FAQ
We receive a lot of questions in regards to photography be it style, trends, packages, etc. Hopefully it will answer some of your inquiries!
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.
But my family will want some standard portraits. Do wedding photojournalists know how to do that?
Yes, but shh;)
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 assignments have been portraits. 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 and are trained to do just that.
Will you take all the colour out of the photo except for that pretty rose I’m holding?
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.
Do I get to keep all the pictures you shoot?
Yes, and No.
You get a DVD of high resolution images that are all the best images from the day.
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(s) 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.
What comes in a package?
All our packages are based on hours with additional options such as engagement sessions, guest signing book, albums, parent albums, prints, boudoir, trash the dress, photo booth, and cinematography. All photography packages however include a DVD of the images. The images are also uploaded on a secure web site, where friends, and family can access and order prints with a password you provide. The rest is up to you!
Do you work with an assistant/second shooter?
Always.
I most often work with my wife Tammy. She is an awesome second shooter/assistant and will be there from start to finish holding your dress, reflectors, keeping an eye on your hair, make-up, and offering awesome ideas for pics as we go. Two creative heads are better than one.
How far in advance should I book?
We generally book a year to a year and a half in advance. Popular weekends from April-Novmeber fill up very quickly!
Will you travel?
Most definitely.
I’ve worked all over the world, and love destination weddings. From a destination wedding in Dominican to the most exotic locales, we’ll be happy to be there, and offer special destination photography packages, and add-ons such as under water trash the dress shoots!