What package do most brides select?

It totally depends on your budget and what you want. I am fine taking photos for 1 hour or for up to 8 hours. Typically, I like to go to where you are getting ready and get some shots of everyone as they are dressing and putting on makeup. Then I get all the shots of the ceremony, formal shots of the family, bridal party, bride and groom after the wedding, and then I will stay at your reception for as long as you like.

Do I get all of the digital images?

Yes, all of the packages come with a digital download of all the photos for you to use as you wish. I do offer professional prints products and albums, but you are not obliged to purchasing them.

How many photographers will photography my wedding?

Only my 8 hour package has 2 photographers. But usually it is just me. Unless your wedding is very large, one photographer is usually all you need. If you would like to have 2 photographers with the shorter packages, I am happy to give you a price for that.

What would you consider your style?

I like to provide fresh, modern, and fun wedding photography. I use a combination of a photo-journalistic and traditional style. I love to watch the day unfold organically, but sometimes I need to set up some shots (mainly of family) so that we are able to capture those memories. Your wedding is a whirlwind, and you will have many family members and friends together, and I like to make sure I document everyone that is important to you.

I only want candid shots...

No problem! It is YOUR day. I want to do what you want.

My fiance dislikes getting his picture taken...No worries!!!! My goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and have fun!!! I will put him at ease!

I offer an engagement session with my largest package, but I am happy to do an engagement "mini-shoot" with any of my packages of 3 or more hours. I find that it really helps for the three of us to be more comfortable on the actual wedding day. After my last Engagement Shoot, the groom said, "That was fun!"

I like to take your family portraits about an hour before sunset at the location of your choice (Corolla to South Nags Head.) I do travel Hatteras Island for an additional travel fee, but I do not typically go to the 4x4 area of Carova for family portrait shoot, but I am happy to meet you on the paved road in Corolla.
The first thing that I would like to say about your photo session is to RELAX! Don't worry if your kids are not smiling or if they are playing in the sand and don't worry if your husband is not cooperating. That's my job. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help make your portrait session as easy and fun as possible. I have had many husbands say after the shoot, "That was kind of fun!" Once we get on the beach, I typically like to get some traditional, posed shots in the dunes and on the beach, and then I like to get some fun, candid shots of your family playing on the beach, having fun. If you are a big family reunion, I like to get the whole group shot, and then we can get as many combinations of the group that you like, ie. individual families, siblings, grandparents and grandkids, individual children, couples, etc. Whatever you want! It's your shoot! Your family memories.

Where should we have our family photo shoot?

I like to make it as easy and convenient as possible for you on vacation, so I usually will come to your house and meet at the closest beach access to your house.

What if we do not like the beach close to our house or want to go somewhere else?

No problem, I have some ideas for great locations and I am also happy to go to the location of your choice.

An hour before sunset is a difficult time for little ones, can we meet earlier?

I have found over the years, that kids actually do better when it is not so bright on the beach. Any earlier, and everyone is squinting and has dark shadows under their eyes. The photos do not look as good as when taken in the softer evening sun. Try to give little ones a nap that day. If the evening is too difficult for you, I do love to do morning shoots too.

Can we bring our dog?

Sure! They are part of the family! Please bring your dog!

What if it is cloudy or rainy?

A cloudy day is actually very nice for photos, so don't worry if the sun is hidden. If it is raining or very windy, I try everything in my power to reschedule for later in the week as my schedule allows. Please contact me if you are unsure of the weather for our shoot, 252-202-1858. I live in Kitty Hawk, and sometimes the weather at my house may be different than the weather in Corolla.

What should we wear?

It depends on the look that you want. You can see examples in my family gallery of different outfit choices. The beach is such a wonderful neutral backdrop for photos. Identical matching styles of khaki and white is not normally flattering on the beach, as most people blend in with the sand. I am a big fan of coordinating colors. A little pop of color on the beach looks great! Some awesome color combinations are:

-red-grey-silver-khaki-denim

-blue-white-khaki-yellow

-brown-tan-red-denim

-blue-purple-beige-white

Textures are beautiful in photographs. Aim for classic but current. Accessorize artfully. Pinterest has great ideas:)

I am based in Kitty Hawk, NC, and my regular photography area is from Corolla to Nags Head. I travel to Hatteras island for family portraits and weddings for a travel fee, and I do go to the 4x4 area of Carova for weddings for an additional travel fee.

For family portraits, you will receive an online proofing link with all your photos in about 2 weeks. At that point, you can decide if you would like to purchase all of the digital images. Then you can download all the photos from the gallery but also share them, choose your favorites, and also order prints!

Weddings typically take fro 4-6 weeks, and when the photos are ready, I will send you a link to download your photos immediately. You can also share this link with family and friends, pick favorites, and order directly from the proofing site!

For a 1 hour family portrait session, you will usually have 80+ photos to proof.
For weddings, I typically deliver 80+ edited images per hour. I will choose the best and more significant photos to tell your story.