Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?
I do my own custom b/w conversions--I am very particular about black and white photography and make sure my b/w images look consistent, rich, and dramatic. All my albums are designed to tell the story of the wedding and focus on the love between the bride and groom. I offer heirloom magazine style and matted albums, plus my new Couture coffee table books which incorporate graphic design, texture, and color with my photography to make the book a truly unique piece of art. I also offer gallery canvas prints for the wall.
Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?
All of them! Bay area weather and venues vary so much, I've shot weddings in everything from candlelight to noonday sun to shade and dusk to fully designed professional stage lighting. I excel in balancing the need to retain the natural mood of a wedding with a detailed knowledge of on and off camera lighting techniques, in order to flatter my subjects and lend focus and emotion to my images.
Is your media preference film or digital?
I currently have a 100% digital workflow, which is what the majority of my clients want...however I was trained in film shooting and I do miss the darkroom. I'd love to hear you ideas, and if you are a diehard filmie I'd be happy to work with you to get the look you are going for.
How many photographers do you work with?
Myself and a second shooter when needed, depending on the size and logistics of the wedding. For second shooters, I have a pool of 3 photographers that I work with consistently, who compliment my style and share my vision.
Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
Yes!
Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?
Never more than one per day. Occasionally more than one per weekend (no more than 2), but I always make sure the schedules are compatible, with a significant time between them to allow me to rest and recharge between weddings.
Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
Due to my position as a leader of the photographic community (I lead monthly meetings of a bay area photographers' group), I am plugged into a vast network of local photographers--the best in the area. We maintain an updated emergency photographers list for just this purpose. Should something drastic happen to me on the wedding day, I would be able to find a qualified, talented professional photographer to take my place. My 2nd shooters also shoot many weddings on their own (for their own companies) so they would also be available to take over should the need arise.
What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
2-3 Canon pro camera bodies (5D and 40D, although I have my eye on the Mark III for this year), 5-6 pro L series lenses (at least one wide angle zoom, one telephone zoom, one or two primes, and a fisheye), 3 Canon flashes and one Qflash, laptop, assorted light modifiers, extra batteries and cords...and 40GB worth of CF cards to store up to 4000 images.
Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yes, I have multiple backups of everything.
Do you charge hourly or full day?
I have packages from 6 hours and up, to all day. I am also happy to make a custom package for shorter wedding days.
Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?
Yes. There is no extra fee for overtime, just my usual $450/hr rate.
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
Just the one for the meal break, which is usually only about 15-20 mins or so and is coordinated with the time when the wedding party is eating. I am always ready to jump back up if something is happening though.
Do you charge for travel?
More than 50 miles from my studio, I charge for gas mileage. If the location is more than a 2 hour drive each way I charge for a hotel room as well.
How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
Your online slideshow of the best 50-100 images is ready within a week of the wedding. The rest of the images are ready in 6-8 weeks.
In what format are the initial proofs offered?
Online, on a personalized website. Some of my packages also include proof books.
How long can the client keep the proofs?
The event stays online for 3 months, but can be extended on request (for no charge). If your package includes a proof book, you keep it.
Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
Yes. If your package includes the digital negatives you receive the right to copy or reproduce them for personal use, family, etc...
Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Yes, for self promotion. If this is an issue for you, I am open to negotiation.
Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?
Most of my packages include the digital negatives on disk, as well as the rights to reproduce them for personal use.
Will images be available for viewing online?
Yes (see above).
What kind of albums do you offer?
I offer heirloom magazine style/flushmount albums, matted albums for parents (or the occasional bride and groom who likes those better), and my new custom designed Couture coffee table book.
When will the client get the final album?
Once the design is approved, you will get it within 8-10 weeks.