Frequently asked questions
These are the most asked questions I've had over the past 13 years of being a Wedding Photographer. If you have a question that is not answered here feel free to reach out. I'm always available by phone or email.
I understand that this might be your first time getting married so there are never "stupid questions".
New York Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer
the booking process
the booking process
Fill out an inquiry form on my website and expect a reply within 24 hours. If your date is available, I will send over a proposal, contract and invoice and set up a call to answer any questions you have and make sure we are a good fit. Once you select your collection, sign your contract and pay your deposit, your day is locked in.
You can pay by credit card, debit or zelle.
Because you're spending a ton of money on your Elopement / Wedding and you should want to meet the person you'll be spending 8-10 hours with. It's a safety measure for both of us. I want to make sure you are a real couple and that we are a good fit to work together. I also want to make sure YOU feel safe hiring me as your Photographer. I'm an awkward introvert so I understand not wanting to zoom... but you're in good company!
For Elopements and Weddings the non-refundable deposit is $1,000
(Except for "Courthouse Elopements" - the entire amount would be due)
The remainder of the invoice is due 30 days before your Elopement / Wedding.
Yes! Tiny House Photo is insured and I am able to provide an insurance certificate to your venue if requested.
my Photography hot takes
my Photography hot takes
No and NEVER.
Any Wedding Photographer who books multiple Weddings on the same date should be avoided if you care about your photos. 99% of the Photographers who do this are sourcing their "Associates" on Facebook - which means they have never worked with them before. They are just finding any random person which is as bad as finding a Photographer on Craigslist.
Why do so many Photographers do this? Three reasons.
1. Greed
2. Disorganized and double booked by accident
3. They wanted the another inquiry more than yours
Once a date is booked, it is yours and yours alone.
Yes. I have a love-hate relationship with Social Media. I hate that I have to post for Couples to find me. It feels icky sometimes having to post these vulnerable pictures from such an emotional day... but this is our new reality as business owners. Your images help more Couples like you find me.
I value my Couples privacy and when they do allow me to use their images for my website and social media, I do not use their names or any identifying information about them. I would never want a stalker or an ex to be able to google "Joe and Sarah's Wedding" and find them on my blog.
I have dozens of Engagement sessions, Weddings and Elopements that have never been seen by anyone but my Clients.
Yes. Raw files may be purchased but there will be a separate contract for them on Client usage.
Yes. This is actually one of the most important things to ask your Elopement / Wedding Photographer. Memory Cards corrupt all the time, so a dual slot camera is NECESSARY for Wedding days.
I have been a Canon Photographer since high school. Camera brands don't make a Photographer though. What is important is knowing how to make images and use light. I have over 30 years of experience in Photography.
Yes, actually. I majored in Fine Art Photography at FIU in Miami for my BFA. I have an AA degree from Broward College in Journalism where I took darkroom classes for three years. I have continued education with world renowned Photographers like Two Mann, Megan Allen, Sam Hurd, Henry Tieu, and more. I continue to take online courses to stay up to date with current technology, trends and business knowledge.
Not at all, but I highly encourage doing one. If you're having a Wedding it's beneficial to have an Engagement session before the big day. It helps you feel more confident in front of the camera. When I arrive to your Wedding I'll be less of a stranger and more like a friend. Engagement sessions are honestly so fun and you can use them in so many ways before your Wedding.
No. I stick to what I'm good at, and that is Photography. I do work with tons of amazing videographers and I'm happy to refer one to you.
I do offer Gif Movies so if that is something you are interested in, it can be added on to any Elopement Day or Weddings that don't have a Videographer booked.
I started my Photography journey in film. Yes, film is an add on for any Elopement or Wedding Collection.
I typically will book a mix of 3-4 Elopements and Weddings (and a few sessions sprinkled in as well) to ensure I can give all of my Couples the one on one attention they require, stick to gallery delivery schedules and maintain a healthy work / life balance.
I tried two different outsourcing avenues in the past and went back to hand editing every image myself. A lot of Photographers will say this is stupid "work smarter not harder", but I am an Artist. I want every image to be edited by me, not by AI.
My style is hybrid: Documentary, Candid & Editorial.
I started out as a Photojournalist so my style tends to be very documentary and candid. I do step in and pose when Couples want direction. So it's a mixture of both Candid and gently posed.
I actually had my Instagram Followers do this exercise years ago.
Joyful - Candid -Colorful - Intentional - Authentic
True-to-life with a pop of contrast.
I am drawn to colorful images.
I do love a dark and moody black and white if the moment calls for it.
I will remove exit signs, fire alarms, garbage, distracting elements to the best of my abilities.
I will edit out blemishes, scars, moles... whatever you want. Just let me know before I start editing the gallery. When you get your sneak peeks let me know if there are any editing requests.
I will not change the shape of any body.
Back in 2015 I was using a VSCO preset in Lightroom and I altered it to my liking. I have been using the same edit for the last 10 years which is why my work is so consistent in all of my galleries.
No. Don't get me wrong I love love love natural light, especially around sunrise and sunset called "golden hour". I do use flash when necessary. I am proficient in on camera flash as well as off camera flash and studio strobes.
I've lost count. I have been a full time Elopement & Wedding Photographer since 2012. Probably upwards of 200 love stories at this point.
Yes! I moved to Albany in 2025 so I could book Elopements and Weddings in the Hudson Valley and all over New England. It's the perfect city to reach all of New England by car. I'm booking Elopements and Intimate Weddings in Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and all over New York.
West Coast Weddings and Elopements are always a yes.
If it is safe to do so, yes.
For Elopements during the getting ready portion of your day and maybe after a first look would be great. If we are hiking / adventuring for more than a few hours of your Elopement Day I would advise leaving your pets behind.
For Weddings I recommend having a friend or family member be responsible for keeping track of your pet. And keeping them indoors during the reception.
If your church welcomes all and is outwardly supporting the LGBTQ+ community, absolutely. If they are not, no.
I grew up Catholic. I dropped out before my confirmation.
I majored in Religious Studies for my BFA.
Due to my morals and overall safety I will not photograph Weddings in Churches that are actively harming the LGBTQ+ Community.
This is up to you and the memories you want to have of your day. When we have our zoom or in person consultation, we will discuss what kind of coverage is ideal for your Elopement or Wedding Day.
I offer a variety of options for Elopements ranging from 2 hours to multi day coverage.
For Weddings I find that 8-10 hours covers you from start to finish.
Absolutely not! That's the beauty of Elopements. If you aren't outdoorsy, we will create a day that speaks to you as a Couple.
I only recommend second Photographers if you are having a Wedding over 150 guests and/or you are getting ready at separate locations.
It depends on the type of Wedding you're having. If it's a big Wedding, it would be helpful to have someone helping you make all of the decisions. Planners are necessary for larger events. For smaller events I recommend hiring a Day of or Month of Coordinator that can help you organize and put out any fires on your day. I'm happy to help as much or as little as you need throughout the Elopement / Wedding planning process.
I actually bring my own food 99% of the time. Unless you are having a 100% vegan Wedding and then I will want to try all of it.
after your best day ever
after your best day ever
YES! I am a huge advocate of sneak peeks. I typically send them the same night of your Elopement / Wedding Day, if not within 24 hours. I am all about instant gratification and want you to have your images as soon as possible!
For Elopements and Micro Weddings usually within 4 weeks depending on my current workload. I will always tell my Couples the expected delivery time when I send the sneak peeks.
Wedding and Elopement Galleries will stay online for 90 days. In that time you will need to download the entire gallery and save to your computer, an external harddrive and a cloud based server such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
The gallery is attached to my professional photo lab so you're able to click on any image in your gallery and order whatever kind of print / product you want!
You are not obligated to purchase from my lab, but it is professional quality and way better than drug store photos.
In the past I was using Album companies that are based in Europe, so at the moment I am looking for a US based company to order from to avoid tariffs. Not yet, but soon I will be offering amazing custom Wedding and Elopement Albums.
Google! Here's a link. Sharing your experience helps more Couples find me, so thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words.
values & morals
values & morals
Regardless of what anyone says, EVERYTHING is political.
I am a Queer Lesbian. I've been out since 2003. I had to march in 2008 while living in the Bay Area for Marriage Equality. I marched in 2017 in DC at Women's March.
I will always speak out for minorities.
Black Lives Matter
No human is illegal
Marriage Equality - LGBTQ+ rights
A Women's right to choose
Science is real
Vaccines save lives
Empathy is necessary
Kindness is everything
I am outspoken, but do not consider myself an activist. I'm also vegan but rarely if ever get on a social media soapbox to convince others to go vegan.
Activism actually bothers me because it reminds me of Evangelism. People are entitled to their beliefs as long as they aren't harming others.
Yes. I offer two different styles of Family Photography.
Lifestyle - Day in the Life Experience
Lifestyle is gently posed family portraits with a lot of candid moments. Day in the Life Experiences are zero posing, I'm just with your family for up to 8 hours documenting a normal day in your life.
Branding Portraits
(for Personal or Business)
High School Seniors / Graduates
Food
I do offer Corporate Event Photography and Mitzvah Photography.
If someone really wants me to photograph a Shower or Birthday I'm open to it, but I'm usually out of budget for smaller parties.
