Style
What is wedding photojournalism? Wedding photojournalism is the art of telling the story of a wedding with photographs. It is photography of the real wedding as it happens, without staging or direction by the photographer. I will also make any requested formal posed portraits, though those typically make up only a small percentage of the day’s photos.
Will there be any posed photographs? Yes, these are important for family historical purposes. The five important group photos for most weddings are:
- bride and groom
- bride and groom with wedding party
- bride and groom with parents
- bride and groom with bride’s immediate family (include any siblings and grandparents)
- bride and groom with groom’s immediate family (include any siblings and grandparents)
The above five groups can usually be done in about 20 minutes; however, I do recommend spending extra time on the bride and groom portraits. I would be glad to photograph as many groups as you need. For scheduling, I estimate that each group will take 3 minutes. Please make everyone aware of the scheduled time for group photos, and send me a list of any people, groups or occurrences specifically photographed at least one week before the wedding. My photographic style is non-posed, journalistic coverage of events in real time, so long lists or numerous requests for posed photographs do reduce my ability to find and capture naturally occurring moments. For example, a list of 30 posed photos could take 90 minutes or more. If you plan to do more than the five above, I recommend that you appoint someone to help gather people for the group photos. Give that person your posed photo list and ask them to help gather people for each photo.
Will you photograph every person at the wedding? I don’t photograph every person in attendance, but please feel free to ask for photos of specific people and groups during the reception.
Will you photograph each table? I make candid photographs of many guests interacting with the bride and groom. Posed table shots can be done if requested, but please keep in mind that many guests are only seated when they are eating or listening to a speech. Guests move around to mingle; they get up to dance or go to the bar, so groups are often incomplete. Photographing tables often involves asking people on one side of the table to get up and stand behind people on the other side of the table. If posed table shots are requested, I recommend that the bride and groom participate in each group photo as guests will readily gather for a portrait with the bride and groom.
Availability and Prices
What are your rates and are you available for my wedding date? Please contact me by email or phone for a complete price list. You may use the web site’s Contact form or send me an email. Please include your wedding date and locations.
How do we reserve the date? Your date is reserved once I receive your signed contract and a retainer for 50% of the contract total. Dates are booked on a first come, first served basis. Dates are not held pending a scheduled meeting, or after a meeting, as other clients may actually submit their contract and retainer in the meantime. You can print the contract form linked in the introductory email or included in my printed information package. New Jersey residents please add 7% sales tax. I will return a fully signed copy of the contract for your records. The contract balance will be due on the event date.
Does sales tax apply? The State of New Jersey requires that I collect and remit sales tax on the entire coverage fee unless the photographs are to be delivered outside NJ for use by the client out of State. If the photographs are to be delivered in NJ, then sales tax applies, even if the event is photographed in another State.
How do we make payment? The retainer may be paid by check only. Print and album orders may be paid for by check or credit card.
Is there a travel fee? For locations more than 75 miles from Cresskill, NJ (07626), a travel fee of $100 per hour is added for the entire round trip travel time. Time and distance are calculated using Yahoo! Maps or Mapquest. An additional travel fee is added for assignments requiring air travel, hotel accommodation or auto rental — please inquire for details.
Presentation of Photographs
What are proof prints? Proof prints are standard 4 x 6″ photographs. They have no writing or logo on the front. The file name is printed on the back. Proof prints are generally not cropped or retouched. They do receive individual adjustments for color, contrast and brightness. Proof prints are shipped to clients about 70 days after the wedding.
How many proof prints will we receive, and will we receive every image that you take? You will receive a minimum of 75 proof prints per hour of coverage, averaged over the coverage time. Wedding clients with 8-hour coverage typically receive 600 to 900 proof prints after I have completed my editing and post-production work. Editing is an essential part of the creative process, and is as important in photography as it is in other arts. Unedited photographs are like the very first draft of a book or song. The ability to edit later allows the photographer to shoot more freely. When photographing fast action or rapidly changing expressions, the photographer may make several similar images very quickly and later select the best among them. Subjects blinking or having unappealing or unflattering expressions are some common factors that may cause images to be edited out.
What are “Custom Prints”? These are prints that receive subtle retouching, which usually includes reduction or removal of blemishes, reflections, eyeglass glare, facial shine and stray hairs. All prints made for albums are Custom Prints.
What is the resolution and format of the digital files? If your coverage includes high-resolution digital files, they are presented on DVD in their native camera resolution (usually 10 to 20 megapixels) in JPG format. This resolution is suitable for very large prints.
Are the digital files individually adjusted? Digital files on the client DVD receive individual adjustments for color, contrast and brightness. They are generally not cropped or retouched. Retouched digital files are available for an additional fee (please refer to your price schedule).
How long will the digital files last? The lifespan of DVDs (and CDs) varies depending on the brand and the storage conditions. Recommended brands include Verbatim and Taiyo Yuden. Like negatives DVDs are sensitive to heat, light and moisture, and do degrade over time. Unlike negatives, they can easily be duplicated without any loss of quality. It is advisable to make an extra copy to be stored at a separate location, and to re-copy them every 3 to 5 years.
Last revised 4/23/12
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