?
I'm currently based out of Lower Mid-Michigan in the Livingston County area! I'm used to traveling across the state for shoots, though.
And I LOVE to travel! I even had the beautiful opportunity to travel to Scotland, and soon to Germany for another beautiful wedding. No border line is too far for me to travel for your love story. I even offer discounted Wedding / Elopement Collections for some unique locations / venues! Shoot me a message, and we can chat details about getting me to your location.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I proudly use a Canon 5d Mark iv as well as a Mark ii camera body. I mostly use my 50mm 1.4 or 70-200mm 2.8 lenses during your wedding day, but I have a range of other lenses that I love to use as well! I also have a Canon 430ex Flash for those dance floor shots, as well as countless memory cards and batteries to keep me going all day long.
How would you describe your style?
Good question! If what you are looking for is solely straight forward, formally posed photographs, then I must tell you that I am probably not the photographer for you.
I enjoy the whimsy and romance in a love story, the magic and excitement of a new adventure, and the rush of emotion when locking eyes with your love. I like to see the soft goosebumps raising up your arms as the minutes tick closer to walking down the aisle, the brush of your hair blowing across your face in the cool autumn air, or the burst of laughter you just can't hold back any longer.
I have more of a photojournalistic, spontaneous approach to creating photographs rather than stiff, forced, posed photos.
To put it simply, I try to make my style as unique and lovely as each couple I work with. If this sounds like a good fit for you, then I'd love to hear from you! <3
How did you learn photography?
I began taking photography classes when I started high school back in 2007. Since then, I have received my Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from the College for Creative Studies, and I've been exploring the craft in every form imaginable. I have classical, technical training as well as fine art theoretic training in the beautiful world of photography.
Besides Weddings, what other photography do you do?
Although weddings and couple shoots are where my heart and soul lay, I do many other forms of photography regularly as well! I work alongside a Personal Chef Service and photograph the delightful meals they create a few days a week. I do creative portraiture, family portraits, high school seniors, boudoir, and even pet photography as well!
I LOVE new ideas and people, so chances are I'll be up for anything you throw at me! Don't be afraid to share your ideas.
Do you use a Second Shooter?
I do! A Second Shooter is an absolutely fantastic option to add onto your wedding day! I offer Wedding Collections that include a Second Shooter, however you can always add it on a la carte to any of my other collections! Message me for more details.
I am proud to be part of an amazing photographic community who support each other to no end! I have a close group of professionals who I select from to be my Second, depending on who is able / available.
How far in advance should we book our photographer?
Most couples book their photographer one year to 18 months in advance. This guarantees you get the vendor you want! I book up fast, so the sooner we can chat and book your date, the better!
How long before we get to see our photographs?
You will receive a link to your online gallery full of your edited, high-res JPG files within 4-6 weeks of your photoshoot / event!
Do you "touch up" our photographs?
I always edit all of my photographs! Over the years I have developed my own unique style of editing that I apply to every photograph I create. This includes color, toning, black & white application, and minor blemish touch-ups. I do offer more intensive editing upon request.
As a note, I NEVER give out unedited photographs under any circumstance. I hold myself to the highest standard of excellence when it comes to a final prodcut, and I promise to deliver that within each of my edited files!
What is a "First Look," and what are your thoughts on it?
A First Look is a designated time created for the couple getting married to share an intimate moment of seeing each other for the first time BEFORE the ceremony. This is a beautiful way to share the moment privately, to completely indulge in the overwhelming emotion, excitement, and love for each other before you're in front of all of your loved ones. I will be there at a proper distance to photograph the exchange of tears and "I love you's".
I am a hopeless romantic, so I ADORE First Looks. They are endlessly beautiful, and I highly recommend them to all of my couples. Besides the emotional, exciting part of a First Look, they also are logistically a great idea. They allow for more time to take the "formal" portraits so that after the ceremony, you can get straight to partying faster!
However, this is YOUR day. If you do not want a First Look, I will respect that completely!