Learn more about working with me!

Hi, I’m Averie, an Australian photographer & videographer based in Jersey City. I specialize in capturing the magic of weddings in NYC, Brooklyn, Jersey, and beyond. Whether it’s a local celebration or a destination adventure, I’m there to document life’s greatest moments.

I love shooting weddings because each one is a new adventure with unique backdrops and faces. The friendships that form between my clients and me are a true blessing, allowing me to capture their growing families and milestones long after the wedding day.

With over 15 years of experience in fashion, advertising, film, fine art, and music, I bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every shoot. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photomedia from UNSW in Sydney and have called Jersey City home since 2016. Besides photography, I express my creativity through painting, ceramics, dressmaking, and quilting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you based, and will you travel?

I live in Jersey City and love to travel, especially for destination weddings. Travel by car is 1.75c per mile, and we offer special packages for destination weddings. Traveling allows me to explore new locations and create unique and memorable images for each couple.

How would you describe your style?

My style is romantic, fun, colorful, and emotive. I focus on real moments with a documentary approach, avoiding cheesy poses and emphasizing genuine emotions and actions. With over 10 years of experience, I guide your attention away from the camera and back to each other, creating magic. This approach ensures that your photos are authentic and filled with life.

Do we need a second photographer?

With over 10 years and 500 weddings of experience, I find I work best on my own. For getting ready purposes, I can start with the groom and then head over to the bride. I’m happy to offer a second shooter if, for religious or cultural reasons, there are multiple events or ceremonies happening concurrently that require coverage in two different locations. My clients trust me to do the best job possible, and I believe this approach works best for my couples and me. I have found that photographers with less experience rely heavily on second shooters, or in general, encourage second shooters as an upsell. If you have any questions about this, please let me know, as I’m happy to discuss in length my process and reasoning.

What's the best time of day for photos?

Anytime after 4 pm is ideal. Midday (11 am2 pm) can be challenging due to harsh sunlight. The golden hour, the last 45 minutes before sunset, provides beautiful light for portraits. This timing helps in capturing soft, warm tones that enhance the overall look and feel of the photos, making them more romantic and visually appealing.

Do you only offer digital photography?

No, I’m a hybrid shooter, so I offer both digital and film. I primarily shot on film during my 20s and now shoot a mix of both film and digital. I love to process my own film at home. There’s something special about the raw grittiness of film photography.

What gear do you use?

I use Canon R series cameras with RF 50mm 1.2, 1535mm, and 70200 1.2f lenses. Additionally, I shoot with a Mamiya 6, Canon EOS 3, and a handful of pointandshoot film cameras that are perfect for the dance floor. For video, I use Panasonic Lumix G5s and a DJI Mavic Pro Drone. Additional time is needed to set up and fly the drone. This equipment allows me to capture highquality images and videos, ensuring that your wedding day is documented in the best possible way.

Can I have all of the raw unedited photos you took at our wedding?

No. Raw files are large, unedited, and require special software. You’ll receive all highquality edited images that reflect my style and standard. Raw files are essentially the digital negatives, which are then edited to bring out the best in each image. Providing only the edited photos ensures that you receive a polished and cohesive collection of images.

What is a first look, and should we do one?

A first look is an intimate moment before the ceremony, calming nerves and allowing you to enjoy your cocktail hour. It’s a beautiful, emotional set of portraits and doesn’t diminish the impact of walking down the aisle. This private moment between you and your partner can be incredibly special and allows for some beautiful candid shots.

Tell me more about the editing process.

I edit all images using Lightroom, adjusting temperature, tint, exposure, highlights, shadows, and colors for optimal quality. Each photo is carefully edited to ensure it looks its best, with a consistent style that matches the overall feel of your wedding day. This process takes time but is crucial for delivering a professional final product.

Can I choose the music for my film?

Yes, you can choose the music for your wedding film. The right music can set the tone and enhance the emotional impact of your wedding video, making it a truly personal and memorable keepsake.

Can we reschedule our wedding date due to COVID without fees?

Yes, you can reschedule without any fees. Once you confirm a new date with your vendors, I’ll send a new contract. Flexibility during these times is important, and I aim to make the process as stressfree as possible for my clients.

What time is best for our ceremony?

In summer, 5 pm is great; in winter, around 3 pm. This allows time for portraits before the light fades. If necessary, plan a first look to capture portraits in daylight. Timing your ceremony to take advantage of natural light can greatly enhance the quality of your photos.

Can you offer any advice on scheduling our wedding day?

I recommend splurging on a beautiful Airbnb for gettingready shots, keeping your space tidy, and planning for a first look. For detailed timeline advice, check the timeline page on my website. A wellplanned schedule helps ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you have enough time for all the important moments.

What if it rains on our wedding day?

I recommend purchasing clear umbrellas for rainy portraits. We can also shoot some portraits indoors. Rain can add a unique and romantic element to your photos, and with a bit of preparation, we can still capture beautiful images.

Why should we get an album?

An album is an heirloom, a tangible record of your family history. While digital images can be lost, a printed album preserves your memories for future generations. It’s a beautiful way to relive your wedding day and share it with friends and family for years to come.

What's the best time to go to the clerk's office for our elopement?

I recommend an afternoon ceremony around 23 pm for the best portrait lighting. This timing ensures that we can take advantage of the best natural light for your photos, making them more vibrant and flattering.

Are you insured and are the photos backed up?

Yes, I am fully insured and can add your venue as additionally insured if needed. I back up photos immediately after the wedding to three separate locations, including the cloud. This ensures that your photos are safe and secure, no matter what happens.

Do you scout locations ahead of time?

I prefer to arrive early on the day of the wedding to find the best locations for photos. This approach allows me to adapt to the specific conditions of the day and find the most beautiful spots for your portraits. Additionally, I utilize Google Maps and conduct extensive research on your venue before arriving. I scour the internet for past weddings held at the venue, ensuring I am completely aware and comfortable with the space, the lighting, and the best spots for photos.

We're getting married outdoors. Any suggestions for my dress?

Expect it to get dirty. Consider a dress with a shorter train or embrace the adventure of an outdoor wedding. Your dress might get a bit dirty, but it’s all part of the fun and can add to the story of your day.

How do we book you?

After discussing your wedding details, I’ll send a proposal and booking form. A 50% deposit secures your date. If you prefer to pay in full, I’m happy to offer an additional 10% discount. This initial step ensures that your date is reserved and allows us to begin planning the photography for your wedding day.

Any additional advice for our wedding day?

Choose a venue with natural light, consider a first look, and schedule portraits around the golden hour. Invest in the photographer and videographer of your dreams for lasting memories. If planning a sparkler exit, buy giant sparklers and coordinate with your DJ for a smooth event. These details can significantly impact the quality of your photos and the overall experience of your wedding day.