Question 1

What can we do to help you get the best photographs for us?

Accepted Answer

Probably the single most important thing you can do to make your wedding day go smoothly is to allow plenty of time for the unexpected. Weddings are almost by definition chaotic events, and having extra time to catch your breath will be appreciated by all and will greatly reduce your stress level! Get a realistic idea of how long it will take to do your hair and makeup.

Question 2

How would you describe your photographic "style"?

Accepted Answer

I can't honestly say that I have any particular "style". My photography is constantly adapting and evolving as my own experiences lead me to try new out new ideas to create better photos. While I prefer to use natural light as much as possible, there are plenty of times when limiting myself to natural light would mean sacrificing photo quality.

Question 3

The location of our wedding isn't very photogenic. Can we have any of our photos taken at another location?

Accepted Answer

You bet! I will frequently take the bride and groom (and sometimes the entire wedding party) to another location for some of the formal photographs. This means some extra planning to make sure there is enough time to take all the photos you want at all the locations you want, but it is well worth the trouble.

Question 4

What type of equipment do you use?

Accepted Answer

I am a Canon man, and have been for 30+ years. I currently use the Canon EOS R6 and EOS 5D Mark IV, pro-grade digital cameras, with a selection of L-series lenses and top-end strobes. I also have a full set of portable studio lights that I use for formal photos taken indoors.

Question 5

Who will take the photos at our wedding?

Accepted Answer

When you hire me as your photographer, you GET me as your photographer. I will never send an "associate photographer" to cover a job. All of the work that you see on my site are photos that I personally shot. This way you know that you will get the same quality photography at your own wedding.

Question 6

Do you work with an assistant?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. I like to take charge of my own equipment, which makes it easier for me to make a quick lens change or grab a special diffuser for my flash. I have also found that when I work with a second photographer I spend too much time making sure he/she isn't in my sight line when I'm trying to get just the right angle for that special candid shot.

Question 7

How many photos do you usually take at a wedding?

Accepted Answer

On average I shoot 80-100 photos/hour. I am a big believer in shooting for quality, not quantity. As someone who shot with film cameras for years, I learned how to visualize the photo before taking it; with a film camera you don't get the "instant feedback" of a digital camera, and if you don't know how to be sure you got the shot you are probably in big trouble!

Question 8

With your digital packages do you shoot RAW or JPEG format?

Accepted Answer

I always shoot RAW unless specifically asked to do otherwise. Taking wedding photos in JPEG mode leaves the photographer at a serious disadvantage. The JPEGs produced by a camera allow very little latitude for making corrections after the fact. If you don't get the exposure, color balance, etc. exactly right you are probably out of luck!

Question 9

Can we see the RAWs and unedited files of our photos?

Accepted Answer

I saw an answer by another photographer to this question that I think is perfect - This is like asking your cake baker for bowls of batter and frosting and expecting that to be the finished wedding cake! Taking the photos is only the first step in the process of creating your photos. You are paying me not just to take photos, but to create outstanding images of your wedding day!

Question 10

Should we do our formal photographs before or after the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

That's up to you, but after more than 35 years of taking wedding photos I have to strongly recommend that you take as many photos as possible before the ceremony. There are many reasons to do this...You'll get more photographs of the two of you together, and be able to spend extra time during the reception with your guests!

Question 11

Can you help us decide what photos you should take?

Accepted Answer

I have a basic list of photos printed on my site on this page. Use this list as a starting point to design your own list. But please remember that your list will serve mainly as a guide - I can't guarantee that every photo you request will be taken. The more detailed you make your list the harder it is for me to get every picture you request.

Question 12

How long will it take before we get to see our pictures?

Accepted Answer

To the best of my knowledge I offer the FASTEST turnaround time of any photographer in the Seattle area (and possible anywhere else) for wedding photos. For all of my Digital packages I try to have all of your photos posted online where you and your friends and family can view them in 5 days or less. Yes, you read that correctly, 5 days or less!

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