How do I book you to shoot my wedding?
Send me an email and describe the size and scope of your wedding, number of bridesmaids and guests, etc. I will contact you and we can discuss your feelings and picture needs/wants, scheduling of group shots, etc. I have a basic contract that describes our agreement. You will fill out this agreement which contains contact numbers, location, and other details, which you sign and return with your deposit check. I then sign the agreement and return a copy to you with a receipt for your deposit and a statement of the balance due. If you are in New Orleans you can make an appointment to come by the studio and we can handle the agreement here.
How long have you been shooting weddings?
I shot my first wedding in 1973. This is a shot from that one:
What steps do you take to back up the images?
I keep copies of the files on four different hard drives, plus a dvd backup. Two of the hard drives are permanent backups and files live on the other two as ‘working’ files for 1 to 2 years. The dvd is also a permanent backup, though for the life of the media only, hence the hard drives. In case of evacuation the removable hard drives travel with me. I follow best-practices in file naming and digital asset management. Upon receiving, clients move all files to their system with backup instructions. This provides additional layers of backup.
How long before proofs are available for viewing?
I can upload a gallery of preview images for an additional charge, from which you may order prints (and even assemble an album if you wish). You will not receive paper prints since all files are delivered electronically, unless you purchase a package that includes a book or album. The cost-savings in making prints on your end is enormous, often as much as 95% less than a studio print. Most of my weddings are delivered within three weeks of the event, sometimes sooner.
How will I receive the images?
Electronic delivery via FTP (File Transfer Protocol download) or on a small hard drive that you copy to your system. The drive is formatted for both WindowsPC and Macintosh systems. The drive will arrive via USPO with instructions on moving the images you your system (computer or network). After moving the files you return the drive to me in an enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Will all the images arrive as high-resolution color jpeg files?
Yes, but I like to also do black & white and manipulated-color variations of certain images. For those images you will have the original file and a duplicate, or duplicates, with the variations.
When is the full balance due after I’ve paid my deposit?
The full balance for photography is due thirty days prior to your wedding.
What are your back up plans in case of emergency that would prevent you from being able to shoot the wedding?
I have two additional photographers that I use as “second shooters” on large weddings, both are capable of working as first-shooters in an emergency.
What equipment do you use?
Cameras/Lens: Canon EOS, and EF-L lenses, both prime and zoom. Lighting: Dynalite, and Canon strobes, Lowell Omni and Tota hot lights, + available light.
Do you bring backup equipment?
Yes, I bring backup cameras, lenses, and lighting on every wedding.
Do you bring lighting equipment to the event or is it all shot with available light?
Although I shoot available light when appropriate, I bring lighting to produce beautiful light in situations where the quality of available light is not good.
Do you retouch all the images?
Not in the traditional sense of face-sculpting and major image edits, but I do apply “softening” to certain images that I feel would benefit from it. The current trend of offering “retouched” wedding pictures (retouched with plug-ins) is a reaction to photographers who shoot too much available light. When the lighting is correct (and flattering) most wedding photographs should not need to be retouched. An exception would be a formal portrait, or highlight image. If you choose to have an image retouched I provide this service on an hourly basis.
If you are already booked for my wedding date can you still oversee production and delivery of high quality wedding photography using an associate photographer?
Yes, due to the large number of bookings and inquiries we have been receiving I now utilize a couple of talented second-shooters in special circumstances. Usually this is done for small intimate events where the bride wants a strong photojournalistic coverage with my unique post-production color and contrast manipulations. I’m often able to make a special package where you get a high value set of wedding images at an affordable price with guaranteed quality.
How long have you been in business?
Technically, since 1979, though I shot for newspapers in high school and college. See this blog post for details: How I Got Into Photography
We’ve heard of horror stories of fly by night wedding photographers running off with bride’s deposits. How can we be sure you’re trustworthy?
I’ve been a professional photographer here in New Orleans for the past thirty years. I can provide you with a long list of professional references if you like. I own my studio and home. I’ve been married to the same (wonderful) woman for fifteen years. I’m the father of an (awesome) twelve year old. I guarantee the quality of my work. I welcome studio visits for any potential customers who would like to stop by, look at albums, check out my studio and just generally get a gut-level feel for what kind of person I am. I won’t try and strong-arm or hard-sell you when you come by. If it doesn’t feel right I’ll even recommend other photographers who’s work I admire.
How many weddings per year do you shoot?
I average about two weddings per month, as of April, 2012.
Can you travel to other locations?
Yes, travel time is estimated prior to booking the job, with the understanding that travel costs fluctuate greatly based on many variables.
What is your formal education in photography?
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Nicholls State University, Class of 1979. Continuing Ed at summer workshops, Maine Photographic Workshops, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, etc.
Do you carry liability insurance in case of accidents?
Yes, I carry a $2,000,000 General Liability policy with The Hartford. My clients are always protected on every job I shoot, studio or location.
What is your wedding photography style?
I believe truly great wedding photographs always involve a magical, candid, “decisive” moment. Therefore my aesthetic “style” is rooted in classic photojournalism. Though there seems to be a “wedding photojournalist” on every block, a working photojournalist (like me) who shoots editorial and corporate jobs, with many years of experience, will always have an advantage in capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. My “pictorial style” is a wide ranging mix of straight-color with black & white and manipulated color variations.
Do you do other types of photography?
Yes, I have made all of my income as a professional commercial photographer for more than thirty years.
Please visit my commercial website to see my commercial and personal work.