Here are answers to 30 commonly asked questions by couples:
Coverage and Staffing
- Will you be shooting my wedding or will another photographer?
I will personally be shooting your wedding. I will hire second shooters to cover larger venues or wedding parties as necessary. See below.
- Do you use an assistant or second shooter?
I may use a lighting assistant and will often use a second shooter, depending on the venue and size of the wedding.
- How long will you be at our wedding?
Coverage varies by package. I will be on-site anywhere from 3-8 hours. I plan to arrive 30 minutes before my scheduled start time to scout the venue and plan out the day.
- Can additional hours of coverage (overtime) be purchased?
Yes. Each additional hour costs $250/hr. If you need to add more than 1 additional hour of overtime, it may be advisable to consider upgrading to a different package. While I usually try to limit coverage to one wedding a day, I will communicate with you in advance what my schedule will be for that day so that overtime requests can be accommodated if necessary.
- Do you shoot engagement photos?
Yes. Every wedding package includes a free engagement photo or one can be purchased separately if you are getting married out of state.
- Do you shoot the rehearsal dinner or do “trash the dress” sessions?
I can photograph the rehearsal dinner or do extra sessions, schedule permitting. However, such sessions must be purchased separately as an add-on to any package.
- Do you shoot video?
While I am not a full-time videographer, I shoot some video (ceremony vows, toasts) to complement the photographs as part of the slideshow. Couples looking to have full-length video done of their wedding should contract with a separate videographer.
Style and personality
- What is your photographic style?
I shoot a combination of classic posed portraiture for the formals and a more documentary or candid style for the reception. I also add an element of fashion photography to my poses and lighting.
- How would you describe your personality as a photographer?
I conduct myself in a professional manner, but I am relaxed and fun to work with. I like to take charge during posed formals and blend more into the background during the reception.
- How will you dress?
I dress in a professional manner. I will wear a suit and tie but may vary my dress to accommodate the weather. If different attire is requested, please let me know in advance.
Travel and Expenses
- Do you charge travel fees?
Within Colorado, I do not charge travel fees for myself, but I do charge mileage fees for my assistant and/or second shooter if the venue is more than 45 minutes away from Denver. For weddings located outside the Front Range (more than 1.5 hours from Denver), I may request you provide hotel accommodation for the wedding night. If we are doing a “trash the dress” or other photo session on the morning after the wedding or evening before, accommodation is required (if outside of Denver). I do request reimbursement for travel expenses outside the state of Colorado.
- Do we have to provide food for you?
No. While providing food during the reception is not necessary, it is of course welcome! What I do ask is that you let me know ahead of time whether we will be fed, so that my assistants and I can plan accordingly.
3. Is a deposit/retainer required to book your services?
Yes. A nonrefundable retainer of $500 is required to book your wedding date. The balance is due two weeks prior to the wedding.
Time Frame and Delivery
- Will I get a copy of my photos?
Yes, a disk or flash drive of digital images is provided with any package, but the size of photos varies depending on the package purchased. A DVD slideshow contains images suitable for prints up to 5×7 while a flash drive with full size images (prints up to 40×50) can be purchased separately or is included in the Diamond package. Digital copies of all the final images will be provided upon delivery of the album or prints.
- How can my guests view photos of the wedding?
Photos will be posted to a web page gallery for guests to view and/or purchase. The gallery is private and is only accessible to people provided the link.
- How many pictures will I get from my wedding?
The precise amount of photos delivered varies based on a number of factors—length of time present, number of guests, the weather, people’s personalities, and more. I also edit the photos and remove outtakes and duplicates before delivery. That being said, here is a rough guide as to the approximate number of photos you can expect to be delivered in each package.
- Silver (3 hrs) 125 photos
- Gold (6 hrs) 250 photos
- Platinum (7 hrs) 300 photos
- Diamond (8 hrs) 400 photos
- Can I see outtakes or the photos not delivered?
No. I do not provide access to outtakes. I will meticulously edit the collection and provide you with the best photos from your wedding. Besides, do you really want to see pictures where the flash did not fire, people blinked, etc?
- Do you edit the photos before delivering the files?
Yes. I color correct the photos, add appropriate contrast and exposure adjustments, and edit for minor skin blemishes. I also cull the images so that only the best images are included in the final delivery. Additional custom adjustments or editing (removal of objects, backgrounds, etc) may be requested for an additional fee.
- When will I get my photos from the wedding?
Photos will be available 3-4 weeks after the wedding. A few photos for posting on Instagram and/or Facebook will be delivered within 72 hours of the wedding. Digital files will be provided with the album and prints within 6 weeks of the wedding.
- When will I get my album if one is ordered?
I deliver albums within 6 weeks after the wedding day. Precise timing is impacted by the couple’s approval of the proof album.
- How does the album design process work?
If you have purchased a wedding album, I will have you select images you would like to be included in your album. I will give you a rough guide as to how many images will reasonably fit in your selected album. It is advisable that no more than 2-3 images be used per page for people shots and 6-10 images for detail shots (flowers, invitations, etc). I will then arrange the photos and design the pages and have you preview it before it is printed. An online proof will be made available for your approval. Albums are also available for purchase at the a la carte price after the wedding.
- Will I get color or black and white images?
I deliver both a color and black and white image of each photo in the digital files and let you decide which one you like better for albums and prints.
- What type of prints will we receive?
Prints ordered from the web gallery will be printed on traditional photographic paper. I use high quality photo labs for all my printing needs. Wall hangings can be printed on a range of surfaces including metal, photo paper, and canvas (you make the choice). All images are color-corrected prior to printing so you receive the best-looing final product.
- Who retains the copyright in the images?
As the photographer/artist, I retain all copyrights in the images. I will provide a copyright release to you to print the images for personal use.
Experience and References
- How experienced are you and do you have references?
I have shot dozens of weddings since 2001 and have been a portrait photographer for a number of years as well. I have also been a professional sports photographer for over a decade and also do real estate work. Finally, many of my nature photos have been published in calendars, magazines, and newspapers. This is a great background for wedding photography since they require knowledge of architecture, natural lighting, posing and use of flash, and capturing fast action. I have references available if you need to speak to them.
- Where have you previously shot weddings?
I have shot weddings at many venues including the Chateaux, Stonebrook Manor, Briargate, the Air Force Academy, Foothills Wedding Chapel, Denver Botanic Gardens, Hudson Gardens, Glen Eden Resort, Keystone Resort, Legacy Ridge golf course, Inverness, Crystal Rose, Stanley Hotel, Chapel on the Rock in Allenspark, and many more.
- Where do you recommend having an engagement photo taken?
I think engagement photos should be relaxing and fun. I recommend parks or outdoor settings. I have used many locations including Chatauqua Park in Boulder, Denver City Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park but almost any locale will work.
Equipment
- What type of cameras do you use?
Currently, I shoot with a Sony A7RIV (61 megapixels) and a Canon 1DX MKII (20 megapixels). For lenses, I feature top quality glass including a Sony 85mm 1.4, 70-200 2.8, and 18mm Zeiss. High-end medium format equipment (150 megapixels) is available for an additional fee.
- Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. I have two cameras and multiple lenses in case one system were to go down, and I regularly maintain my equipment.
- Do you use flash?
Yes. I use mainly strobe lights that studio photographers use to provide better control over all lightning situations and they are more powerful than on-camera speed lights. I do abide by flash restrictions for the ceremony where applicable.
