Frequently Asked Questions

The Moment ($750): Planning help, discreet proposal coverage, 15-minute celebration portraits.

The Full Story ($1,100): Everything above plus 45-minute portrait session and 48-hour priority delivery.

Learn more →

$750 to $1,050 depending on duration and locations. Many wedding collections include a complimentary session.

View details →

Every collection includes:

• Coverage hours (varies by collection)
• High-resolution, hand-edited images
• Private online gallery
• Personal print release
• Timeline planning
• Pre-wedding consultation

Most include second photographer and engagement session. Full details →

Yes. Most couples secure with a retainer, then split remaining balance into 1-2 payments. Final payment due 30 days before wedding.

1. Reach out via Connect page
2. We chat — video call or coffee
3. I send proposal tailored to your day
4. Sign + retainer = date reserved

Check availability →

Weddings: 12-18 months, especially peak season (May-October).

Proposals: Few weeks to couple months.

Engagements: 2-4 weeks typically.

I maintain a roster of trained associates who know my style. In the rare event I can't attend, I'll match you with an associate, handle logistics, and still edit your gallery myself.

In 250+ weddings, I've never missed one. But you're always covered.

🚩 Won't share full galleries. Only "best of" collections hide inconsistency.

🚩 Vague backup plans. "Never missed a wedding" isn't a backup plan.

🚩 Pressure tactics. "Book today or lose your date" without proof.

🚩 Outsourced editing without disclosure. Ask: "Do you edit every image yourself?"

🚩 Can't explain their approach. "I just capture moments" is vague.

About approach:

• "Can I see full wedding galleries?"
• "How do you help camera-shy couples?"
• "Walk me through couple portraits."

About reliability:

• "What's your backup plan?"
• "Dual memory cards?"
• "Insurance?"

About editing:

• "Do you edit every image yourself?"
• "Use AI tools?"

Instagram shows best shots. Your gallery will have 500-1,000+ images.

Full galleries reveal:

• Consistency through challenging conditions
• Storytelling — narrative flow vs random snapshots
• Detail coverage — rings, florals, invitations
• Guest moments — candids of family actually enjoying themselves

I'm happy to share full galleries. Just ask →

Your photos are the only thing from your wedding that lasts forever.

Flowers die in a week. Cake gone in a night. Dress in a box. Venue hosts someone else tomorrow.

But photos? They're what you'll show your kids in 30 years. The cost divided by decades of memories is pennies per day.

There's actual science behind this:

The mere-exposure effect: You see yourself reversed in mirrors. Photos show you as others see you—which feels subtly "wrong."

The freeze-frame problem: Snapshots capture millisecond expressions. Professional photographers shoot through moments to capture the best one.

The lighting problem: Bad lighting makes everyone look bad. Good lighting is literally my job.

The anxiety loop: Camera makes you tense. Tension shows. You hate the photo. Cycle continues.

My job is breaking that cycle.

"Not photogenic" is almost never true. You've just rarely been photographed well.

Most photos of you were taken by friends with phones, bad lighting, no direction.

Professional photography is different:

• I find or create beautiful light
• I give prompts that create genuine expressions
• I know angles that flatter every body type
• I shoot hundreds of frames for the perfect moment

You don't need to "be photogenic." You need a photographer who brings out what's already there.

Yes—one of the best things you can do.

It's a low-stakes practice run. No timeline pressure, no family waiting. Just getting comfortable.

By the end, couples typically say: "That was actually fun" / "I forgot you were there" / "Can't believe I was nervous."

On wedding day? Already comfortable. Anxiety replaced by trust.

Many collections include engagement sessions for this reason. Learn more →

My approach comes from theater directing:

Prompts, not poses. Instead of "put your hand here," I say "Walk toward me and tell each other your favorite thing about today."

Movement over stillness. Walking, spinning, dancing feels natural. Standing still feels awkward.

Connection over camera. You'll rarely look at me. You'll look at each other.

Celebration, not documentation. Your job is to be present. Mine is capturing the love that's already there.

Two things no other Chicago photographer offers:

1. Theater training that translates to your comfort. 10+ years as actor, acting coach, and director—learning how to help people reveal authentic selves. Not marketing. Genuine expertise.

2. Every image hand-edited by me. Never AI. Never outsourced overseas. When you hire me, you get me at every step.

Learn more about my background →

I blend photojournalism, fine art, and cinematic portraiture.

Candid moments captured naturally + elevated, painterly portraits that feel true to who you are.

Editing leans cinematic—rich tones, intentional light, timeless quality that won't look dated in 20 years.

See examples →

Jeremy-led ($7,000+): I photograph your wedding start to finish.

Associate-led ($5,500+): Trained associate photographs. I personally edit every gallery.

Same final quality—because I edit everything. Difference is who's behind the camera.

View all collections →

Yes. Video call or in-person (I'm based in Highland Park) to discuss priorities, timeline, family dynamics, creative vision.

By wedding day, we're collaborators, not strangers. That's why you'll feel comfortable.

No. I edit every image myself.

Many photographers outsource to editing farms for $0.10-$0.30 per image. Faster turnaround, higher volume.

I don't. Here's why:

The editor shapes the final product. Someone who wasn't at your wedding can't bring the same care.

Quality varies. Outsourced work depends on which individual editor you get.

You hired me. If someone else edits, you're not getting what you paid for.

My turnaround is 3-5 weeks—worth the wait.

Editing is where a photo becomes art.

Raw photos are flat and unstyled. Editing transforms them:

• Color grading creates mood
• Exposure balances light and shadow
• Retouching removes distractions while keeping you looking like you
• Consistency makes your gallery tell one cohesive story

Two photographers at the same wedding produce completely different results based on editing. You're choosing editing vision as much as shooting ability.

Cinematic. Painterly. Timeless.

Rich tones, intentional light, natural skin—like stills from a beautiful film, not filtered Instagram posts.

I avoid: overly orange skin, crushed blacks, trendy filters that look dated in 5 years, heavy retouching that makes people look plastic.

Goal: stunning today, equally beautiful in 30 years.

See my style →

Full weddings: 8-10 hours (getting ready through reception).

Elopements/micro: 3-5 hours.

I'll help you plan. You'll never feel rushed.

Likely yes if: Both partners want getting-ready coverage at different locations, 100+ guests, multiple ceremony angles needed, venue has simultaneous action.

Maybe not if: Under 50 guests, same getting-ready location, single-space venue.

Most full collections include second photographer.

Yes. I'll help with realistic timing, best-light opportunities, vendor coordination, and family formal lists that won't eat your cocktail hour.

First look pros: Private moment, portraits before ceremony (less pressure), more cocktail hour time, calm nerves together.

Traditional pros: Ceremony surprise, tradition, ceremony as first reveal.

Both create beautiful photos. We'll talk through what fits you.

15-20 minutes for immediate family. 25-30 minutes with extended groups.

We'll build shot list beforehand. Your family wrangler helps gather people. My job is efficiency.

Things will go "wrong." That's weddings.

Hair runs late. Limo gets lost. Rain starts. DJ plays wrong song.

In 250+ weddings, I've seen it all. I stay calm, prioritize what matters, communicate with vendors, and find beauty in the chaos. Some favorite photos came from "disasters."

Your job: enjoy your wedding. Mine: handle whatever happens.

Additional coverage $500/hour, subject to availability. If I'm available and you want me to stay, I'll stay.

More common than you'd think—completely manageable.

We discuss beforehand. Who can't be in same frame? Who remarried? What sensitivities?

Formals get structured carefully. All combinations captured without forcing uncomfortable groupings. Mom and Dad don't need to stand together.

I read the room. Aware of tension, keep things moving, redirect gently when needed.

I follow your lead. If someone isn't welcome in formals, they're not in formals.

You don't need to explain. Just tell me: "Please don't include [person]." That's enough.

I'm documenting your wedding. Your comfort comes first.

Every blended family is different. We'll build a shot list that honors relationships that matter to you:

• Traditional shots with biological parents
• Separate with step-parents
• Combined if comfortable
• Whatever reflects your actual family

No "correct" way. I capture what matters to you.

Good planning + efficient execution + loud voice.

Beforehand: Finalized shot list, designated family wrangler.

On the day: Flattering light staged, groupings called clearly, work fast, release family quickly.

15-20 minutes, not hours.

I stay completely hidden until the moment happens. Your partner has no idea.

Before: Plan location, timing, logistics. I'll scout and coordinate signals.

During: Capture from distance with telephoto—kneel, reaction, "yes!"

After: Reveal myself, celebration portraits while you're both glowing.

Learn more →

Absolutely. I know Chicago's best spots intimately.

I help with: location recommendations, timing for ideal light, logistics (hiding spots, positioning), weather backups.

Many wedding collections include complimentary engagement sessions—great for save-the-dates, websites, and getting comfortable together.

Standalone sessions start at $750. Details →

Yes! Day-after sessions are wonderful—especially if wedding day is packed or you're traveling somewhere scenic.

Wear your attire again at a new location. Some do "trash the dress," others romantic destination vibes.

Something that feels like you.

• Coordinate, don't match
• Bring 2-3 options for variety
• Consider location (heels + cobblestones = tricky)
• Avoid logos, busy patterns, neon

I'll send a style guide when you book.

Sneak peeks: 24-72 hours.

Full wedding galleries: 3-5 weeks (hand-edited, not outsourced).

Engagements/Proposals: 7-10 days.

Rush processing available if needed.

Private online gallery where you can view, download, share, select favorites, and order prints.

No expiration. No download limits. Hosted permanently.

Yes. You receive personal print release with every collection. Print wherever you want.

For best quality, I recommend professional labs (drugstore prints often can't match color accuracy).

I don't release RAW files. They're digital negatives—flat, unfinished, not representative of my work.

Editing is where the art happens. You'll receive 500-1,200 fully edited, high-resolution images.

Redundant backups protect your photos:

• On-site: Dual memory cards—every image recorded twice
• Local: Transferred to redundant drives same day
• Cloud: Secure cloud storage
• Archive: Final galleries kept 2+ years

I've never lost a single image.

Late September – Early November: Peak season. Fall foliage, comfortable temps, golden light.

May – June: Lush greens, blooming flowers. Weather unpredictable.

July – August: Longest days (golden hour past 8pm). Humidity can create beautiful atmosphere.

December – February: Snowy backdrops, sparkling city lights, fewer crowds.

Usually permit-free: Public sidewalks, Lincoln Park (casual), Riverwalk, most street-level urban spots.

Permit typically required: Grant Park, Millennium Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, museum properties.

I'll help navigate requirements for your locations.

We plan for it. Every outdoor shoot has covered backup.

But: some favorite photos have been in "bad" weather. Overcast = flattering light. Rain = drama. Snow = magic.

Weather isn't ruining anything—it's making your photos unique.

June: ~7:30-8:30pm

September: ~6:15-7:15pm

December: ~3:30-4:30pm

We'll build your timeline around the light. I can also create beautiful light with off-camera flash when needed.

Low light is a specialty. Professional cameras designed for these conditions + skill with off-camera flash that looks natural.

Your venue choice won't limit photo quality.

Yes. Based in Chicago but photograph throughout Midwest, US, and internationally.

Travel fees added for destinations outside Chicago metro. Get custom quote →

For coverage over 5 hours, a meal is requested. Standard vendor meal from caterer is perfect. I'll eat quickly and stay close.

Rescheduling: If I'm available, payments transfer with no penalty.

Cancellation: Retainer is non-refundable (reserves date, compensates turned-away bookings). Additional payments may be partially refundable based on timing.

All terms in contract. I try to be flexible.

Yes. Professional liability and general liability insurance. Can provide Certificate of Insurance for your venue at no extra charge.

Collaboratively. Before your wedding, I'll coordinate with your video team on positioning, flash usage, and timeline.

Goal: both get what we need without getting in each other's way.

Yes. Jewish weddings (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform), Hindu ceremonies, Catholic masses, interfaith celebrations, Chinese tea ceremonies, and more.

We'll discuss your specific traditions beforehand so I capture what matters most.

Absolutely. Mobility considerations, sensory needs, other requirements—let's discuss how I can adapt.

Portrait locations with easier access, adjusted posing, sensory-friendly approaches—whatever creates a comfortable experience.