FAQs

 

 

Who are you?
I invented the internet and chocolate. I’m a man among boys. I’m a lover not a fighter.

You’re a funny guy…
My wife thinks so.

No, Really! Tell me about yourself.
I’m a guy with 20 years experience as a photojournalist. I learned photography shooting and processing my own film on completely manual cameras. No autofocus, no autoexposure, no auto-anything. I didn’t have Photoshop to ‘save’ a photo — I had to get it right the first time. As I type this, I’m realizing how old this makes me sound. Geez.

In a previous life, I was a full-time newspaper photographer. I’ve documented just about everything, from pro sports to war. Again, I had to rely on capturing the moment the first (and usually only) time. I’ve won my share of awards along the way. I think they’re tucked away in the back of the closet, under a coat of dust.

If you’d like to see some of my news photos, check out my editorial site.

Why do you shoot weddings?
Because (wait for it…) I LOVE WEDDINGS! (Every photographer says that, right?)

Sure, there’s that whole “standing-before-God-and-proclaiming-your-eternal-love-for-one-another” thing. But there’s also well-dressed folks, raw emotions, gorgeous settings, and a whole lot of “what’s gonna happen next” unpredictability. The fact that I’m welcome there is an added bonus. As a photojournalist, it’s the ultimate assignment!

Really, though. It’s one of the most momentous days of your life. It’s the ultimate honor to be included, and I take the responsibility quite seriously.

Who’s gonna shoot my wedding?
As principle photographer, I cover every wedding I book. When needed, I draw on the rich pool of my talented colleagues in the area as ‘second shooters’ to help bring a richer, more complete coverage to your day. 

Why have two photographers?
There are several good reasons. Here are two:

• A fresh approach to your wedding: The same scene (first kiss, cake cutting, garter toss…) can look very different depending on he angle from which it is viewed. Also, in many places of worship, movement is restricted during the ceremony. Two photographers working in unison can offer multiple angles. With one photographer focused on the ‘must-have’ photos, it frees up the second photographer to explore the same scene from different angles and take more risk to make photos that might not otherwise be made.
• Redundancy: Or, call it security. Every good wedding photographer hopes and prays nothing bad happens to their cameras and film (or themselves!). Sure, we plan, and we bring back up equipment. But, a second photographer offers the security of knowing that if, God forbid, something were to happen to one photographer, your wedding would still be properly covered.

What’s your wedding style?
My strength is in my experience, and that is photojournalism. I’m a veteran newspaper photographer. My expertise is born out of thousands of assignments, many under very difficult working conditions. I live by the mantra “Bring back photos, not excuses.”
I take a very hands-off approach when it comes to photographing your wedding. I don’t stage photos (other than formals), or come in with preconceived ideas. Nothing is contrived. I simply document the day as it naturally unfolds.

Have you ever had to deal with a Bridezilla?
No.

Do you travel for Destination weddings?
Show me a photographer not willing to travel. The real question should be: “Can you travel?”
Can you drop into a city you’ve never been — gear intact, gather your bearings, adjust to time/language/culture barriers, shoot a wedding at a venue you’ve never worked in and still capture the spontaneity and flavor of the the wedding party, guests and locale you’re in? Can you do it in 36 (or less!) hours?
Yes, I can.

Wedding Photography is expensive. Why shouldn’t I just get my (Uncle, Friend, Cousin’s co-worker) to shoot it?
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”   — Red Adair

What kind of cameras do you use?
The ones that take good pictures.

I love your work. What does it take to book you?
Not much! A signed contract and deposit ensures you’ve booked us for your wedding day.

Why don’t you have music on your website?
Quite frankly, I find it irritating. Don’t get me wrong, I love music. And I understand why many photographers use music on their site: it creates a mood that adds to the overall experience of viewing their photos. It makes people feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But when you’re sitting in a quiet coffee shop (or, in your cubicle at work) and you don’t realize your speakers are turned all the way up and you launch a website that blasts music, it can be a little embarrassing. Sure, you can quickly fumble through the website, looking for the tiny icon to pause the music as everyone turns to stare at you, but wouldn’t it just be easier to not have to deal with it?

I saw a category on your blog called “Compete!” That’s not wedding related, is it?
I’m intrigued by the social and psychological aspect of sports and our need to compete. Compete! is my creative outlet for that.

But, you’d be amazed at how similar sports are to weddings, from a photojournalist’s standpoint: Both are free-flowing events full of raw emotion. Anticipation and quick reaction are important to capturing fleeting moments. The photographer must cover both the action on field of play as well as reaction from the fans attending. Proper preparation and knowledge of the subject, along with the right gear, goes a long way to providing great coverage.

Does anyone really read these FAQs?
I was wondering the same thing. Leave a comment and let me know!