3 Tanglewood Dr
Dover, NH 03820
603-749-4777
800-755-4771
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What format camera do you use?
A. First there are three basic formats used in today's wedding coverage. Medium format, 35mm and digital. Consider the camera format as a tool. We use the appropriate tool, format, for the occasion. For all formal portraiture and some candids we use medium format cameras. The main advantage of the medium format camera is size of the negative. The medium format camera allows the image to be enlarged to a wall-sized portrait, if necessary, and provides extremely fine detail for 8x10 and smaller images. The 35mm camera, with auto focus and auto exposure, is perfectly suited for fast action photojournalistic candids. These images are rarely enlarged larger than 8x10 and if so, the grain may add to the artistic effect. Digital cameras are evolving into a tremendous tool for the wedding photographer. They give the photographer instant feedback and allow infinite possibilities for creativity. As the resolution and speed of these cameras improve you will see more and more of them being used. We presently use all three formats where the tool fits the situation. The bottom line is that what ever format the photographer uses, it should be of professional grade for sharpness of image and reliability.
Q. How many pictures do you take?
A. The number of images the photographer(s) take depends on the type of coverage you are requesting and the length of time. For a strictly formal portrait coverage the number will depend on the requested portrait sets, the sizes of the wedding party and families and permutations of groups. If you desire photojournalistic candids, the number of images increases proportional to the length of time covered and how festive the guests are. It is not uncommon to preview several hundred images on a complete wedding coverage.
Q. Will I see all the images taken?
A. As professionals, we will edit out any unflattering and duplicate images; otherwise you will have the opportunity to preview all images.
Q. Can I design my own album?
A. Yes you can. We will provide a "suggested" layout that will tell the story of the day. You can then modify it with your favorite images or start from scratch. This is your album; we will help you design it your way.
Q. How many photographers do you use?
A. Our standard coverage consists of myself, as main photographer, with an assistant to assist in posing, carrying equipment, and loading film, plus a second photographer who does exclusively photojournalistic photography. For those desiring only formal portraiture, the photojournalist does not come.
Q. Are you a member of any professional organizations and why?
A. Although membership in professional organizations does not guarantee anything other than that the dues have been paid, I strongly support participation in the professional organizations because they give the opportunity, to the photographer, to participate in seminars and educational programs on the cutting edge in the field plus the professional organizations provide a network of experienced professionals that share ideas on how to create images and services that will provide the best product for the client. I am proud to say that I am a member of the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of New England and have served as the President of the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association.
Q. How much should I plan on investing in my wedding photography?
A.That question can only be answered after asking another question. How important is your wedding photography to you? You have to set a budget and set priorities. The higher you set capturing images of your wedding day on your priority list, the higher the percentage of your total budget you should set for your photography. Professionals charge what they feel they are worth. Plan on investing more for the photographer that uses professional equipment, film and processing than the non-professional that uses an amateur point and shoot camera and brings the film to Wal Mart. The photographer with more experience will generally charge more than the beginner who has photographed only a few weddings. Remember, "You get what you pay for". Since most professional photographer cover only one wedding a day, you also have to consider that even your "two hour" coverage will take them out of business for the entire day. The number of photographers covering your special event and the amount of time will also have a major impact the total investment for your wedding coverage. We cater to individuals that photography is very important to them and demand professionalism and creativity, thus our clients invest from $2500 to $3500 for their coverage plus a finished album, depending on the time covered and the size of the album.
Q. How much time should we set aside for our formal portraits and when should we do them?
A. Remember that this is your wedding. Do not let any service, photography included, demand that you do anything when you do not want to. Allow the "professionals" to give you suggestions. Weigh the pros and cons, and make the decision for yourself. Formal portraiture should take about one hour plus travel. This will vary with the number of individuals in your families and wedding party, the number of groupings requested, and number of locations. In scheduling your portraits consider that your hair, make-up, and flowers will be fresher prior to the ceremony than after the receiving line. You should consider photographing at least the close-ups prior to the ceremony. Many have found that completing all their formal photographs prior to the ceremony works best for them. They find that they can then go directly from the ceremony to the party. Some feel that the Groom should not see the Bride before the ceremony. If this is your case, you can consider photographing the Bride and ladies plus the Groom and men, separately, prior to the ceremony, then photograph the wedding party, and the Bride's and Groom's family groupings between the ceremony and the reception. The choice is yours.
Q. Do you allow other photographers to photograph and how about the disposable cameras on the tables?
A. A professional must have control during the formal portrait sessions otherwise he/she turns into an amateur. Others trying to photograph during the formal sessions will interrupt and distract the individuals being photographed, causing some to look away during the exposure plus considerably extending the process. In order to insure the quickest and best possible portraits, others photographers are not permitted during the formal portrait sessions. They are welcome to create their own groupings after the formal portrait session is complete. Disposable cameras are a great source of entertainment for your guests. Unfortunately I seldom hear of a client getting more than a few "usable" prints from the entire set. I have never had someone ask to put one in their finished album. If you want to invest several hundred dollars to entertain your guests with these cameras, go for it.
If you have any questions for Gene, e-mail
or call him today at: 603-749-4777.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
