Currently, I'm shooting with state of the art Canon professional digital bodies and Canon L-Series professional lenses. I've been completely digital since 1999. I was fortunate to be working at a commercial advertising studio in Los Angeles that made an early transition to digital photography.
The high resolution professional digital cameras available today are amazing. They offer so many advantages not only with the quality of the image, but with the creative process as well. Creatively, there's instant feedback. This allows me to work an image and be sure I'm capturing what I envision in my mind's eye. I can instantly share images with my subject giving them feedback about what we're doing and gaining my subjects confidence and enthusiasm. As an artist, I have more control over the final image with retouching and artistic enhancements. There is also the ability to provide black and white or color from the same file. Digital files don't scratch like negatives can and there is no dust to deal with as you get from scanned negatives. Digital files are easier to archive, store and make online galleries.
My professional lab uses Kodak Professional Endura media. It represents a major leap forward in image stability and print life. This paper is designed to last for more than 100 years in typical home settings. In recent, independent long-term testing, Endura media was found to exhibit significantly superior image stability in terms of color balance and dye fade over previously available media. My fine art wall prints are high quality inkjet prints on acid free cotton rag fine art paper. Recent tests have shown this paper to exhibit twice the life of traditional photographic media.
All my wedding packages include a disc of high resolution JPEG files. These are edited, color corrected or converted to black and white utilizing a specialized process that I've perfected.
I dress comfortably, but professionally wearing the same attire as a guest. If appropriate, I may wear a sport coat for evening events. My preference is to wear black as this helps me blend into my environment better and remain unobtrusive.
I don't fit into a "style" and try to avoid the cliche terms of the moment. I work with the personalities of my clients. I look for light that creates a mood, for moments and expressions. As with music, people like to label and categorize styles and genres. Portrait journalism is the best description I've heard in a while that fits my style. I enjoy working with people and bringing out their best.
Yes. Formal portraits are an opportunity to document two families coming together. It's an important part of family history. I prefer to photograph formals in a more relaxed, less formal setting so that everyone feels comfortable, not stiff and posed. Formals can be a great opportunity to create artistic, skillfully crafted images that are just as memorable as a fleeting, candid moment.
I prefer to photograph formals before the ceremony so that guests are not kept waiting. Given the time constraints set by churches and venues, this has become a more widely accepted practice. If you insist on formals after the ceremony, I suggest keeping them to a minimum to avoid long delays. Traditionally, formals were done after the ceremony because the bride and groom didn't want to see each other before the wedding ceremony. I like the idea of "first look" which sets up a special time for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. It's more intimate and memorable than that moment of seeing each other for the first time when walking down the aisle. Of course, it's a great photo opportunity as well.
That's perfectly fine. My style is fluid and custom for each couple. I'm not there to dictate how your wedding day will unfold and respect your intent. It's helpful to keep formals abbreviated in order to keep guests, family and wedding party from waiting.
I encourage others to take pictures as long as they don't interfere with or get in the way of my work. I am hired by the bride and groom to document the day. If guests are trying to duplicate my set ups, distracting my subjects or hindering what I'm trying to do, I will say something. As long as guests are respectful, shoot away. Nothing like a little paparazzi to spice things up!
Each individual file is color corrected and enhanced to looks it's best. I enjoy the control that digital gives me in presenting my images the way I feel they should be seen. This includes converting my own black and white images with a process I've worked hard to perfect. I'm very particular about my work. All my images are printed by a professional lab. I also offer fine art prints which are further enhanced, giving them my creative signature
I don't set a limit on the number of images I capture, but a typical 7-hour coverage will generate 800-1,500 images. With film, this number would be closer to 350 images for the same amount of time. Each wedding is edited to tell the best story.
There is no extra fees for black and white. I actually prefer black and white over color. It helps to focus on the emotion and the timelessness of the moment. Sometimes color can be distracting and actually lessen the impact of an image. The advantage of shooting digital is that I can create a black and white image from the color digital master. I never charge more for black and white.
People hire me for my personality and my point of view, so I will always be the main photographer. I do offer the option of a second shooter with any of my packages, but this is someone who's style reflects my own aesthetic and we work as a team. I do not contract my weddings to associate photographers.
Both. I offer the option of adding a second photographer to any of my packages and it's included with my high end coverage. For smaller, more intimate events, a second shooter can actually be distracting. I generally have an assistant with me for most events. Since my assistants are recent graduates, learning to become photographers, I encourage them to shoot, although I do not rely on their images to document the day. The role of an assistant has changed greatly from the days of shooting film when an assistant was vital to help reload film, label and sort exposed rolls of film and help carry equipment. Today that role has become one of helping the day run smoothly and lend a hand when needed.
Couples and guests can visit the events section of my web site to locate their event. Links are provided to active galleries where they will be taken to a Photographer's Favorites gallery with highlights from the wedding. From there, a link is provided to a password protected web site where you can view and order prints directly from the web site. Since it's connected to my professional lab, all orders are fulfilled quickly and shipping charges are minimal. You can also login directly from the events page using the link at the top of the page.
Yes. Engagement sessions are included with some packages and optional for others. It's a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and go through the process of being photographed. Most people find this to be a wonderful experience and great preparation for the wedding day. It eliminates the fear of being photographed and helps couples realize how much fun it can be. Sessions are relaxed and take place at any location you want, from a local park to the coastal beaches. Some couples choose to select a few images from the engagement session for a signature album or have them matted and displayed at their wedding reception.
Yes, yes, yes! I love to travel and is one of the reasons I love what I do. Photographing a destination wedding is a great opportunity to enhance a couple's story in the unique backdrop. Any package that I offer can be a destination package with travel fees billed at cost. Some people prefer to select a photographer who's style they admire and others want to bring in a photographer that offers something they can't find locally. Either way, I'd love to talk with you about your destination event. If you're getting married outside the United States, I have special incentives available.
Choose me! At the very least, take the time to meet your photographer and spend some time with them. Make sure their personality is a good fit. Check out their work and make sure you like their style and point of view. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and ask for advice. A professional photographer will be able to answer them with confidence and assurance. Most of us have been photographing weddings for a few years and can offer lots of advice to help make your day easy and relaxed. Sometimes more expensive options are actually a value. Compare options wisely and consider that price alone is not the best way to hire the perfect photographer.
Pay me! A retainer of $1,000 is required for each wedding commission with a signed wedding agreement. This holds the wedding date exclusively for you. Call me or email if you have any questions. Thank you for visiting my web site, I hope you enjoy your time.