FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Wedding Photojournalism?

A: This style of of photography provides more of a documentary approach and avoids most of the posed, or directed, looks that more traditional photographers may use. Many couples still prefer the traditional style of wedding photography, but I provide the same photojournalistic style to document your wedding as I would employ in covering an assignment for any leading magazine or publication. The results are a series of photographs that capture the essence and celebration of your wedding day without the intrusion of constantly posing with family and friends.

Q: Don't most photographers say they do wedding photojournalism?

A: Wedding photojournalism has become very popular and in recent years. Many traditional wedding photographers have added the term to their business cards but have not added the additional skills or experience required to compete with a full-time, working photojournalist who has been delivering exciting and storytelling images to demanding national and international clients for decades. A professional photojournalist works quietly and discreetly in the background and never disrupts an event or draws attention to themselves.

Q: What clients or publications have you worked for?

A: Corporate credits include Miles Labs, Eli Lilly, Ameritech, Hoosier Racing Tire, Holiday Rambler, Coachmen, Kitty Litter, National Steel and regional healthcare and financial institutions. Academic credits include University of Notre Dame, St. Mary's College, Culver Academy, Indiana and Purdue University's, Wittenburg University, Aquinas and Ancilla College's, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Trinity International University and University of Wisconsin at River Falls. Magazine credits include Redbook, Fortune, Entrepreneur, Inside Buick, Athlon Publications (Notre Dame football), Dental Economics, Young Physician's, Mutual Funds, Customer Support, Food Service Equipment and Supply, For Women First and two German publications, Neuepost and Burda.

Q: Do you belong to any organizations?

A: I am a member of the Chicago chapter of A.S.M.P. (American Society of Media Photographers), N.P.P.A. (National Press Photographers Association), E.P. (Editorial Photographers) and U.P.A.A. (University Photographers Association of America). I am also a frequent guest lecturer at C.A.S.E.(Council for Advancement and Support of Education) presenting examples of photography for academic institutions. I prefer to belong to these organizations as opposed to traditional wedding photography groups because they concentrate and focus entirely on photojournalism.

Q: How much do you cost? Do you charge for the job or by the hour?

A: My fees, time and materials are inclusive in the Rates & Services section on this website. It is not professional to photograph your wedding with an open-ended contract where I take a bunch of photos, hold the negatives hostage and try to make my profit selling prints afterward. Even the negatives are part of the package we agree on when you book the date.

Q: What about the negatives?

A: The negatives are part of the package you order.

Q: Will you photograph my wedding or do you send an assistant?

A: When you book a wedding with me, I will be the professional photojournalist who photographs your wedding. I do not have a stable of young photographers I send out representing me or my reputation. If it is a huge wedding with multiple locations or logistical problems, I will often bring along an assistant who will transport and setup equipment or may take a few photos from a balcony in the church.

Will you be there from beginning to end?

A: I never book overlapping weddings and will provide the coverage agreed upon in the contract.

Q: What is a typical day to photograph my wedding?

A: Generally the day of the wedding, I am probably meeting the bride and groom for the second or third time. I expect to be supplied a timeline for the wedding and reception and where the 8-10 minutes have been slotted for posed photos and family historical groupings. I usually arrive shortly after the bride to shoot some behind the scene preparations and then I'll check in on the groom for similar shots.

Q: Do I get to keep the proofs and is there anything stamped across the front?

A: The proofs are yours to keep. They are high quality 3 1/2 x 5 inch or 4 x 6 inch proofs, depending on your package, and are not stamped on the front to limit their usefulness.

Q: Is there a film limit?

A: Most weddings can be covered properly with the amount of film agreed upon in the contract or package. If you expect a longer wedding ceremony or extra spirited reception, I advise clients to authorize additional rolls of film. I never stop photographing but will budget film as not to exceed the amount originally authorized.

Q: Can guests or "Uncle Joe" with his new camera shoot pictures at my wedding?

A: Of course, but major interference may prevent me from capturing a magic moment.

Q: Is all wedding photojournalism in black and white?

A: I prefer the classic elegance of black and white but the choice of color or black and white is yours. I never combine the two because they require different lighting and/or filtration. Beware of a photographer who loads black and white film into his camera and then calls himself a photojournalist.

Q: Do you pose any photos?

A: At a typical wedding, there are usually "formal" photos of the couple and family groupings based on supplied list that can be short or extensive but these are generally the only posed photos that will be taken. The rest of the day is photographed without interruption to you or your guests.

Q: Is there a photo or scene you always take?

A: There are certain ceremonial moments such as cutting the cake or walking down the aisle but I try to document them on film as a photojournalist.

Q: Is there a photo that you never take?

A: I am very professional and hope that the wedding party and all the guests remain professional and tasteful.

Q: Do you shoot video?

A: No, I provide still photographs only.

Q: Can you post photos to your website?

That option will be available soon.