FAQ
What is "photojournalistic style"?
Most anyone with a camera has taken a pleasing "candid" photograph. "Photojournalistic style" is an elevated form of candid photography in which a story is told by artfully capturing emotions and details in a non-posed moment. This is an important element of your Wedding photography. Many aspects of your Wedding ceremony and much of your reception are all "candid" and naturally lend themselves to a photojournalistic approach such as cutting the cake, bouquet toss, dancing shots, Best Man's toast, etc. Some photographers are definitely better than others at photojournalism.
As your photographer I offer you a well-rounded blend of creative formal portraiture and photojournalism strive to capture your expressions and the day. Don't be disappointment by having hired a "photojournalistic style" photographer and winding up with a lot of candids that look like ordinary snap-shots anyone could have taken and not a single decent portrait of the bride and groom alone together. I will gladly lean one way or the other depending upon your wishes.
Do you bring an assistant?
I do not normally have one; I am able to capture all the images myself. But if you would like a second photographer an additional fee of $500 applies.
What should I be looking for in a Wedding Photographer's work?
Artistry! Someone who'd like to be your Wedding Photographer seem nice enough, but "the proof is in the pudding." Good Wedding Photography evokes a positive emotion from you and your family. It should also be interesting and good in form.
When studying a sample portrait, does it look stiff, contrived or unbelievable? How do you feel about the pose? Are a poses and the photographer's lighting choice flattering to the subject(s)? Are there elements of a photograph that distract you from the subject? In an outdoor photo, could a branch, which appears to be growing out of someone's head, have been avoided? What are people doing with their hands - is the groom helping his bride? In-group shots are relationships apparent, or are fake-smiling people posed. In the field of Wedding Photography you'll find all manner of workmanship at all levels of pricing. Put on your critic cap and surf photographers' websites. There is wonderful work to be seen, composed by truly caring, talented professionals who might rightly be called "Artists".
Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Why?
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 in different directions. The diverted attention will ruin the professional's picture that you are paying for. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures. 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.
Are the negatives from my Wedding available and for how much will I pay?
All digital negatives from your Wedding Day are now available six months after the wedding. Ask for my current rate. This is due to the fact most couples that contact me are interested in creating their own reprints and albums. Your Digital negatives will be the largest size, at 300dpi/ resolution as JPEG files on CD or DVD.
A photographer I spoke with suggested that to minimize the time my guests need to wait for me to arrive at my reception, I should consider having all my formal Wedding Party and Family shots done prior to my Wedding ceremony. This would mean I'd see my fiancé before our ceremony, and I don't want that.
You don't have too. All your life, you've imagined your Wedding Day. You know how you want your day to be before you ever spoke with anyone about planning it. Your Wedding Day is about your convenience, and what you've always wanted.
One photographer I spoke with boasted about his/her memberships to photography associations. Does a photographer's membership to such a thing really make a difference for my Wedding?
All an "association" requires is a name and credit card number to acquire membership. Meet with the photographer, observe the persons work and make your choice based on your impression and their work.
