Do you still shoot all the traditional group & family shots?

Yes, we do. Although we shoot your day as wedding photojournalists, any photographer you choose should be expected and able to produce traditional group shots of the highest resolution and quality. We take pride in making unique fine-art images of your wedding, but we also understand that the tradtional shots are an important part of the day. We'll make sure they go quickly and smoothly, and fit appropriately into your schedule.

Do you have backup equipment and insurance?

Yes and yes. We always have at least 2 backup cameras (digital) on site at all times. We also bring adequate backups for lighting systems, flashes and batteries, and memory cards. Our cameras record to two different memory cards simultaneously, which means as soon as we click the shutter button there is already a backup of each image. We also carry all necessary off-site liability and damage protection insurance for both your property and our gear.

Do you always recommend a 2nd photographer?

Our budget packages are designed so everyone can have beautiful images no matter the budget, so they don't include a 2nd shooter. That being said, having another professional there to photograph your day always produces a wider range of images, moments, and emotion. We include an associate photographer in all standard and unlimited packages because one perspective is simply not enough to cover everything that happens in a full day. Having two shooters will ensure that every special moment will be captured, no matter how fast the day is moving or how widespread the locations are. Throughout your wedding day, things will be happening simultaneously all across the city... groups getting ready in different locations, separate ceremony and reception venues, multiple photo shoots... make sure everything is captured with a 2nd photographer!

How much coverage is enough?

Our standard packages offer unlimited coverage, because having photographers available all day ensures that every little detail of your wedding day story is told in images. A full day allows us to catch those important moments long before and after the actual ceremony, and also frees up time during the day to visit multiple locations without feeling rushed or stressed about the schedule. Budget packages offer enough coverage to capture documentary images from the major events during your day, but are less focused on narrative and artistically posed images. In the end we make any wedding package look beautiful, but recommend full coverage to really tell the story of your day.

Do you do destination weddings and/or travel outside of Michigan?

Absolutely! We have photographed weddings from coast to coast, and love travelling to new places. Our rates (outside 80 miles from Grand Rapids) coincide with Michigan compensation standards, currently $.55/mile, plus overnight expenses when necessary. We also have special destination packages which can save you money when we have to fly out! Feel free to contact us for further details.

Do you have albums available?

Yes! We have a number of binding and cover options in both leather and synthetic. Our leather albums are hand crafted, library-bound and flushmount with the images of your choosing. Our synthetic albums are also made locally and are of the highest quality materials. We can also provide you with gallery quality prints to integrate into an album of your choosing if custom design is not what you are looking for. We even know some local fine-art bookmakers who can make you something truly unique.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. Once you decide what package is right for your wedding, we simply send you an invoice via email and you can check out using PayPal's secure payment site. Due to the fees associated with PayPal there is a surcharge of 2.9% added to your order when paying with a credit card.

How many weddings have you photographed?

Over 60 in the last four years alone. Before I started shooting weddings on my own, I worked as the lead photographer for a premiere wedding studio in Grand Rapids.

What do you think about limos and party buses?

When it comes to pre-reception transportation for large groups, as photographers we always recommend the party bus. Limos may have an edge in aesthetic appeal, but the wedding party will be cramped and hot after a long ceremony, and there definitely won't be any room for a photographer to move about. Choosing the bus instead ensures everyone will have room to stretch out, pour a drink, enjoy themselves, and of course we'll be there to photograph it all!

Should we worry about the lighting at the reception?

You don't have to worry about it, but it's a good idea to think about what type of lighting each venue and/or location may have. You generally want to avoid using bright green lighting as part of the theme at your reception, as it can cast an unflattering glow onto the skin tones in your images. Also think about the light where you are getting ready. If you have a choice, always go with rooms that have large windows that allow for lots of beautiful natural light.
 

Do you give out RAW files?

In the same way photographers in the past have retained their own negatives, we also retain our RAW originals and do not distribute them. We are happy to work with you on specific post-processing requests, but to preserve our brand and image identity we don't allow clients to edit the RAW negatives.