Experience
Working with Michael
Working with me is laid-back, fun, and stress-free. I’m someone who listens closely, shows up fully, and genuinely cares about making your day feel easy and enjoyable. I’ll guide you through the process with clear communication, helpful planning tips, and a calm presence on the day itself, all while keeping things light and natural. Whether you're camera-shy or photo-obsessed, I meet you where you are and help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the lens. My couples often tell me it felt more like hanging out with a friend than being photographed, and that’s exactly how I like it.
FAQs
Booking & Experience
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK WITH YOU?
There’s no strict deadline, but the sooner you reach out, the better — especially for popular dates. If you're in a time crunch, feel free to include “Urgent” in the subject line when you email, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
WILL YOU BE THE ONE SHOOTING MY WEDDING?
YES! I shoot every wedding I book. In the extremely rare event of an emergency, I’ll bring in a trusted backup photographer, but I’ll still handle all the editing to ensure consistency in style and quality.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING PHOTOS?
I’ve been shooting professionally for over 12 years and have a degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. I photographed my first wedding in 2012 and have been documenting love stories ever since.
HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU SHOT?
I’ve photographed over 30 weddings and elopements in a variety of settings, from backyard ceremonies to mountain landscapes. I’m comfortable adapting to any environment and timeline.
Photography Style
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Bright, colorful, and timeless. I want your images to look beautiful today and still feel fresh years from now.
CAN I SEE A FULL WEDDING GALLERY?
My latest work can be found under the blog section. Each gallery is a recent wedding or engagement and consists of anywhere from 50-150 images from that event. While this is just a fraction of the images I deliver to each couple, hopefully from these gallery selections, you can get a good sense of my work and consistency throughout the day.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORKING STYLE?
Laid-back, fun, and intentional. I aim to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and I’m always tuned into the energy of the day to guide photos in a natural, effortless way.
CAN I GIVE YOU A LIST OF SPECIFIC SHOTS?
I’m always happy to hear your ideas! While I don’t need a detailed checklist (like “ceremony kiss” or “rings”), a list of family groupings or any unique or personal moments you want captured is always helpful.
Logistics
WHAT GEAR DO YOU USE? DO YOU HAVE BACKUPS?
I use professional full-frame Canon cameras and a selection of high-end lenses, including the Sigma Art series. I also bring backup gear, including a second camera body, so I’m prepared for anything.
CAN GUESTS TAKE PHOTOS DURING THE WEDDING?
It’s your day so it's totally your call! I do recommend asking guests to stay present and unplugged during the ceremony so I can capture clean shots without phones or iPads in the aisle.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT ON MY WEDDING DAY?
While I take every step to ensure I’m there, in case of a serious emergency I’ll arrange a qualified backup photographer. I’ll still personally edit all your images to keep the look and feel consistent.
WHAT IF MY EVENT RUNS LONGER THAN EXPECTED?
I’m flexible. If things go a bit over, I won’t rush out. If you need me to stay significantly longer, we’ll add an overtime rate to your final invoice, which we’ll agree on in advance.
Pricing
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT AND WHEN IS IT DUE?
A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to officially book your date. Once the deposit is received and the contract is signed, the date is yours.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY?
The deposit is non-refundable, but beyond that, I aim to work with you case by case. The full cancellation policy is outlined in the contract.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
I don’t offer monthly payment plans, but I do have a simple payment schedule:
Weddings & Elopements: $500 at booking, 50% due 3 months before, balance due 1 week before.
Engagements & Proposals: $500 at booking, balance due 1 week before.
DO YOU CHARGE TRAVEL FEES?
For weddings within 2 hours of Lynnwood, there’s no travel fee. For farther locations, I’ll provide a custom quote that may include mileage, lodging, or other expenses. I’ll always be upfront with these details before you book.
Deliverables
DO YOU EDIT THE PHOTOS YOURSELF?
Yes, I personally hand-edit every photo. I correct for color, light, and small touch-ups like blemishes or background distractions, but I keep everything looking natural and true to the day.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?
On average, you’ll receive 50–100 images per hour of coverage. Every wedding is unique, but I focus on delivering quality and variety over a specific number.
WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOS?
You’ll receive a preview gallery within 72 hours and your full gallery within 2–4 weeks of the wedding. Images are delivered via a private online gallery that you can download, share, and print from.
WILL I HAVE THE RIGHTS TO PRINT MY PHOTOS?
Yes! You’ll receive high-resolution files with full personal printing rights, so you can print wherever you’d like.
Final Details
WHERE CAN I READ REVIEWS FROM PAST COUPLES?
You can find kind words from past clients on Google and Facebook as well as a few on my testimonials page.
WHEN WILL I GET A CONTRACT AND LOCK IN MY DATE?
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WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS?
I bring a calm, creative presence to every wedding and truly care about capturing your story in an honest, beautiful way. My background in photography, love of adventure, and personal approach allow me to blend timeless imagery with real connection.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING?
I’d love to connect! Feel free to email me with any other questions, or we can set up a call (or grab a coffee if you’re local). Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision, and I’m here to help however I can.
Ready to connect?
Get in touch