CONSULTATIONS
If you've looked through the online galleries & enjoy my style of shooting, then I recommend you contact me to find out if your date is still available. At this point we can discuss your individual needs & discover if my approach to wedding photography is what you've been searching for.. We can also use this opportunity to find a time to sit down together & discuss ideas further..I schedule wedding consultations free of charge and at your convenience..This is not only an opportunity for you to see finished albums & prints but a chance to discuss what you expect from your photographer.. I am also happy to discuss time tables with you to help plan your event more effectively.
During your consultation, I encourage you to ask about anything that concerns you.. Choosing your photographer is a very important personal decision and should be easy and pleasurable as well!. Because of the nature of my business, I am always available to answers questions & happy to offer advice during any part of the process. .Please feel free to call or email me now with your questions.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below.
* Keep in mind- if you don't have a wedding planner, your photographer will likely control the flow of events for the day. .I like to chat with my couples a week or two prior to the event to discuss a tentative schedule. This will help in preparing family members to arrive when they are needed for photographs. Please check out my time table for helpful suggestions.
PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING? Collections begin at $5000
Many individuals plan weddings & photo shoots from out of town, and I strive to make this process as easy as possible..If you are unable to meet with me in person, then we can arrange a phone consultation. .I am always available to you by e-mail or telephone (913) 549.3335.. I respond to all voice mails & emails as soon as time allows.
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F.A.Q
Real Questions from Real Brides
- I've never done this before- photography is the very important to me but I just don't know where to start?
- What makes your style of shooting so different?
- Do you shoot in color, black & white, or both?
- Will you be the photographer at my event?
- How many weddings will you shoot on my wedding weekend?
- How & when do you plan for formal photographs?
- How soon should I schedule a time to meet?
- Who do you suggest I bring to my consultation?
- I live out of town. How do I know you are the right photographer for me?
- Can you hold my wedding date?
- What is your booking policy?
Q. I've never done this before- photography is the very important to me but I just don't know where to start ?
A. There is a difficult process of elimination when it comes to choosing a photographer. There are a lot of photographers to choose from but I suggest doing your preliminary search over the internet. Choose from web sites that appeal to you & look through galleries of images. Don't limit your viewing to the wedding sections- look at all of their work. Find a photographer who shoots in a style you enjoy. When you find a photographer you like, contact the studio to find out if your date is available. If your date is still open, find a time to chat with the photographer either in person or over the phone. Look at examples of their work in person & talk to them about what you expect from you photographer. It's very important to find a photographer that you feel comfortable around as this translates through into the images that are captured.
Ask about the photographer's background- if they studied photography in school, have they been published, what kind of awards have they won? This will tell you a lot about the photographer's love for their craft. You want someone who is excited to be a part of your wedding- it makes a BIG difference!
Q. What makes your style of shooting so different ?
A. One of the major distinctions in my style of work is my ability to merge the worlds of documentary art and traditional portraiture. I constantly search for new creative shots & intimate moments that the average on-looker would miss. This style of shooting creates a collection of images that weave together to tell the complete story. I also offer traditional portrait sessions that take place throughout light friendly conversation. I pride myself on offering a very personal style of photography- where I can call everyone by name & enjoy laughing with the family throughout your photo session. This keeps your photographs relaxed & natural moments are captured through the lens. (I ask clients to provide me with a 'Who's Who' list prior to the event.)
Q.. Do you shoot in color, black & white, or both?
A.. While I enjoy shooting in both color and black & white,.different lighting & scene situations can require me to work in a particular medium. I provide the majority of shots in color but certain scenes may be best in b&w. When I create albums, I may change images to b&w or sepia to complete an overall design.
Q..Will you be the photographer at my event ?
A. YES, YES, YES!!! I run a small business focused on personal attention. .All of the work on this web site is my personal work down to the site creation & design. I personally compile all of my albums as well- so I undeniably offer you something truly unique, personal & artistic.
Q..How many weddings will you shoot on my wedding weekend ?
A. .I do not shoot more than one wedding per day.. I also limit myself to 25 weddings a year. This way I offer my brides a very personal service and am available to chat whenever they have a concern.
Q..How & when do you plan for formal photographs ?
A. .I plan a tentative schedule around your events and talk with you a couple of weeks prior to the event to discuss details. Check out my Wedding Time Table- it will help answer some more of your questions.
Q..How soon should I schedule a time to meet ?
A. .As soon as you have decided on a wedding date! If photography is an important part of your wedding. DON'T WAIT. The most popular dates can book years in advance. I limit myself to 25 weddings a year so I can continue to offer personal attention to my clients. Then again, don't hesitate to contact me if your date is just around the corner. There is always the possibility I may still have your date available.
** There is nothing more rewarding than establishing a relationship with a photographer who captures your family throughout the years.
Q..Who do you suggest I bring to my consultation ?
A. .Anyone who will be part of the decision making process- friends family members who are an important part of your wedding day. I say the more the merrier!
Q..I live out of town. How do I know you are the right photographer for me ?
A. .I help plan destination weddings all of the time & I constantly update my web site with current information & recent wedding images. I always suggest a phone consultation so we can talk about your wedding plans & a little bit about the way that I work. I am also more than happy to send you a sample packet with information & helpful questionnaires (such as this one).
Q..Can you hold my wedding date ?
A. .Dates are booked on a first come first serve basis. Therefore, our of consideration of other couple, it is not our policy to hold dates.
Q..What is your booking policy ?
A. .A signed contract & retainer fee is required to commission my services for your wedding. The retainer amount is based on the package you select & due to the nature of the business are non-refundable. Please contact the studio if you would like to speak to me directly about artistically capturing your wedding day.
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TRAVEL (SERVICE AREA)
I do travel for any occasion, however I do charge a fee plus expenses if the distance is outside the Greater Kansas City area. I do not charge any additional fees for travel to Lawrence.
I frequently travel to photograph weddings and families on vacation. I am willing to travel any distance as long as my associated costs are reimbursed. .I am more than happy to provide a specific quote.. Just give me the details and I can tell you the travel costs.
Serving Kansas City, Kansas, Missouri, Olathe, Independence, Shawnee, Mission, Merriam, Lawrence, and the surrounding areas.
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Wedding Time Table & Helpful Suggestions
It's best to limit your formal photos to a few simple ones- immediate family & grandparents. I don't take many formal 'over-posed' formal photographs. Rather, I focus on the emotion & events throughout the day. Formal portraits should only take 15 mintes out of your day. I approach formal sessions like I do everything else- keeping light conversation & helping everyone relax. This produces images that are genuine & add a 'recorded history' to all of your documentary photos. I ask you to provide me with my own custom 'Who's Who' list- so I know names & relationships. This also helps me capture moments throughout the day with the individuals that matter the most!
Ok- so on to formals...
I recommend just a few standard family shots. These can easily be done in half an hour as long as I have a little help organizing. I focus on your close family members throughout the day. So rest assured there will be plenty of photographs of everyone you are close to. I will work with your schedule to insure you get the photographs you want. .If there is ever a possibility to take shots just before the sun sets, I highly recommend it. I will check sun set times for you and let you know of the possibilities.
I recommend my arrival about two hours before the ceremony.. This gives me time to photograph the bride with her mother and friends as she gets ready.. Often times there is a chance for me to capture the guys preparing as well. The more time you allow the better as it gives me a chance to be creative & capture all of the details you've spent months planning. .However, If I have at least an hour and a half there is plenty of time for those "snapshot" moments as well as a few traditional shots.
Some churches do not allow flash photography.This is not a problem. I set a camera on a tripod and use fast film. Let me know if there are restrictions such as this for the ceremony or reception. It helps me prepare.
The reception is a great time for me to document everyone's interaction with one another. So many great things happen during the reception, but let me know about any special traditions your family might have. I want to be prepared for every moment! If I am going to be shooting for more than 5 hours, I will require a short break to eat. If I know about all of the events beforehand, I can prepare for this as well.
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