I know planning your wedding can seem super overwhelming. This is not to take the place of us meeting in person, but until then here are some answers to some frequent questions:
Do you use film or digital?
I started out on film, but made the switch to digital around 2004. There are just way too many advantages to digital now, as far as covering weddings, and I would not go back other than to have a little fun doing it ‘old school’. Anyone who still is using 35mm film is at quite a few disadvantages (all other things being equal—comparing to 4×5 film isn’t fair, and hardly anyone shoots weddings in medium format film). Their film is probably taken to a lab where -guess what- it is scanned and digitized.
I don’t just shoot digital .jpg images though; I use a Canon full-frame camera, RAW format, a 21-megapixel capture, and professional post-processing. It uses a ton of memory, but allows for tons more flexibility afterward which is important with something as critical as wedding photos.
Why does wedding photography cost so much?
Funny you should ask :) because I just wrote an article-length post to attempt clearing some of the confusion out there… In short, the main culprits are the ‘cost of doing business’, actual costs of equipment and products, and all of the other insane expenditures that go along with being a professional photographer. And that’s before the 40-50 hours of time invested in your wedding, and before accounting for the skill and talent of the photographer. It’s worth it though – years from now you’ll be glad you didn’t cut costs on good photography.
Do you have any ‘packages’ and what do they include?
Why yes I do, starting at $1500. Take a look. I include the most popular, most essential services and products that will give you great coverage and great results. These are not set in stone, and are usually customized to be exactly what you need or want.
How much experience do you have?
I started in photography in 2000, and photographed my first wedding in 2002. If I did my math right, I should be shooting my 28th wedding later this year. I’ve covered weddings in 7 different states, and no two have been the same!
Are you available on ___ date?
The best way to check is to use the contact form on this site (or email me directly: contact@brianpowell.info). You can always call, but I might not have my calendar in front of me). I no longer publish my assignment and travel calendar online.
What kind of style do you use?
I use a mix of documentary and traditional wedding photography. I can shoot in a few different ‘styles’, but the one I prefer is documentary (some say ‘photo-journalistic’). I prefer to make images throughout the day and night that tell a story. Putting together a visual narrative, from the details to the big moments, is why I love shooting weddings. I try not to get bogged down by a long list of prescribed poses. From experience, I know the important moments of your day and make sure I capture them.
What equipment will you use?
I use professional Canon cameras and lenses, as well as my own lighting. For the entire list, you might visit the aforementioned post to see some other things I use. This isn’t the top of the list of things you should consider, however. The camera is a tool — it’s more about who’s using that tool than the tool itself. That being said, I like to use nice, powerful, dependable, and versatile tools! :) And it’s all backed-up and redundant just in case, of course.
Why should I book you over someone else?
Better photos and better service (and usually at a better price):
First in my book is always the photos. Better imagery both technically and artistically. A unique and creative perspective to tell the story of your day, and no cookie cutter approach. Highly customized and personal.
A close second is personal service; you always work with me — not an assistant, office rep., other photogs shooting under my studio name. I actually get to know you. I’m easy to work with. I put the client first. From your first email, to the final album design, and even months later when you need something else or have a question: I respond to emails and calls within hours if not minutes. On your big day, I’m not on the clock counting hours or number of photos I’ve taken!
Thirdly, when you compare quality of photos and service, I compete very well on the value of the financial investment you make. My packages are just what you need and want, nothing bloated just to pad my profit margin. I’m a straight-shooter like that (pun intended).
Are you insured?
Yes, of course; I carry three types of insurance. Many venues and locations require it, and it’s just good business practice.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
I’m a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and keep up with all of the latest technology and techniques. You can see my listing here.
Do you use a contract with your clients? What’s in it?
Yes, every professional photographer will have a contract that serves both the photog and the client. It is also a great communication tool that can clear up any assumptions or misunderstandings. You can see mine by clicking here. Pretty standard stuff, really…
Do I get ‘copyright’ of the photos?
This is a common misnomer. “Copyright” is a legal term that describes the rights of the original creator (the photographer). 99% of the time this stays with the photographer. What I provide on your CDs and DVDs is a release that allows you do everything you would need to do with your images (print, share, archive, create, etc.) Details are in the aforementioned contract.
What discounts or promotions do you have?
At some point during the year I discount certain months where I’d like to book just 1 more wedding (contact me to check). Military (if your spouse is being deployed or returning) is something I try to honor in return. Off-peak (Nov.-Mar.) is usually discounted depending on the weekend. I do not have discounts based on day of the week, as I still only book 2 wedding maximum for any given month. $50 referral reward for you if a client says you referred them :) Building the most complete package you can afford up front is another way to save a few hundred in the long run.
I have an online storefront where you can proof an entire album full of the final, edited set of photos. You can view the whole thing as a slideshow, and you can share the link with anyone. Password protection is a privacy standard, and your collection will be available indefinitely! (no 3-month expiration date here :)
Ordering is a piece of cake and the quality-guaranteed prints come from a professional lab in Georgia. Tons of other photo products there – not just prints. Read more here.
And (better than proofs), most of my wedding packages also include a nice box of 4×6 Lustre prints (up to 450). Not stuck with a images on regular paper (or spiral bound…gross), you can share or use these prints however you like!
How do we book you and reserve our date?
After we meet in person to discuss your wedding, booking is relatively easy: a contract, an online wedding info form, and the $300 retainer (applied to total balance) will reserve your date. More details here.
How soon do you book up? How many weddings do you book each year?
I start booking dates as early as 1 year in advance, with most people booking during the fall and winter seasons for dates in the next year. I purposefully choose to book only 10-12 weddings each year, and when any month (even peak wedding season) books two weddings, I close my calendar for that month.
Shouldn’t I hire someone who does only weddings?
There are few arguments for ‘specializing’ in wedding photography, but in my opinion weddings are special – and they would become less so (to me) if I were shooting 30 or 40 weddings per year. Or even 20. I also want to leave room for other genres of photography, which allow me to explore, be creative and learn in other ways. In fact, doing a variety of things keeps me fresh and allows me to develop more skills and techniques – which I then turn into better wedding photography. Believe me, I would be a more profitable photographer if I booked every wedding I could…but I wouldn’t be a better photographer or give better service.
Is your question not listed? Use the contact form to send one my way :)
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