Let's get coffee?
Because finding the right photographer is often just as much about personality fit as it is about pricing and artistic style, I've always found it more helpful to meet in person or via Hangouts. If you're in the NYC area, let's definitely try to get coffee or tea (or a beer if that's your thing).
Every wedding is different
While this FAQ answers the biggest and most common questions, I do my best to be flexible and reasonable to my clients' specific priorities. Additionally, my business is always evolving and adapting to better wow my clients, and I'd love to share the latest things I'm working on directly with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A collection of commonly asked questions and answers
Why should we hire you?
That's a great question, and every photographer you meet will have a different answer. For me, it's all about telling a story, your story, in this particular moment in time. When I approach your wedding day, I'm thinking about what photos tell the full story so that in five, ten, twenty years down the line, you can flip through your wedding album and remember the day not just in terms of what it looked like, but what it felt like.
Additionally, when you hire me for your wedding photography, what you're getting is peace of mind. I'll be your problem solver and advocate, whether it be figuring out the perfect timeline, or wrangling family members. Before the wedding, I'll work closely with any other vendors you've hired to make sure that you get a seamless experience and can focus on just enjoying yourself and each other's company.
Is it possible to see a full client gallery before booking?
Of course! I am happy to share full client galleries upon request.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. It depends on the complexity of your day, the number of guests at your wedding. I've been doing this for a long time, and I've shot many a wedding by myself and it's never been a problem. Over time I've also had the opportunity to add a few very talented associate photographers to my studio, who are awesome photographers in their own right. Having them there to get a second vantage point can be really useful as well! So ultimately, whether or not you have a second photographer comes down to a converstion that we can have about your day and what it looks like, and I'll help you make the right decisions regarding whether you want the additional coverage from a second photographer.
Where do you live and how far will you travel?
I live in Chelsea, Manhattan, which is where I spend most of my time. I also have a home base in LA, as that's where my family is from. If you commision me for your wedding I'll travel to the ends of the earth for you (jokes but only kind of). Because I've lived bicoastally for most of my life, I'm used to spending lots of time on a plane or in the car. For the most part, if you're in the tri-state area I don't charge for travel within a certain driving radius of Manhattan. If additional travel is required (like a flight or a hotel), it's billed very simply as a direct reimbursement for charges.
Do you blog every couple you work with?
The purpose of my blog is to share my style and approach to storytelling. I am always excited to blog about every couple I work with and show you a slice of their day. That being said, I tend to fall behind on blogging, usually because I'm usually working hard to deliver full galleries as quickly as possible back to my clients. Additionally, not every couple wants their photos shared publicly, and to respect that, there may be some couples whose photos I do not share on my blog or social media.
What are your rates?
Wedding coverage starts at $2900, but will varry depending on wedding location and availability. At the end of the day it's about capturing all the moments, big and small, so I often build custom packages depending on my clients' needs.
If you're interested in pricing information please don't hesitate to reach out via my contact page or at justin@justinhophotography.com and I will be happy to share with you all the pricing information you need, as well as full galleries for you to look at.
How many hours of coverage are included?
I never limit the number of photos that I take, and I am happy to be there whenever you need me throughout the day. I have options for unlimited coverage with all my packages.
How many photos do we get?
The final number of photographs you receive depends on a few things - number of guests, types of events, and type of coverage you're looking for. I never shoot with a specific number of final images in mind; instead I focus on making sure you have the right amount of photos that tell a complete story of your day. On a typical wedding day with a second photographer I deliver around 500 images.
When/how do I get my photos?
My average turnaround time is anywhere from 6-8 weeks after your wedding. You'll receive a link to a password-protected online gallery, inside which will be your high resolution, professionally edited, and printable images.
Can I print my photos myself / share them online?
Absolutely. When you receive the photos they're yours to do whatever you want with. If you are interested in having professional, archival quality prints made, I'm happy print them through my lab as well.
How far will you travel?
Just about anywhere. I am primarily based in Manhattan, but I will happily travel all over the world for you, no hesitations.
Do you design wedding albums?
Yes! I love the feel of a wedding album and how it looks on a coffee table. If you're interested in packages that include a wedding album, or are curious about the design process, feel free to contact me and I can go into more detail.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Engagement sessions are available as add-ons to all of my packages. They're a great way for us to get to know each other further before your wedding day, and have some fun!
Do we need permits to shoot at "insert location here"?
Truthfully, I'm not sure. It depends on the location and rules/regulations are always changing. There are a few locations that come to mind that I know require a permit such as NYC's Grand Central Terminal, but in most cases the permit must be obtained by the client, not the photographer. If you have a location in mind and aren't sure, let me know and I'm happy to help figure it out with you.