The Day of the Event

Q: What type of film do you use?
A: We use only professional film. Kodak 220 film and 35mm film. Some black and whites and color.

Q: Why would you prefer film instead of digital technology?
A: The proof is in "the pudding" - the skin tone quality is much smoother, more flattering, and more realistic. You can still get digital images through scanning technology rather than through digital camera capture. Scanning technology have been around much longer than the design and development of a digital camera; therefore, it is best at achieving realistic colors and tones, just to name one of many advantages over digital camera technology.

Q: When or for whom do you recommend digital photography?
A: For those who would take advantage of the digital technology and the convenience of having photos posted on the internet without the added cost of making scans from negatives.

Q: How do you dress?
A: Our usual dress code is formal wear, as appropriate as what your guests would wear.

Q: What would be your recommendation for the # of hours needed cover our wedding?
A: Starting at about 2 hours before your ceremony we would like to do formal portraits, regardless of whether you will see each other ahead of time, or not. We will stop portraits at about 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. The ending time is left to you to decide. Most people would schedule their last events about 15 minutes before the time that we would end photography coverage.

Q: How many pictures would typically be taken during the contracted timeframe?
A: The average amount of film useage is the amount listed in each of the package pricing. We should be able to keep within those numbers. The amount of candid coverage at the reception is dependent on what occurs at your event, if it is a bunch of people sitting around talking, unless you want that, we will shoot less; but if people are crazy and dancing like crazy, we will have more things to capture.

Q: What is your style of coverage?
A: Our style of coverage is unobtrusive, elegant but natural. Some black and whites and color. With two photographers, we are able to give you two perspectives and a bit of variation in shooting styles.

Q: Do we need to have meals available to the photographer(s)?
A: Yes, please. Since we are normally the first vendor to arrive in the day, by the time YOU sit down to eat, we would have already worked at 4-6 hours. We would appreciate just a little something, just to replenish our sugar and energy level. (We do not drink alcohol on the job.) And if you could only stress to the caterer that giving us our meal after everyone else has eaten would mean, we would be eating when you are ready to cut the cake, ready to move around the room, or ready to dance, and that it would mean either a loss of photo coverage or indigestion!

Q: When do(es) the photographer(s) take a break?
A: Shortly after you and your guests take a sit and the first course is served. It is generally when people are eating is when we take the first break of the day. Most guests would prefer not have photos taken when their mouth is full of food anyways.

Pricing

Q: Are negatives purchased separately or included with the package price?
A: If you want your negatives, it can be built into the price or purchased later.

Q: Do you charge for travel?
A: Most of the time, there is no charge for travel for locations under one hour of driving or about 40 miles from Tysons Corner.

Q: Are your packages customizable to content? (i.e., proofs in album, negatives, no formal album, length of time, etc.).
A: Yes, we can be flexible. We can taylor to your needs and budget.

Q: What is the cost of making the final album?
A: Albums comes in almost endless possibilities and in varying qualities. Most top grade albums are hand made and customizes to your needs. Our top recommendation is the Leather Craftsmen book bound style album. For example, a 40 page album with all 8x10 images (20 are colors and 20 are BWs) costs about $1060 without tax.

Q: Am I required to purchase an album?
A: No, it is not a requirement in order to hire us. We actually recommend you leave your album purchase until later, when you have the time and money to spend on an album. This will help you in hiring the very best photographer, get the best photos for your albums, and design the best album to match the photos. After all, what good is a good album with very little good photos to inside?

Making an Appointment

Q: What are your hours? Where are you located? How long would an appointment with the photographer last?
A: I am flexible during the week, Tuesday through Friday, with "after work hours" up to 8:30 pm. We can meet at my place, about 3 minutes from Tysons Corner Mall. Directions are on the Contact Info page. The appointment would last no longer than 1hour; averaging 45 minutes.