WDO Photography

I prefer to sit down with you and listen. I want to know what your needs and wants are so I can make sure to capture exactly what you're looking for. Once I understand what you want we can set about making your vision come true.

It can be frightening to be in front of the camera but I make sure that the time we spend at the outset of our session helps you to feel relaxed and confident. A lot of clients like to see their first few photos and I find that helpful so we can talk through any concerns. 

Once you feel good about the photos wer're making we will spend the rest of our time together making photos that you will love. 

Before I leave I make sure you know when to expect the photos to be finished. I promise a turn around time that many of my competitors can't match. In the meantime I am always available to answer questions. Once I deliver your photos I offer uncompromised follow up services. Do you need prints? I've got you covered. Do you need digital copies in a specific size or format? Not a problem. Whatever you need I'm here for you. 

I studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, and the University of Pittsburgh. I worked for nearly a decade for some of Pittsburgh's top photographers before starting my own company in 2007. Since then I've also worked as a photography teacher and professional portfolio reviewer. 

I offer commercial and non-commercial rates depending on the use of the photos. If you need photos that you are publishing or using for advertising please contact me today for my latest rates. If you're looking for wedding, portraits, or photographs for other non-commercial uses I offer competative days, half-day, and hourly rates as well as wedding packages that allow my clients to choose what services and products they want without being forced to pay for anything they don't. 

I got my first professional camera in high school but even as a child I often carried a camera with me and loved to take photos, draw, and paint. In high school I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life so I studied photography in college before going to work for some truly amazing mentors in and around Pittsburgh.

In 2007 I decided I wanted to run my own business. I opened WDO Photography that year and began to photograph weddings, portraits, and to take on commercial clients. 

I've worked with everyone. I've even photographed two US Presidents on several occations. I have a core group of commercial clients and nonprofits that hire WDO Photography each year for their events and I've photographed countless weddings and done portraits for artists, professionals, families, seniors, children, and pets. I've photographed professional and collegiate sports, and I've taught photography to a wide range of people. 

Find a photographer that is a good match for you personality wise. It's so important to find someone that you can enjoy working with and who understands your needs and desires. This is why I always meet with clients up front. If we don't mesh well I'm honest and will tell you. I have great relationships with my clients and with other photographers. If I don't feel we're a good fit I will recommend someone that I believe will be. It's that important to me. I'd rather pass up the job and make sure you have a photographer that you will love to work with than make us both uncomfortable or unhappy. Photography is very important to me, I want you to love what you're getting even if it doesn't come from me. 

Budget is the first thing that most clients consider and money is important but so is professionalism. Be sure that the photographer you choose can deliver what you want. Find out if you're hiring a professional or just a hobbiest by asking the following questions:

Q. What is the turn around time for this type of photography?

A. Weddings are some of the biggest events we photograph and there is often touch-up work we need to do but we still promise to have your photos within 3 weeks. For some commercial events we can deliver photos immediately or within a few hour deadline if they need to be sent to the press.  

Q. How often do you do this type of work? 

A. I personally photograph every event, portrait session, etc that WDO Photography is hired to do. This is my full time job and I photograph dozens of weddings and events every year and do countless portrait sessions as well.  

Q. How long have you been in business and how many years have you been doing these types of photos/jobs?

A. I've been a professional photographer for more than 20 years. I've owned my own business since 2007. Despite that I don't do certain jobs very often (ex. architecture and boudoir). I can do these types of photography but I'm more likely to refer you to someone who is more qualified if you're looking for a seasoned pro. 

Q. Have you ever lost a clients photos due to camera or computer issues? If so what did you do to make it right?

A. One time a second photographer's card on their backup camera failed and we personally paid a recovery service to get the few dozen photos back, the process took longer than our turn around time so I refunded the client some of their payment. Since then I make sure anyone assisting me has duel memory card cameras that save a backup of each photo and we both carry 2 cameras in the event that one fails.  

Q. Is photography your full time job or do you do other work too?

A. Photography is my life, this is what I do. I have other interests and over the years I've done other projects including designing websites and working as an arts educator and I ran a nonprofit for several years. Photography is my business and I do it full time.