Looking for a wedding photographer is often times a monumental task. There are simply too many photographers out there to choose from and far too many variables to worry about! How in the world do you choose one? What kind of questions should you ask? What kind of information do you need in order to make an informed decision? Trust me. I know how it feels. I went through the same thing when I got married!
I have put together this F.A.Q. page in an attempt to answer some of the questions you may have. These are basic questions you should ask any wedding photographer you are considering.
Yes. I am the owner and primary photographer. You are dealing directly with me, and only me! I will be there every step of the way! For packages that come with a second photographer, I have a list of photographers that I trust and have worked with in the past that I choose from.
I like to take a photojournalistic approach to my wedding photography. I know that's pretty cliche these days, but it does allow me to stay out of the way, most of the time that is, and capture unstaged, unrehearsed, genuine moments of the wedding day.
I use professional Nikon cameras, lenses, and flashes. I also have an assortment of lighting equipment such as light stands, modifiers, reflectors, etc. I also carry backups at all times so rest assured you are getting the best!
Absolutely! I welcome it. Let me know what ideas you have in mind and we will work it all out!
While my packages state 8 to 10 hours of shooting time, that's just a typical day. I don't start a timer when I begin shooting for the day and I certainly don't work like I am on the clock! No, I don't have any time limits provided that it's within reason. That said, you won't see me burning through the night until the wee hours of the morning, but I'll do my best to be there for the key moments of the reception. I often times find myself staying until very late at the reception anyways just to make sure I don't miss anything interesting. Generally speaking though, I usually begin to pack things up and leave after all the major parts of the reception is done including the cake cutting and bouquet toss.
Each wedding is unique, so it's difficult to answer this question with any kind of certainty. I would say I shoot on average around 1000 to 1500 images per wedding. I usually deliver anywhere from 200 to 500 images to the client.
I process all of my images regardless of the package selected. This includes color correction, general enhancements, touch-ups, black and white or sepia conversion, and much more.
I usually am able to get some "teaser" shots up online in 2 to 3 days. Proofs are usually available online in 2 to 3 weeks with CD/DVD to follow. An album takes longer because it needs to be custom designed and ordered which usually takes a while.
With the exception of the Shooting Only Package, a CD/DVD of high resolution images is included. I also include smaller versions of the images which are convenient to use on Facebook and other social networking websites. You are allowed to use these images strictly for personal use. For instance for printing or posting on your Facebook page, etc.
Since everyone has a camera these days, whether it be an actual camera or a cell phone, there's no point in trying to control what can't be controlled! I just ask that on formals and group shots, that no other photographer is around my immediate vicinity since people tend to get confused where to look and their eyes tend to shift and aren't looking at my camera!
No! I dress for the occasion. This means at the minimum, dress pants, button down shirt, and dress shoes. The same goes for the second photographer I bring with me. No worries there!
Yes!!! Shooting weddings is no easy task. It's literally a whole day assignment involving getting into all sorts of weird shooting positions, sweating a lot, not to mention the aches and pains felt throughout the day! You wouldn't want the poor photographer to work on a empty stomach, now would you?! I expect me and any contracted secondary photographer to be fed at the reception, usually in a separate room or somewhere to the side of the main area. So yes, wine and dine us with some Dom Perignon and Filet Mignon! ;)
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!