Wedding Questions and Answers

Wedding Photography Q&A

We know that planning a wedding can be difficult when you consider the fact that you are planning the event of your life. You will be involving two families and trying to start a new life together.

Once hired, my goal is to help you capture and preserve this momentous occasion. In order to do this well, I need to get to know you a little better. During the process of learning about each other, I will answer as many questions as I can to easy your anxiety and allow you to focus on all the other aspects of this big day.

This page will help you find the answers you need to make the most of the photographic portion of your wedding. If you don't see your specific quesiton, please don't hesitate to send it me and I'll get it answered as quickly as possible.

The following questions are answered below - click on the question to get to the appropriate answer:

Q: When is the best time to take wedding pictures?
I don't want my groom to see me before the wedding, and I'm worried about holding up the reception while we take pictures.

Answer:
There are a lot of answers to this. First, in general, 1 1/2 hour in between is plenty of time to take formal photos. But its depend on how fast we can work to cover everything. I provide a shot list and plan this prior to the event with you. Setting up a Cocktail Hour so that we can sneak off and do photos is good. It allows your guests are to be free to roam and snack, drink, and socialize while you are away. I would not recommend more than an hour to do your photos as your guests are waiting for your return to traditionally start the buffet or sit down meal. It needs to be said, please remember to eat on your wedding day!

Then there is The "reveal" ceremony works great especially if you have a limited time for the reception or you don't want your guests to be waiting a long time for you.

Alternatively, It is best to work out a schedule with me (the photographer) to take pictures with bride/bridal party and her family while the groom is kept away. Then the groom and his attendants and family take pictures before the ceremony while the ladies can freshen up before the wedding.

By taking some pictures before the ceremony, then you only need to do all of the group pictures and couple pictures afterwards.

Also take note of sunset time so the program can be structured to get guests inside the reception and they can get started with meal service while the bride and groom get taken away for about 15 minutes to capture their sunset pictures and have a few minutes for themselves.

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Q: Some photographers do not allow (or severely limit) guest's taking pictures. How do you handle this?

Answer:
A lot of photographers are very strict about other people taking pictures on wedding day. Some do not allow anyone else to take pictures. Others do not allow anyone else to take pictures of the formal setups. Some professionals even set their lights up to purposefully ruin other people's photos.
I set this page up to explain how I handle these types of situations and the issues that can arise.
I allow other people to take pictures throughout the day - even during the formal photo sessions.

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Q: Are you a destination photographer and does it cost extra?

Answer:
Each year I photograph weddings at various destinations around the country. I have offices in both Colorado and South Florida, and prefer to shoot at those locales. If I cover a wedding in either of those locations, there will be no additional cost to you for travel or lodging. I am not limited to those destinations. In fact, I welcome the opportunity to travel to your destination wedding wherever it may be. Destination wedding packages are billed at the same rates as other packages listed on this website, but actual travel and lodging expenses are charged in addition to the package rate. These will be investigated and added to the contract as part of the deliverable to you. As you will get to know me during our interview process, you will discover that I don't believe in surprises with respect to costs, and in the event that hotel or flight prices change from when initially investigated, I will absorb them. I don't want you to add any stress to an already emotional day. The day is about you, not me.

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Q: Do we get all of our images as high resolution images to do with as we wish?

Answer:
Within 2 weeks, a Zip Disk with selected retouched and all other unretouched images will available to you. The disk will include High-Resolution JPG images as well as resized and web optimized copies of the original images for you to upload to the web or email to friends and family. The disk may be shipped directly to you or picked up personally. All unretouched images will be color-optimized and ready for printing. Retouched images will have blemishes removed, skin retouched, sharpened for print, and other adjustments as specified. Raw images and other formats (TIFF, PSD, etc) are available upon request for an additional fee.

The images delivered on your disk are your digital "negatives". Although we back them up, please keep your copy safe! If you need a replacement disk, it can be provided for a small fee.

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Q: Will there be an online proofs section to allow us to select images to print and distribute?

Answer:
Within 5 business days after the end of the wedding, all usable images will be posted to a private password protected proofs gallery on this website for your review. You will be provided with a direct link to your proofs area and have the ability to see all images and select images you wish to retouch and include in your album.

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Q: Do we own the images provided to us?

Answer:
You have total control of the finished product. You have copies of everything, and retain all rights for your personal use.

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Q: Can we print anything ourselves?

Answer:
Typically, we assist you in the printing and mounting process. If you wish to take your disk to a printer where they can print, mount and frame your photos, as these are your images, you have all rights to do so.

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Q: How long in the future can we request digital images and do you back them up?

Answer:
We will archive and keep copies of your images for a minimum of 12 months. Should your disks ever get lost, stolen or destroyed, we can reproduce them for you for a small fee.

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