Q & A

Your wedding pictures will define your memories of the big day for the rest of your life, so it's very important to choose the right photographer. To help you make the best choice, I've compiled some questions to ask potential photographers.

Q. What's the photographer's primary style -- traditional, candid, or posed?

A My style is a mixture of all three.

I take posed of the bride, groom, wedding party, and families.

Candid or (photojournalism) of the event from start to finish.

Q. What's the photographer's philosophy about shooting weddings?

A. My view is that this is part of your family history, not only am I taking the photographs for you the customer, but one day for your grandchildren. When you do look back on your wedding day it will be through my eyes and lens that you look.

Q. Does the photographer shoot in color, black and white, or both?

A. Both (Posed and traditional in color, candid/ photojournalism in Black and white).

Q. How independent is the photographer? Does she prefer that you describe exactly what you want, or would she rather have free rein to capture the festivities on film?

A. I Will, give you a checklist of photos that I normally take. This yields a good starting point for all of us. The bottom line is I’ll do what YOU want.

Q. Will the photographer you talk with be the one who actually takes your wedding pictures?

A. Yes, I’m the only one here.

Q. Has the photographer shot many weddings?

A. Started doing weddings in August of 2003.

Q. How many weddings will the photographer shoot on your wedding weekend (or even on your wedding day)?

A. ONE, yours! I enjoy wedding photography I do not want to get burnt out. Besides, I’m a husband and a father first; I don’t want to take to much time from my family. In fact I will ONLY shoot two weddings a month!

Q. Is the photographer open to a list of must-take photos (pictures you definitely want shot)?

A. Yes

Q. How does the photographer determine price? By the number and kind of prints you think you'll want, the hours the photographer spends on your wedding, the developing time, or a combination of the above factors? How many rolls of film will be shot, and how many proofs and final prints will result? Are packages available? Can you get a price list?

A. Pretty much a flat rate of $1350.00 for full coverage or $950.00 for 3 to 4

hours (no reception coverage) . You keep photographs and negatives.

Q. What kinds of cameras does the photographer use?

Some of the best a round (Canon 20D).

Q. What kind of lighting and other equipment (such as tripods) does the photographer use? Does the photographer bring backup equipment in case of emergency?

This is a good question, but one that depends on each wedding. I do an extensive research for each wedding location, I'll base what I bring on this research . My first choice is natural lighting, then flash.

I’m no fool. Yes, I have backup equipment.

Q. Does the photographer develop his own film? How long does he keep negatives? Can you buy your negatives from the photographer?

A. Yes, I do a quality inspection on each file. The high-resolution files are part of the package.

Q. Ask yourself: Does this seem like a person you could tolerate throughout your wedding day? You'll want to feel very comfortable around your photographer. Rapport is important with all wedding professionals, but it's crucial here!

Q. Ask yourself: Is the photographer excited about your wedding or your checkbook? How can you tell? If it's in the photographers heart it will be in his work.

Q. Carefully examine each photographer's past work (the book). Be sure you're looking at work shot by this particular photographer, not by other professionals who work at the same studio.

Q. Notice whether:

photos are framed and centered well
photos are over- or underexposed
lighting is effective
details are visible
people look comfortable and relaxed

Q. Call references and ask:

Were you satisfied overall?
Did the photographer get the shots you wanted?
Has the photographer responded promptly to orders?

See, Looking Glass Photography web site.

Q. When does the photographer arrive?

A. I like to start about two hours before the wedding. This gives me time to set-up my equipment and not be rushed.

Q. How much is the deposit, and what if I have to cancel or change dates?

A. $200.00 deposit is required to hold the date. $100.00 is due the day of (or before) the wedding. The remainder due when you receive the pictures.

Email Phone: (402) 980-5087 Bellevue, NE 68123