FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a St. Louis wedding vendor can be a challenge.

Before signing on the dotted line, interview potential wedding vendors to ensure you like them. Choosing a photographer is especially crucial because you'll be with your photographer for practically the entire day, and you'll want to feel comfortable having them around. Additionally, these are this is the only investment you'll make on your wedding day that will last for the rest of your life.

Ask these questions to help you select the right photographer.

I've answered each question; the text is in italics.

Availability

Is my wedding date available?

I book dates up to three years in advance, there's only one way to know: ask me!

Will you be the one shooting my wedding? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be on-site?

Yes—Matthew will be your photographer.
No associates and no handoffs.

How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?

I only book one event per day.
You will have my full attention on the day of your wedding.

Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?

I generally work alone or with a second photographer (depending on your wishes). I am more than comfortable handling any size event by myself, but a second photographer can be invaluable for the additional perspectives they can bring.

Background Check

How long have you been shooting weddings?
How many weddings have you photographed?

I’ve been photographing weddings for 25+ years. I’ve honestly lost count how many weddings I’ve done, but the experience shows up in planning, pacing, and calm leadership on the day.

Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?

I've done events that have had a few dozen close family members, and I've done events of several hundred guests. I am most comfortable with Christian or non-religious weddings, though I have done Jewish ceremonies.

Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?

Absolutely. During our consultation, I can show you full galleries from recent weddings that match your venue/style, so you can see consistency from start to finish.

Have you ever shot a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues?
If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?

There’s a good chance I’ve photographed there. Either way, I’ll ask what you love about the venue and what matters most to you, then plan intentionally for those images. If needed, I’ll scout or arrive early to build the best plan for light and flow.

Have you ever worked with our planner? Videographer? Florist? DJ?

Quite possibly. I communicate well with all the vendors on the wedding day so we can function as one big team to make your event magical.

Style

How would you describe your photography style?
What would you compare your work to?

Timeless, refined, and rooted in classic portraiture and light (influenced by the Old Masters). I stay aware of trends, but I don’t chase them, my goal is work that still feels elegant decades from now.

How would you describe your working style?
Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or do you like to be more visible and take charge of choreographing images?

Clients hire me for my professional experience. They trust - and expect - my input on how to make their day match their dream.

Both: intentionally. I’ll step back for real moments and candid storytelling, and I’ll step in when leadership is needed (especially for family formals and portraits). Couples hire me for calm control, efficient portraits, and a day that still feels natural.

Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?

I work digitally. I learned photography on film, but the medium no longer serves my needs.

Pricing and Packages

What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?

I work as a commissioned experience. Wedding commissions start at $3,500 and include milestone-first coverage, planning support, and signature enhancement for a timeless look. From there, you choose what you want to take home—album, wall art, second photographer, additional sessions, and options like FlashPhotos (same-day sharing).

Can I customize a package to fit my needs?

Yes. Most couples build a “just right” collection based on their priorities, not a one-size-fits-all template.

Do you include engagement photos in your packages?
What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?

Engagement sessions are available and often recommended as part of the experience. Rehearsal coverage is less common, but it can be added if it’s important to you.

How many hours are included in each package?

I don’t build your day around a stopwatch. Coverage is planned around milestones and your timeline so the story isn’t cut short. We’ll map out what you need on the consult and build the commission around that plan.

Do you offer a photo booth?

I don’t focus on traditional photo booths, but many couples choose FlashPhotos instead: a small curated set of highlights delivered during your event so you can share immediately—without stepping away from the celebration. If you specifically want a booth setup for guests, tell me what you’re envisioning and I’ll point you toward solid options.

Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?

Most common retouching, color adjustment, and correction are included. Complicated requests may incur additional charges, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Travel fees would be discussed on a case-by-case basis. I don't have a specific distance where I would expect it, and I would rather leave that to a "common sense" discussion with the individual client.

Prints and Albums

Can we order prints or albums directly from you?

I prefer that you do.

I work with professional printers that I have built a solid relationship with. I know their work; they stand behind it and I know I can as well. When other services print my work there is the possibility that it will not render as intended.

What type of album do you offer?
Do you provide assistance in selecting images and designing the album?

Yes. I offer a range of heirloom album options, and I guide the design process so it feels easy. You’ll see a thoughtful draft design first, then we'll refine it together.

Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums and wall art are part of the finished collection options.
We’ll build what you want to take home based on your priorities.

How long after the wedding will we receive the images?
How will they be delivered?

FlashPhotos is included for every couple, so you’ll have a small curated set of highlights during your wedding day for immediate sharing. I typically deliver sneak peeks the next day, and in many cases your full gallery can be ready in as little as 24 hours.

Your first full reveal happens by appointment—we make a real experience out of it so you see the images as the artwork they are (not just on a phone). After your reveal, you’ll have access to everything in a private online gallery for viewing, sharing, and ordering.

Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images?
Is there a fee for that? Will we have the rights to the images?

I include a web-sized file of each purchased image. These are fully retouched. High-resolution files with printing rights are available for an additional fee, and a caveat.

Digital lowered the cost of entry to become a photographer. This flooded the market with inexperienced camera owners looking to make a quick buck. Their gimmick became offering "all of the digital files" to the client and it unfortunately became the standard. In talking with clients since then, the universal response has been a decrease in customer satisfaction when digital files are the primary deliverable. The reason is that digital files are an unfinished product; they require the client to do the work to finish the process to obtain an album or artwork for their walls. This becomes a daunting task and gets put off until it is forgotten. Five years later, the client spent money on a photographer but has nothing to show for it. I would much rather present you with finished artwork. You've paid me to do the work and to stand behind it; I'm happy to finish my job.
That said, digital access is available in a way that supports a finished collection (not just a folder of files). You’ll have clear options for high-resolution files and usage/printing rights depending on what you choose. I’ll walk you through it on the consult so it’s straightforward.

Will the images be accessible online? For how long?

Yes, images are available to view and share from an online gallery.

Logistics

When will we receive the contract?

As soon as we know the dates, locations, and what your package will include.

How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?

Unless otherwise discussed, the retainer is $500 and is due with the contract.

Do you accept payments in installments?

Certainly!

What is your refund or cancellation policy?

Life happens. Sometimes plans change, and I try to be as accommodating as possible. A refund or cancellation depends on the exact circumstances, but ultimately, the retainer is non-refundable.

Do you have liability insurance?
Does it cover your assistants, as well?

I am covered by a $3million dollar policy that covers me and anyone working with or for me.

Do you carry backup equipment?

Always. Multiple camera bodies, lenses, lighting, and backups because redundancy is part of doing this professionally. I travel with much more equipment than I should.

What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?

In the extremely unlikely event of an emergency, I have a network of trusted professionals I can call on. Thankfully, it has never come to that.

How will you and your assistants be dressed?

Professional and appropriate for your event: typically black. If you have a preference, just tell me.

Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?

Yes. I’ll also help you refine it so it’s realistic, complete, and doesn’t steal time from the moments you actually want to live.

Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?

The short answer is yes, with your permission.

I try to get sneak peeks out to you within 24 hours of your wedding so you have something to share with friends and brag about your day. I usually do these on Facebook. I have started pushing myself to publish more and to submit work to reputable contests and magazines. If you would rather not have your wedding publicized, I would certainly respect that request.