Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Your different, aren't you.
A: That's not really a question, but yes, I am, and not in a bad way.
Q: How long have you been taking pictures?
A: I first picked up a camera sometime in the 8th grade (1982-ish)
when I was on
a snow ski trip with friends. The excitement of waiting to see the
developed film and reliving those great memories of our
activities left an impression. Heading into my freshman year of high
school I traveled to Singapore and
Sumatra. While in Singapore I
bought my first 35mm film SLR (a Chinon). Over the course of a few
years, I wore the poor thing out. By then, I was responsible enough (I
guess) to began
using my dad's Canon AE-1 that he bought when he was in the Air
Force. I bought another SLR (a
Nikon FM-2) in 1988 while an Air Force Security Policeman during my own
tour at Hahn Air Base in Germany. Finally, in 2004 I bought my first digital
SLR, a Canon 10D. I still use it but added a Canon 1D in 2007. So from
1982 to now is about 26 years of photography. My first digital was a
gift from my parents Christmas 1999. I wore that out and still have it's
replacement. Since going digital in 1999, I have taken more than 200,000
pictures. (If you want to do the math, that's an average of 60 a day or
2,000 a month or 22,000 a year for 9 years.
Q: What makes you qualified to take pictures
of my (insert your event here)?
A: In all honesty, nothing. But you have probably seen
my work. I don't have a photography degree and I
don't have all sorts of acronyms following my name to affiliate me with
some club or organization. (But I am working on that). Still, I am very similar
to many other
photographers that are trying to get your business. We all
have a passion. I think it's the vision that sets photographers apart.
It is true that some artists are more skilled or naturally talented than others. Most photographers started out taking pictures of friends and family events. Then they are asked to take pictures of a friends wedding. Shortly after that a high school senior session follows. Eventually more high school seniors and more weddings before they (most of us actually) realize one could make a decent living at this thing called photography.
All the photographers that I know work pretty damn hard at being ourselves while creating an individual "look" or unique "style". We are trying to present you with memories of your event that will pass the test of time and be an original work of art or emotion.
Most likely, you found me from a referral. That's good, that means I did something well enough to please someone that you probably trust. You are free to talk to any of my past clients or even other photographers that may know me. View the portfolio to see what I do and how it looks.
Before you make any decision, please meet with me. That face to face meeting can make or break your decision. If you don't feel comfortable with me, I can (and will) definitely refer you to another photographer in this area or wherever you may be holding your event. (I know photographers in Denver, L.A., Washington state and leads in Miami and NYC). I know some other local (Pittsburgh area) photographers personally, and I hope I can steer you in the right direction. For obvious reasons, I would prefer you and I working together.
Q: Why do you charge the way you do?
A: It's what I am comfortable with. I keep my prices in line with the
majority of the other photographers in my area. Some charge more, many
less. I offer some things they don't and other photographers have so
much to choose from it's mind numbing. I am a simple person. Or I try to
be. If you don't see something you want or saw some where else, please
ask. If I can get it, I will. Otherwise, just like in life, if you
don't ask, the answer is always no.
Let's not forget, people usually get pictures taken only at pivotal times in their lives. Births/birthdays, graduations, weddings and near death. Sprinkle that with a few family reunions and the family holiday. But it is these images at times in our lives that we all seem to gravitate back to. We all like to go down memory lane with pictures. Photo albums, video DVD's etc. You really cannot put a price on some of these memories. They truly can be priceless. But there has to be a middle point where my skills and vision meet your pocketbook. High end wedding photography in the U.S. can top 15 thousand dollars (and more). Low end is free from Craigslist or your uncle John. Prices you and I come to agree on may not be the same when I did your friends Tom and Susan. Each photo agreement has different components. Each is individual. That's why my prices displayed are BASE PRICES and items can be negotiated. That's the business of photography.
Q: When will I get my pictures?
A: Honestly, it can depend on my work load. If I am less busy, I can get
proofs ready in a few days. During the busy season (spring and summer)
it can take me a little longer. We keep in contact. Communication is
key. I don't want to be the blow in and blow out photographer. I want
this to possibly be a lifetime relationship.
The preferred process is to shoot the event, then create proofs that have a little editing done to them. At this point, a session to view the proofs can be made. After you select your images from the proofs and pick the final media (books, prints, canvas, etc.) the selections will be final edited (if needed) then ordered. Once they are received from my selected printer/vendor, I will contact you for an appointment for final viewing and delivery.
Q: What equipment do
you use?
A: I am a Canonite. No, not the biblical kind. The
camera kind. I use Canon 10D and 1D cameras. My lenses are a mixed
breed. I have Canon, Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. For lighting I use the
wonderful sun in the sky and Vivitar 285 flashes. Right now I don't have
high priced studio strobes and light modifiers that you see in the TV
shows on on movie sets. Because of my love of sports, I have to be able
to bring my equipment on my back, so to speak which accounts for some of
the equipment selections. As time goes on, I buy more stuff to put in
places that can hold it.
Q: Who does your print work?
A: I have several different vendors to pick from. Not all of my printers
can do everything I ask, or everything you ask for. For certain sized
enlargements, I have a couple vendors to pick from. For proof books I
have another. I even have a a different vendor for the proof prints. A
few are local, others are in another state altogether. To add to the
above question, getting all the items for an order is a fun logistical
task that does affect the final delivery time.
Q: What if I don't like your pictures?
A: It depends on if it's before or after your event. If it's before,
then I will gladly help you find another photographer that may be more
your style. If it's after your event we need to discuss what was
expected and where the communication broke down. It is entirely possible
for you to see my prior work and it not be the same as you expected.
With that in mind, there are many variables that fall into place. The obvious one would be location. Your location may not be the same as a location I have already shot at. Other things to think about are time of day, lighting, environment and weather. I of course pick the best images for you to see. You are more than welcome to view the images for a whole event. That way you can see where my state of mind is when I am taking pictures. You can also see what the difference is from the initial picture to the edited version.
Q: Can my uncle Joe take pictures at
my wedding too?
A: Yes and no.
YES: It's YOUR event. You invited guests that have cameras and some may be better than my own. Some of your guests may even be more talented than I. But they may not have the VISION that I have.
NO: You requested me to capture moments in time of your event because of my personal vision and the expected results that you have heard or seen.
It happens all the time where the photographer poses the bride and groom or wedding party then everyone stands behind the photographer to get the "same" picture so they don't have to pay for it later. You are paying me to be there and if I don't get the control or time to get the pictures you need from me, then you will be unhappy with my results. Neither of us wants that. Your family members might save a few bucks, but lets be real. Let me do my job and your guests can have all the time they want from you later during the reception.
Q: Can you do.......?
A: Possibly. You have to ask me. Very few things really are not possible.
But it's fun
to talk about them. This is part of the communication and creation
process I strive to obtain and deliver.
Some things that may be considered are Trash the Dress, nudes, intimate couples, births, funerals and reunions (family/business/school). The list can go on and on. Pittsburgh has a wealth of locations. From new brick and glass, old parks, rivers and lakes as well as run down abandoned buildings and huge cemeteries or hidden cabins in the woods. Locations and styles can be combined. A trash the dress session in a lake is passé. But perhaps you in your wedding or prom dress and your boyfriends Jeep in a mud hole. Consider a nude session in your office building over looking a cemetery or a busy sidewalk. A family portrait session in a run down mill or a family reunion picture in a movie theater with 3D glasses on and popcorn bags.
My mind rarely stops. And it shouldn't.
Q: What is something important to you?
A: Friends and family. But between you and I, it's communication. I talk
a lot. I will get excited about what we might be able to accomplish. I may forget a few of the things we discussed but I truly enjoy
speaking to you about your event, whether it be a wedding, birthday or
baseball game. Once I get behind the camera, and begin to capture those
moments, I am in the zone. So much to the point, that I may
hyperventilate. I have been known to stop breathing when I take
pictures. I really forget to breath. So when I talk , I am often out of
breath. I find it funny, you may too.
It's a great place to be. It is a happy spot for me.
Q: What can I expect during a photo session
with you?
A: It depends on both of us. I try very hard to work to your level. That
includes time, intensity, humor, expression and attitude. Honestly, we all have
good days and bad. Because you are paying me, I have to be on a good
day, or pretend to be on a good day. I usually don't have to pretend
very often.
My work needs to stand on it's own as mine. I have a style that is probably journalistic, but I do direct when there is something that I see and it needs to be explored. Poses, emotions or environment. I can call off too. If something doesn't work, we move on. Perhaps come back to it when the timing is right.
In all honesty, lots of people can take good pictures. Only a few can make great ones. I want to be great, not good.
Q: How do you work a
wedding?
A: Heavy drinking and my eyes shut. Just kidding. I
don't drink, or it is so rare even doctors laugh at me when I tell them
how often. (But if I do drink, I like Ice Wine or a Late Harvest, from
Washington State.....)
For weddings, I like to arrive as early as possible. This allows me to get pictures of the details like flowers, preparation workers, bows and sacraments.
Of course as a photographer I like to think I have ALL ACCESS. Wandering around taking pictures of things important.
I will wander in and out of the grooms and bridal dressing areas. Yes, I would really like to be in the brides room as she gets ready. And yes, I know a man in the brides room can be kind of weird to some. Let's not forget, I am a professional photographer. I am married and have kids. Those aren't excuses, but it's a bit of information to let you know that I have seen much in life. I am there on YOUR day. I am there to document all the little things that YOU will look back on and be thankful for. That I was able to have the vision to get your mother putting on your veil. Your best friend lacing your dress up and your grandmother handing you the garter. Your flowers, your dress details. Not to be unbalanced, I want to be taking pictures of the men getting dressed and prepared as well. But weddings are much about the brides.
To help you be at ease, you should of course talk to your soon to be spouse your matrons and the parents about my access. Get your undergarments on, call me in, and allow me to get those moments that you will cherish later in life.
These activities leading up to your vows can be as important to you 10 years down the road as the vows themselves. It's all about the "day". The sum of all parts. I do tend to lean in the journalistic style. Most photographers today do this as well.
The formal portraits are taken whenever you decide them to be taken. Really, I prefer some before, some after and some at the reception. Most of the time they are done after the vows and before you head to the reception. In a perfect world, we would all meet a week before the wedding for a whole day and get them done at that time, but logistically, it rarely happens. Much depends on if the reception is at the ceremony site or somewhere else.
Obviously a wedding is a public display of affection. You invited many guests, family and friends. I like to include everyone. Of course, family is first. Friends then VIP's so to speak. Note: I don't know everyone, or anyone. There should be someone, like the wedding coordinator that has a list of who needs to be where and when.
After the formals, we head to the reception. There are garter and bouquet tossing, cake cutting and first dance. The rest is documenting the guests and the celebration.
Q: What is your goal as
a business?
A: I want to develop relationships with my clients.
Sure it's good for business, but it's also who I am. I like to
communicate, to develop bonds. I talk. I love to relive memories. It
means a lot to me as a photographer when I get repeat clients. It's
means more to me as a person when you come back to me for pictures of
something else important to you. I may have taken your wedding pictures.
But when you ask me to do your maternity pictures, then baby's first
year photos and a family reunion or holiday family portrait. That's
heartfelt. Then I hope I will be there to do the high school senior,
then wedding, birth......you get the idea. It's a relationship that we
build. A lifetime of memories.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: I want to walk with you right up to
your personal edge. If you are willing, I will push you over that edge.
Just beyond your
comfort zone in order to get a truly great image. Something that can
stand the test of time.
That's why we are the NEXT LEVEL photo, we are not "be content with what you get."