Wedding Information: Wedding FAQ

Business Nuts & Bolts

How long have you been a photographer?

In 1999 I completed a Master’s Degree in Photojournalism at Syracuse University. I have made my living as a photographer ever since. That has included thousands of daily assignments for local and national publications, working for some of the industry’s most demanding editors. It has also included scores of weddings and private portrait commissions.

Are you a full-time photographer?

Yes. Every day.

Are you insured? Do you have a business license?

Yes. I carry liability insurance on my business, and in North Carolina photography is a licensed profession.

Do you shoot black and white, color, or both?

I shoot entirely digital. Every photo is captured in color, which gives us the option of converting any photo to black and white.

What equipment do you use?

Canon EOS 1D series digital SLR cameras and a range of Canon professional-grade lenses, plus location lighting. I also carry a full set of backup gear.

Will you travel?

I travel regionally, which generally includes the Carolinas and Virginia.

What do you shoot other than weddings and portraits?

I freelance frequently for wire services such as the Associated Press and for various newspapers and magazines. Recent clients have included the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Wilma Magazine, North Brunswick Magazine, the North Carolina State Travel Guide, the Boston Globe, the Charlotte Observer, Bloomberg News, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Duke Divinity School and the United States Marine Corps.

What do you like best about shooting weddings?

I get to be your family historian and know that someday your grandchildren will look to my work to learn about who you were and where they came from.

Money Matters

Will lower your prices to stay within our budget?

No. As you shop for your wedding photographer it is worth remembering that prices reflect the talent and resources involved in producing your wedding photography, and that there is photography available at every concievable price point.

What is the booking fee?

Your booking fee is one third of your contract amount, and it applies toward the full balance.

Once I have paid my booking fee can I get it back if I have to cancel?

The booking fee is non-refundable because it is the fee I require in order to tell other couples that I am unavailable on your date.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Monthly payment plans are available.

Are there any additional fees?

State sales tax applies for events held in North Carolina.

How do I book you for my wedding?

Your wedding is considered booked once I have a completed contract and booking fee from you.

When do we pay you the rest?

Full payment is due no later than two weeks before the wedding date.

Wedding Day Details

Do you shoot portraits?

Always! Separate engagement and bridal sessions are available, and day-of portraits are something that I include in your wedding day photography. As the day progresses I will occasionally see a nice opportunity to pose a quick portrait of the bride or groom, and of course formal group photos are always part of my services.

I just found this list of seven dozen "must have" wedding shots on the internet. Should I print it out for you so you'll know what to do on my wedding day?

I have that list memorized already. Most of the things on the list happen at most weddings. What I would love to know from you is what is not on that list. Tell me about the unexpected, unusual and wonderful things that will make your wedding unique.

What if you get sick and can't make it to my wedding?

I am part of a network of photographers in Wilmington, NC and I will make every effort to find a suitable replacement to cover your wedding. In the extremely unlikely event that I am too ill to cover your wedding and I cannot find a replacement I will refund all of your money, including your booking fee.

Will you make us jump in the air for a picture?

That’s entirely up to you.

Where do you stand during the wedding ceremony?

During the ceremony, particularly in a church, my goal is not to be seen. Balconies and choir lofts are my favorite spots, and the back of the church is good, too. During a beach wedding things are usually a little more relaxed, but I am always mindful and respectful of the sanctity of the event.

When should we take formal or family and bridal party photographs?

The best time for getting through formal shots efficiently is immediately following the ceremony when everyone is in one place and still looking their best. It’s also fantastic to get some of them out of the way before the ceremony. We will talk about what scenario best suits your wedding.

About how many pictures will you take during our wedding?

Of course every wedding is different, but if I spend the day with you I will easily shoot more than 2,500 photos. That may seem like an overwhelming number of images but rest assured I will not simply dump them all in your lap. Part of my job is to narrow them down, eliminating things like repetitive shots or people with their eyes closed, before presenting an edited, toned set of photos to you.

How long after the wedding will we see our photos?

About three to four weeks.

Can we make our own prints?

Yes, when you purchase a digital portfolio of your photos you may make all the prints you like for personal use.

How do you design our album?

You select the photos, I design the pages and then proof them for you online. You have the chance to see how things are coming together, make changes and approve the design before it gets printed.

How do I view my photos online?

You will have your very own online gallery for your wedding photos. The web site enables you to order custom, professional-quality prints and it also saves you the task of passing around proofs and getting prints made for friends and family. You can simply direct them to your online gallery when they want to see your wedding photos.