FAQ
If you are wondering what the experience with me feels like for you and your guests, the homepage, the experience page, and the services page are the better place to start. This is the page for when you just need the practical details sorted out.
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Will you make us pose or drag us away from our guests for a couple photos session?
I do what you want. Jolee and Zack wanted a full hour of couple portraits together away from their guests, a quiet moment just the two of them to recharge before the reception. We did that. Hannah and Max wanted it fast. We went up to the rooftop of The Union for five minutes, we ran three prompts while their guests were eating, and we were back downstairs before anyone noticed. I adapt to what you want the day to feel like.
What I will never do is pose you into a position and say hold it. I create situations for you to forget the camera is there so I can catch real interactions.
We are awkward in front of cameras. Will you help?
I hear that a lot at the beginning of a session and I feel that way also if I stare at the camera not knowing what to do. I have yet to meet a couple who stayed in that fear. A few prompts, a little movement, a joke and within five minutes you are not thinking about the camera anymore. We are having fun and that is when the good photos happen.
How do you handle family formals?
Ideally, fast fun and real smiles! I encourage you to have one person from your family who knows everyone and can prepare the next group while I am still shooting the current one. I make sure everybody is visible and the group is harmonious. I make the group laugh while saving my only 3 jokes for as long as possible so the smiles are real and the experience is enjoyable.
What if our timeline runs late?
That does not stress me. I am not a project manager anymore. I am here to document the day as it actually happens, not the day that was planned on a spreadsheet. If you are stressed about it, being around me might actually help. If you are not, we are already on the same wave.
What about bad weather?
I adapt. I use it as an opportunity to get original photos and memories. Ashlyn remembers: "Even though we picked what has possibly been the coldest day of the season, he still made sure our photos felt warm and full of love."
"He completely changed how I feel about being photographed." Abiola
ABOUT PREPARING
Do we meet before the wedding?
We sure do. Several times actually. The initial call, the engagement session if you book one, the planning call before the wedding, and some texts and emails in between. By the time your wedding day arrives we are not strangers.
What do you need from us to prepare?
Everything is optional, I have no problem coming in with just a starting time and following the flow but being more prepared significantly increases your chance that I don’t miss a key moment or interaction. I will send you a questionnaire before the wedding. We have at least 1 preparation meeting. If you can share a timeline, some photos of your most important people so I can spot them on the day and a vendor list so I know who I am working with and eventually contact them beforehand, all that will help a lot.
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
How many photos will we get?
Enough that you have variety, no redundancy, and a joy of looking at them from start to finish. I spend a lot of time selecting them so you do not have to. You do not love a movie more because it is longer and you got more movie for the same ticket price, do you?
How and when are photos delivered, and how long do we have access?
Photos are delivered in an online gallery four to six weeks after your wedding. You have access for 1 year minimum and I have no plans to remove any galleries so far. If one day I need to make some changes I will make every attempt to contact you and give you time to save them first. It is good practice to keep your own copy somewhere, I do not control the company I use for the gallery.
Do you do video?
I work with videographers I trust and I am happy to recommend the ones I like to work with if you want.
ABOUT ME
How long have you been doing this?
I bought my first professional camera in 2006 and spent years shooting alongside my engineering career. I started ATN Photography in 2023 and have documented more than 75 weddings.
What if something happens to you on the day?
I have a big network of photographer friends in Kansas City. We step in for each other because we are all in the same boat. I have done it in the past for a friend who had a death in his immediate family. You will not be left without a photographer.
ABOUT BOOKING
How do we book?
To hold your date, we sign a contract digitally and you pay a retainer. We sort out the details when we talk.