Pages:  H O M E | B I O | L I N K | H O W I W O R K | C O N T A C T
Portfolios:  Wedding Portfolio | Ten Photos - Bay Area Wedding | Ten Photos - East Bay Indian Wedding | Ten Photos - Carmel-Monterey Wedding | Ten Photos - San Francisco Wedding (Tea and Thai Ceremonies) | Ten Photos - San Francisco Wedding (Ceremony and Reception)

H O W I W O R K

HOW I WORK
To start, let's talk a little about why the image to the right is one of my all-time favorites. To me, it embodies the qualities found in the best of true photojournalistic - documentary wedding photography.

First, it is a moment that really happened. We didn't set out to do a "flying veil" shot (and there was no assistant off camera who repeatedly flung the veil in the air for my benefit). The bride came out of the church, looking at all the friends and family assembled to greet her, just as a gust of San Francisco wind met her. She reached for the veil, I reached for the shutter button, and the moment was over in an instant but preserved forever in this image.

So what's different about this image? First, I think it is a strong photo, one that tells a story and works well compositionally. More importantly, I think, is that when my client looks at this photo, she remembers the moment, rather than the process of being photographed. While the difference isn't always obvious to someone who wasn't actually there, it's crystal clear to the subject of the photograph. It's the reason I always strive to stay out of the way and capture natural, unscripted moments.

So what happens if there's not a big gust of wind that nearly takes your veil away? Simple: there's no photograph of it. The great thing is that there will be many other unscripted, authentic moments through which you can relive your day. There always are. It's just that you won't know what they are until they occur.

That's the focus of my wedding photography: moments that are undirected, and often unexpected, and images that tell the real story of the day.


SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


How Much?

Understandably, that's the big one. My pricing is pretty simple. I start with the basics (my time, processing, online proofing and ordering, and full resolution digital files). Anything else is optional, and you're free to add as much (or as little) as you like. Prices for 2010 begin at $2,000.


What about portraits, and family and group photos?

I always do them. I think they are important, but I don't think they need to be an ordeal. Give me fifteen minutes and we're good to go.


Do You Work with an Assistant or Second Photographer?

In most cases, no. I prefer the photography to be low-key and not become part of the event. If you absolutely, positively feel you need a second photographer for your wedding, let me know and we can explore the options.


How Many Photos Will We Receive?

It depends. There is no limit on the number of images made,
and the final count depends on the circumstances. I do a basic edit to winnow the selection down to the strongest photos, reduce duplicates, etc., and usually deliver about 50-100 photos per hour of coverage. Most people are overwhelmed with more than a few hundred photos and I consider editing to be part of the service.


Who Are Your Ideal Clients?

Most of my clients have a real appreciation for photography. Many of them work in creative fields (design, music, film-making), or have backgrounds or education in those types of endeavors. I'm happy to photograph any wedding where the couple is interested in capturing the real events of the day (and doesn't ask me how to cut the cake).


Who is Not the Right Client?

As you may have noticed, the current trend in wedding photography is fashion-oriented, stylized, and heavy on special effects in post-processing (super-saturated or altered colors, textures, etc.). There's some really great photography out there, but a lot of it is orchestrated, whether you know it or not. If you want to spend a good portion of your wedding being directed like a model, I'm not the right choice for you. I know I'm limiting my market, but we'll all be better off for it.


What's the Next Step?

If you like the types of photographs shown in my portfolio and sample weddings, please email me or give me a call so we can discuss the specifics! A contract and retainer (which can be completed via email and mail) will make it official. If you're in the Bay Area, I'l be happy to meet with you in person if you prefer.