· Ask lots of questions!  (see below)

· Get to know your photographer and his or her style.  They will be spending the entire day with you!

· Look closely at your photographers work.  Ask to see several weddings from start to finish.  Look for photos of correct focus, color, quality, horizon and distance.
 

What qualifies you to shoot my wedding?
I have been a full time professional photographer for the last 15 years after graduating in photography with honors from Barking College in London, England.  Locally, I have photographed an average of 40 weddings per year for five years. 

Do you have a time limit?
No, I will be with you as long as required to take all the photographs you desire.

Do you have a limit on the amount of film that you will take?
No, I do not charge extra for film and there is no limit on the amount of photographs that I will take.  On average, an entire wedding day can be captured in 10 rolls of 36 exposure film, equaling about 360 photos.  Some weddings require more, some less.

Do you sell albums?
Yes.  Our albums are hand-crafted by a company called Art Leather.  The prices start at about $150 not including the photos.  We have tried several other brands of albums and find that they do not stand up to wear.

Do you personally shoot our wedding?
Yes, I photograph the wedding.  Larger photo companies assign photographers to weddings.  In cases such as these, you will do well to meet your photographer prior to your big day.

Do you take any photographs before the wedding?
Yes, I try to take as many photos as possible before the service.  Even if you are not seeing each other before the ceremony,  I can complete  50% of all the photographs.  The advantage to taking photos before the wedding are:  1) Hair and makeup are still fresh  2) Bride and groom are usually more relaxed (as can be expected), and 3) It will only take 30 minutes after the ceremony to complete the formal portraits so you won’t keep your guests waiting at the reception.  Remember, the bride and groom do not have to see each other before the wedding.

What kind of lighting do you use?
For the formal photographs, I use two studio lights to eliminate unwanted shadows and to give even lighting throughout the picture -- this is unobtainable when using just one flashgun with a camera.  For candids, I use diffused flash, located off-camera to eliminate "redeye."

Do you carry any spare equipment?
Yes, I carry three cameras and flashes, spare studio lights, and numerous lenses.

How long do I have to wait before I get the proofs?
One to two weeks.

How long do I have to wait before I get re-prints and enlargements?
One to two weeks, depending on the size of the order.

Will you take some black and white photos?
Yes, if you wish, I can take some black and white photos.  (However, they are not necessary for the newspaper.)  There is no additional fee and re-prints cost the same.

Can you photograph my wedding with a larger format camera?
The larger format camera/film is better for formal portraits that you plan on having enlarged to sizes above 8 x 10.   I do not recommend exclusive use of this format (e.g. for candids and action shots) because your costs increase.  

Do you run the wedding?
I do not direct the series of events involved in your day.  However, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding logistics, traditions, and normal course.