Learn more about working with me!
Hi I am Averie, an Australian photographer & videographer based in Jersey City. I shoot lots of weddings in NYC, Brooklyn & Jersey but also love a good destination wedding.
I love shooting weddings, not only because I get to document and capture one of life's greatest celebrations but I get to have an adventure at the same time! With new backdrops and new faces every weekend, I am constantly inspired and excited by what I do. I also love the friendships that organically form between photographer & client, with many of our clients continuing to work with me post wedding. It is a true blessing to witness and document my couple's growing families, the milestones & celebrations after the big day has come and gone.
I have over 15 years of experience shooting everything from fashion, advertising, film, fine art and music. I gained my Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Photomedia from UNSW in Sydney in 2014 and have resided in Jersey City since 2016. I love creating and story telling, not only with photography but also through painting, ceramics, dressmaking & quilting.
Let’s dive into our most frequently asked questions..
where are you based and WILL YOU TRAVEL?
I live in Jersey City. I love to travel and especially treasure my weekends away at destination weddings. Travel by car is 1.75c per mile and we offer special packages for destination weddings.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE
Romantic, fun, colorful, emotive. My images are full of detail and life. I focus on real moments with a documentary approach. I avoid cheesy styled poses and focus on emotion and action. I use my 10 years + of experience to guide and direct your attention away from the camera and back to each other. That’s where the magic happens.
DO WE NEED A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
For weddings under 150 guests one photographer is perfect.
A second photographer is recommended if you have 150+ guests.
If your wedding requires you and your partner to be separated for a large section of the day, 2 photographers are recommended.
If you have 300 + guests 3 photographers is recommended.
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR PHOTOS?
Anytime after 4pm is great. Between 11am-2pm can be tricky for photography as the sun is directly above us casting harsh shadows onto our faces. For the best portraits lets plan something a couple of hours before sunset. Golden hour is the last 45 mins before the sun goes down and it’s always gorgeous for those pops of delicious yellow/pinks/reds. If its too overcast though this golden hour doesn’t happen :(
WHAT GEAR DO YOU USE?
I shoot on the new mirrorless Canon R series cameras with the RF 50mm 1.2, 15-35mm and 70-200 1.2f lenses. For video I shoot on Panasonic Lumix G5’s. I also have a DJI Mavic Pro Drone. If you want me to fly the drone we need additional time booked to set this up and fly. If you would like the drone to capture your event whilst we are expected to also shoot regular footage you’ll need to book a second shooter.
CAN I HAVE ALL OF THE RAW UNEDITED PHOTOS YOU TOOK AT OUR WEDDING?
No. I'm not sure why you'd even want them. RAW files are huge and take up heaps of space, you need special photo editing software to even view them, and they don't retain the editing. They're a pain to be honest! You'll receive all of the photos that we took of your day, less any blinking, over exposed, unedited images. We also fancy our editing style and never deliver any images that didn’t represent our style or standard.
WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK AND SHOULD WE DO ONE?
A first look is a wedding life-saver. It calms you before the ceremony. It’s an emotional moment between the two of you, and likely to be one o of the only times you will get to spend alone before the craziness of the day begins. A first look also means you can enjoy your cocktail hour. It’s a beautiful set of wedding portraits full of charged emotion. A first look does not take away from walking down the aisle for the first time. This is still a special moment especially as it will be the first time all your guests see you too. No one ever regrets doing a first look, they only ever regret NOT doing one.
Tell Me more about the editing process
I edit all of our images using Lightroom and adjust using the tools Temperature / Tint, Exposure, Highlight Recovery, Shadows, White / Black Clipping, Colour Adjustments and Noise reduction.
CAN I CHOOSE THE MUSIC FOR MY FILM?
Yes
ARE WE ABLE TO RESCHEDULE OUR WEDDING DATE DUE TO COVID? IS THERE ANY FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS?
YES I am happy to work with all my couples to reschedule their weddings if needed because of COVID. There are no fees associated with changing your date. Once you have confirmed your new date that is available for all your vendors I will send you over a new contract.
WHAT TIME IS BEST FOR OUR CEREMONY?
In summer 5pm is great, in winter around 3pm so we can sneak outside for portraits before the light disappears! If you can’t have an early winter ceremony please allow time for a first look so we can capture your portrait session in the light.
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ORGANIZING A WEDDING CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE ON MY SCHEDULE:
I get asked about wedding timelines and schedules a lot which is why i’ve made the timeline page which you’ll find at the top of my website in the menu bar. My expertise lies in shooting photos not creating timelines. So I can concentrate on editing and shooting I prefer to recommend a planner to help build your timeline.
WHAT DO WE DO FOR PHOTOS IF IT RAINS ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
I will shoot some portraits inside and I also recommend you purchase some clear umbrellas like these ones here if you want to venture into the rain.
ALBUMS ARE EXPENSIVE. WHY SHOULD WE GET ONE?
Your album is an heirloom. It’s a tangible record of your family history. Nowhere else can a person find so many authentic photos of relatives and friends engaged in a day full of romance or significant events. So many photos can become lost online and hard drives will eventually fail. By creating an album and printing your photos, you are creating the ultimate hard copy of your images and will be contributing to your family history by ensuring that future generations have a tangible record of how their family came to be over time. While it may be hard to imagine great grandchildren so far down the road, it is likely that they could one day have your album passed down into their hands.
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO GO TO THE CLERKS OFFICE FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?
I recommend meeting at the Clerks Office around 2- 3pm. The afternoon sun is the best for portraits so I always recommend an afternoon ceremony rather than an early morning.
ARE YOU INSURED? ARE THE PHOTOS BACKED UP?
Yes I am fully insured and can add your venue as additionally insured if requested. I shoot on 2 cards simultaneously, on 2 cameras and i do not format my memory cards until the wedding is delivered. My photos are backed up straight after the wedding to 3 separate locations including the online cloud.
DO YOU SCOUT FOR LOCATIONS AHEAD OF TIME?
I've found the best approach is to get there early on the day and spend an hour or so finding the best locations and making a mental map of where we'll go for photos for the best photos.
WE'RE GETTING MARRIED OUTDOORS AND I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY DRESS GETTING DIRTY? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
It will definitely get dirty. I suggest if you are getting married outdoors on a property/ farm opt for a dress with a shorter train. Otherwise embrace the fact that it will get dirty - You are only going to wear it once and you want to have fun on your wedding day!
DO YOU DO CASH DISCOUNTS
No I do not offer discounts of any kind. I know weddings are expensive, I've been a bride myself and I understand how important it is to stick to a budget. However I also truly value and love the work that we do.
My rate is based on our years of education, experience and the high quality product.
I promise you I am worth every dollar that you will spend with me and the images and films we create together will long outlive both of us, telling your love story, a piece of your family history for generations to come.
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU?
After we’ve discussed your wedding details i’ll send you over a proposal and booking form. Once that is signed we ask for a 25% deposit to secure your date with us.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER'S PERSPECTIVE FOR OUR WEDDING DAY?
I always recommend splurging on a beautiful airbnb for your getting ready shots instead of a hotel room. You want to look for something unique with lots of natural light and perhaps a outdoor space as well. Here’s an example of one of our couples Arron & Jenn’s airbnb. The space was so epic they decided to get ready there together - I adore this!!
Communication is super important!! If you are very particular with certain shots you want make sure you make a list and send reference photos!
Keep your space TIDY. Arrange a clean up before we arrive. We are not able to photoshop messy backgrounds out of your photos.
Do a first look - No one ever regrets it and it does not take away the special moment of walking down the aisle.
Please don't schedule your portrait session during your cocktail hour unless you really have to. We understand a First Look doesn't work for everyone but please consider how much it adds to your day. Your wedding day will go by so fast and your cocktail hour is one of the best parts of the day that I see so many couples miss out on. You should be enjoying this moment and celebrating with your guests.
Buy biodegradable confetti. We recommend this one
When looking at venues look at spaces with lots of natural light and great outdoor locations.
Outdoor receptions are best for natural light photographers
Allow for one hour of sunlight after your ceremony for sunset portraits if you're getting married outside
Splurge on the photographer and videographer of your dreams (your photos and videos will outlive your cake and flowers
The great outdoors is the best for beautiful backgrounds!
If you want to do a sparkler exit buy the GIANT ones and make sure you schedule it with your DJ so that they can announce it. If you’re doing it at the very end of the night you’ll need to schedule in an additional 15 mins of photo/video coverage.