FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This FAQ answers the questions I hear most from couples in Washington DC, Maryland, and New York City from timelines and investment to photography style and privacy. My goal is to give you clarity and peace of mind, so you can focus on your day while I capture it beautifully.
BOOKING & investment
Do you photograph LGBTQIA+ weddings and celebrations?
YES! I’m so proud to photograph love in all its forms. No matter where you’re from, how you identify, who you love, the color of your skin, your ability, or how you show up in the world — you deserve photographs that tell the story of your love.
How far in advance should we book a wedding photographer?
I recommend booking as soon as you have a date! For full-day weddings, most couples book 12-18 months in advance to ensure availability. For elopements or micro weddings in DC or NYC, 1-3 months is usually ideal.
How do we check your availability for our wedding?
The easiest way to send an inquiry is through my contact form! From there, I’ll be able to match your date in my calendar and see if it’s available. I’ll guide you through next steps so we can start planning an experience that feels effortless and fully tailored to your love story.
What's the average Investment with The Valentin collective?
The average investment for full-day wedding photography with The Valentin Collective ranges from $4,200–$5,600. Most couples add 35mm Film and/or 120mm Film coverage alongside digital for a timeless, cinematic look.
*Custom collections are available weddings and elopements.
Do you offer playment plans?
Yes! Having photos that tell the legacy of your story should be accessible to everyone which is why I offer payment plans. A 30% non-refundable retainer is due at the time of booking and then from there, we can split the remaining amount into however many payments needed to make this easier on you.
What areas do you serve? do you travel?
The Valentin Collective serves couples throughout DC, Maryland, and New York City. However, distance is nothing a plane ticket can’t fix! No matter the location, my focus is the same: capturing your story honestly, beautifully and with care.
experience & style
Do you shoot Digital and Film?
Yes, I do! Combining digital coverage with film is truly what sets my soul on fire these days. Film adds a timeless, nostalgic softness that feels romantic and artful, while digital allows me to capture fleeting moments with flexibility and precision. Together, they create a gallery that feels layered in the most perfect way.
How do you make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
I focus on connection first. Before your wedding, I take time to understand your dynamic, your energy, and what matters most to you. On the day itself, I guide you gently when needed, but I never over-direct. I create space for you to move, laugh, breathe, and just be together.
My goal is always to make you feel safe enough to show up as yourselves. That’s when the magic happens!
Logistics & Deliverables
Have you photographed at our venue before?
I’ve photographed weddings at many venues throughout DC, Maryland, and New York City. If I’ve worked at your venue before, I’m more than happy to share a full gallery. If it’s somewhere new, I always arrive early (and love scheduling site visits) to create a custom plan that fits your venue, lighting, and timeline perfectly!
What is the turnaround time for our final gallery?
Galleries are usually delivered in 8–10 weeks. Every wedding is a unique story and I take the time to tell it right. Each image is hand-selected and hand-edited with care, ensuring your gallery feels authentic, joyful, and timeless.
Can we keep our wedding photos private and off social media?
Absolutely. Your day is yours, and your privacy is sacred. I never want you to feel like “just another wedding in a portfolio” or worry about your images appearing online. Some of my most cherished weddings have never been shared publicly and that’s perfectly okay.
There’s no extra fee for keeping your photos private. My job is to capture your story with care and intention, and to protect it so you can relive these moments freely, without the world watching if you choose.