Do you offer special techniques such as hand-coloring or toning?
I do what I call "artistic rendering". This means textures, overlays and different coloring that I use on a color photo. For black and white, I use a deep sepia and a soft chocolate, depending on the image.
Do you have experience shooting in various lighting situations?
Everything. Even just sparklers to light the exit of the bride and groom. I've got great cameras, don't worry.
Is your media preference film or digital?
I love digital and offer that exclusively. It helps me in the processing and also helps you, in that you can purchase the CD of all your images without my ever having to lose those images.
How many photographers do you work with?
Two. I have one assistant that stays with me and another photographer that is the second shooter.
Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
Yes.
Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?
No. I never book more than one wedding per weekend. Mainly for my health and for the health of my family. I've also discovered that I'm not useful to the bride and groom when I'm overworked and stressed out.
Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
I have two. Both of whom are professional photographers working in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
I travel light. I like to be sneaky. I have one bag with all my lenses and I carry my camera(s). My assistant carries my flash, video light and batteries.
Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Always.
Do you charge hourly or full day?
Hourly.
Are you available to shoot extra hours? If yes, how much do you charge for extra hours?
If I shoot overtime and it is on the day of the wedding, I charge 50% more on my hourly rate.
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
One.
Do you charge for travel?
Yes.
How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
Generally within three weeks. Depending on the time of year. In the summer, I'm working every weekend, so the proofs may not be ready for up to four weeks. I don't take longer than that.
In what format are the initial proofs offered?
I offer an online gallery/ordering site called Collages.net. It is password protected and very professional.
How long can the client keep the proofs?
If you have ordered the proofs in traditional format (i.e., 4 x 5 hardcopy photographs) then they are yours to keep. If you order the CD, the same thing applies.
Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
I retain the copyright as I am the photographer and artist.
Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
I reserve the right to publish the photos. If you don't want me to publish then a handwritten letter signed by you and the groom must be submitted
Do you provide the digital files and/or negatives (or copies of the negatives) to the client?
I provide the digital files for purchase.
Will images be available for viewing online?
Yes.
What kind of albums do you offer?
Handmade Japanese silk flush mount albums. Memador Leather albums and the beautiful Asukabook magazine style albums.
When will the client get the final album?
You will get an initial album design, once you have reviewed and made your edits, I will submit it for your final approval. At which point your book will be ready within one month.