(UPDATE: April 13, 2021) This page is a bit outdated. The tools and information hasn’t been updated since 2019. I will be updating it in the future now that I’ve revamped this site since then.

I get a lot of questions from photographers, so I thought I’d put a few answers to common questions on this page.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING PROFESSIONALLY?

Since 2012.

CAN I ASSIST YOU ON A WEDDING DAY?

It’s rare that I need help on a wedding day. However, if I do need help I’m much more likely to reach out to someone I know and trust first before inviting a complete stranger to a wedding. I understand this sounds harsh, but I want to make sure my clients receive the highest quality experience.

CAN I SECOND SHOOT WITH YOU?

I shoot 95% of my weddings by myself. It’s rare I need a second shooter. However, if in the rare case I do need someone, I reach out to people I already know and trust first. Once again, this sounds harsh, but I want to ensure my clients receive the highest quality experience.

HOW CAN I LEARN FROM YOU?

When I first started shooting, it was hard to learn from other people. So, I understand. I’m passionate about what I do and I want to give back to up and coming photographers. I’m unable to do that on scale in person, so in my freetime, I’m doing a podcast called Photogivity where I answer questions on business to productivity and everything in between. I’m also using this blog as a way of sharing other things. If you’d like a more personalized experience, I offer 1-on-1 mentor sessions where you can ask me anything. Nothing is off limits. Contact me if you’re interested in one.

I DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE A CAMERA, BUT WANT TO GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY. CAN YOU TEACH ME THE BASICS?

Unfortunately, I’m not in a position where I feel I can or even want to teach people to learn how to use a camera from scratch. I recommend learning from trial and error or YouTube, then returning to my blog or podcast to take it from there. I feel more able to teach people who have a grasp on their craft, but need the extra push to take it further.

WHAT CAMERA AND GEAR DO YOU USE?

I’ve got a page listing everything I use. Check it out here!

BEST LENS TO USE ON A WEDDING DAY?

Hands down would have to be my 35mm f/1.4. I could shoot an entire wedding on just that lens.

WHICH CAMERA WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO IS WANTING TO GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

However much money you’ve got, use that amount and choose a camera in Best Buy around that price point. All cameras are good these days. Just find something in your price range and start using it!

DO YOU USE ANY WEDDING BLOG SITES FOR MARKETING?

At the moment, the only site I’m advertising on is The Knot. I’ve tried a few others in the past, but for me The Knot has worked well. Aside from that, I recommend working on your website SEO. I’ve got a podcast episode talking about my SEO tips you can listen to here.

DO YOU USE PRESETS WITH YOUR EDITING?

Throughout the years I’ve tried a lot of presets, but I was never happy with any of them. I eventually created my own and use them for all my work. You can pick up a free set here.

WHO DESIGNED YOUR WEBSITE?

Both this website and my wedding website are WordPress websites. If you’re looking for a WordPress theme for your photography, I recommend purchasing one from Flothemes. This theme is from Station Seven.

WHO HOSTS YOUR WEBSITE?

My websites are hosted on Siteground. It came recommended from the people at Flothemes and it’s hands down the best and also most affordable hosting I’ve used.

WHO DO YOU USE FOR ONLINE GALLERIES?

I use ShootProof and couldn’t recommend it enough. The galleries look stunning, can be customized, and most importantly you can create automated emails to visitors. I’ve used a bunch of companies in the past, but ShootProof is the best of the best in my opinion.

HOW DO YOU DO DESIGN YOUR ALBUMS?

I use Fundy Designer. One click auto design… that’s all I gotta say about that! Boom!

DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Nope. All self-taught. Watched a few YouTube videos, but mostly learned through trial and error and practice.