Hudson Valley wedding photographer
Look like yourself in your wedding photos - just a really well-dressed, smoking hot version of yourself
Hi, I'm Sam
I like happy couples, sweet small weddings and crazy lightIf you're tired of dated photography, cheesy poses, and weddings that all look alike, stick around. I'm a journalist turned photographer who primarily serves the mid-Hudson Valley. I believe that honest emotion, real rich color and golden glowy light will always look better than any trendy filter or awkward pose. Check out my portfolio and FAQs and then keep going for insider wedding photography tips. Let's make wedding planning fun again.
Wedding Portfolio
“We were in tears . . . cracking up . . . so many memories.”
Featured Wedding Photography
FAQ
Do you only take candid images or do you also do some posed photography?
I do a mix of posed, planned and candid photography throughout your day. Family group photos, for example, need to be posed. And you will probably want at least a few 'everybody look at the camera' photos of yourselves. These are easy pictures to take, so why not take them? Planned photos involve some direction from me, but I allow events to unfold somewhat naturally after that for a more natural look. And then candids can happen at any time, depending on what's going on.
What percentage of your photos are planned versus candid?
It depends on you and on how your day unfolds. A planned day that is running on time will have more planned photos. A chaotic day will have more candids. Both can be beautiful. It also depends on how expressive you and your loved ones are. Some couples and families are more reserved, and that's fine. Others feel everything very visibly, and we love that, too.
Is your style 'dark and moody' or 'light and airy'?
Both? Neither? I work with the light and mood that is in front of me. Sometimes the mood is... dramatic and moody. Sometimes it's light and airy. I don't like to force one style on a whole day if that isn't what really happened. I also avoid using trendy filters that either make everything look pastel and light or turn everything brownish orange and dark. There are enormously talented photographers editing in those styles, and I respect their work. I just think any extreme look is going to date quickly. Except for black and white. Black and white will look good forever.
How many hours of coverage would we need?
It depends on how much you want covered and also how many locations are involved. Feel free to get in touch and I can give you a ballpark. If we end up working together, I will create a custom timeline for your day that gets you the maximum photography within your chosen time frame.
Do you have a second photographer?
Most of my collections include an assistant photographer throughout the day.
What is your experience?
I have been photographing weddings regularly as the lead photographer since 2015. Before that, I focused on street photography and personal photojournalism projects and ran a semi-successful design blog and never dreamed of becoming a wedding photographer. Long before that I worked in the journalism field for eight years as a writer. Before that I studied journalism and photojournalism at Kent State University where I got to actually develop black and white film in a darkroom. Remember those days, kids?
How many photos will we get?
It depends, but probably around 100 per hour of coverage.
How do we get our photos?
They will be hosted on an online gallery that you can share with family and friends.
Can we do our own prints and albums?
You are free to print wherever you want or you can order prints from a professional print service through your gallery. I also offer client access to professional album companies, and you can design your own high-quality album.
Do you offer albums?
You bet. And they are delicious. You are free to design your own album, but you'll probably never find the time. Let me help.
What makes you different from other photographers?
I'm the only wedding photographer in the world with a portfolio that contains the bride's nephew jamming Twizzlers up both nostrils at the dessert bar.
Are there any reasons we should not hire you?
Of course. You should not hire me if you are not excited by what you see here. Wedding photos are a deeply personal purchase. Find photos that you love. I'm probably not the best photographer for you if you are looking for very polished and glam imagery. Candid can equal imperfect.
What's the next step?
Fill out the contact form, and we'll see if I'm available. (I shoot a limited number of weddings a year.) We can talk and share more details and figure out for sure if I'm the best photographer for you. If it's a go, I'll send you a contract, you make a deposit, I collect a ton of details about your day and provide you a custom timeline. Then we party.