Wedding Photographer in Cincinnati, OH

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

1. You'll have your retouched photographs within 2 weeks of your wedding!
2. You'll receive natural, romantic, artistic photographs that you'll be proud to display them in your home.
3. Fun, natural, and emotional candid photographs.
4. Your wedding will be smooth, organized, and no-stress.
5. I stay to photograph your reception much longer than most photographers.
6. I have competitive and flexible pricing.
7. I will photograph your wedding personally, not a less capable replacement.
8. 2nd photographer to capture candid emotional moments between you and your loved ones.
9. You'll have confidence when you hire Jeff Schaefer Photography. I have been awarded The Knot's "Best of Weddings Cincinnati" for the past 8 years, and Wedding Wire's "Bride's Choice" for the past 7 years, and I am one of the few photographers in The Knot Hall of Fame.

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 several packages and a-la-cart options to work with 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?

Yes. 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.

Is an engagement session included?

An engagement session can be added at a very reasonable rate.
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 even bring back-ups for my back-ups. Plus, my cameras write to two memory cards at the same time, so your photos are backed up immediately. Then, I use redundant image back-up storage in the studio so your images are safe.

Do I get the digital images and a copyright release?

You will receive all 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 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, 8/1/2014

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 varies by package, but 11 hours is typical. 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 to the end of the reception.

Ivy Hills Country Club
"... just the right mix of  posed and candid shots." ~ Katie and Roy, 8/13/2011

Do you photograph weddings outside of Cincinnati?

While most of the weddings I photograph are in Cincinnati / Dayton area, 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, Northern Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana.

Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington, require a minimum booking and a reasonable fee to cover the additional time for my second photographer.

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?

My average wedding is booked 11 months in advance so please don't delay!
You can find out if your date is available here...