How do you identify your primary photographic style?
My style incorporates many aspects of photography including fashion, portrait, documentary, reportage, and candid (captured in an unobtrusive and spontaneous manner) executed in an artistic fashion with a contemporary flair.Please describe any special techniques you offer in post production.
Each image is assessed on an individual basis, and then technically and artistically enhanced to produce an impeccable final result. However, as a professional you have to start with a fantastic image from the outset.Which lighting situations do you have experience with?
The essence behind all photography is light; seeing it and knowing how to use it in any situation is imperative. Lighting is my expertise. My photographic experience covers every imaginable lighting condition presented.Do you have a media preference?
I choose to work in a digital media format because I have complete control over the entire process from camera through post production both technically and creatively. However, if a client prefers the film medium, we do have the ability to shoot in that realm.How many photographers do you work with?
I always have at least two photographers at every event. I work with one other photographer who captures the behind the scenes images during a wedding. It’s great to have more than one perspective. I also have access to other photographers should I need more coverage.Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
Yes. I am a stickler for quality and it is of paramount importance for me to say "I am the one you will be working with.”Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one wedding in a day?
I typically shoot just one wedding per weekend. One event per week enables me to provide the personal attention and service that every bride deserves and my clients expect.Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
In my entire career that has never happened. When I am booked for a wedding or other event I show up...period. There is no alternative. If I have a shoot scheduled for another genre, corporate portraiture, casual portraits where I can reschedule due to illness and it will not compromise a client deadline then I will ask the client if it is okay. If it is great and if not I will be there as planned.What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
Four cameras, a series of lenses and lighting equipment, tripods, a 3 step ladder, reflectors and other equipment as the particular assignment requires. I have a full studio which is portable and available for any assignment.Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Always....you are not a professional in my opinion if you do not.Do you charge hourly or full day?
For all assignments outside of social functions I do work on an hourly, Time & Talent plus expenses, basis. For social functions the charges are based on a finished album for the bride. However, custom pricing can be designed in order to meet the demands of our clients. It is all about flexibility.If hourly, are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?
We have overtime charges after 9 hours and we NEVER leave a wedding before it is over and the last guest is gone!! This is unusual in the wedding photography industry. I have found that so much happens after the cake series when most photographers pack up. I do not want to miss the opportunity to capture images our brides will enjoy.Do you require a meal break? If yes, do you require that the wedding party provide your meal?
We do require a like meal to the guests at a wedding as per our agreement. After all we spend an average of 12 hours caring for our clients’ and sharing in their wedding day.How many breaks do you usually take throughout the day?
We have two photographers on site at every wedding. When one takes a break the other is always present. There typically is no break until the reception.Do you charge for travel?
In this economy with travel expenses so high, we do have a travel charge, which varies dependent upon the distance.How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
We are among the quickest in this area. Typically, the custom website I build for the client to view their digital proofs, will be ready within 72 hours.In what format are the initial proofs offered?
The proofs are available in a digital format, and can be seen in their custom web site that is accessed through a private link.Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
I retain the copyright to all images. If the client chooses to purchase the image files (camera raw files then they have unlimited usage and/or joint copyright to their images.Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Yes I do, and in the event a particular client requests that their images not be published, then their request will be honored.Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the couple?
They are always available for purchase, on a sliding scale, based on the total amount spent on their wedding photography. To date all the couples I have worked with have received their negatives and/or digital files.Will images be available for viewing on an online gallery?
Yes, a custom website is made for each bride. It is NOT an e-commerce driven sales tool but a custom designed website for viewing and enjoying the images.What kind of albums do you offer?
Coffee Table Book Designs are the standard. However, we can produce any type of album from any company around the world.When will I get the final book?
Once the design process begins, they typically receive their book within 7-8 weeks I have had brides’ receive their finished album as early as 5 months after the wedding. It depends on when the image selection is completed.Other Important Information
The most ignored question by most brides is..."What kind of files do you shoot with digitally?" This is something I share with every client. There are two types of files a photographer can use... (1) Camera Raw and (2) JPEGs. We use exclusively camera raw files because they retain 100% of the data when the image is taken. This will result in a superior end product whether it be for print or the Internet. JPEG files compress when the image is taken and discards/condenses a percentage of the information. This is not acceptable to me. I want the best for my clients, and as a professional, I feel it is imperative to always shoot in camera raw. Although it requires more work it results in a superior product.The next question is what kind of camera do you use? I use Professional top level Canon Camera Systems: the Mark III D & Ds and Mark II D's series. Anything less would not capture a file that meets my standards of excellence that are expected from a professional.
Tips and Advice
The most important tip for any bride is to choose a photographer that meets the following three criteria. 1. There must be a solid rapport between the photographer and client so that you are able to communicate and enjoy each other throughout the entire experience. Make sure you spend plenty of time communicating with the ACTUAL photographer so that you are secure and comfortable. 2. The style of work that the photographer produces must gel with your vision in every way. DO NOT SETTLE. 3. The pricing should fall within or close to your budget so that it does not cause an unnecessary burden on you.