Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you have back-up equipment?

Yes.  I use two cameras and I carry 4 top-notch lenses.  On one occasion I did have a camera that malfunctioned at a wedding, but was able to shoot the rest wedding with only one camera.  I normally shoot with two cameras all the time, so I don’t have to continually change lenses.  I carry several spare batteries.  Any photographer that does not bring a second camera body  to an event is playing with fire.  This is always a good question to ask a photographer before you hire them.

How long does it take to get my wedding photos?

My goal is to have everything ready within 2-3 weeks, if not sooner.  Ideally, I like to have your editing finished before I shoot the next wedding.  My goal would be to have some proofs online within a week, and the album and disks ready to go shortly after. I order the albums in advance so I have them on hand.  I think waiting longer than a few weeks to see your wedding photos is unacceptable.

Do you meet with wedding clients to discuss details?

Yes.  If my schedule allows, I will travel up to 1.5 hours one way to meet clients and discuss their event in detail before the big day.  I like to see the venues, and talk about schedules so everything goes smoothly.  I am only available to meet with clients through the week.  My weekends are quite busy, as you can imagine.

Meeting my clients beforehand is crucial to me.  My work depends on me knowing a little about my clients, knowing what their natural smiles look like.  It always makes the day less stressful for them when they have confidence in the photographer they have hired.

How many pictures do you take at a wedding?

There is no set limit, but I take a lot.  Usually somewhere between 700 and 1200.  That doesn’t mean you will get that many pictures on your disk — I delete duplicates or photos that don’t meet my standards.  Your disk will have a color and a duotone (black and white) set of photos, and a complete set that has already been resized for the web.

Can I give you a list of photos that I want taken?

Yes and No.
Yes: I like to have a list to work from so I don’t miss a relative or a group during the course of the day.
No: I like to see your ideas for wedding photos, but will not work from a shot list that dictates style.  I am very obliging, but the style of your photos will be dictated by the lighting conditions, locations,  and my creativity.  My style is very evident in the photos that are in my galleries, and that is what you can expect.  You wouldn’t hire Picasso to paint your bathroom.

Do you do any retouching?

All my wedding photos are corrected for exposure and colour, and sharpened for printing.  All photos have a 4:6  ratio.  I retouch 40 images for your album.  I am willing to retouch additional images at no charge, but within reason.  Simply inquire about the photos you would like enhanced.

Can I reprint my photos?  Do I need permission?

Your photos belong to you.  They are full resolution with no watermarks, and you can get them printed as you like.  Some printers may request written permission from me, but I am willing to provide that if possible.  I also use only certain labs for printing because of quality issues.  I would be happy to offer suggesting for quality printing.

Are there restrictions on how I can use the photos?

Yes, there is one restriction. Please (please please please), do not edit your photos.  A photographer’s style is a combination of composition and editing.  If you edit your photos and post them online or give out prints, people will think I am responsible for the editing.  If this got to be a common problem I would stop giving out disks, and start charging for prints.  Fair ‘nuf?

Do you have a studio?

Yes.  I have a studio in my home.  It is large enough for portraits of small families, and flexible enough for a variety of styles.  I have an assortment of backgrounds, and extensive lighting equipment.  I can also take my equipment on location.

When do I pay for my photos?

I require payment on the day the photos are taken.  I accept cash, checque, or secure online payments with any credit card using Paypal.  HST is added to all prices.

What do you mean by DVD media?

I burn your image files to DVDs.  They are meant for storage, and cannot be played in a DVD player.  The DVD comes with a case and a custom label, and should be stored somewhere they will not be crushed or bent.  I recommend copying the files to your computer or a flash drive, and putting the DVD away for storage.

Can I get a replacement disk of my photos?

Yes.  I keep permanent back-ups of all the photos I take.  I can make a replacement disk for a  $10 fee.

Will my photos appear on your website?

Your proofs will be displayed in a gallery that only you will have the password for.  You can share the link to your gallery with whomever you like.  It is also possible that  your photos  could be used for promotional purposes.

How do you do photography AND video at a wedding?

When clients add the video option to their wedding package, I have an employee that comes with me to capture the video.  I meet with the clients to go over the “script” of the day, and I direct my cameraman to get the shots.  I do all the video editing.

If I am only doing video at the event and not photography, I get my clients to ask the permission of their photographer for me to take a few pictures that I can use as labels, covers and in menus on the DVD.

Do you shoot RAW?

No, I always wear clothes.  But seriously …  I have only had one client ask me this, but it is a very good question.  Professional photographers ALWAYS shoot in RAW mode and I am no exception.  Work flow, archival, and image quality are the reason.  Google JPEG vs RAW to research the topic, then ask your photographer the same question.  I’ll be doing a post on the topic soon, so watch for my detailed opinion on the matter.  In the meantime, one of the best photography websites EVER gives a great explanation.  http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/u-raw-files.shtml