Wedding Photography

I’ve been getting requests to shoot weddings lately which is not normally my forte so I’m posting a little announcement here about my experience and views on wedding photography.

 

First let me start by saying; Yes I have decided to shoot weddings so if you need a wedding photographer I am available.

I have shot weddings in the past but it was only on a “doing a favor for a friend” basis. I have always intentionally NOT advertised as a wedding photographer for many reason which I will list with explanations- so if you need to refill your coffee, run and pee, or throw a load in the washing machine now would be a good time.

 

Ok ready for the reasons?

 

1- No wedding portfolio. Because I haven’t really professionally shot weddings in the past I have no example images to show and brides to be always like to see a photographers wedding work. (I will have a portfolio after I actually do a few professional weddings)

 

2- Photography style. Until recently the wedding photography style, all those boring group poses, just didn’t excite me. The trend is changing toward contemporary, journalistic style photography which does excite me!

 

3- The wedding vendor racket. OMG this gets on my last nerve. There’s always some company or vendor i.e; caterer, planner, venue, trying to corner the market on the wedding business. I get annoying phone calls and junk mail all the time, from bridal this and that, wanting a piece of the action. All they really are, are con men or women, trying to take advantage of the bride as well as take a percentage of the photographers fee. My view on this is simple- I am the wedding photographer and I am hired to shoot a wedding as beautifully and discreetly as possible. I do this on my own terms and I deal only with the bride. I do not take direction from wedding planners, caterers, preachers, d.j.s, florists, or anyone other than the bride. After all is said and done, in twenty years the only thing left to remember the wedding by will be the photos. That is a huge responsibility which I take very seriously so I don’t have time or patience for anything except my photography plan based on the brides wishes. And I certainly don’t pay any kickbacks other that to my own staff.

 

4- Photographer/Videographer competition. No other professional photographers/videographers. I just can’t shoot with other photographers in my way. (This doesn’t include guests with cameras or a video camera on a tripod during the ceremony.)

 

5-Paparazzi. This is guests with cameras that tend to follow around the photographer during posed shots. They really slow things down to a crawl during group shots because what takes me a few seconds of your time to pose and shoot turns into a long hassle when your guests with cameras tell you to hold “MY” posing to give them time to get a shot. Also their consumer flashes can really screw up my professional lighting. This is why I make special arrangements to shoot the wedding party in private. It is scheduled in somewhere where convenient on the wedding day. So, sometime while the whole bridal party is together I will need 15 minutes with no guests with cameras in my way.

 

6- Fee- This is a biggie as to why I haven’t shot weddings. Perhaps it’s the fairly rural southern area I live in, or perhaps it’s the jokers around here that charge a couple hundred bucks for wedding photos my 10 year old could shoot. Wait…what am I saying. She could shoot better! My ten year old is a pretty damn good photographer with a very artistic perspective so don’t be surprised if you notice her on my staff. (-Joke. Not till she’s at least 12 )Anyway- I’ve got many calls over the years from brides wanting a wedding photographer. I quote them a bottom line price and never hear from them again. For awhile I thought I was over pricing simply because I didn’t want to get involved with shooting weddings. Now I know there is a lot of sweat, not to mention hours, put into producing a wedding portfolio. On top of that I have a conscience when it comes to certain precious memories like weddings, newborn pictures, and image libraries I own of people who have passed away. I always release the copyright. Yes, for what it is worth in this age of scanners and walmart do it yourself photocopiers, I actually do include a cd of all the images in ready to print crops with a signed copyright release.

 

So what is it worth to you?

 

Let’s review what you get with my photography services-

 

• Phone consultations- my personal cell number to call me whenever and however many times you wish to discuss your wedding photography.
• Face to face consultation- If you schedule this at your rehearsal dinner that would be an excellent time for the wedding party to meet me and I’ll bring my camera along for some extra coverage at no additional charge. Other fun times to do this- bridal shower or bachelorette party. (I don’t stay the entire time) At this meeting I have a quick checklist for you to complete if you haven’t done so already to let me know what shots you must have. Also, a 50% retainer is due me on this day.
• Wedding day coverage- My staff and I arrive to the wedding location when you arrive and photograph your wedding and reception. Most couples prepare at the location but if you prepare elsewhere we will accommodate for that. Staff includes Female photographer (me)-coverage includes- bride preparations, mood & location scenery, detail & decorations, guests, ceremony guest point of view, wedding party group shots, food, festivities & highlights. Male photographer (the crazy brit)- coverage includes- groom preparations, guests, ceremony wedding party point of view, wedding party group shots, details & festivities. Videographer- (Lindsay)- Shoots video highlight segments to be used on the DVD. Our staff is professionally dressed in darker colors. (Also the remaining balance is due me on this day)
• Editing & Production Stage- Usually takes many hours over a couple of weeks. Each image is analysed for quality, edited and enhanced. Many copies of b&w, color touch, digital artwork will be included with the originals. DVD includes still images and video choreographed to music selected by bride.
• Final Product- A 4×6 print portfolio containing approximately 250 prints in a gallery style portfolio album. 1 master image cd with copyright release. 6 Dvd’s. Online guest gallery.

 

Total Price- $1500.00 (50% down at consultation and remaining balance due on wedding day)

 

Now that is darn cheap for memories that will last a lifetime