Bridal Q & A For Your Future Photographer
Mar 4th
What makes a photographer a professional? A suit and tie? Owning a studio? Owning expensive gear? Technically, there is no correct answer to this. Anyone can call themselves a professional photographer. We don’t need degrees. But there are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing your future photographer.
Besides the list of questions and answers below, take into consideration personality. You should enjoy your photographers company. Sure, it’s only going to be for a short time, but it should be pleasant. As a photographer, I want you to connect with me, and laugh! Don’t be afraid to laugh. Trust me, I have no problem making jokes at my expense to get a chuckle out of you.
Also, really look at their work. What makes it different than other photographers? You should also connect with their current work. Just taking pictures that are in focus and happen to catch you with a smile on your face, don’t make them great photos. Anyone can do that. The images should touch you. You should feel emotion when you look at them. If they are of you, they should bring back memories and stir up emotions each time you see them. Take some time to read through the list below. I have answered each question with my own answer. If you are considering a photographer for an upcoming photo session, ask them these questions. They should be able to answer each question very similar to my responses.
While this is a list that I usually give out to future brides, it applies to all photography situations; Family, Children, Seniors, Engagements…you get the idea.
Q. What is your photographic style?
This can be one or more of the following: traditional, photojournalistic, posed, candid, artistic, documentary.
A. I am an artistic photojournalist preferring candid over posed photography. However, I always allow enough time for requested poses. <<< That is for weddings ONLY! For portrait sessions, I am an artistic “lifestyle” photographer. I am there to capture the emotions and details of your everyday lifestyle.
Q. Are you the actual day-of photographer?
If not, can we meet with the actual photographer? Should/Can you meet the assistants also? Some wedding photographers will sell you on them and send someone else to cover your wedding.
A. I will ALWAYS be your primary photographer. Of course you can meet my assistants or second photographers.
Q. Do you shoot in black and white?
If film, do they shoot in black and white? If digital, do they keep the originals in color and do black and white in post-production?
A. All digital, no film. I always shoot in color. It allows me to have full control over the b/w editing process. If your photographer is simply desaturating to achieve b/w, be careful. You are not getting the true b/w images you deserve. Unfortunately, I do not preserve every file. Initial black and white and advanced techniques are done in advance.
Q. Will you have other weddings that weekend?
How will that affect our wedding? If you at the tail end of a weekend (Sunday after Saturday and Friday weddings), can your photographer handle that? Some photographers do not have the physical or emotional endurance.
A. NEVER! I only book one wedding per week to ensure that your wedding receives the ultimate attention. To be more specific, even if you only book a 2 hour wedding, you will be my only appointment that day. Why? Just in case you decide you need additional photography time.
Q. Can we get negatives or digital negatives?
How long after the wedding date (get this one in print)? Are they full resolution files?
A. All digital files are full resolution and may be purchased in addition to your package. Turn around time for entire package depends on amount of images but usually takes between 90-120 days. Every image is hand edited and color corrected. There are many photographers that will take 5000 pictures and hand them over to you the next day for a fraction of the price. However, you are not receiving the same level of quality. Remember what I said about emotion?
Q. What kind of equipment do you use?
Are there tripods? Wires? Can people trip? Is it obtrusive? Ask about the quality of the cameras, lenses, and lighting. This is to just roughly gauge their understanding of equipment. I can deconstruct most of my own photographs, telling you the light settings and lens I used.
A. Only professional grade equipment is used. As a Canon user, I shoot with a Canon 5D MkII as my main camera and Canon L lenses. Lights are all fired remotely with wireless devices, eliminating any wires. We also have battery power for all of our lighting equipment. If all the power were to go out, we could continue to photograph your wedding! In the event that someone is injured, see the next question 
Q. Are you insured?
This is just a measure of their professionalism as a business.
A. Yes. I am insured by one of the largest photographic insurance providers in the country and we can provide proof of insurance to any requesting venue.
Q. What do you do in case of emergencies?
What if the photographer is ill or cannot make it? Do you have backup equipment? Do you backup photos (for digital photographers)?
A. I always have a second photographer on call. We always have backup camera bodies, lenses, lights and any other essential gear. We also carry on average 60Gb of memory at any time. All of our images are backed up to multiple hard drives to prevent data loss.
Q. Can I see an entire wedding?
This allows you to see the consistency in one day (as opposed to only having a few “keepers” from each wedding). Many photographers will only show you their ‘best’ images.
A. Absolutely! I encourage you to view an entire day of photography. However, be prepared to view around 1500 photos from a 12 hour event!
Q. How much is overtime?
Can they work overtime if asked to?
A. I am always prepared to work overtime. Overtime is billed at $75 per hour.
Q. How are you dressed?
Are they presentable? I’ve seen photographers show up in gray t-shirts and black lace tank-tops (not guys).
A. Like the professional that I am. Always in long sleeves, slacks and tie. Suite/Jacket will be worn upon request. I need to be able to move freely to ensure you get the best images possible! <<< Weddings ONLY! For portraits, I dress extremely casual. Usually shorts and a button down shirt. Why? Because I don’t want to miss that shot. I climb trees, lay in mud puddles, whatever it takes. I need to be flexible
I would also like to mention our community. We are a small community here in Ridgecrest. Unlike several local photographers, I do have a business license. I do pay taxes. I do contribute time to charities. I do give back to the community. Please take that into consideration when making your decision.
Family Pictures – How Long Should You Wait?
Feb 24th
When was the last time you had your picture taken? What about professionally?
That’s right, I’m not talking about your reflection in the mirror with your cell phone. I’m talking about a unique, high quality, professional image. One that everyone you know would love to look at forever.
As a professional photographer I hear it all the time; “I’m just waiting until I lose 10 more pounds”, “We’re just waiting until he graduates”, “We want to wait until she can hold her head up…sit up on her own…walk…etc.”. See the pattern? You can always find an excuse to not have your picture taken. Be it a family portrait, new baby, high school senior, any type of photo. If you wait, you will always find an excuse.
But, you know what? You don’t need an excuse to just do it. But, you want a reason. OK. How about the simplest fact of all. We are not going to be here forever. That’s right. At some point we all have to leave. And if you’re one of those people that is always waiting, you may just miss your opportunity. I preach this to people every day! Let me tell you why this is so important. Our community recently suffered the shock of a tragic and unexpected loss. A young man, only a teenager, was prematurely taken from his family and friends due to an accident. Now, I do not know his family and have never preached my “now or never” to them. But what if? What if they don’t have a recent family photo? Heartbreaking. My heart goes out to this family.
You can always say next time. But what if there is no next time? Nobody wants to admit it, but anyone can be taken at any time. Once we are all gone, the only thing we have to pass on are photos. Don’t be greedy. Maybe you don’t want a picture of yourself. But what about your loved ones? Once you are gone, that’s the first thing they’ll look for. I know I cherish the few photos I have of family and friends that have passed on. I love to look at them and enjoy the good memories. Sure most of them are snapshots, which are equally as valuable. But it’s the professional photo that captures every detail that you want to remember. Without those images however, all we have to rely on is our memory. And no, I don’t trust my memory as well as a photograph.
So, if you haven’t had your picture taken professionally recently, ask yourself why. No good excuse, right? It’s inexpensive and it only takes a few minutes; for a lifetime of memories.
Zarin & Jessica – Couple Session
Feb 24th
OK, I admit it. It’s taking me forever to edit these pictures. Not because I don’t like them, but because I have paying jobs in front of this session. For those that remember, I was looking for a couple for a free session. Well, Zarin and Jessica are that couple.
Now, there may not have been an exchange of money here, but trust me…these guys paid. They had to put up with me ALL DAY! Our first photo location was about 2 1/2 hours away. And when we got there, it was C-O-L-D! I had them in and out of the truck, changing outfits, standing in the rain…ALL DAY!
We traveled to the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel. Then, back to Furnace Creek Resort. After that, all the way to Beatty, NV! And what did we go all the way to Beatty for? Candy. Yes, we went there to take pictures, but I just didn’t get that ‘feeling’ I was looking for. So instead we stopped at the Beatty Candy & Nut Store and stalked up. Let’s see, next stop? Oh yeah, Rhyolite. After leaving there, we drove the majority of the way back home. Finally stopping in Panamint Valley and Trona for some night shots in the rain.
Zarin & Jess. I love you guys! Thank you so much, I had a great time. Lots more images on the way. Just hang in there for me until I can get caught up.
Kaitlyn Senior Portraits
Feb 4th
Say hello to Kaitlyn. Is she really a cowgirl? I don’t know? But she rocked that outfit with those boots!
I was instantly excited when I saw the outfit ’cause I had a couple of great locations for it. We had beautiful light all day. Sun when I needed it…and complete overcast when I really wanted it. I love shooting under a cloudy sky. And talk about a trooper. It was COLD! But she hung in there and never let it show.
The last couple images were the icing on the cake. We were headed back towards town (the wind had picked up and was blowing about 30 mph) but I just couldn’t pass up those shots. Made a quick u-turn (off of the on-ramp). No worries, there was no other traffic. Again, she got out into the cold wind and let me work. We were only out there for about 3 minutes, but we were both cold when we got back into the truck.
Kaitlyn, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture your beauty. Good luck in the future!
Shadow Sale
Jan 8th
Right now you’re saying “What is a Shadow Sale”? Well, everyone knows what it means when the groundhog sees his own shadow. Six more weeks of being cold. That’s no fun…right?
You know what I see? Another you, a duplicate, a double. Regardless of what you call it, it’s a good thing. Why? Because there’s two of you, so you need twice as many prints. So I’m going to give them to you…for FREE! I will “shadow” your print order.
If you schedule a Family Photo Session for the month of January OR February, you will receive *2 prints for the price of 1. That’s right, I will duplicate your order for FREE!
But your session has to be completed in January or February. So hurry up and schedule your appointment. Make sure to mention this post to receive 2 for 1. Photo sessions are available 7 days a week, by appointment only.
Call or Text Jake @ 760-793-2783
Or, visit the website @ www.around395.com and use the contact form to receive a reply by email.
*Duplicate prints are applied to any prints ordered in addition to your package
