• Wedding FAQs
  
  
• Portrait FAQs

Wedding Photography

Q: What type of photography do you do?

Wedding photographers used to be defined by two categories: Traditional or Photojournalistic. However, those definitions have become little more than marketing buzzwords, holding little real meaning for photographers or their clients. Rather than limiting my self to a specific label, I prefer to describe what I do, and that is I document your wedding day. As a photographer I am primarily an observer. I'm there to photograph what happens, rather than direct the action. I focus on capturing events and moments from the normal course of the day, emphasizing action and reaction, emotion, and ambiance and detail.

Q: Do you still take posed family photographs and photos of the couple?

Absolutely! Posed family photographs are a must, especially when friends and family gather together. And it’s extremely important that you have photos of you as a couple on your wedding day. I am committed to taking the time to make sure you get these important images! The difference is that I believe these photographs should account for about 15% to 20% of the total coverage. Generally you want to plan on about 5 minutes per grouping. Except for couples with very large families, most limit the time for these shots to between 30 and 60 minutes. I prefer casual fun groupings as opposed to overly posed ones and make every effort to make them quick and easy. I encourage you to think about doing your posed photographs in unique and different locations, rather than at the altar of the church. Consider the church gardens, a nearby park, or even stopping someplace like the beach or the town square on the way to the reception.

Q: What about romantic shots of the Bride & Groom?

Those are some of my favorite images to make. I suggest you set aside some time for these more intimate photos immediately following the posed group shots. Many couples arrange for a cocktail hour following the family portrait session and prior to the reception. Depending on the location of your wedding these shots may be taken at the wedding site, at the reception site, or somewhere in between.

Q: Can we give you a shot list of photographs we want you to take?

I would prefer that you didn’t. I am not a “cookie cutter” photographer that works from a shot list. Instead I prefer to capture your day as it happens. If I'm taking the time to work through a list I'm not going to be paying attention to what is happening and photographing that. I will, however, need a short list of the posed photographs that you want. It would also be helpful if you could assign someone familiar with the family members and wedding party to help assemble people for the group shots of family and friends. Of course if there is something that you especially want to get photos of, let me know.

Q: Will you travel to photograph weddings?

Sure! For weddings within a reasonable driving distance I charge a small fee if the wedding is over 2 and one-half hours drive time from Morehead City, NC. For sites more than four hours of driving away I also require a fee to cover booking a room as needed. I can even arrange to shoot your wedding if it requires an airline flight.

Q: Who will photograph my wedding?

I will be your photographer. On rare occassions I may bring an assistant or second shooter. Of course I'll let you know ahead of time should I do so.

Q: How long does it take to get our proofs?

I normally have your proofs online within two weeks or less. Shortly after the photos are posted online I'll mail your DVD/CD ROM if one was included in your coverage. For couples that decide to add a proof book, or if one is included in your package, it may be an additional week or two before it arrives from the lab.

Q: What is the online gallery?

The online gallery is a section on our website where your wedding photographs will be placed online for you and your family and friends to view. It is also a secure shopping cart - which allows you (and your family and friends) to order prints online. All you have to do is to let anyone who you want to be able to order to know where that section of my website is located. I can provide you with cards to give out at your rehearsal dinner or to include in your thank you notes so that you can let people know where to look if you'd like.

Q: Will all my of proofs be online?

I seldom post every image that you'll receive. In cases where there are 2 or more similar shots I usually select only one to post. I'll also limit the number of "detail" shots posted to the online gallery. But don't worry, the Disc of image files you receive will include many of the edits not posted online.

Q: What type of equipment do you use and do you bring backup equipment?

I use professional grade digital cameras and lenses to photograph weddings. I always bring backup equipment to every wedding. During your wedding I'll shoot with multiple cameras so even if one camera were to fail, I’d have others that were used through out the day to rely on.

Q: How many pictures do you take and will I get every picture you take?

The number of photographs I take depends on the size of your wedding. Things like the number of attendants, the number of guests, and the types of events all play a role in how many images will be captured. It will also depend on how many hours of photography you purchase. I edit all of my weddings and portraits to show only the best images and will not show an image that does not meet my standards.

Q: Do I get to keep the negatives?

All of my wedding packages include your choice of CD or DVD ROM of image files - the digital equivalent of negatives. The maximum size prints that can be made from those files is specified for each package, but you will be able to make copies as you please within those size constraints. I do retain the copyright to the images and the right to use them for promotional purposes, competition, professional review, and so on. You will get a written release that will allow you to make unlimited personal reproductions and copies for your friends and families.

Q: What kind clothing do you wear to the wedding?

I dress in a manner that allows me to preform my job properly while remaining as unobtursive as possible. In most cases I wear black trousers and a black dress shirt. For beach weddings in the heat of the summer I may wear color a bit cooler than black, but still something that will allow me to blend into the background as much as possible.

Q: Do you require a meal or food during the wedding?

I do ask that you provide some kind of food and drink at the reception. I'm usually unable to leave the venue during the reception and therefore can’t “take lunch” like someone working a regular job can. I do not take photos of you and your guests eating (ok... the cake cutting being the exception), making this a convenient time for me to have a bite, change batteries and make any other adjustments that might be needed.

Q: Do you mind if people other than you take photographs during the wedding?

Not at all. I'm not there to interfere with the happenings of the day. My only request is that friends and family refrain from taking photos during the brief time I will be taking posed photographs of you, your families, and your wedding party. This is more to insure that everyone is looking at the camera and paying attention to me for these photos. The group session will also go much more quickly if I have everyone’s full attention.

Q: I’m pretty sure I want to hire you, but I still need to visit one other photographer. Will you hold the date for me?

In order to be fair to everyone, I do not hold dates without a retainer and a signed contract. I accept bookings on a first come / first served basis only. However, I will be happy to let you know if someone else inquires about the same date as your wedding.

Q: I love your work and I want to hire you - what do we do now?

I require a signed contract and a booking fee. Email or call me and I will send you a contract and the information you need to complete the booking. If necessary, everything can be done online, via email, fax, or even FedEx. Upon receipt of your signed contract and retainer fee I'll make a copy of the contract, print a detailed invoice for the package and services you selected, print a statement and mail it to you for your records. I've booked many weddings that way and never had a problem.

Q: What is your payment schedule policy?

A booking fee/non-refundable retainer is required at the time the contract is signed. This amount is fully applicable to the price of the coverage you choose. The remaining balance of the coverage is due two weeks prior to the date of your wedding. If it is more convenient for you, you are welcome to send installments as long as the balance is paid in full two weeks prior to your event.

Q: I think I might have to cancel or reschedle my wedding. Can I get my booking fee back?

No. The booking fee guarantees that I will hold your wedding date exclusively for you. This means that once you pay me and sign your contract I turn down any other work for that date. The closer it gets to that date, the less likely I am to find another event to replace yours - and that means lost income. Of course emergencies do happen and I am not completely heartless. If you need to postpone the date, I'll happy to apply your booking fee to a new date if I'm available. Also, living on the Crystal Coast, I will not penalize you should a hurricane force a change in your plans. In the case of an "act of god" such as a hurricane I'll apply your retainer and any other fees you've paid to an alternate date.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?

I rarely get requests to accept credit cards. As such it isn't practical for me to maintain a merchant account allowing me to accept cards in the traditional manner. I can, however, accept credit card payments via PayPal if necessary. You do not have to be a PayPal member in order to make a payment. Just let me know if you'd like to pay via credit card and I'll arrange to send you the necessary invoice.

Q: Another family member is helping us pay for the photography. Can you take his/her credit card or check?

Of course! Your family member can make payments towards your coverage using PayPal payment processing, by check, money order of cash. However, I want to be clear that no matter who pays for the coverage, I consider the bride and groom my clients. It is the bride and groom who must still sign the contract for services and it is the bride and groom who will determine the details of our contract.

Q: What if I have a question that is not covered here?

Feel free to email or call me with any questions you have.

Portrait Photography

Q: Do you have a studio?

I use professional portable light systems which virtually allows me to take studio quality portraits at any location. This allows you and/or your family to capture memories at some of your favorite places. The beach, a nature trail, your favorite golf course, or in your home, all make wonderful locations for a relaxed, enjoyable portrait session.

Q: What if we want a traditional studio style background rather than a location or life-style portrait?

I have a portable background stand and a variety of hand painted and plain colored muslin backgrounds I can use for your portrait session.

Q: How many photo can we expect?

For a typical portrait session I usually deliver 15 - 25 images for you to choose from. Of course if we're shooting a larger group, longer session, more images will be made.

Q: We're here on vacation, how will we see our proofs?

I will post your images to my online proofing area for you to view and order your prints. Your images will be online for a period of 30 days, providing ample time to make your selections.

Q: Can we keep our proofs online for more than 30 days?

The proofing service does provide the ability for you to extend the length of time your photos are online for a nominal fee.

Q: What should we wear for our portraits?

I recommend against wearing anything too "busy." Plaids, bright stripes or polka dots can detract from the primary subject, you. Plus fashsions change frequently and wearing something that's "in" this year could "date" your photo in another year or two. Dress comfortable and appropriate for the season and location of your session. For groupings try to coordinate to insure that there aren't any clashing colors or patterns. That doesn't mean you have to all dress alike, just plan a bit to avoid clashes.

Q: How about High School Senior/Graduation photos, do you do those?

I enjoy working with young people to make interesting, compelling portraits. My standard Senior package includes shooting at two locations, a healthy print credit and some image files size for uses online at sites such as MySpace and Facebook.

Q: When you say Senior photos, do you mean that old-school cap and gown stuff?

Not at all. Of course I'll be glad to shoot you wearing your cap and gown if that's what you want, but most seniors are more interested in sessions that include things they enjoy doing, places they like to go. Additionally, I'll use some lighting techniques to produce high contrast portraits with colors that "pop," like you see in magazines, CD sleeves and movie posters. And don't worry, we'll do some "Mom" shots too!

Q: What if I want to shoot at additional locations?

I'm glad to arrange for addtional shooting locations for a reasonable additional fee.

Q: So what do I need to do to book you?

I require a small non-refundable booking fee and your signature on a portrait photography agreement to secure your session. The balance is due when we do the photo session. It's really that simple.

If you have any additional questions or I can help you in any way, just drop me an email, give me a call, or use the contact form at my website.

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