What are the advantages of hiring a professional?

A professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality or, individually processes and prints enlargements at his or her studio to professional standards, using high quality professional printers.  And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer's fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding.  Don't waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who won't produce results you love!

What is your start time for wedding day photography?

Our basic start time for wedding days is at least one hour before the ceremony.  This allows us time for equipment setup, assessment of the location for our shooting strategy, and taking a few shots of the bride, groom, and other wedding party members, etc., before the ceremony.  

In some cases, we start an hour and a half or more before the ceremony, depending on the wedding couple's needs.  Earlier starts are advisable when the bride and groom want to have more formal photos done before (rather than after) the ceremony.  Sometimes, the bride and groom wish to have a portion (sometimes, even all) of the formal photos out of the way before the ceremony so that there is little or no interruption between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception.  In those cases, we will adjust our start time appropriately in order to have a good comfort zone (time-wise) to get all of the desired photos within the time allowed before the ceremony.  

Please note that formals taken before the ceremony are the exception rather than the rule.  Most couples still want to do the majority of the posed formals after the ceremony (especially those including both the bride and groom).  Thus, when it is determined that the majority of the formal photos are to be taken after the ceremony, our photography start time of one hour before the ceremony is appropriate.  

What shooting style do you use for weddings?

 Photojournalism

We use a combination shooting style, mixing a candid photo approach (occasionally referred to as a photojournalistic style) with the more traditional posed formal photographs. 

Candid

Much of the style that I use is determined by the agreement that we reach with the bride and groom concerning the type of shots that they want us to use to tell the story of their wedding.  I generally adjust my shooting style to some degree based on what the bride and groom want from us.  With our pre-wedding consultation, we are able to determine what the desires of the bride and groom are in order to capture their wedding as they wish.  In order to capture the truly candid moments, an additional photographer from our company may be necessary.  We will be happy to discuss this in your pre-wedding consultation.

Formal

How many photos do you take during a typical wedding day?

Normally around 125 per hour, 1000 images is a go average on a typical wedding.  One could shoot 4000 but I put some thought in each image before it's shot.

The nature and number of candid photographs and formal photographs are based on the desires of the bride, groom, and family, as well as the photo package agreed upon.  Certain critical moments are captured using more than one photo (for instance, a posed formal photo of the bride and groom following the ceremony, or a large, posed family group shot).  For these situations, I might take two or three photos the same group of people in the same position.  This helps to ensure that the best possible photo (especially in an important posed shot) is available for the final wedding album.  For instance, if someone blinks during one of the posed formals, there is always a backup shot to deliver in its place.  For candids, it is generally a one-time, one-shot photo;  take the shot, and move on to the next shot or event.  However, if the situation warrants it, I may take several shots of a given "candid" scene.  

We feel that our shooting style leads to very thorough overall coverage of the events of the wedding day and the resulting photos tell a very good story of the wedding day events

Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Is that reasonable?

Yes. If the photographer is trying to work quickly through a series of formal pictures, a snap-shooter might slow the process. A problem arises when there are several cameras aimed at a formal group - the subjects will be looking at different lenses. The diverted attention will ruin the professional's picture. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device ("slave") on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures [that you are paying for] and wasting battery power. There are many other reasons why a professional might ask others to refrain from picture taking during formals. On the other hand, many guests find snapping a few pictures a pleasant part of attending weddings so it should not be a big deal for your professional to be relaxed and let people snap away when formals are over.  Ideally, guests should show respect for the bridal party and photographer and put down their cameras during the formal photos

I want to make copies of my photos.  Does my photographer really own the copyright of his/her pictures?  Do I still have to pay the photographer if I make the copies myself at a copy shop?

 According to federal law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer.  If you copy or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints.  If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints.  If you don't feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay.  When I really appreciate something I purchase, like a fabulous meal, an antique, a good pair of shoes, or even medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality. Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for job well done.

In most cases I do provide you with a copy of the original images to print, copy email, make slide shows with etc.  But, for quality prints, I strongly urge you to to order them from me.  You will not be paying just for the print, but for that image to be taken to the digital darkroom where the color, contrast, exposure, sharpening are done to professional standards.  If the print has my name on it, it does not leave my studio until it is perfect.

At the reception, are the bride and groom expected to make arrangements to feed the photographer and assistant along with the other guests?

No, this is not an expectation.  If we are invited to join the guests for a meal, we usually accept, but we do not expect for the bride and groom to be obligated to include us as part of the guest list. 

Are you willing to shoot portraits of small family groups as a part of your wedding-day photography?

Yes, we are happy to photograph small family groups as long as the bride and groom wish us to do this. 

I don't want any posed pictures at my wedding - okay?

What if your parents want a nice picture to send out? What if your favorite aunt is a bit shy and would not prefer to be photographed?  Do you want her excluded from your images?  Posed photographs provide an opportunity for all family members and members of the wedding party to be included.

My posed pictures are created by finding a suitable location (easy access, good lighting, good background) and then allowing (coaching?) the couple to be themselves - playful, loving, romantic, goofy - while I capture a variety of angles and compositions. As we continue, my directions and tone-of-voice help the subjects both show more emotions and look better

What types of photographs do you take and what moments do you capture?

During a typical wedding day, we usually take a combination of the following types of photos.  But, please remember that this list is somewhat generic, and that each wedding will have its own flavor and character, which could call for photos that may not be included below.  Additionally, in any given wedding situation, there might not be time to take all of the photos listed below (again, because each wedding represents a unique series of events that we do our best to capture).  However, this list is a pretty good starting point in understanding the types of photos that we try to incorporate into our wedding photography.  Additionally, we are always open to special requested photos by the bride, groom and family.  

And of course, we always capture singing Maids!

Photos Before the Ceremony

• A few formally or informally posed photos of the bride and groom preparing or waiting for the ceremony to begin (for instance, dressing room shots of the bride alone, bride with mom, bride with dad, bride with maid of honor, bride with bridesmaids, groom alone, groom with mom and dad, groom with best man and groomsmen, etc.)
• A few candid shots of the bride and groom preparing or waiting for the ceremony (for instance, bride putting final touches on make-up or hair, mom helping adjust wedding veil, groomsmen getting boutonnieres, etc.)
• Photos of bride and/or groom with significant other family members or friends in attendance (for instance, brothers or sisters)
• Guests signing in or other guest arrival shots (usually only a handful of representative shots)
• Exterior and interior of the gardens or wedding location (at least one or two photos for the memory of where the ceremony took place)

Photos During the Ceremony

• Parents and other honored guests being escorted to seats
• Entrance of minister (or other officiant), groom, and groomsmen
• Minister, groom, and groomsmen waiting at altar
• Entrance of bridesmaids (escorted or unescorted)
• Entrance of flower girl and ring bearer
• Entrance of bride and father (or other escort)
• Father giving away bride
• Various shots during the ceremony from the best available vantage point
  • Telephoto close-ups of bride, groom, and officiant at altar
  • Wide-angle shots of entire wedding party at altar
  • Special moments (such as bride and groom facing one another, lighting of unity candle, vows, ring exchange, kiss, presentation of bride and groom to the guests as new husband and wife)
  • The recessional (bride and groom walking back down aisle, groomsmen escorting bridesmaids down the aisle)

Formal Photos before or after the ceremony.  (Formal Photos are usually after, but sometimes before, the ceremony)  

Various combinations and numbers of the following photographs are typical.  (For more information, please see Notes on Formal Photos at the end of this list.)

• Bride (several shots)
• Groom (several shots)
• Bride and groom (several shots)
• Bride, groom and minister (or other officiant)
• Bride with maid of honor
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Bride with flower girl
• Groom with best man
• Groom with groomsmen
• Groom with ring bearer
• Bride and groom with bridesmaids
• Bride and groom with groomsmen
• Bride and groom with maid of honor and best man
• Bride and groom with flower girl/ring bearer
• Bride and groom with entire wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers)
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents
• Bride and groom with bride’s extended family (grandparents, sisters and brothers, other special family members - various combinations are usually desired)
• Bride and groom with groom’s extended family (grandparents, sisters and brothers, other special family members - various combinations are usually desired)
• Bride and groom with any special friends/guests in attendance

Photos at the Reception

• Entrance of bride and groom
• Bride and groom being served or in buffet line
• Bride and groom at wedding party table
• Bride and groom during toasts (and those giving toasts)
• Bride and groom cutting the wedding cake
• Bride and groom feeding each other wedding cake
• Bride and groom first dance
• Other special dance moments (father/daughter, mother/son, etc.)
• Bouquet toss
• Garter removal/toss
• Bride and groom's hands/rings (ring shot)
• Bride's bouquet
• Parents and special guests at parent’s table (and other "table" shots, as appropriate, and as desired by the bride and groom)
• The gift table and guest book sign-in table
• The wedding cakes (close-ups of each cake)
• Special decorative arrangements (florals, ice sculptures, etc.)
• Musicians and/or singers
• Candids of bride, groom, and family members/friends
• Candids of various guests, (as appropriate and as desired by the bride and groom)
• Bride and groom's exit

Notes on Formal Photos:  

Formal posed photos usually include various combinations of the bride, groom, wedding party members, and immediate family members. Posed formals may even include extended family members and close friends.  

Posed formals may be taken either just before or just after the ceremony. Normally, they are taken immediately after the ceremony. Sometimes, however (to save time), the bride, groom and family will decide to do these photos before the ceremony (usually at least 1 to 1½ hours before the ceremony).  

How much time should be allowed for formal photos? A quick set of formal photos may be taken in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. An extended session may last from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Of course, it depends on the size of the wedding party and the number of family members and friends that it may be desired to include as part of the formal photo session. We try to keep formal photo sessions under 30 minutes in order to minimize the time in getting the family and wedding party to the reception.  

It is always a good idea for the bride and groom to make a specific list of all of the family members (or family groups) of whom they'd like to have photos taken.  This assists not only the photographer, but also helps the family sort out exactly what their formal photography needs will be.  Such a list also helps to speed up the process of taking the formal photos, so that there is less time taken in making last-minute decisions on whom to include in those photos.