frequently asked questions
Where are you located? How far will you travel for assignments?
I live in Atlanta, Georgia and service the general intown Atlanta area but there are always exceptions! (**Currently due to the pandemic, I am staying in Georgia.)
What is your photographic style?
Photojournalism that reflects and honors the people who are in front of the lens: i.e. I don't cram people into a certain mold or do the same thing for every job I book, use the same filter for every last image, or try to get people to match my vision. I believe that every event has its own personality, every couple's own persona deserves to shine through, and that images should all be edited in a classic, interesting, beautiful way. I like to experiment and create things that make the viewer feel. Exploring to see where a love story takes me is foundational. Stylistically, I like wide spaces, clean lines, interesting textures, nature and city alike.
none of your packages are quite what i need. do you create custom quotes?
Absolutely. Just contact me to discuss your vision and goals.
Is there any type of wedding/event you will not work?
1) River West Photography will not conduct business at any known plantations nor cotton fields in sober respect to the painful history that Black Americans suffered in such places.
2) As of 2020, I retired from large events and weddings. Slow paced and smaller events are where I shine.
Do you offer prints? What about albums?
Yes and yes. It's easy to purchase prints from the gallery I send out with every booking. I also offer gorgeous all vegan wedding albums. Coffee table books and custom USBs are also available.
What equipment/camera/lenses do you use?
I shoot with Canon R6 cameras and a variety of the highest quality L/R series Canon lenses.
How many photos do I get from a wedding coverage?
Typically I deliver an average of 65 images per contracted hour. I don't believe in being stingy. If the image is awesome, it stays and you get it!
Do we get edited digital copies of our images?
Yes, all of my collections include high resolution digital negatives with print release + gallery access. Images are edited in a natural and minimal way (they are not retouched or airbrushed, but any physical print you buy does come with retouching included). While I retain all copyrights to the images, a personal use license is included allowing you to create as many prints as you’d like for your home and post your images on social media to your heart’s content!
How long does it take for the images to be finished and ready for viewing?
My typical turnaround time for wedding imagery is 6-12 weeks and for portraits it's 2-6 weeks. Portrait sessions are delivered via digital download, accessible for 6 months. Weddings get online gallery viewing/download access for one year and a personalized USB is available for purchase if you'd like that as a keepsake. If your gallery expires, to reactivate is a $25 processing/storage fee for another six/twelve months respectively.
On a wedding day, do you shoot from a shot list?
Absolutey not! It quells creativity and takes away from the organic, photojournalism inspired way I shoot. I do ask my clients to please provide family names and wedding party names and any special shots out of the ordinary they would like (for example, “three generations photo” or “make sure to get a photo of the special surprise dance we have planned for everyone at x time”), but otherwise, I have it locked down. Let the day unfold and trust that I will be capturing it as it does.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes. River West Photography is a licensed business with full liability insurance. Many venues require this liability insurance on photographers.
How do I book you for my wedding?
I require a deposit of half of your total signed for amount and your autograph on the dotted line. After that, I’m all yours!
How do I book you for portraits?
Contact me to inquire and discuss what you’re looking to achieve. If it’s a good match, we can compare calendars, select a date, and book it with a deposit plus your autograph on the dotted line.
How do I book you for commercial work?
I create dynamic and energetic lifestyle images for commercial campaigns/local businesses/corporate events. Please inquire with more details of what you’re looking for via my contact page.