Frequently Asked Wedding Questions
 
Q. Are you a licensed business?
Yes, definitely.
 
Q. Who will photograph my wedding?  
I will. I’m a perfectionist so I prefer to shoot it myself. I would never farm out to less experienced photographers.
 
Q. How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been a professional photographer since 1993. I started out shooting for a highly respected wedding photography studio and quickly realized that I had a love and talent for shooting weddings. The owners were a father and daughter who ran a highly successful family business for over 35 years and they taught me so much. After they retired I went out on my own. I have photographed thousands of weddings in many states across America. 
 
Q. What is your style?
My style is both classic and timeless as well as contemporary creative journalistic. In 25 years when you look back at your wedding photos they will not look outdated, out of style, or trendy. With me, your photos will stand the test of time forever. I like telling a story of your day so your photos are customized to your unique day. I enjoy doing a mix of styles so you can have it all. I am also always happy to concentrate on the areas that you prefer the most so your vision of what you want is captured exactly.
 
Q. Can you take black and white photographs?
Yes, absolutely, any photo you want can be easily and beautifully be made into black and white.
 
Q. Can I get my photographs on a Photo CD?
Yes, absolutely then you can make copies on your own whenever you like.
 
Q. How many photographs will I get?
You get ALL of your photographs with any package you choose. They are professionally printed on the highest quality luster matte finish paper and each photo is checked for quality both by my custom professional wedding printer and myself for things like perfect color and density. They are ready to be put in your album and they are not copyright marked. They're also archival so your album will look just as beautiful many years from now as it does today.
 
Q. Are you flexible with my needs?
Yes, very! Every bride has different wants and needs so please feel free to discuss any special needs you may have. This is your day and it’s important to me that you are completely happy.
 
Q. Do you photograph anything other than weddings?
I specialize primarily in weddings, but also do portraits, engagement photos, and pet portraits because I'm such an animal lover.
 
Q. Are you a photojournalist who shoots weddings on the side?
No, I'm a wedding photographer.
 
Q. Do you have a studio?
Yes.
 
Q. Do you travel out of state?
Yes, absolutely.  I'm available for travel world wide.
 
Q. Do you carry back up equipment?
Yes, most definitely.
 
Q. Do you use the highest quality professional cameras and equipment?
Yes. I'm fully set up for both film and digital so I can accommodate everyone. I use high end professional Nikon equipment.
 
Q. What should a wedding photographer charge?
Talent, experience, and abilities, strictly lie within the individual person and not what you pay. I’ve seen many outrageously expensive photographers who weren't very good at all. Also, photographers with high overhead will naturally charge more but that doesn't necessarily mean they're better, they just have high overhead so they have to keep prices high just to stay in business. I would avoid a photographer who has rates that are unrealistically low or outrageously high. Also, never ever be pressured to make a decision immediately with freebie gimmicks.
 
Q. Is it important to like the personality of my photographer?
Yes. Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with your photographer on the day of your wedding and it is absolutely vital that you like him or her. It is so important to choose a photographer who works well with people, and always has an upbeat, friendly, flexible, and caring attitude. Remember it’s your day not theirs. 
    
Q. Should I sign a contract for wedding photography?
Yes. A photographer should go over a contract with you and you should read it carefully and there should be nothing confusing about it. You should also feel completely comfortable with the terms on the contract. A contract protects you and locks in your wedding date.
 
Q. Why don't you have pre-planned packages with extras like frames and albums included?
I don't do this because I don't think it's fair to tell people what they should or should not buy. Inclusive packages are a way to charge you more because they mark up the price of their frames and albums. In many cases the mark up is quite high. With me it's up to you what you want to buy. Also, many times brides receive frames and albums as wedding gifts, or prefer to buy them on their own with more choices at a less expensive price. I have a wonderful line of professional albums and coffee table books if you are interested.
 
Q. Will there be any price surprises after my wedding?
Absolutely not, no surprises or confusing packages at all. I go over everything before you book with me so you know exactly what you are paying and exactly what you are getting. I also make sure that you are completely happy and satisfied with everything before you book me. My rule in life both personally and professionally is to treat people how I would like to be treated; with the utmost of integrity, kindness, and honesty.
 
Q. Will you take the time to get to know us and our personal needs?
Yes, when you meet with me I like to know what you want in your photographs. I take the time to get to know your individual personalities, style of your wedding, your requests, and desires. That way you receive exactly what you want. Your happiness is very important to me.
 
Q. Is this a part-time hobby for you?
No. I've been professionally photographing weddings since 1993, and I am a full-time professional in the field.
 
Q. Should I just have my cousin take the photographs since I don't want to spend much money?
No. This almost never works out. If your cousin makes a mistake and costs you your photos this could damage a family relationship. Also, often times brides spend a lot on flowers, the cake, etc. then want to cut the photo costs by having an amateur do the work. Remember, your photos are what you have after the day has come and gone and you will have them forever. Therefore, I believe hands down that the photography and video are the most important vendors you can hire. Often times your wedding day feels like it goes by very quickly so it's especially wonderful having great photos to remember your day by.
 
Q. Do you shoot unions and civil ceremonies?
Yes.
 
Q. Can you provide references?
Yes. See my testimonials page for some references. I can also provide additional references if you wish.
 
Q. Do you have any formal education?
Yes, I have an Associate’s in Commercial Photography, a Bachelor’s in Art (with a minor in fine art photography) and a Master’s in Business and Human Relations. 
 
Q. How do I book?
It’s very easy. Simply call me at 505-480-6099. Call as soon as possible because dates book up quickly especially in the warmer months. A small deposit will reserve your day with me.