We receive a lot of questions in regards to photography, be it style, trends, packages, etc. Have a read here. Hopefully it will answer some of your inquiries!
If it doesn’t. Email me: [my-email]
Let’s start with weddings:
Q: What is wedding photojournalism?
Good question. I’m sure there are a million ways to answer this, and a million people out there who will tell you they are wedding photojournalists.
Everyone seems to call themselves a wedding photojournalist these days. I do urge you, when looking around, to consider the photographers actual experience in photojournalism.
To me, wedding photojournalism, is documenting your day, as it happens, on the fly. It’s telling the story of your day in an unobtrusive way, allowing you to enjoy it, and capturing the “moments” along the way. It’s approaching your wedding with the same passion, integrity, and hard work that I would any newspaper or magazine assignment.
Telling the story of your day is the key. A wedding photojournalist will work hard to create a “visual story” rather than just a bunch of pictures cobbled together.
Q: But my family will want some standard portraits. Do wedding photojournalists know how to do that?
A: Yes, but shhh;)
We… or at least, I… shoot family portraits. You’re not likely to see them in a portfolio online, but we know and understand the importance of them.
I would even argue that a wedding photojournalist may do it better. Keeping things creative is key. This includes the “traditional” family pictures.
As a photojournalist, half of my newspaper assignment have been portraits if not more than half. Let me use shooting celebrity portraits at The Toronto Film Festival as an example. A typical assignment for me at the Festival would be to enter an actor/actress/directors hotel room, set up lights, prepare two to three different shots, and be out of there in 2-3 mins. We think creatively on the fly.
Q: Will you take all the colour out of the photo except for that pretty rose I’m holding?
A: No.
That sounds harsh, but it’s how we roll. We believe in classy, and classic photography. Using techniques such as selective colour, and over photoshopping things is against our religion. We take amazing pictures that are real. Real moments, classic, and timeless.
I like to use the laser backdrop of the 90′s as an example. Selective colour is the “new” laser backdrop. Think of your pictures being shown to your currently unborn great-grandchildren. Images that are shot in a classic photojournalistic way, will remain timeless, for future generations to enjoy.
Q: Do I get to keep all the pictures you shoot?
A: Yes, and No.
You get a DVD of high res images that are the best of our work.
You may notice we take 50 or 100 pictures of the same thing. This is where editing skills come in. We will pick the best image from each setting we shoot in, and you will receive a DVD of strong, emotional, dynamic images from your day. All pictures will be edited, color corrected, cropped, and toned in photoshop to maintain the highest quality possible.
Q: What comes in a package?
A: All our packages are based on hours, and additional options, such as albums, parent albums, prints, boudoir, trash the dress, photo booth, and cinematography.
Each wedding is unique, and we want to make our packages as customizable as possible to suit your needs.
Q: Do you work with an assistant?
A: Always.
I usually work with my wife Tammy. She is an awesome second shooter and “assistant” (please don’t tell her I called her that:) and will be there from start to finish holding your dress, reflectors, keeping an eye on your hair, and make-up, and offering awesome ideas for pics as we go. Two creative heads are better than one.
Portraits:
Q: We’re looking for something a little less traditional. Can you do that?
A: Heck yes! And we thank you for saying that. We want to work with clients who want portraits for their families, pets, and themselves that are a little less traditional.
Throw paint, fight with leaves, hang upside down, draw, dance, bring your pets, wear weird clothes… we welcome it. These are your portraits. Make them you.
Q: What’s the difference between in studio, and on location?
A: Oddly enough, a very common question.
In studio means, the photoshoot happens in our studio. We have black, white, blue, chalkboard, and textured backdrops to shoot on.
Most of the shoots in the studio are family, pets, newborn, maternity, and fashion.
The rest is up to you.
On location means you pick the spot. Backyards, boats, at home, on a bridge. You name it, and we’ll meet you there to create awesome memories.
Q: How many printed pictures do I get in a package.
A: None.
That being said, we do print pictures from 8×10 to 19×22 at the studio. We also design awesome books, albums, and mini-books from a session.
We believe however that you should have a choice.
All shoots come with a DVD of edited images. The rest is up to you.