General Questions
Do you have any favorite venues and what do you look for as a photographer when it comes to a venue?
I love a lot of the venues in the area but a few that I think are just top-notch are Rainbow Ranch in Big Sky, The Woodlands in Bozeman, Montana Wildflower & Fox Field up in Red Lodge, Copper Rose Ranch in Livingston, or Swift River Ranch, or The Depot in Billings.
Where do you typically shoot weddings?
I primarily cover weddings in Billings, Red Lodge, Bozeman, & Big Sky, Montana, as well as in Cody & Sheridan, Wyoming. However, I usually take on at least one big travel wedding per year—so if you're planning a destination wedding, please reach out!
How many images will we receive?
This depends on many factors, including bridal party size, family and guest count, and how many formal portrait sessions we fit in throughout the day. The average full-day wedding gallery contains about 750 images. I organize them into sections like getting ready, formals, ceremony, reception, and details for easy navigation.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes! Working together before the wedding is a great way to practice posing and to test to see if you respond better to verbal or physical prompts. I love heading into the mountains to create stunning engagement photos that couples can hang on their walls. Engagement sessions are an à la carte add-on, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, and I encourage couples to bring a few outfit changes and plan for at least two locations.
Can we provide a shot list?
That depends... If it’s a generic shot list downloaded from a wedding planning site that starts with something like "Bride looking at camera," then it’s a hard no.
My general rule is to photograph everything that looks like the couple put time, energy, or money into.
However, I do want to know about sentimental items, or special people and relationships.
For example, one bride wanted a photo with her 16 aunts—that’s something I wouldn’t have known without her telling me!
Wedding Day & Photography Style
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Check out this review from a past couple:
"Zak, where do we begin? From the moment you arrived on our big day you immediately made us feel at ease. For TWELVE hours straight you never dwindled in your professionalism, upbeat manner, or photojournalistic talent. You made a surprise summer storm into one of the biggest blessings of our day—the pictures are beyond stunning. It is because of you that I will remember all the belly laughs and happy tears, the small moments, and the overwhelming love." — The Blakes
It’s Montana, it rains—we adapt and adjust the timeline if needed. Two things to remember: 1) It’s rare to have a day where it rains non-stop, and usually, it only lasts about 30 minutes before clearing up. 2) Rain adds unique drama (the good kind) to your images and can make them frickin’ epic!
Do you take traditional family photos?
Absolutely! Just because I’m a photojournalist doesn’t mean I skip the classic, posed family portraits. The "grandma shots" (often called family formals) are some of the most important images from a wedding day, and I make sure to do them well and quickly!
What’s your posing style?
I use a combination of posing and prompting to help couples feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. My goal is to create natural, genuine moments rather than stiff, awkward poses.
When is the best time for portraits?
I always recommend doing at least a sunset session within the last hour of light—it’s the best time of day for warm, golden tones! Throughout the wedding, I also like to grab smaller portrait sessions to give you a variety of looks. I always tell my couples: I'd rather have 15 minutes in great light than a few hours in harsh midday sun.
Booking & Delivery
How do we book you?
Easy! Start by inquiring on my website. If your date is available, we’ll set up a video call to chat. From there, I’ll send over a booking proposal—everything is straightforward and transparent, just the way it should be.
What’s your payment schedule?
I require a 30% retainer to secure your date, with the remainder due 30 days before your wedding.
How long does it take to get our photos?
I'm proud of this! The average turnaround time over the last three years has been 28 days—though this is not a guaranteed timeline. I do my best to deliver your images as quickly as possible while ensuring each one receives my full attention and editing process.
Do you offer prints and albums?
YES! Please print your photos! You and your family can order high-quality prints directly from your online gallery. All prints are made by White House Custom Color in Minneapolis, MN.
For albums, check out THIS to learn more. I also have an unboxing video so you can see the quality for yourself!
How do you back up our photos?
OMG, yes. From the moment I take a photo, it is recorded onto two separate memory cards, and I back up everything multiple times afterward. Weddings don’t have do-overs, so I take data security very seriously.
Communication & Contact
What’s the best way to reach you?
Email is best! I try to respond within a few days, but since I’m a one-man show, response times can vary depending on my shooting and travel schedule.
Do you help with vendor recommendations?
Yes! I have a network of trusted wedding vendors in Montana and Wyoming. Check out my Preferred Vendors List for recommendations on planners, florists, venues, and more!
What should we wear for an engagement session?
I have a full guide to help you with outfit choices! Check it out HERE.
