How long have you been shooting weddings?
I shot my very first wedding in 2002 and since then have photographed almost 200 unions.
Do you shoot in film or digital format?
I began shooting only film 10 years ago. In 2004 i introduced a digital camera to my equipment arsenal, however continued to shoot with b&w film as well. After several upgrades to editing software, in 2007 i made the decision to go completely digital, hanging up my beloved nikon 8008.
About how many photos do you take at a wedding?
This depends entirely on each individual event.
I tend to average between 200 and 300 images an hour but there have been times it’s been much higher, other times not even 100. After i return to the office the images go through, what’s referred to as, a culling process where i edit down to only about 30 to 50% of what i shot. I choose to only keep the very best images from a shoot. On average a 6 hour wedding delivers between 400 and 600 images.
Do you eat wedding cake?
Why yes, yes i do! In fact, i have it in my contract that i must receive one slice of dessert at the reception.
Do you photograph all of the details too? Like the shoes, flowers, rings, table set ups?
I sure do! I actually love photographing all of the wonderful thought and creativity that goes into your wedding day. I only show my moment photos so that you can appreciate all the incredible wedding stories i get to be a part of every weekend. I feel so honored to be trusted with others stories that i want to share them with the world.
How about family photos? Do you take family formals as well?
Absolutely, and i have a system to make it as easy and painless as possible in 15 minutes or less!!! Please know that i will actually photograph anything and everything you ask me to. I am there for you to get all of the photos you want so don’t hesitate to ask me.
What is your deposit policy?
I require a non-refundable 20% retainer to hold a date. A second non-refundable payment of 60% is due 30 days prior to the event. The last 20% payment is due once the proofs have been posted online in your virtual galleries.
Where was the craziest place you have ever photographed a wedding?
I was flown into eleuthera, bahamas once for a wedding in a tiny, old sesna (basically a 1970 vw bus with wings) where the only seat available was back to back with the pilot facing the other 3 passengers whom i didn’t know. We flew into a storm harvesting the strongest winds the island had seen all season. All i kept thinking was, “please don’t let me die because then carolyn wouldn’t get her beautiful wedding photos. And also, please don’t let me pee myself in fear, because that would just be embarrassing.” ha! Well, i didn’t die and stayed dry, although, i had considered just taking up residency in eleuthera to avoid any more small planes.
How long does it take to receive my images?
My wait time, on average, is 8 to 12 weeks. This is do to the fact that i edit all images in-house. Sometimes it can take a lot less time depending on the time of year. My philosophy is that the post processing is just as important as the actual documentation and i refuse to rush through my work jeopardizing the integrity and quality of the final image. I also believe that every client deserves the same amount of care and attention so i always edit in order of the event date.
What is the difference between med-res and hi-res images?
All shoots include a disc with all of your images in medium resolution. They are perfect for emailing, blogging, myspace and facebook. You can also make amazing 4×6 prints at any print shop you choose, however you will be unable to print any larger than that from the files. I take huge pride in my images, as i believe my clients do, and i do not trust most print shops to print to the level of quality that the images are deserving of. Also, because i am a green-photographer i really encourage my clients to only print what will be hung on the walls and appreciated daily. I use only the highest quality printers in the country including bay photo, white house custom color and jonathan penny. I also offer high quality flush mount albums from finao, including a vegan option, and is my preferred method for my clients to share their story for years to come..
If you prefer to make your prints on your own and know of reputable print shop in your local area, then you are more than welcome to purchase your hi-res disc with the option to include all your images in color, b&w and even the artisan edit, my highest level edit of all of my favorite images from the day. (editing time can be anywhere from 3 to 8 hours for the artisan edit alone.)
What is reprint copyright?
It means i am giving you permission to take your disc and make personal copies for yourself, your family and your friends. Although i retain the full copyright and ownership of the images, you receive unlimited copyright for personal use only.
If you got married who will photograph your wedding?
Ahhhh, you will have to wait and see, when the time comes, but i can promise the photos will be amazing!
Have you taken any continuing education classes?
In the past couple of years i have made an effort to learn as much as i possibly can. Due to the nature of our business, technology and resources are always changing and evolving. I have attended workshops and seminars and been mentored by top wedding photographers in the world including Ben chrisman, jay reily, [b]ecker, jason groupp, dave & quinn cheung, susan stripling, jesh de fox, Sergio, tyler wirken, brett butterstein and lacour. I have also attended several conferences including wppi 2009 + 2010 in vegas, the foundation conference 2009 in dallas.And most recently the foundation workshop in allen, texas 2010.
Can you give me a little more information regarding your destination rates? I LOVE DESTINATION
Weddings and have quite a bit of experience traveling both domestically and internationally for unions. I always have an active passport and emergency bag ready to go!
clients choose their package and are then responsible for round-trip airfare for 2, 2 nights of hotel accommodations, a 3 day rental car and $100 food stipen. Weddings to puerto vallarta, mexico have their own separate all-inclusive package. Please inquire within.