Wedding FAQ
How long have you been a photographer?
I've been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, and photography has been at the center of my adult life from the very beginning. From commercial and editorial work to corporate events and weddings, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients during that time.
How would you describe your photographic style?
My style is a mixture of my photojournalist training with my commercial, fashion, and editorial photography experience. My approach is to blend in (with your guests) and capture your day as it unfolds, documenting the moments and emotions that naturally occur throughout the day. I am very low-key, patient, and positive, and I aim to ensure that people walk away with a positive experience, rather than feeling that it was an intrusion to have a photographer there.
My job isn't simply to photograph a wedding. It's to understand the people at the center of it. By learning about my couples, their families, and the relationships that matter most, I can create a more complete and meaningful record of the day.
Who is your typical client?
My typical clients are couples searching for a photographer with a unique and authentic approach. They prefer natural images that capture their true selves, without any awkward or cliché photos. In addition, they desire transparent pricing that is easy to understand without any complicated packages. Hence, the name Always Candid.
We are trying to decide if we should have a first look before the ceremony, what do you recommend?
I always highly recommend doing the first look and all the photos before the ceremony. I suggest this for a number of reasons. Your makeup and hair are fresh, making it a great time to get all the photos done and out of the way. When you walk down the aisle, you will be done with posed photos. Your wedding begins, and you can just be. When you have your first kiss as a married couple, you can run off, drink, and celebrate without having to gather all your people for photos. You can coast through the rest of the day.
How much time do we need for portraits and family photos?
Allocate thirty minutes for the couple alone, another 30 minutes for the bridal party, followed by 30 minutes for family photos, and another 30-minute grace period. This way, you won't feel rushed, and you can be more relaxed as you head to your ceremony.
For outdoor photos, it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain. Also, consider the sunlight. The best light for portraits is in the shade on a sunny day, and an overcast day is perfect for photos. Make sure to wrap up all photos at least half an hour before sunset. Plan the schedule accordingly so you have enough daylight to capture everything you want. Remember, the sun sets early in the fall and winter months, so plan to do photos earlier in the day (before 4 pm) during those months.
Can we get all the photos done in less than one hour?
A lot of that depends on how big your families are and all the combinations we'll have to do with the two of you and them, as well as the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. It can be done. If you want to walk around and take advantage of the grounds (and different spots at your venue) and get more creative with the photos, then one hour is sort of tight for time. However, for small weddings with just the two of you and if you have small families, an hour is more than enough for all photos.
I'm not photogenic. What can I do to get better photos?
Having had worked with countless celebrities in the past, one thing I can say for sure is that they don't look any different than most of us. Celebrities have a lot of experience in front of the camera. As we spend more time in front of the camera and seeing the results, we learn what works and what doesn't. My advice is to have more photos taken on a regular basis. Much like learning a new language, you will feel shy at first, but eventually, you get the hang of it. An engagement photoshoot also helps with this. It allows the couple and the photographer to establish a relationship and figuring out what works. But even that, it's just one hour or two. So please do some practice of your own. Practice, practice, practice. A lot of times I wish we could do two or three photoshoots before your wedding. I'm open to the idea if you are.
What information will you need from us before the wedding day?
I try to get to know my subjects. Before your wedding, I will meet with you to go over as many details as possible—everything from family members and important friends to going over the day's schedule. If needed, and if the schedule allows, I can visit the venue with you a few weeks before your wedding. This is an excellent opportunity to go over all the logistics within the location(s).
Do you offer videography?
I don't, and that's intentional. I've always believed it's better to do one thing exceptionally well than to try to do everything. I also like giving couples the freedom to choose their photographer and videographer separately. They're two different art forms, and I think you should hire each person because you genuinely love their work, connect with their style, and feel comfortable having them by your side on your wedding day.
Honestly, I'd much rather you choose me because my photos resonate with you and you want me to tell your story, not because I happen to come bundled in a package. The same goes for your videographer. When couples choose each artist independently, it usually leads to a better fit, a better experience, and work they're even more excited about years down the road.
Do you prefer to work alone or with a second photographer?
For most weddings, I am the primary photographer and, depending on the size and logistics of the wedding, I may also bring an experienced second photographer. I find that having another photographer can be especially helpful when the couple is getting ready at separate locations, when there are multiple things happening at once, or when the guest count is larger.
For smaller weddings, especially those with fewer than 150 guests and everything taking place at one location, I can often photograph the entire day myself. Working this way allows me to move naturally through the wedding and keep things relaxed and unobtrusive.
When I do bring a second photographer, I work with people whose photography, professionalism, and approach I trust. I remain the primary photographer and the person responsible for documenting your wedding, while the second photographer provides additional coverage and another perspective when it is useful.
The goal is always the same: to have the right amount of coverage for your wedding without adding people simply for the sake of having them there.
Do you bring backup equipment?
I was trained to over-prepare. I bring at least two camera bodies, six prime lenses, two zoom lenses, several camera strobes, studio strobes, a tripod, light stands, and softboxes. I keep some of this equipment in the trunk of my car as backup, but I bring just one camera bag and one lighting bag into the venue.
If you’re into photography and have more technical questions, just ask. I could talk about cameras, lenses, and lighting forever. In the past, I’ve shot with Hasselblad medium format cameras using 120 film and Canon EOS cameras using 35mm film. Today, I shoot with Sony A7IV cameras and Godox strobes.
I also own two late-model Subarus, so I’m ready to get to your wedding in just about any weather.
How many weddings have you photographed?
Since I started photographing weddings, I’ve photographed at least 500 weddings. The majority were photographed during my time with a New York City-based photography studio specializing in the NY-NJ-CT tri-state area. Since relocating to the New York Capital Region in 2020, I’ve photographed more than 100 weddings throughout the Capital Region and surrounding areas under my own brand, Always Candid Photos.
Do you prefer using natural light, or do you bring additional lighting equipment?
I enjoy capturing images that emulate natural light. I always come prepared with various lights, including strobes and LEDs. I use them only when necessary. During the getting ready and ceremony phases, I strive to rely on natural light to capture the ambient atmosphere. When shooting portraits indoors, I opt for studio strobes paired with softboxes or umbrellas. As for the reception, where everything is dynamic and spontaneous, I alternate between using strobes and natural light to convey the essence of being present in those moments.
Will you do any edits or retouching?
Our post-processing includes color correction and some mild retouching, while maintaining a natural look. Should you require further retouching, you can select specific images at a later time rather than having us retouch every single image delivered.
When editing, do you use any filters or presets?
Over the years, I’ve seen various trends for different presets and filters. Like flat muted colors or a simulated old film stock look. I prefer a more natural and realistic appearance. I think it’s important to show the true colors of the flowers, the dresses, the suits, table settings as they were and not mute or erase them by distorting the tones. For a dramatic look, I opt for black and white, staying within the tradition of timeless photography.
How are photos delivered?
All final edited images are distributed through an online gallery. All photos can be downloaded in high resolution. Prints, albums and other products can be ordered directly through this gallery or you can print your own images after downloading them.
How many photos will I get ?
The number of photos you receive depends on the number of hours and photographers hired, usually ranging between 600 to 1000 photos. We typically deliver around 100 photos per hour covered.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I do. Many venues will refuse to allow any wedding photographer in the door without liability insurance.
Will I get the rights to reproduce my wedding photos?
Yes, once you have the files, you are free to make enlargements, posters, albums as you desire. All of these details will be included in your contract agreement.
Are you on social media?
Not really. Over the years, I’ve found that platforms like Instagram and Facebook aren’t the best place for me to share my work. They compress image quality, the rules and formats are always changing, and when you upload your work, you grant them a broad, royalty-free license to use it. Meaning they can use your images in ways you might not expect, even though you still retain copyright. Honestly, I’d rather spend that time focusing on my clients, taking photos, or simply spending time with my family (and friends).
How many hours, including editing, do you spend on each wedding?
For a full day's event, there's an average of four hours of preparation before your event, eight to ten hours of actual coverage on the wedding day, and at least twelve hours of editing. I'd estimate 25 to 30 hours per wedding.
How long before we get final edited gallery?
Within seven days of your wedding, you'll receive a preview gallery of 40–60 highlight images. Your final edited gallery is delivered within 6–8 weeks during the wedding season, and sooner during the off-season.
This timeline allows me to carefully review and edit every photo. My main goal is to make sure you look your best, which is a big part of the editing process. I typically shoot around 3,000 photos during an 8-hour wedding, many of which are multiples. After culling, which means removing blinks, odd expressions, and near-duplicates, I usually end up with around 800 carefully selected images. I then go through each one again to make sure the exposure, color, and overall look are just right.
Editing is a time-intensive process, and often takes longer than the actual shooting. Sometimes I step away from a gallery and revisit it the next day so I can look at it with fresh eyes. During the busiest part of wedding season, I may photograph several weddings and other events in a week, so galleries can take some time to work through.
If you'd like your wedding photos prioritized, expedited delivery is available for an additional fee, with your fully edited gallery delivered within two weeks.
Do you offer album making and design?
The gallery I provide also allows you to order prints and create your own albums. You can also download the high-resolution photo files and use any print or album company you choose. Printing and album creation have become very convenient through online services such as Printique and Shutterfly. You, along with your friends and family, can create everything from affordable softcover albums to elegant hardcover and leather-bound albums. Once you receive your photos, the options are endless.
I don’t believe in selling things you don’t need, which is why I don’t offer preset packages that bundle albums, or prints. My approach is simple: book the services you actually need first, secure your photographer, and make sure you have the coverage you want. That lets you focus your time and budget on the other parts of your wedding.
After the wedding, once you’re back from your honeymoon and ready to spend some time with your photos, that’s the perfect time to think about an album. There’s no reason to pay for months or even a year in advance when you won’t be creating it until after the wedding.
Do people actually ask all these questions?
Yes. At one time or another, I’ve been asked every question on this page. Some come up often, while others are less common, but I figured it was better to be thorough than leave you wondering. After all, the name is Always Candid. I’d rather give you the information you need upfront so you know exactly how I work and what to expect.
I hope these answered some of your questions and maybe even sparked a few new ones. Either way, I’m always happy to chat if there’s anything else you’re curious about.
Ask me anything, or just say hi.