Frequently Asked Questions

How are the payments split up and when are they due?
A retainer fee of $700 reserves my services for your event. The remaining package balance is split into two additional payments: the first half is due two months prior to your wedding day, and the second half is due one week prior to your wedding day. I accept checks, credit card payments (Visa or Mastercard) and, of course, the green stuff.

Do you use digital format or film?
To be honest, digital capture is quick, convenient (in some ways) and much less expensive than film, and that is why a lot of photographers have switched to it. However, I do not necessarily believe that those qualities make for the best wedding photographs. Digital images do look gorgeous on a computer monitor or projected on a flat screen. But I have yet to see a print from a digital image that I find as beautiful as one from film. It is important to me that I provide my couples with top-quality, archival prints of every photograph taken at their wedding, and present them in organized, archival albums. Therefore, 90-95% of your wedding will be captured on professional-grade film. I prefer the look of film, especially for beautiful and accurate skin tones, and shallow depth of field. I also feel more comfortable knowing that my clients and future generations of their family will be able to print from their negatives for many, many years to come.

Can we get digital copies of our images?
Yes, my packages include the option of ordering a CD of your scanned images, as well as an online gallery where guests can view your wedding images and order their own prints. (Please see Rates & Packages for more information.)

What kind of film do you use?
I use a combination of 35mm and medium format professional black and white (which can also be printed in sepia tone) and portrait color film, depending on your preferences.

Do we really get to keep our negatives? Does this cost extra?
Yes, you really do keep your negatives, and you receive them along with your albums and prints. I do not charge you a “release fee”.

When should we expect the photos after the wedding?
Depending on the time of year (the lab gets extremely busy during the summer wedding season), and the lab's turnaround time, your albums should be ready within three to six weeks after your wedding. (Some summer months may run as long as six to eight weeks.)

How long have you been a photographer and do you belong to any associations?
As long as I can remember, but over five years as a full-time professional wedding and portrait photographer. In that time, I have photographed over 200 weddings at many, many venues in the greater Pacific Northwest region. I am a member of The Wedding Photojournalist Association (www.wpja.com), Seattle Professional Photographers Association (SPPA), and Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and have won print competition awards for my wedding and portrait work. I was recently named a Best of Weddings 2007 Pick by The Knot, and a Favorite Photographer for Family Photos by readers of ParentMap magazine (2005). My work has also been featured numerous times in The Knot Weddings magazine, as well as Plum and Your Preemie magazines.

What if we need you to stay longer than scheduled?
I will consult with you and we will determine how much additional time is needed in order to complete the coverage you want of your event. You will be billed for any additional time at $500.00 per hour.

How much are engagement photos?
Couples who book any of my wedding packages receive $100 off of my Custom Engagement Package, bringing the fee to $300. This package includes two rolls of 36-exposure film, 4x6 prints of every photograph in an organized album, and your negatives. You will also receive an 8x10 enlargement of the photograph of your choice from the session.

Do you bring extra equipment to our event?
Yes, we will have at least 3-4 cameras on hand, plenty of lenses, extra batteries, and tons of film.

What kind of payments do you accept?
Personal checks, cash, Mastercard and Visa. I also have gift certificates available, if you have friends or family members who want to chip in on your photography costs. They can put any amount toward your bill, or buy an engagement photo session or album for you, for example.

Are we expected to feed you at the reception?
We are only human, and as the hours go by, we will need to refuel. We do not take "breaks" and cannot leave to get a meal; therefore, we do require that a meal or trip through your buffet line be provided for us at your reception. Not to worry - we will still be alert and on our toes, capturing important moments as they happen - but we do require more than just adrenaline to keep us going.

Do you have any references of former clients I can contact?
Yes, absolutely! Please see my Customer Testimonials sheet (also on my website), or let me know if you would like to contact any of my former couples.