Q&A
Hi! We have been asked a lot of questions over the years so we are sharing a few that we hear quite often. There’s nothing we LOVE more than to give a more personal response, more in depth and answer any and all questions you have. Photography is our specialty but conversation is definitely one of our strengths.
How would you describe your style?
We really hate to over use the term documentary style but that might be the closest. We capture moments as they unfold, real moments that have meaning, beautiful, yet with a realness to them. Most of the day we hope that you are oblivious to the camera because you are in the moment enjoying yourselves. We are focused all day on what is happening around the two of you but we are constantly looking for what is going on everywhere else as well. Your wedding images will represent a comprehensive retelling of the day – the whole story.
Your wedding day will have some of the most intimate moments of your life. Powerful, unexpected, beautiful, moving moments. We watch your story unfold in front of our cameras. Inspired. Unique.
What inspires you?
Observing people and their relationships.
Travel is part of our creative process. Discovering, meeting new people, seeing new things, enjoying what surrounds us is tremendously inspiring. The sights, smells and sounds of a somewhere you have never been before, a flash mob dancing on a summer evening in a Venice piazza, a fish monger in Athens finishing a long day, roaming the streets of Jakarta not headed in any particular direction, photographing a Blues musician too talented to be performing in a seen better days jazz club, documenting relocated refugees in their new country, observing, seeing, feeling – whether it is half way around the world or in our own city.
Why are you so passionate about wedding photography?
Wedding photographs are the beginning of the family legacy. Knowing how important these photographs are and knowing that these photographs will be part of your lives forever is our inspiration. These images are not only for you as a couple but for all the people you love and will love.
When I was a little girl my favorite thing in the world was to look through my grandparents photographs. Those photographs of Nana + Pep, young and dating, so obviously in love. The posed bridal portraits, the wedding photographs. The timelessness of these images. I am here because of this union, these photographs are the history, our personal family history. I am part of my grandparents and their parents and my parents – all because two people fell in love.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT CLIENT.
Our couples are looking for heartfelt moments as well as incredibly beautiful photographs. What makes us a great fit is sharing an aesthetic for what the end result will be. There will be tears, laughter and beauty all rolled into one. We combine lifestyle, details and real moments as part of the complete story, a little less scripted, more photo journalistic style.
Do you need a shot list?
It is helpful to have a list of family groupings that are important to you. We tend to work efficiently when it is time for the formal/bridal party photographs and definitely do not want anyone forgotten. Being organized and having fun is key! It is helpful to know who is most important to you so that a very meaningful photo is not overlooked because we were unaware or not expecting the photograph to take place. Letting us know of special relationships and situations is extremely helpful as well. (Mom and Dad prefer not to speak to each other let alone appear in a photograph together or maybe you and your 9 cousins like to have a photograph taken together at every wedding, whatever the situation or request, we do our best to accommodate).
Please keep in mind that no particular shot can be guaranteed. We make every effort to photograph everything you have ever dreamed of, but there are so many variables outside the control of the photographer such as weather, the inability to gather certain guests, the unwillingness of certain people to be photographed, the tardiness of the wedding party, restrictions of the venue, etc.
do we really need two photographers?
Yes! We feel that two photographers are an invaluable option for your wedding day coverage. Having the two of us working together allows us to get multiple angles on a very important wedding day moment as well as afford us the right amount of time to focus on the two of you, the details and all the people that matter the most to you.
If you are having a small, intimate wedding or a
I see more photographers are shooting film these days, what makes you different?
We have been using film since our business opened back in 1993.
there are less expensive photography teams out there – why should we hire you?
There is always a photographer duo that will be less expensive, but don’t underestimate the importance of experience, knowledge + being prepared. When you are hiring a wedding photographer, please review a full wedding not just their well curated highlights on Instagram. A full wedding day should speak to you – you need to be in love with the style and see enough work that you feel confident that you will be delivered an outstanding product that matches your expectations.
We have more than 20+ years experience photographing weddings which means we have seen almost every possible problem or situation arise on a wedding day. Paying a little bit more for a wedding photographer and getting the images you want is much better than paying less and not loving your photos. We have so many anecdotes that we can share from friends and family members…just remember, there are no do overs.
What’s in your camera bag?
You might see anything from a manual focus rangefinder (Leica + Zeiss), medium format (Pentax), SLR – film and digital (Canon), mirrorless digital (Sony + Fuji), large format 4×5 or 8×10 – at any given moment. We use the camera that reacts to the way we see. Every tool has a purpose.
For Super 8 films, we use original Canon film movie cameras from the 1970’s. Wait till you hear that sound!
Can you copy the photos on my pinterest board?
We love seeing your wedding photography ideas and learning more about what you like! We absolutely love your input. The photographs on our website, instagram, blog and any sample albums or galleries we share are a very good representation of what you will be receiving for your wedding photographs. We will not copy specific shots but will interpret your ideas and wishes in our own style.
How do we book you?
Just email or give us a call! We require 30% retainer to secure any open date we have available.
What will I receive after my wedding?
Within a few days to a week of your wedding we will reveal a sneak peek for you to view. About 3 weeks later we are so excited for the big reveal: a custom slideshow + a beautiful proof gallery for you to view. Followed by a proof book, an album pre design and the hi-res images delivered online. And invariably Melissa will cry putting it all together. Hopefully you will as well!
How many images will we receive?
Since each wedding is unique, the number varies – but an average is between 600-900 edited images for a full wedding day.
What does “edited images” mean?
We cull and we edit – no one needs 3 shots of the exact same scene. Part of what you hire us for is our editing. Your final proofs will be what we deliver after the edit, the finished images.
Do you travel?
We love to travel! Passports are always current.