Wedding Photography: FAQ's
How would you describe your style?
I'm a documenter. I do very little directing while I shoot. Rather, I prefer to stand back, observe and document what is happening around me -- capturing candid, unexpected moments. I work hard to be unobtrusive and to put people at ease--then I take pictures.
How am I different than other wedding photographers?
Shooting weddings in a photojournalistic style is different that shooting is as a photojournalist. For over 10 years I've worked as a newspaper photojournalist and I have a passion and an eye for moment driven photography. My job at the newspaper is to tell stories every day, and when I'm photographing a wedding, I take the same approach. I tell the story of your wedding through pictures.
Does the client own the photographs?
Yes, absolutely. Very few photographers give the images to their wedding clients -- opting instead to make the bulk of their profit selling the reprints and enlargements at markups of up to 200%. I believe that my clients should keep the digital files. This gives my clients the flexibility to order reprints and enlargements on their own at any time and from any photo printing company, including those that offer substantial discounts. The client also retains rights to the photos, meaning you own them completely. I do reserve the right to use images for advertising purposes.
But more importantly to me, I feel that since I am not relying on income from the reprints I'm given more artistic freedom to photograph a wider variety of subjects.
Do you shoot digitally or with film? With what equipment?
I prefer to photograph digitally with Nikon's newest professional digital camera systems, creating files more than 10 megapixels in size, large enough poster-size color or black and white prints. Digital offers higher quality images and better lowlight performance than 35mm film for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, I'm able to keep an identical back up of the client's wedding images for one year in case the client's images are lost or damaged
Do you make contact sheets?
Yes. Included in all pricing packages is a spiral bound collection of contact sheets of every photograph taken. Contact sheets are 8.5x11 and are printed with corresponding file names. This allows couples to page through all their pictures, easily identifying their favorites. The filenames below each photo will correspond to the DVD’s, making it easy to walk into any photo lab and request prints from your pictures. I also include the digital contact sheets files in case clients would like to print addition contact sheet books.
How do I make prints of my wedding photos?
Target, Wal-Mart, any neighborhood photo lab, and online companies like Shutterfly and Google’s WebAlbums are examples of places to have photographs printed. These companies and others make digital prints on the same archival, silver-based paper that film is printed on--they'll last forever. Or you can make prints from your home computer system. Or make a website. Or a wedding book. Or whatever inspires you.
I often recommend uploading the entirety of your wedding photos to Google’s WebAlbums site, a free service. From there you can ‘share’ the collection with as many people as you like, and they can view and print them on their own or, with your permission, even download the original files. Clients have told me this saves the vast amounts of time and confusion it would take to print and send photos to your wedding guests.
Do you photograph in color or black & white?
I shoot everything in color. I sometimes find clients are unaware that color files can be converted to create beautiful black and white or sepia toned prints. Shooting everything in color enables clients to have the flexibility to choose black & white photos later.
Do you use flash?
I prefer to use as little flash photography or artificial light as possible. Shooting with available light allows me create photos that better represent the reality of your wedding. I'm also able to be less obtrusive, making it easier to capture candid moments. That said, I always come prepared with flash for dark dance floors, group photos, or other situations where it can enhance images.
Do you work with an assistant?
No.
Do you work with the bride to create the photos she wants?
Absolutely. It's all about the bride! I understand each couple has different needs and I will work to accommodate them. Whether that means shooting more posed photographs before the ceremony, concentrating on candids, or making sure to get lots of photos of the $500 cake, I am happy to take direction from brides (and grooms!) to create a wedding portfolio that best captures the day.
Do you shoot weddings full-time or do you have another job?
Another job. I work as a staff photographer for the Pioneer Press in St. Paul, Minnesota, and photograph a limited number of weddings each year. At the Pioneer Press I shoot sports assignments like the Vikings and Twins, political stories, portraits, documentary projects, breaking news, etc. And lately I have been shooting HD video for www.twincities.com. Recently I published a book compiling a photo column that appeared in the Pioneer Press called Ant Farm. I also freelance for a number of clients, including the New York Times and Washington Post.
Do you take formal portraits as well as candid photographs?
Yes , I always set aside time to do formal portraits. While formal portraits sometimes may not feel as important to the bride and groom, you can be sure moms, dads and grandparents see them as a matter of life and death. Group portraits can be a lot of fun, but they can also be stressful without the right planning. Time needed varies depending on the number of people involved and the location, but I advise planning no less than 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony. Also, portraits tend to run more smoothly when the couple e-mails a list of specific arrangements (Bride with family, Bride with bridesmaids, Groom with parents, etc).
How long do you stay?
Contracts are for eight hours. However, I realize weddings have a tendency to run late, and as long as that doesn't mean lots of extra hours for a really tired photographer, I will stick around until all the best photos are made.
Will you make my wedding album?
No! I’m not creative that way. And I’ve found that the majority of my clients prefer to create their own albums and save the cost. Since clients own all of the images from their wedding day, they can assemble wedding albums at their leisure.
Do you charge for travel or mileage?
Twin Cities area travel is included in pricing. I charge $100 per hour travel beyond the metro area. I'm happy to shoot on-location weddings. Or perhaps a weekend wedding in the Bahamas in mid- January... I've photographed weddings in New Orleans, the east coast and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Please get married in Puerto Vallarta, ok?
What if I need help printing pictures?
No problem. Clients are welcome (and encouraged) to call or e-mail me with post-wedding questions. I'm happy to recommend photo labs that print contact sheets, proofs, and that offer other services to make choosing, printing, and framing your favorite photos simpler.
Do you have references?
Yes! Upon request I'm happy to provide you with a contact list of many couples that have hired me. Also, see the section on my website, “nice things people said about me.”
What if we want to meet you first and make sure you're not a slime ball who will ruin my wedding?
I’m eager to meet with couples to dissipate slime-ball fears. I realize there are many choices for wedding photography and I encourage couples to find the photographer they feel most comfortable with. Setting up a meeting also allows me to show more work, discuss pricing options, and learn more about you and your expectations.
How do I hire you?
-I’ll send you a contract to sign.
-You send me a $500 deposit with the contract.
-I’ll lock in your wedding date.
-You check off “hire a photographer” and continue working on all the other gazillion wedding planning things.
-We’ll be in touch a couple weeks before your wedding to discuss details.
How can I contact you?
Call or e-mail anytime:
612.554.5450