| Q: How would you describe your style?A: Minimalist photojournalism, with an eye for both details and the “big picture.” My love of photography began with landscapes, which are generally thought of as “the big picture,” and landscape shots require an in-depth knowledge of your equipment, and its limits. However, to distinguish your imagery from the crowd, you learn to look everywhere for unique vantage points, small details, and not just for the well-known, classical images. I love wide angle vistas, the tiniest of details, and every image in between. This approach applies as well to weddings as it does landscapes. “Minimalist” means I attempt to be as discreet as a guy with two cameras over his shoulders can be. I try to capture moments as they occur naturally, as if I wasn’t there. Like a fly on the wall you might say. I’ll never ask your guests to ‘cheese’. That actually makes me cringe a bit.
Q: Do you also shoot posed or formal images? A: Of course! If you’d like formal shots at any time, I’ll make it happen. Don’t fret though, these images won’t take long. We’ll work from a shot list that you and I put together in advance to make sure we don’t miss any groups. For planning purposes, each grouping generally takes about two minutes, but allow some extra time for large groups. (more than 10 or 12 people)
Q: How soon will we get our images? A: Very. I take pride in a quick turnaround. I’ll normally post a preview on Facebook or my blog within 48 hours, and your full online gallery will go up within four weeks of your wedding/engagement. The DVDs and any packages will be mailed or delivered soon after the web gallery goes live.
Q: Where can we see our images? A: You can find them online right here!
Q: What is your REAL job? A: I help design wind turbines for GE! I earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia in 2009, and a M.S.E. in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan in 2011.
Q: If photography isn’t your REAL job, why should you be my photographer? A: (1) I love weddings. I feel honored to be asked to document one of the happiest days of a couple’s journey together. I have a great time while I’m shooting, and I believe my happiness is contagious, which helps you and your guests relax, and helps me produce candid, loving images. (2) An engineer by training, I’m thorough and methodical (bordering on obsessive) regarding my preparation, equipment, and results. Days before your wedding, I will personally scout your venue(s) at the correct times of day, observe lighting conditions, find good photographic vantage points, and generate a mental map of exactly where I need to be, and when, to best capture your day as it unfolds. The day before your wedding I clean and inspect every piece of equipment, and bring along backups, just in case. Afterwards, when I sit down to look through your images, I hand-retouch every single one. I don’t batch process anything, because every image is unique. I believe this attention to detail sets me apart. (3) My shooting style. Aside from the formal portraits, my goal is to remain nearly invisible, while capturing as many moments as possible. Weddings are very fast-paced events, and my head is constantly “on a swivel.” I rarely stop shooting because I never want to miss a great moment, but despite all of this shooting, I keep a low profile. As one officiant reported, “I saw him once during the processional, but never noticed him again!” I’ve also been called a “ninja photographer” – that may or may not be true.
Q: Do you offer albums? A: Custom designed, professionally bound and printed photo albums (in a variety of sizes and materials) can be added to our existing packages a la carte, or ordered separately after-the-fact. A standard linen covered album starts at $1000 for 20 spreads ($800 if added to a package) and a premium leather covered album starts at $1600 ($1280 if added to a package). We’ll go back and forth up to 3 times with design changes to make sure you get the perfect printed record of your wedding.
Q: Do you have any specials? A: I do, but they come and go – just ask! I’m happy to give a discount to those serving in the active military, no matter when they book.
Q: Why is wedding photography so expensive? A: There are many perspectives here, and thus several ways to answer this question, but here are 2 personal observations. (1) There is a large investment of both time and money required to responsibly begin shooting weddings, and a great deal of time spent by the photographer before and after your wedding – behind the scenes. For example, they may only spend 8 hours actually shooting, but spend an entire day scouting, preparing, and then 30+ hours of editing, printing and assembling your final package afterward. (2) It isn’t, relatively speaking. Your wedding photographer (and possibly videographer) captures the only tangible, permanent memories from your wedding. Unfortunately, most everything else that you invest in for that day will either be: consumed, thrown away, taken back by the vendor or store, or tucked in a closet. With this in mind, a talented, responsible photographer, who can reliably and beautifully capture every last detail and joyful moment, may be the most important investment you make.
Q: How do I make my images last? A: While independent lab tests are rare, there seems to be a consensus that a good quality DVD-R will remain readable for between 15-30 years if stored correctly. The lifespan of CD-RWs and DVD-RWs is even worse. However, the archival DVDs I provide use 24k gold as a recording medium which is much less susceptible to corrosion, and as a result are designed to last 100 years. Regardless of the medium, keep your DVDs in a cool, dry area. Back them up if possible, store them on edge to prevent warping, and check them from time to time to verify they are still readable. Making copies and storing them in a different geographical location (Your mother would like a copy) wouldn’t be a bad idea either… but that’s just me …
Q: You live out in the boonies, do you travel? A: You bet. I’ll travel anywhere within the tri-county area (St. Marys, Calvert, or Charles County) at no cost to you. Nearby, but outside of those counties, I’ll simply ask for $1 per mile round-trip. For example, a wedding in Inner Harbor, Baltimore is about 85 miles one-way from California MD, and the travel fee would be $170. This fee will cover gas, travel time, and a hotel the night of your wedding. For destination weddings (>300 miles one-way), all expenses must be covered (but I travel cheaply) and we’ll work together to build those into a custom package.
Q: Ok, we’re convinced – how do we go about booking you? A: It’s easy! Just send me an email or give me a call. When you first contact me, your rates are capped at the current level. We’ll talk, figure out exactly what you’re looking for, and I’ll write up a contract. A signed contract and 20% non-refundable retainer secures your date! The remainder is due before any images are released. Hope to hear from you soon!
Any other questions? Want to reserve your date? Just let me know! – BH
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