How I Photograph Weddings:

   Every wedding contains a unique story that cannot be preserved in a 4 hour slot. Because of that, I do not have hourly packages. I can only photograph one wedding in one day and I have the stamina and desire to capture the whole story. You might wonder why all photographers don't do this. Well first, it's really hard work. Most people do not understand how physical the task can be, especially for photojournalistic photographers. We are crouching, squatting, running and holding a heavy camera (or two) all day. Second, clients don't purchase wall portraits of their maid-of-honor putting their shoes on. I do it because I really want to document your wedding day, not just your wedding ceremony. In 25 or 50 years you may not remember the funny thing your flower girl did when she was being dressed or the weird food craving you had to satisfy because you were so nervous. These are details I want you to be able to experience again years down the road because they are part of your wedding day story. Having me there with you early on also helps you gets used to the camera. 

   I shoot for the album. Albums are the finished product, albums tell the complete story. When I photograph weddings I shoot with the series in mind and take lots of detail pictures to use as backgrounds in your album. I design "magazine-style" albums, layering pictures upon pictures and using lots of color to make sure the emotions and moods I witnessed and felt carry through to the viewer.  

   I typically use wider lenses and work close to you, for a more intimate perspective. When we are involved in a conversation with someone, we are close to them. Our vision is different when we are close than when we are far away. Camera lenses work very much like eyes. When you see your pictures, I want you to feel like you are there again. If I were to use long lenses in order to be less obtrusive, you would lose that close, involved feeling in your pictures. Of course, there are exceptions to this and some really great photographs that are taken from far away. But in most cases, I find this to be true. There is one time that I do not get close to you and that is during the ceremony.

   I do not use flash during your ceremony and sometimes not at all. I like to capture things as they happen in a very truthful sense. Available light opens up many different possibilities in terms of color and mood. One of the ways that cameras work differently than human eyes is that they record color temperature really well (or rather, the film or sensor does). For me, the creative possibilities are endless. I only use flash when it will make the picture more interesting or when I absolutely have to. Using available light most of the time also means my flash will not be going off in your face all day.

   I pose formals. That's what makes them formals. If you want formals done, I will do them properly and that will take some time. If you are comfortable taking them before the ceremony, let's do it. After the ceremony there are lots of guests and food to distract your hungry and anxious wedding party.

   I work constantly and take very few breaks. At first you will feel like I am your paparazzi but before long you will not even think about it. This is another good reason to start early and also get engagement pictures as part of your package if possible.