So . . . how much?

· preparation (mostly bride, with some groom if timing and location abide)
· ring/detail shots (I’d like to borrow all of the rings and any other important objects prior to the ceremony)
· ceremony coverage
· family portraits
· couple/bridal party formals
· reception shots
· a USB stick (typically delivered a 2-4 weeks afterwards) of all your photos (excluding repeats and gibbles, naturally)
· an online gallery of the best shots from your wedding

The word which most accurately describes my style of photography is likely photojournalism. I prefer if people don’t even notice me. Perhaps a better word would be ninja. =)

For the most part, I capture un-posed, honest moments of everything going on, from the main focus (you two) to your wedding party, your families, friends, random spectators, the surroundings, and anything else which helps make up the scene.

The exception is the posed shots, which most of my couples do in these two stages: first, portraits with family and close friends captured immediately following the ceremony, usually on-site.

Second, while family and friends chat or wander off to bide their time before the reception, the couple and their wedding party caravan to various locations for photos with cool and diverse backdrops.

In addition to the cost of high-end photography gear (primary and backup camera bodies and lenses, flashes, tripods and light stands, light modifiers, batteries/chargers, and more) and the time investment in education & experience to properly & effectively wield said gear (with great power…), there are many hours spent in research, preparation, communication, consultation, and planning out your big day.

The wedding day itself can mean as much as 14 hours of capturing the best moments and details from the preshow, the ceremony, the family portraits, the formals, the reception, and as much in-between goodness as possible.

Afterward, the work continues, including transferring a couple thousand photos, making multiple backups (and taking some offsite), culling down to the best shots, editing the finals by hand, and preparing them for delivery.

You can trust a professional photographer, which means you can concentrate on other things, like that lovely person you’re getting married to.