What you’ve probably already guessed about me is true -- I love photography. It’s a passion that started when I was a child, grew through hours upon hours spent in the dark room in high school, and has blossomed in the digital age into my full time career.

What is probably more important to you, as my future client – is to hear what people say about working with me. Here are some client’s comments.

“A very dependable, organized photographer.”
“Courtney has an eye for great photos while adding her artistic touch to each picture.”
“Courtney caught all of the best moments with our family and friends.”
“Her passion for her profession is evident in the products of her work.”
“Courtney captured our family, friends and us in the most natural and honest way.”
“She was so easygoing and friendly that we felt totally comfortable letting her in on our intimate day.”

Call me and we can talk about how we can work together.
I look forward to hearing from you!

If you are interested in hiring me as your wedding photographer, I recommend you read the interview with me below. It should answer most of your questions so that when we meet we can spend the whole time talking about your wedding, your moments, and what you want to get out of working with me. If there is anything I’ve left unanswered, feel free to call or email me to ask!

We've looked at your web site and your photos are beautiful. What are you going to bring to our wedding that another photographer wouldn't?

I’m a full time professional photographer dedicated to providing you, the bride, with beautiful photography that will capture the essence of your unique and fabulous wedding! This is not a weekend job for me, so you never have to worry that I can’t devote my time to your wedding. You will be first on my priority list.

I love life’s real moments and I aim to capture these moments for you as they occur, without interference. You may have heard the term photojournalism or candid photography to describe this style. These terms do describe my work; however I do not limit my work to only candid photos. One of the great things about weddings is that you’ll have all of your friends and family together. I will take all of the family and wedding party portraits that you want on your wedding day, and I’ll make it happen quickly so that you can get to the celebrating!

With years of experience, much of it alongside some of Atlanta’s best photographers, I have the skills needed to get gorgeous professional pictures of your wedding. Having photographed so many different weddings, I am able to anticipate what is going to happen next and I am ready to catch it all. I’m also adept at taking photographs in many lighting situations, from the low-lit reception to the bright sun of an outdoor ceremony.

Finally, and most importantly, I know that this day is about you and not me. I’m there to get the photos you want and to make sure that you are happy and relaxed and are enjoying your day. We will have a pre-wedding consultation when you’ll be able to tell me about your wedding party and family and tell me what photos you want so that you can relax on your big day.

Who is your ideal bride/client?

I work best with people who want plenty of candid photos as well as family portraits, but don’t want to spend their wedding day posing. Do you want to enjoy your wedding day, be relaxed and experience the excitement, without having to worry about what the photographer is doing? Then I’m the wedding photographer for you.

Who wouldn't want you to be their wedding photographer?

If you want your wedding to be an extended photo shoot, feel like you are posing for a fashion magazine, or spend the day saying cheese for the camera, we likely won't be a great fit.

Can we (and our friends and family) order prints through you?

Yes. The online gallery of your wedding has a shopping cart feature so you can purchase prints of various sizes. I recommend ordering prints through this gallery that you plan on framing, as I further individually enhance each of these images when they are ordered!

Will I get a disk of my images so that I can get my own prints?

Yes. After the wedding I pick the best photos to tell the story of your day. The number of photos you’ll receive varies, but you can expect between 50 and 100 photos per hour of coverage. I will edit these photos individually for color correction, exposure, and composition. You will get a disk of these images with limited copyright ownership, so you can print photos for yourself, your friends and your family. The photos do not have a watermark and are printable up to 8x12.

Do you offer Wedding Albums?

Yes. I offer a beautiful, professionally designed wedding album that will last you a lifetime. I believe you have to see these albums to fully appreciate them, so I will bring a few along to show you when we meet to discuss your wedding. These albums are above and beyond any book or album you could get printed from a lab that caters to the public. The album company I use works exclusively with professional photographers. Each page of your wedding album is printed on photographic paper and mounted to thick strong pages with damage resistant rounded corners. There are plenty of cover options available so that your wedding album will match your personal preferences and style. The albums are designed by a professional designer. You get to view the proof, make changes, and give the final ok before anything goes to print. See here for an example.

Do you take any of the photographs in black and white?

Because I’m shooting in digital, all of my photos are taken in color. I then make a black and white copy of all of the final photos. That way you get both options for every picture.

What kind of equipment do you use?

I carry all professional Canon digital equipment. I primarily use my Canon 5D Mark II and prime lenses or zooms with a fixed 2.8 aperture. I have professional lighting equipment to use for the formal photographs when needed. I do carry backups for all of my equipment.

How long does it take before we get our wedding photos?

In less than two weeks you’ll see a sneak peek slide show of my favorite photos of the day. In eight to ten weeks you will see all of your wedding images in an online gallery. A week or so later you will receive the proof book (when applicable) and the disk of your images.

It sounds like you have a lot of great experience. What are some of the venues you've photographed?

Your packages have everything we want. But, it also seems expensive. Are we going to be able to afford all this?

The real question is, can you afford not to hire me? I know how much time and energy you've invested in this day - the dress, the flowers, the food - and I know you want to have it all captured in gorgeous photos that you will treasure forever. Don't make a decision based only on my prices without talking to me first. You might be surprised just how much you can get when we work together to fit your budget.

My cousin/uncle/friend takes great photos and they have offered to photograph my wedding for free. Why should I hire a professional photographer?

First I must say this. Since I became a wedding photographer I’ve heard way too many stories from folks who truly regret not having hired a professional photographer for their wedding. This breaks my heart, as it is something that just can’t be redone. The old saying is true… After the wedding the flowers die, the food is eaten, memories fade and the guests are gone, the photographs remain!

Photographing a wedding is an entirely different skill than taking photos on vacation. Quality wedding photography requires experience and preparation in addition to technical photography know-how. Knowing what to expect, anticipating what is about to happen, and general knowledge of the flow of a wedding day is very beneficial when photographing a wedding. I’m not a substitute for a wedding coordinator, but I can follow a timeline, help keep things running smoothly and keep you on track. Experience and the best professional equipment (with spares) are essential to take good quality photographs in the low light common during ceremonies and receptions. Besides, don’t you want your cousin/uncle/friend to be a guest and to enjoy your special day with you instead of working?

Another thing that many folks don’t realize is that a bulk of my work comes after the wedding is over. I offer professional albums and products that consumers do not have access to. Additionally, I have an expertise in editing that few part timers or hobbyists achieve. I spend many hours culling and editing after the wedding, making sure all of your photos are “picture perfect!”

Why do you include an engagement session in all of your packages?

Engagement sessions give you the chance to get comfortable with me taking your picture. If your wedding is the first time you’ve hired a professional photographer, you may not know what to expect. By doing an engagement session together, you can be totally relaxed on your wedding day, since you already know how much fun I am to work with!

Another great reason to have an engagement session is the personal photo guest books I can create. You can see a sample of these here. These Beautiful books have photos of you and blank pages for the guests to sign. Some couples like to frame an 8x10 or 11x14 photograph from their engagement session with a large white matt to have guests sign in lieu of a guest book.

Do you have a studio?

The world is my studio! I do all of my work on location. Not having a studio fits my style of photography, and also allows me to keep my overhead and prices low.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. I have all the necessary insurance policies for a professional photographer - and luckily have never had to use them.

Do you take more than one wedding per day?

Never. Once you've booked me for your wedding day I write in my calendar that this day is reserved exclusively for you.

I live in "Anywhere, USA" but you work out of Atlanta and Athens, can you still shoot my wedding?

Yes. I am based in Athens with Atlanta as part of my home territory. I also travel outside the area upon request. I have photographed weddings as close as North Carolina and as far away as Oregon.

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

Yes. My former brides are also some of my biggest fans! You can see some of the wonderful things they've said about me on my Kind Words page. I'm happy to give you a few phone numbers if you'd like to talk to them.

You are exactly who we've been looking for. What do I do next?

You can call me at 706-850-1888 or 404-310-1577 or send an email at cg@courtneygoldman.com to request a contract or set up a time to meet.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you and capturing your life's real moments.