Q:  How long have you been a photographer?

A:  I've had a camera in my hands since I was 11 years old.  I've been actively shooting weddings for over 17 years.

Q:  What kind of equipment do you use?

A:  I am a completely digital photographer now, and my camera of choice is Canon's 5D Mark 2 Digital DSLR, and I always carry two full sets of equipment on every shoot.

Q:  How far will you travel to shoot a wedding?

A:  I am based in Central New York State, about an hour Southeast of Syracuse, HOWEVER, I will travel anywhere to shoot a wedding.  Basic travel expenses will be added to the final cost of the package you choose, but if you need me in Hawaii.....I'm there!

Q:  If we need you to travel, what are the possible additional travel expenses we can expect to pay?

A:  I begin requesting additional travel expenses if a client is over 2 hours away from me.  Typically (if I am driving instead of flying) the additional travel expenses would include the cost of gas, and a possible night or two in a hotel.  I always discuss the exact cost with my clients prior to signing the service contracts.  If I had to fly to make it to your wedding, the cost of a round trip plane ticket, hotel, car rental, and gas would be discussed.  If you think you may have travel expenses, ask me and I'll gladly let you know what (if any) your travel expenses may be.

Q:  If we only want you to shoot a portion of our wedding day (ie: shooting JUST the ceremony and NOT the reception), are the package prices any different?

A:  The package prices are fixed regardless of the number of coverage hours, and regardless of what day of the week the ceremony falls on.

Q:  Once we have decided we want you to photograph the wedding, how soon can we send you a deposit?

A:  It is never too early to book with me for my services as a photographer.  I have accepted contracts from some clients over 2 years before the wedding!  I accept contracts on a "first come, first served" basis.....once I have a contract/deposit for a particular date, that date goes onto my calendar and is no longer available to any other couple, because I never "double book" any date.

Q:  How do we get a contract and what is the deposit?

A:  As soon as you know you'd like me to take your pictures for your wedding, you can E-mail me or call me and request the contract packet.  I will send the packet to you, and then you can return a copy of the signed contract along with your non-refundable deposit of $300.00.  (The balance for whatever package you choose will be due 1 MONTH prior to the date of your wedding.)

Q:  Why is the deposit non-refundable?

A:  The deposit "HOLDS" your specific date on my calendar.  If I have other potential clients ask about the same date and I have received your deposit first, YOU OWN THAT DATE.  If you had to change the date or the wedding was canceled for some reason, the deposit becomes my compensation for other jobs I could've taken for that specific date.

Q:  What forms of payment do you accept?

A:  I accept cash, personal checks, and Money Orders.

Q:  If we want to book with you and we are out of state, what do we need to do?

A:  Request a contract and get your date "locked" onto my calendar.....after that we can work out the details in whatever manner works best for you.  I have had many clients who have their wedding in New York State, but they are coming from out of town --- and I never see them until the day of the wedding.  I keep E-mail communications wide open, take many phone calls, and sometimes I meet with relatives who stand in to relay the wishes of the bride and groom.  And for those weddings that I do out of state, I usually arrive several days ahead of schedule to meet with the couple, as well as scout out the locations for the ceremony and reception.

Q:  Do you have a set group of photos that you take at each wedding?

A:  Every wedding is different.  I work with the bride and groom to understand their style preferences, and I try to talk to other family members, friends, and the bridal party for any special requests they might have in addition to that of the bride and groom.

Q:  Can we give you a list of photos we'd like to have done?

A:  Yes you can!  Many couples find it easier to write down or type up a list to hand me, especially when they are looking for very specific shots.  Once they hand me their list, it is like breathing a sigh of relief, "One more thing off of the list we don't have to worry about."  However you'd like to communicate your photo wishes, it is fine by me.

Q:  Can we have our wedding shot completely in B&W (Black and White)?

A:  This is YOUR wedding --- you choose "The Look" you want to memorialize your day.....and if you want 100% B&W, I'll do it.

Q:  Do you shoot in digital or film?

A:  I shoot completely in digital format.

Q:  If I/we need you to shoot in film format, can you still do that?

A:  As of January 1st, 2009, I will no longer shoot in film format; I will be 100% digital.

Q:  How long will it take to get our wedding photos back?

A:  I can typically have your wedding photos back to you within 6 weeks.  If it is in the middle of the "high point" of the wedding season (specifically May thorugh October), it may take a bit longer.....but I will always keep you informed of my progress, and I will try to get your photos to you a soon as possible.

Q:  Do you offer video services?

A:  No, I do not.

Q:  Do you shoot engagement announcement photos?

A:  Yes, I shoot engagement photos (senior photos, family portraits, head shots, pet portraits, etc.).  The one hour sitting fee is $150.00, and you will receive your photos edited and archived to CD (these are your "digital negatives".....and they are YOURS TO KEEP), as well as a Copyright Release form so you can print your photos at any lab.

Q:  Do I have to come to you for reprints and/or enlargements?

A:  I will be more than happy to take care of your reprint or enlargement needs (and/or the needs of your friends and family), and I will also supply you with a list of sizes and prices for your information....but, you do not HAVE to get your reprints through me.  Whether you are having a portrait sitting or I am shooting the photos for your wedding, you will ALWAYS receive the digital negatives and the Copyright Release form, and this will allow you to go to your own lab at any time you choose.  Many clients like the quality of prints I can offer them.....but I always leave this choice to you.

Q:  If we choose to use your matting and framing services, can other friends and family use these services too?

A:  YES!  I welcome all customers and different kinds of matting and framing projects.  Please check out my Matting and Framing page to view samples of my work, and if you have any questions or need a price quote, please don't hesitate to contact me.