Fabulous & Affordable Wedding Photographer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Weddings, engagement portraits, baby/maternity portraits, and editorial work (images for the articles I write—some topics include Tucson's All Soul's Procession; The Language of Flowers; and numerous travel pieces).

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Look at a lot of photographs from the photographer and again, try to view an entire wedding. You'll want to see groups portraits both large and small, and you'll want to see reception photos such as shots of your guests at their tables and dancing. You want a photographer that is pro-active and always looking for great photos at the wedding.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Learn a little about photography before choosing a photographer. Really look at the photographs—and insist on seeing a number of images from the same wedding, including reception photos. That's where you'll see if your photographer knows how to use their equipment. For instance, you shouldn't see a lot of "back flash" on walls. A photographer that tells you they shoot a set number of images per hour isn't focusing on the job at hand if they're counting frames; hire someone that includes engagement photos so you can get to know them and see their work/working style firsthand, if possible.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I am available in Southern Arizona but will travel north and to other destinations. Depending on the location, there may be extra charges for travel.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I have a classic photographic background in film photography, which means I understand light and how to best utilize it, with or without a flash. Additionally, I have worked in a number of portrait and commercial photography studios over the years, so I know how to pose people (to look natural) and get the best results from my subjects. Plus, I write about wedding photography for WPPI, Rangefinder, and Shutterbug magazines. Hence, I am always up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Capturing and creating great photographic moments of my clients and their friends and family.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How many photographs do you take at a wedding? That depends on how many guests you have; how large the wedding party is; how many venues are involved (church, resort, restaurant, etc.); and how large your family is. Quantity is not better than quality and no one needs a thousand photos from their wedding day as it's overwhelming to try and view/make decisions about books and prints. After images are edited, you really shouldn't have more than 200-300. That's more than plenty; trust me!

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. One of my favorite weddings was a last minute elopement at the Tubac Country Inn. I loved the couple, the simplicity of the event, the relaxed atmosphere, and their willingness to have fun with the photos. It's not really a story, just a day I enjoyed a lot...

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I'm easy to work with; have a great sense of humor; am very flexible in terms of package items/pricing; and have been photographing people and places for more than 30 years.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I have been taking photos since grade school and studied photography in high school and college. In addition, I write about other photographers and photo techniques/equipment for major photography publications such as After Capture, Picture Business, Rangefinder, and Shutterbug. I also write/photograph for other publications such as The Desert Leaf, AAA Highroads, and EOP Publications. My entire career revolves around photography, be it travel, portraiture, weddings, etc. There's nothing I'd rather do than take pictures!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Lately, I've been photographing the newborns of my former wedding clients. Seems everyone has had a child in the last 6 months (all girls!). I really enjoy seeing everyone again and watching their families grow (and be photographed again).

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I attend the WPPI (wedding & portrait photographers international) convention in Las Vegas each year (I also profile wedding photographers for the publications at the show) to learn new posing/shooting techniques and to see some of the new product such as books and gallery wraps, on the market.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Most of the new developments for wedding photographers has to do with all the product that's available to put photos on—books, mugs, blankets, you name it. On the technical side, cameras are always being updated as is the software used to process images.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I have been photographing participants in Tucson's All Soul's Procession (the last 4 years or so). Each year, I bring a backdrop and photograph people in their costumes. I also photograph during the procession, but prefer more "classic" portraiture for the project. Images from the project will appear in AAA Highroads in 2011.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing is simple and flexible. Nothing is set in stone...everything is negotiable.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Learn the basics, old school. To really understand photography, you need to work with film first and develop your own prints. Also, study the masters—Ansel Adams, Brett Weston, Henri Cartier Bresson, Paul Strand, Alfred Steiglitz, Julia Cameron, etc., as well as today's stars like Annie Leibovitz. Develop a unique style and don't copy other people's work.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What part of the wedding do you enjoy photographing the most?

I love creating "romantic" images of the couple; fun portraits of the bridal party; and capturing the "wild abandon" on the dance floor....