Deva Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who is Deva Akman as a wedding photographer?
I’m a wedding and portrait photographer who focuses on elegant, artistic imagery and a calm, supportive experience. I help couples look their best with natural direction, beautiful lighting, and a refined editorial touch.
I blend a documentary feel with guided portraits so your photos look effortless, emotional, and polished at the same time. Some say crafting bride and groom portraits is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and more like an intricate ballet, a gentle weave of light, love, and landscape.
My goal is to create photographs that feel authentic to you, beautifully composed, and timeless enough to love for generations.
2) Who is your ideal client?
I am the ideal photographer for those who find beauty in the unexpected and seek artistry in the ordinary, whether in daily life or on their wedding day. If you care about the small, quiet moments as much as the big ones and want images that feel refined, elevated, and deeply personal, then we’re a perfect match.
3) What is your style?
My wedding photography style blends the real and the refined. It’s a mix of candid, in-the-moment storytelling paired with bridal elegance and at least one striking editorial portrait session for the bride and groom.
Whether it’s an intimate NYC elopement, a sophisticated micro wedding, or a full celebration, my focus is always the same: capturing beauty in a way that feels genuine, effortless, and true to the couple.
I also bring a more emotional perspective to my work. After experiencing my own share of grief and loss over the years, I understand how meaningful these images become. Wedding photos aren’t just “pretty pictures” to me. They’re part of a family’s legacy, moments that can be held onto long after the day has passed.
Being invited into such an important chapter, to document not only a couple, but everyone they love, is something I never take lightly. Throughout the day, I guide gently, watch carefully, and make sure you look your absolute best while still feeling like yourselves, just with a little extra glow and grace.
If I had to sum it up: mix of photo-journalist and editorial and always photographed with heart.
There’s a line I love that says, “We are all stories in the end.” My role is to help you hold onto this one beautifully.
4) How do you handle posing?
I create a space where you can genuinely relax into the moment, where the light is flattering, the direction is gentle, and nothing ever feels stiff or overdone.
When you are not rushed and have room to breathe, something shifts. Your shoulders soften, your expressions become real, and the images begin to hold truth, grace, and that quiet emotion that lingers long after the day is over.
5) How much time do we need for Wedding Pictures?
Here is the Anatomy Of The Wedding Photography
Every wedding, regardless of size, includes several key photography sessions. The timing can vary depending on whether the couple chooses to do a First Look before the ceremony.
1. Getting Ready & Details – 1 to 2 Hours
Capturing wedding gifts, letters, and intimate moments adds depth to your wedding day storytelling. Hotels around Central Park are perfect for these private, emotional shots. We are happy to share our favorite locations.
2. First Look – 15 Minutes
Also called the reveal, this moment can be shared between the couple, with parents, or with close friends. A First Look allows for a private, emotional experience before the ceremony and is recommended as it creates more time for relaxed and beautiful photos.
3. Bride & Groom Portraits – 45 Minutes to 60 Minutes
These photos form the cornerstone of your wedding album and the kind you’ll proudly display on your walls. If you skip the First Look, this session takes place after the ceremony.
4. Ceremony – 15 Minutes to 2 Hours
Timing and location are key to capturing every meaningful moment of your ceremony beautifully.
5. Group Photos – 15 Minutes to 30 Minutes
A few formal and informal (fun) group shots. Choosing the right location and timing ensures the best results.
6. Reception – 1 to 6 Hours
For micro-weddings, receptions can range from a simple picnic or lunch to a full dinner celebration with grand entrances, first dances, speeches, and cake cutting.
Bottom Line:
Even for an intimate wedding, you need at least 3 hours to capture all essential moments, from getting ready to end. This ensures your wedding pictures tell the story of your day.
6) I am not photogenic! Should I still hire a professional photographer?
Yes. And let me tell you why.
Many people come to me with the same quiet worry: “But I’m not photogenic… Will I look good? Will any of this feel natural?”
I understand that feeling. Most people don’t spend their weekends posing for portraits, and even camera professionals can feel a little awkward in front of the lens. That is exactly why my entire approach is built around easing that concern.
So yes, you should absolutely hire a professional photographer. You don’t need to be photogenic. You just need the right person behind the camera.
7) Do you have wedding photography packages? What is your pricing?
Yes, I offer a range of wedding photography packages for different needs and budgets, and I can also tailor any package to fit your day perfectly.
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Smallest Wedding Package: 3 hours of coverage, starts at $1550
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Packages increase based on coverage and added services
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Let's craft your Wedding Photo Package together
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All packages are all-inclusive: digital files, prints, a wedding album, travel, parking, and additional benefits. No surprise costs.
For events outside of wedding packages:
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$400 per hour, or
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3-hour event booking for $1000
8) Do you make some black and white photos?
Yes. I create a selection of black and white images from your gallery, especially the ones that feel more cinematic, emotional, or timeless in that format. Additional conversions can be requested at any time.
9) Will I have full ownership of the photos?
Yes. Once your images are delivered and your payment is complete, you’re free to use them however you like for personal purposes.
For public/business use, credit as the photographer is kindly requested. Social media shout-outs are always appreciated and help support small businesses like mine.
10) Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes! Engagement sessions can be included in my wedding packages.
Locations can include:
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Iconic spots around NYC
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Central Park
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North Jersey with NYC skyline views
Each session is tailored to your story, creating images that are personal, romantic, and timeless.
For engagement sessions requiring travel, I provide a separate pricing option.
11) What services do you offer?
Primarily: weddings and portraits.
Occasionally:
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Vow renewals
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Birthdays
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Anniversaries
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Engagement parties
12) Do you have experience with our culture or traditions?
Yes. Since 2012, I’ve photographed:
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Church weddings
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Jewish weddings
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Muslim Nikah ceremonies
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Indian weddings
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Hare Krishna weddings
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Pagan weddings
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Secular weddings
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LGBTQ+ weddings
Every wedding is unique, and I love capturing all of them.
13) Do you work with a second photographer?
For small to midsize weddings, I typically shoot with two cameras, which allows me to cover multiple angles and use different lenses without the need for a second shooter. My husband acts as my assistant, handling logistics, equipment, and driving, and at larger venues or bigger weddings, he may also second shoot during the ceremony and reception.
14) Do you edit all your photographs?
Yes. I personally edit every photograph and carefully retouch close-up portraits.
My approach: Best available light + editorial retouching that feels polished, elegant, and never artificial.
15) How long is the turnaround time for our wedding gallery? How will the photos be delivered?
Wedding photos are typically delivered within 6–7 weeks after the wedding during the busy season, though I aim to deliver earlier whenever possible. Your gallery will be provided via a password-protected online platform, with options to download, share, and order prints.
16) Do you also provide video services?
No. I focus exclusively on photography to deliver the highest quality images. Videographer recommendations available.
17) Do you have insurance? Can you provide a COI?
Yes. Certificate of insurance available. Request at least two weeks before your wedding.
18) Do we need to feed you?
Yes, for a regular wedding day we are typically working 6 to 8 hours and won’t have time to step away for a meal. Providing a meal helps us stay energized, focused, and cheerful throughout the day. Feeding your vendors is an industry standard and a thoughtful way to keep everyone at their best while capturing your special moments.
19) What if you are sick?
I have been photographing weddings since 2012 and have never missed a wedding, even during challenging times like the pandemic. I take every wedding very seriously and bring the empathy, experience, and commitment to be there no matter what.
That said, I always plan for worst-case scenarios. If something unexpected were to occur, I have trusted connections through the Professional Photographers Association and can arrange a professional photographer of comparable skill to capture your day. If you have any concerns, please feel free to call me to discuss them personally.
20) Do I have to have a Wedding Album/Book?
No, but albums are best handled through your photographer for archival quality. Most clients delay it,and never get around to creating one otherwise. Because life gets busy, and the process of selecting images, editing them, and designing the layout is time-consuming. Including your album in your package ensures it’s done beautifully, without adding stress after your wedding.
As you research ways to create wedding albums or print your photos, you’ll notice that the most premium photo labs are either only available to wedding photography businesses or have a professional team to service photography professionals. These labs use archival-quality materials designed to last for decades, and they an experience in producing beautiful, lasting album/books.
If you want the best quality album/book, having them crafted professionally by your wedding photographer is the way to go.
21) How does the album process work?
Once all your images are edited, we pre-design your album to tell the story of your wedding day and send it to you for review. Your package typically includes a 30 to 34-page hardcover, flat-lay album with 15 to 17 spreads.
If you like to swap images, add or remove text, or include additional spreads, you let me know. You can request up to two revisions free of charge, ensuring your album perfectly reflects your day and your story.
22) How long have you been a wedding photographer? How did you become one?
I have been photographing weddings and portraits professionally since 2012.
My journey into photography actually began overseas with classic film photography during my college years. After moving to the US, I took a detour from photography and worked as a Sales & Marketing Executive for an international logistics firm. Weddings were never something I had dreamed of as a child, and yet life had other plans.
When my soon-to-be husband was offered a job in Kentucky, I faced a choice: move with him or leave the United States. With a work visa set to expire, we organized a rushed, yet romantic elopement at the historic A Story Book Inn in Versailles, KY all in just three weeks. While planning our intimate ceremony, I unexpectedly became captivated by weddings, the symbolism of forming a union, and the magic of documenting such moments.
We hired a professional photographer for our day, and while we appreciated the photos, I realized many moments and details were not fully captured. That’s when I knew I wanted to be behind the camera myself. I spent a year building my skills and confidence as an assistant to a wedding photographer, mastering DSLR techniques, and gradually launched my own business, first in Rhode Island and later back in the New York Metro area.
Today, I am the lead photographer, working alongside my husband, who is my assistant and business partner. Photography is my passion and purpose. I feel fortunate to meet extraordinary people, witness heartfelt moments, and capture slices of life that families can treasure forever. I get to express my creativity, run my own business, and turn amazing clients into even better friends.
Since 2012, I have been striving for excellence in every way, and I love every step of this journey!
23) How Do You Dress for Weddings?
Polished, neutral, professional. Black or natural tones.
I typically wear black or natural tones with a minimal silhouette. It allows me to move quietly, stay discreet during emotional moments and avoid distracting from the couple or the ceremony. I also choose fabrics and shoes that are practical for long hours of shooting, yet still elegant enough to match the atmosphere of a wedding.
Think of it as “guest appropriate, photographer functional” , comfortable and fully prepared for anything the day brings.
24) Are you available on my wedding date? How do I book?
Please send me a message through my contact link and I’ll check my availability as quickly as possible. Once we know the date works, we’ll have a friendly phone chat about your wedding plans, timeline, and the package that suits you best.
If you’re ready to move forward, I’ll send the contract and once the retainer is paid, your date is officially reserved. After that, I’ll share my Deva Photography Questionnaire so I can get to know you and your fiancé better and start crafting a wedding experience that feels truly yours.
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