Do you have a photographic style?
My style is a mix of modern documentary and traditional photography. I endeavour to capture the essence of your day as unobtrusively as possible. Beyond the standard events I pride myself on catching the little details and candid, unscripted moments. I am always looking for real emotions and nuances.
With this said however, most couples also want some traditional posed shots and classic group settings which will not be overlooked. By the end of the day I will have captured a creative yet timeless story of your day one picture at a time.
In general there will be very little interference on my part. Though during the formal pictures session I will often provide some input for posing with fun and creative ideas. I strive to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and also have fun while doing so.
Why do all packages include unlimited coverage?
I don’t believe in limiting the shoot to a specific number of hours as all weddings are individual and somewhat unpredictable and should never be rushed or limited to certain time frames. I prefer to tell the story of the day from start to finish ensuring I capture all the important moments. I have also found that majority of couples want full day coverage anyways and don’t want to have to pay extra hourly charges.
Why is an Engagement session included with each package?
Engagement sessions are a lot of fun and will allow us also to further get to know each other. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to become more comfortable in front of the camera and give you an idea of what to expect on your wedding day. Pictures taken at your engagement session can also be used for invitations, guest signing books and commonly enlargement prints used at your reception.
Where are our engagement photos taken?
Engagement photo shoots are designed to capture you as a couple and the love that you share. Often a location that has some sentimental value to you is used. Possibly the location of a first date, favourite park etc. Each session can include one or two locations of your choice.
What should we wear?
Wear anything that you are comfortable with and allows you to be yourself.
Can we bring props?
Absolutely!
When should we book our Wedding?
I suggest booking as soon as you have set the date as bookings are done on a first come first serve basis. Booking over a year in advance is not uncommon. On the other hand I have also done Weddings with as little as a few days’ notice.
Can appointments be arranged to meet with you and talk about our wedding?
Absolutely! I generally would not book a wedding without meeting with you first. I realize that most couples will often interview more than one wedding photographer before making their final decision and therefore I am more than happy to offer a no obligation consultation with you.
This can be done at mine or your location or at a coffee shop. During the meeting we will discuss your wedding plans and get to know one another. This is very important to me as I will be spending the whole day with you on your wedding. You will be able to go through samples of my work, including prints and albums of various sizes. We will go over pricing, packages, options and any questions you may have.
How many photographs will you take during my wedding day?
There are no limits to the amount of pictures taken. I will generally deliver 300 – 600 photos.
When will I receive my pictures?
Though we strive to provide the finished product as soon as possible we will never rush or sacrifice quality. I will generally post some teasers on Facebook and my blog within a day or two after the wedding. Your final pictures and albums will generally be available within 2-4 weeks after your wedding date.
Can I print my own pictures?
Yes all of your full resolution digital files (digital negatives) are yours to reproduce with usage and copyrights released. I only ask that the pictures aren’t used for commercial purposes.
How do your prints and albums differentiate from what is available to me?
All of my prints are retouched, optimized for color, saturation, density, and printed at a professional lab that caters only to professional photographers. This ensures a very high quality output on industry leading Kodak Endura professional paper. The albums I use are marketed to professional photographers only and have been chosen for their quality, durability and visual impact.
Will our photos fade over time?
By using Kodak Endura professional paper you can rest assured that your prints will retain their quality for many years. This paper is one of the most durable in the industry. Under normal conditions, Kodak Endura paper will last for 100 years and over 200 years in dark storage.
What type of equipment do you use?
I use professional grade Canon equipment, including 5D Mark II bodies and a variety of L-Series prime and zoom lenses. These are optimized for sharpness, color, vibrancy and low light performance.
Do you bring back-up equipment?
Absolutely, generally I shoot with two cameras attached to me at all times and have a backup body ready if need be, I carry redundant lenses, flashes, batteries, memory cards and lighting etc.
What geographic areas do you cover, are there charges for travel?
I will gladly cover your wedding anywhere in the world. Travel within Calgary, Banff, Kananaskis, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Edmonton is included in the package pricing. Please contact me for anywhere else.
Do you have experience with cultural and ethnic wedding ceremonies?
I am very fortunate and honoured to have been part of many multi-cultural and multi-religious weddings. I am knowledgeable and familiar with Western, Chinese, Indian, Islamic and Filipino style weddings and traditions and am always excited to learn and experience more.
Will the photos be edited?
Yes, each one! All high resolution images from the wedding and engagement session are individually post processed including, colour correcting, retouching enhancing etc.
How are your photos managed?
Every wedding is shot in professional RAW format and then managed in Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. The files are then outputted in the highest quality JPEG format.
Are our photos backed up?
Absolutely, once loaded, your photos are backed up locally on a separate hard drive, backed up to an external hard drive and also sent to an offsite facility. I also archive the finished files and plan to keep these indefinitely should you ever need them again
Do you shoot film or digital?
Though I learned on and still enjoy using film, your wedding will be shot completely in digital.
Do you shoot in color or black and white?
Both, this is one of the many advantages to digital as any photo captured in color can be converted to black and white.
What sizes of weddings have you photographed?
The smallest was approximately 15 people. The largest was a three day affair with approximately 550 guests.
Are you open to new ideas and themes?
I’m always interested in discussing new and exciting ideas. This is what makes things fun and ensures pictures that reflect your personalities and individuality as a couple.
Do you have a list of references?
Yes, I would be happy to provide you with a list of clients
Do you allow other people to take photographs at our wedding?
Absolutely, I just ask that a time and location be set aside for our exclusive use, usually after the ceremony and including the wedding party and immediate family members and special guests.
Do you require a meal?
This is not necessary, I will usually eat when you eat as most people do not want their pictures taken during this part of the day. If a meal and seat are offered I will gladly accept however this does not have to be included.
Can you recommend locations to take pictures in Calgary?
Absolutely, I am experienced with many different places and wedding venues in Calgary.
Can we have more than one location?
Yes! 2 or more are ideal.
Can I provide you examples of what I would like for my wedding?
Absolutely the style of photography that you want is what I will strive to provide.
Who designs the albums or chooses pictures for the album?
A well designed album will tell the story of your day from start to finish. As a photojournalist I am very attentive and aware of certain moments and key people that should be included in your album and therefore will complete the album design for you. If you would prefer however, I will also gladly work with your input and use any pictures that you would like included.
Can my Family or guests buy prints, enlargements, albums etc. from you?
This is completely up to you, If you would like your family or friends to order product please provide them with my contact information. I will not offer the pictures to anyone but you without your consent.
Do you visit venues and locations ahead of time?
Yes, where possible I try to scout the location ahead of time if I am unfamiliar with it.
Do you do other types of photography?
Though I am extremely passionate about wedding photography I also enjoy family, kids, babies, maternity, lifestyle, fashion and editorial assignments.
I don’t like being in front of a camera?
Most people including myself feel the same way. To make you feel more comfortable and confident I employ a fun and relaxed approach to put you at ease and bring out the best in your pictures.
My style is quite unobtrusive. At the end of the day most couples actually enjoy and have fun with the photography aspects of the day.
Why are your prices so competitive?
I love photography, weddings and being a part of your special day! This is more than just a job for me, this is something I love to do and also a lot of fun too. Creating lasting images and products that you will love is very rewarding in itself. I pride myself on being able to provide some of the best quality to value ratio in the Calgary wedding photography market. I keep costs down by relying on word of mouth rather than expensive advertising.
How do we go about booking you?
After we have met and once you are ready to book, I have a simple wedding contract that we fill out together. I will then take a deposit which secures and books your wedding date
What do you require for a deposit?
30 percent is required at the time of booking to secure your date. The remaining amount is required upon receipt of the final images and albums.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, cheque e-mail money transfer and credit card via Paypal.
Please feel free to contact me for additional information