Wedding Photographer in Cincinnati, OH

We love your services and portfolio. Everything sounds fantastic... What sets you apart from all the other wedding photographers in Cincinnati Ohio?

- You'll have your retouched photographs within 2 weeks of your wedding!
- You'll receive natural, romantic, artistic photographs that you'll be proud to display them in your home.
- With 18 years of experience, I am able to get your creative portraits finished quickly and smoothly.
- For darker environments, like indoors or when the lighting isn't perfect outside, I use portable studio lights lights for a natural, flattering, and professional look to your photographs.
- You'll receive photographs of all the natural and emotional candid moments.
- We'll do pre-wedding planning so your wedding is smooth, organized, and no-stress.
- I have competitive and flexible pricing.
- I will photograph your wedding personally, not a less capable replacement.
- I have been awarded The Knot's "Best of Weddings Cincinnati" and and Wedding Wire's "Bride's Choice" over 10 times each, and I am one of the few Cincinnati wedding photographers in The Knot's Hall of Fame.
- You'll have peace-of-mind knowing you have Jeff Schaefer Photography.

Will the portraits take forever?

No. I understand that it's your wedding day, not my photo shoot. Your photography will go quickly and smoothly. You'll get breathtaking, emotional photographs without a long photography session dominating your day.

This sounds wonderful but it also sounds expensive. Are we going to be able to afford this?

I understand your budget concerns. My photography rates are extremely competitive and reasonable for the level of photography and products I provide. I have many wedding photography packages and a-la-carte options for your budget.

Please see my Prices page.

What is your style?

I photograph in a relaxed manner that sets the stage naturally. I offer a little guidance, encourage you to focus on each other, and I artistically capture your passion and emotion for each other. There are some look-at-the-camera-and-smile photographs, but it’s not overdone. My method is a fun and comfortable way to be photographed, and your photographs will be spontaneous, emotional, and timeless.

You'll also receive photographs of MANY candid moments of you two, your friends and family. You will be amazed by the behind-the-scenes photographs that you didn’t realize I was capturing. Your photographs will show the emotional connections between loved ones... the laughter, smiles, little glances, hugs, tears, and joy. It is these details that tell the story of your wedding day and all the meaningful relationships in your life.

See my Style page for examples.

Will you photograph the wedding yourself?

Yes, I am your primary photographer. Unlike other studios, you won't be surprised by a less-capable associate or sub-contractor on your wedding day.

Will there be a second photographer at my wedding?

Having a second photographer along with me is an affordable option.

The second photographer provides more photojournalistic coverage and captures different views of key moments. For instance during the toast I'll be focused on your table, and my assistant might photograph your parents raising their glasses. Or, during your ceremony processional, you'll get photographs of your nervous anticipation with your dad, while I'm photographing your bridesmaids walking down the aisle.

However, the second photographer is not absolutely essential, especially with smaller or simpler weddings. Having photographed so many weddings, I am completely capable of photographing a wedding alone, without missing a thing. I'll be happy to talk to you about your wedding and the pros / cons of having a second photographer along.

Is an engagement session included?

An engagement session is included with at least 8 hours of wedding day photography, or as a a-la-carte add-on.

Engagement session benefits:
1. The session is a great opportunity to get comfortable with each other.
2. You'll be more relaxed about being in front of the camera on your wedding day.
3. You'll LOVE your engagement photographs!
4. You can create save-the-date cards and an engagement signature book.

With that being said, if you don't need engagement photos, that's no problem. I'm not going to try to sell one to you. I am very comfortable working with a bride and groom who I met for the very first time on their wedding day.

Do you bring back-up equipment?

Absolutely. I bring two full sets of equipment. Plus, your wedding photos are backed up immediately so your images are safe.

Do I get the digital images and a copyright release?

Yes and yes. You receive the retouched, full-resolution, digital photographs from your wedding, with a copyright release, and no watermark. You can make your own prints, & gift albums, and share the digital copies... whatever you want.

How long will I wait for the photographs?

You'll have your retouched digital images, and your album design in TWO WEEKS! (The industry average is 6 weeks for the photographs, and another 6 weeks for album design!) I am able to deliver your images quickly because I am working on YOUR wedding during the week, not doing 20 baby and HS senior portraits.

Do you take credit cards and can we have a payment plan?

I take Visa, Master Card and Discover, at no additional fee. I also have payment plans if you feel it fits you.

Church of the Redeemer
"... Girls from both high school and college contacted me to ask who took my wedding photos."
~ Erika & Nick

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. Many venues require this. As well as liability insurance, I carry equipment, errors & omissions, and indemnity insurance so that you and I are both protected.

How long do you stay at the wedding?

It is your choice, but 10 hours is average. I usually photograph an hour or two of 'getting ready', a couple hours for creative portraits, ceremony, cocktails, time in-between events, and I'm usually there for 3 to 4 hours of the reception. What I don't do is promise "all day" coverage, and then leave as soon as open dancing begins. You'll know exactly how long I'll be at the reception, and I don't cut out early.

Ivy Hills Country Club
"... just the right mix of  posed and candid shots." ~ Katie and Roy

Do you photograph weddings outside of Cincinnati?

While I am primarily a wedding photographer in Cincinnati and Dayton, I am available for travel.

There is no travel charge or minimum booking for weddings within a 1.5-hour drive of Cincinnati. This includes all of Dayton, Sidney, Piqua, Lima, Northern Kentucky, Milton Kentucky, and Madison Indiana.

Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington, require a minimum booking and a reasonable fee to cover the additional travel and lodging.

Areas over 2-hours away require a reasonable per diem fee to cover travel and lodging.

Hauck Mansion

Do you photograph same-sex weddings?

Yes. Jeff Schaefer Photography is happy to photograph Cincinnati's same-sex, gay, lesbian, LGBT weddings and engagements. We support marriage equality and acceptance of all people. Love is something to be celebrated. It enriches and enhances all our lives.

This sounds like everything we've been looking for. What happens next to start the process?

The next step is for you to call me at 513-702-0911 or email me HERE to set up your complimentary get acquainted consultation. I want to hear about your needs, see if we're a good match, and see what package fits your personality, style, and budget.

May we contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?

Yes, absolutely! You can also read what clients have said on my 'Wedding Photography Reviews' page and on...
                                      

We have a couple of questions before we get started. Can I call you to discuss further?

Yes. In fact, I encourage all clients to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can answer your questions and make sure we are a good fit for each other. Please call me with any questions at 513-702-0911 or message me HERE.

Are you available on our date?

The average wedding books a full year in advance, so please don't delay!
You can find out if your date is available here...