I like candid, natural photos. Will you be posing us all day?
For the majority of your wedding day, we will be focused on capturing natural, candid moments as they happen. Your wedding day is bound to produce better moments than anything that we could dream up on our own and that is what we are there to capture. The more you enjoy the day, and the less we interfere, the better the images will be.
For the time that we set aside to photograph your families, your bridal party and the two of you, we will be taking a more hands-on approach. We want this process to be as stress-free as possible so we are happy to take initiative when it comes to choosing locations, assembling groups and giving direction.
Every couple requires a different level of direction for their wedding day portraits and we will work quickly to find what is best for you. We want to give you enough direction and guidance so that you are never wondering what you should be doing or if you are “posing right” but we also want to leave room for you to bring your own personalities into the photos. We have found that we never have to ask our couples to smile. If we are doing our job to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, those smiles will happen naturally.
Do you stage or re-enact events in order to get the best photos?
No. Our job is to capture YOUR wedding as it happens for you and your families. There is much less value in remembering a re-enacted event that we set up just for the sake of a photo.
Do you set aside time for family photos?
Yes, we do! We will work with you before the wedding to create a list of family groupings that makes sense for your families. We will make sure to schedule enough time for your family photos and we will work to complete quickly and efficiently. Genevieve will help organize the groups and James will be at the ready to take the photo when everyone is in position. Family photos are very important but we realize that you have much better things to do with your time on your wedding day.
Should I give you a list of “must-have” photos?
We are going to work very hard to document all of the events, your families and bridal party, your guests, and all the details of your wedding as completely as possible. You shouldn’t feel like you have to ask us to photograph the first kiss and your centerpieces. We got you covered. If there is something unique or out of the ordinary about your wedding, we definitely want to know about it ahead of time. We would hate to miss important or unexpected moments because we are pre-occupied with checking specific photos that we are likely to take anyway off of a piece of paper.
What do we do if it rains?
The weather in Ohio can be very temperamental so having a backup indoor photo location is a really good idea. Your ceremony or reception venue might offer some amazing indoor options but if you prefer something different or if you want to add a little variety to your photos, you might want to make arrangements for an indoor location.
We highly recommend that you check our Photo Locations page for both indoor and outdoor options. Many indoor locations require that you schedule your photos ahead of time and some require a fee.
Do you need a meal at the reception?
We would massively appreciate a meal at the reception. By the time dinner is served, there is a good chance that we have been with you and on the go for upwards of eight hours. We have probably already burned through all the snacks and calories that we’ve been able to carry with us. If the catering staff is able to provide something, that means that we wouldn’t have to leave the reception to try to find something to eat. We’re not picky eaters and we have no dietary restrictions so whatever the caterer has available is probably fine.
Is it ok if my family members take some photos too?
Absolutely! It is very important to us that we do not do anything that would keep your family and guests from enjoying your wedding to its fullest. For many people, that means snapping photos on their phones or cameras for their personal enjoyment.
We just ask that guests or family members do not step in to take their own photos of each family or bridal party formal since that would greatly increase the amount of time needed to complete those. You have better things to do on your wedding day and we want to get through the family photos as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
How far in advance do you book?
Couples often book us shortly after they’ve booked a reception venue which is usually about 8-14 months before their wedding. Popular months like June and September and holiday weekends are the first to fill up.
Who is actually going to show up at our wedding?
We will. James and Genevieve. The only thing that would prevent us from being at your wedding would be a medical emergency or an act of God. If that were to happen, we would instantly be in contact with our local and national network of photographer friends to find someone to photograph your wedding.
We are interested in digital files. Are they included?
The digital files are automatically included with a purchase of an album. If you choose not to purchase an album, the digital files are available à la carte.
What camera equipment do you use?
We use Canon professional-grade mirrorless bodies, lenses, and flashes as well as Godox lighting equipment when needed. We have been shooting with Canon camera equipment for so long that it feels like an extension of our hands. This allows us to focus on the important things happening around us. Camera settings, exposure settings, and lens selection are completely second nature.
Can you pencil us in?
Wedding dates are strictly booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. We simply can’t offer any guarantee on a date until we have received a retainer payment and signed agreement.
We’d love to book! How do we reserve our date?
If you would like to secure your wedding date with us, please use our contact form to check availability for your date. We can set up a consultation to meet with the photography team of your choice. If you do not think a meeting is necessary, just let us know and we can send a link where you can reserve your date online.