Frequently Asked Wedding Questions

Every wedding planning guide has a list that every bride should ask her vendors.  I've taken the time to compile some of the most frequently found questions, and answered them for you.  Of course, if you have others, I'm only an email or phone call away.  While you're here, my Wedding & Bridal pricing page is only a click away, and can help you see my standard pricing rates.  I always have some sort of special running, so you should get in touch with me to find out what that is ;-)

11 Questions you may have about me:

What's your experience level?

I've been photographing people, places and things since the mid-nineties as a hobby, which has grown to become my passion.  I taught myself the basics using film, one roll at a time; I am comfortable using digital or film for any event.  I have shot several weddings alone as well as worked under other professionals assisting them in weddings as a 'second shooter.'  I am currently transitioning from an 8-5 job to full time photography.

What's your style?

Man, thats a tough one to sum up.  I love capturing the emotion and scene as it is.  Many people refer to this as a "photojournalist" style, but I just call it photography because essentially all wedding photographs are photojournalists hired to document your special wedding day.  I have made a {tough} transition to digital because I love film so much.  I tend to bring my trusty film camera along with me to get a few bonus shots that really can't yet be replicated with digital.

Are you going to be the one that actually shoots my wedding?

Definitely.  If I book you, I'm going to be there.  I may have a second shooter or assistant come along to split the workload (read-be in two places at one time) and I'll try to have them available to meet you before your wedding day as well.

Do you offer discounts?  Are your prices set in stone?

Hmmm, that's another tough one.  At this time, I'm flexible with my pricing, as well as payment options.  I may not give you half off and an album for free, but I can budge slightly.  Also, if you need to set up a payment plan, I can work with you in that regard.

How long does it take you to get us our photos and products?

Well, edited photos are typically available within a week of your wedding, if not sooner, but my policy is two weeks.  I'll be sure to let you know when and where you'll be able to see them.  As for products (prints, albums, invitations, cards, gallery wraps, brand new cars, etc.,) they depend on which ones you select, then average production time, time for me to check everything to make sure the order is perfect, then time for me to deliver the end product to you and make sure you're happy with everything.  Did I say brand new cars?  My bad, that's not part of any of my packages *yet*.

Do you have a contract?  Do we have to sign it?

I sure do.  The contract is for both your protection as well as mine--not that we should need any.  The contract outlines my obligations and your responsibilities.  Its the name of doing business and an evil necessity.  If it were up to me, I'd settle on a shake and pinky-swear, but that's not fair for the both of us.

Can you provide us with references?

At the time, I can provide you with personal references and photographer references.  Since I'm still transitioning into shooting weddings, I don't have a client base built up yet that I can refer you to.

Will you be working any other events the same weekend as our wedding?

Essentially no.  I think one wedding each weekend is plenty of work, but there will be occasions where I may have two or three weddings scheduled out of necessity.  Will I book two weddings on the same day?  Never.  Even a morning wedding and evening wedding aren't far enough apart to justify scheduling them on the same day.  Destination weddings are typically scheduled alone on a weekend (those weddings not within an hour from Corpus Chriti) to ensure I'm not trying to rush back and forth.

Can we get the copyright to our photos?

Short answer: No.  "Why not?" you ask.  You really don't need the copyright to your images.  There is some myth going around that you should ask for the copyright so you can do what you want with the photos from your wedding.  Your purchasing the copyright would skyrocket the cost of my shooting your wedding.  What works instead is a license.  I provide you with a 'Irrevocable Personal Use License' which allows  you to make prints, albums, post the images on your Facebook, Myspace or personal website, and use the images however you like--with the exception of commercial gain.  What's this commercial gain I talk about?  You sell the images to a wedding magazine or enter a contest and win big.  Now, if you'd like to, you can contact me in the future about such uses if the time arises.

What kind of equipment do you have?

I have some of the latest Canon digital SLR cameras (at least two) and a slough of "fast" lenses that can be used from low light receptions to high light outdoor weddings.  I have flash equipment, wireless triggering and other nick-nacks.  My second shooters will also have top-notch equipment.

What else do you want to tell us?

I'm working to become a full time photographer because I love the challenge photography presents.  Each photo is a combination of my experience and your memories.  I'm a very laid back guy trying to follow his passion.  Because I'm laid back, I'm pretty flexible with all of my terms, packages, hours, pricing, etc.  If there is something you want to change, add, delete, or move, just ask me.  I want to be your photographer, and I'm not going to let a few words come between my shooting or not-shooting your wedding day.

Wedding Photography