What about having a second photographer?
I am including a second photographer witrh all of my packages in 2011. You’ll get better coverage with two than you will with one and it takes the pressure off of me having to be in two places at once. A second shooter can get the reception area and details before the guests are seated while your portraits are being taken. During the ceremony is helps to get different angles of the events that are happening.
Who chooses the pictures that go in the album?
You do. Once I have processed the photos and they are online, you can create a favorites folder and add the images that you’d like the album designed with to the folder. Once you’re done, the album takes about a week to design and you can preview it online as well and approve or make changes prior to the album being ordered.
How will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints?
Your guests will be given cards with a web address that they can view the photos online. They can also pre-register and be notified by e-mail when they’re up and ready to be viewed. The photos are posted for 3-6 months and there is a minimal charge if you want them posted longer.
What’s your time frame for preparing the pictures for my selection?
It takes about 3-4 weeks depending on the time of year.
How about engagement session?
I do engagement sessions in the Chicago area and am including engagment sessions with all packages in 2011. Engagement sessions are a good way for you to get to know me and how I shoot and me to find out how comfortable you are in front of the camera.
Will you be shooting my pictures personally or someone else?
Yes, all photos on my site have been shot by me and if you book me then I am the one that shows up that day.
Do I shoot film or digital?
I love digital! I have shot film in the past and I know photographers who swear by it and say there’s a difference but digital is at a point where I cannot tell the difference. It’s nice to be able to double check and make sure all the equipment is working properly instead of finding out after you get the film developed that it wasn’t!
Who will I be dealing with after the wedding?
I use a company called Pictage that fulfills the orders placed online, however, if you are ordering an album then I get involved and place the order for you after we go over the different options.
What’s your payment policy?
I accept credit cards through PayPal, money orders, cashier’s checks or personal checks.
Do you shoot in color or black and white? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?
That’s the beauty of digital. I can take one photograph and process it ten different ways giving it a different look and feel.
What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
Instead of a list, it’s better to designate a family member or close friend who you give the list of the people you want portraits with after the ceremony since they’ll be able to find the people much faster than me. I prefer not to do tableshots while your guests are eating but will happily take pictures of any groups that you want to be photographed with.
What type of equipment do you use?
I have all Canon professional equipment. Multiple lenses, flashes and three camera bodies so I have backups in case something happens.
Can other people take photos while you are taking the formal portraits?
Usually this is not a good idea since it’s hard enough getting several people to look and smile and keep their eyes open all at once. If you add a few more cameras for them to look at to the mix then it’s virtually impossible and some of your portraits can have people looking in different directions. Best case scenario it just takes much longer to get them done. My preference is that the group portraits are done a little distance fro the guests or that I take my photos and then wait while the other people take theirs which will again take more time.
If the reception lasts longer than scheduled will you stay? What is the extra charge?
If you’d like me to stay longer that’s not a problem. I don’t plan anything else on the days I shoot weddings, so just let me know and I’ll stay. For information on my current hourly rate, please contact me.
What attire will you wear?
I wear slacks and comfy shoes. I typically dress in all black but sometimes I’ll wear a solid color top with black pants to mix it up 
Do you shoot other types of portraits (i.e. seniors, children, pets, family)?
Not at this time. I love weddings and am busy shooting them so that’s what I prefer to focus on right now.