How do you handle editing and retouching?

I offer basic photo editing services including cropping, color correction, and lighting adjustments to enhance the overall quality of the images. In addition, all photos will receive edits to make your images match stylistically with the photos that you see in my portfolio.

How many photos will we receive?

The number of photos you will receive can vary depending on the length and nature of the event. However, a good estimate to use as a guideline is approximately 100 photos per hour of the event. Please note that this is an estimate and the actual number of photos may vary.

When will we receive the edited photos?

You will receive the edited photos within 2 weeks of your event. I understand that sometimes you may need your photos sooner, so I do offer rush options for an additional fee. Please let me know if you have any special time requirements and I will do my best to accommodate them.

Do you offer posed photos?

Yes, I am able to take posed photographs, but it's not my main focus. My specialty is capturing candid and natural moments that showcase the energy, emotion, and dynamics of the performance. While I can definitely take posed photographs, I recommend that you take a look at my portfolio to get a sense of my style and approach to concert photography.

Are there any additional expenses beyond the cost of the photoshoot?

When you book your photoshoot with me, there are no hidden costs or fees. The cost that is quoted to you during the booking process is the final amount you will be responsible for paying. You will not be required to pay any additional costs beyond what is quoted.

What are we able to do with the images?

You are free to use the photos for any personal or commercial use. However, as the photographer, I retain the copyright to the images.

How far in advance should I book?

I typically am booked around 6 months out, but I put no limit on that and I have repeat clients that regularly book me a year in advance in order to ensure their dates. The sooner you let me know the date you’re looking for, the better the chance I’ll be available.

Should we get photos of the actual performance or of a dress rehearsal?

It depends on what you're looking for. I have clients that opt for both, which is the best option since you get the best of both worlds, but if you're only choosing one, consider this: For the performance, I may not be able to move around as much, so the photos may not be as varied as in a rehearsal. However, I can get photos with the audience, which is important to many clients. For a rehearsal, you get more varied photos but no audience shots.

Capturing the Warmth of The Dessoff Choirs’ "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby"

As the winter chill sets in, I found myself stepping into the welcoming embrace of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn for an event that promised a respite from the cold: The Dessoff Choirs' "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby." My task as a photographer was to capture the essence of this enchanting concert, held on December 3, 2023, which proved to be a challenge and a delight, given the venue's unique lighting—or lack thereof.

The Dessoff Choirs' vibrant performance under ornate church decor, conductor leading with passion, as seen through my lens at 'Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby.

First Impressions

My first visit to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was unforgettable. The church, with its striking architecture, provided a solemn backdrop for the day's event. The Dessoff Choirs, a chorus with a century of history singing into the present with pieces by composers who spanned the ages, tonight under the baton of Malcolm J. Merriweather, are known for their vibrant performances, and this concert was no exception

Malcolm J. Merriweather conducts with expressive finesse, guiding The Dessoff Choirs through a Yuletide performance at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

The Photographer's Dilemma

The event's lighting was a challenging. As the evening progressed, the interior of St. Paul's turned even darker, leaving me to rely on the soft glow of candles held by the audience. It was a dance of shutter speeds, ISOs, and apertures, as I worked to immortalize moments without the intrusion of motion blur—a feat that caught the attention of the audience, as one inquisitive soul inquired about my technique post-concert.

he Dessoff Choirs fill the church with song, the conductor's silhouette against the candlelit backdrop of the audience during "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby."

Through the Lens

In photography, light is everything, and in its scarcity, every frame becomes precious. The concert, with its blend of traditional carols and pieces by Vicente Lusitano, Herbert Howells, R. Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price, and Adolphus Hailstork, was a panorama of concentration, skill, and festive cheer. Each photograph aimed to convey the choir’s harmony and the venue’s solemnity, a testament to the choir's reputation for groundbreaking performances.

Members of The Dessoff Choirs deeply immersed in song during the 'Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby' concert, showcasing the focused intensity of live choral performance.

A Visual Story

The images on my website aren't just about the technicalities of photography; they are about the warmth of the Yuletide, the resonance of history, and the intimacy of a community united in song. As you browse through the gallery, you're invited to experience "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby" not just as a viewer but as a participant, holding a candle in the collective celebration of the season.

The conductor of The Dessoff Choirs, Malcolm J. Merriweather, is captured mid-gesture, exuding charisma during the "Welcome Yule: Sing Lullaby" concert.

For anyone interested in the depth of the evening's repertoire or in following the journey of The Dessoff Choirs, I invite you to explore further by visiting their website. And for anybody planning their own event, I invite you to get in touch with me to talk about your photography needs by filling out this contact form.