Frequently Asked Questions & Collected Thoughts

The following paragraphs are intended to reflect many of the questions, situations, and scenarios that we've encountered during our history of working with weddings.  We hope they prove useful to you, in your planning.

Part 1: Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of equipment do you use?  What about backup equipment?

• Our company is divided between Nikon and Canon equipment.  It's really a matter of preference between our photographers.  Each of our team carries two or three of "everything that matters" so that you are protected from equipment failures and breakage.

What happens if my photographer is sick or injured?

• Not to worry.  We have a large team of skilled photographers.  If something happens to your photographer, we have others available for you.

Can I meet with my photographer in advance of my wedding day?

• Of course.  It's not required, but we're glad to offer it.  A lot of what we offer is designed to make you comfortable with us and our services.  If you would like to meet with your photographer in advance of your wedding, just let us know. Usually, about six weeks in advance is recommended.  At that point, you'll have all the details settled, and can work on a solid timeline for planning.

• We've found that selective color photos are vey popular with our brides.  If you like them, remember that "color" is the most important part of "selective color".  You will likely be wearing a white dress, so be sure to have a vibrant bouquet.  White flowers don't make interesting selective color images, go bold.

Part 2: Collected Thoughts

What do I need to do, to make sure my wedding is successful?

Planning is key.  The success or failure of a wedding is 95% planning and 5% good luck.  Here are a few points to consider when doing your event planning:

• Always plan your photography into the schedule for your day.  Timing and scheduling is especially important for your caterer; as time overruns will impact the food that they prepare.
• Always overplan for your travel time.  Is there a major event scheduled on your wedding day?  Phillies Game?  Rally?  Concert?  Anything can potentially disrupt your planned route.  If you are depending on major roads, such as I-95 or I-476, you should have a backup route prepared.
• The more that you've planned, the less stressed that you will be on your wedding day.  Nervous brides don't make for great pictures.

• Plan your "formals" in advance.  The time required for your formal photos can vary wildly; depending on the kind of photos that you would like us to take.  For example, if you have a very small wedding party, we can finish quite quickly.  However, if you have a large wedding party or a large family, you will need additional time.  Don't forget, the types of photos that you want can factor into the time as well.  For example, if you want individual photos with each member of the wedding party; this will extend the time required.  If the wedding party is small, it will add much less time than if you have a twenty-person wedding party.
• If you plan on having family portraits as part of your formal photos; make sure to plan for them from the beginning.  It's critical to inform your family members in advance, so that they don't "disappear" before you can get your photos.  It's usually wise to have someone "guard the door" to prevent relatives from escaping before the photos.
• Additionally, if your photos will include grandparent (or great-grandparents), make sure to do "their" photos FIRST.  Older people are less mobile and have less endurance.  Do all the photos with the oldest members of the family first.  The younger groups are capable of "getting up and down" without as much difficulty.
• If you have specific requests for your formal photos, make sure to make a list in advance.  Don't "wing it".  Plan for success.
• It's much easier for us to "be creative" when dealing only with a few people. To get really spectacular bride and groom portraits; plan for some "private time" with the photographer. You can do a lot of photos very quickly when dealing with only two people.  The smaller the group, the greater opportunity for creativity.  Don't cheat yourself out of spectacular photos byspending all your time on family groups, while neglecting yourselves.

• If you want really creative and spectacular photos on your wedding day, there is an easy formula:  Give us time to do it.  The #1 mistake that most couples will make is "rushing" us through the day.  The most disappointing thing we encounter in wedding photography is hearing: "We've only got 30 minutes for pictures, and we want you to shoot ten family groups first!"
• It's critical that you give us "alone time" with just the two of you.  The more time that we have with the two of you, the more creative we can be with the photos.  When we're forced to stack all the photos into just a few minutes, they look formulaic.
• Remember, a picture of a large group will always look like a "picture of a large group".  Shots of just the two of you can be a lot more interesting.
• The best images that you see on our website were the result of great planning, rather than spontaneous good luck.  Leave enough time to "get around" to the attractive settings that you've got available.  Always shooting on the church altar is boring.

When is the best time of day for pictures?

• Given the option, the best time for outdoor photos is usually about an hour before sunset.  Remember, sunset times change by the season.  Always plan to have your outdoor photos finished before the sun is down.  Although we can shoot them in the dark, they look much better with natural light.

I'm having an outdoor ceremony / reception.  What do I need to know?

• Be mindful of your surroundings.  Don't position yourselves so that you will be "staring into the sun" during your vows.  It's uncomfortable, and you won't get as many good pictures.  Additionally, check your venue in advance for prime photo spots.
• Check the sunset times for your wedding day.  Although sunset allows for creative and beautiful photos; don't run late.  Sunset waits for no bride.
• Always have a backup plan, in case of inclement weather.

• There are a number of locations that we can recommend, but most choices are situational.  For example, Rockwood Park is excellent (if you happen to be in Wilmington).  Longwood Gardens is absolutely spectacular, but be prepared with lots of time if you'd like your wedding photos taken there...  Assume at least a full hour on-site, as it's a long walk to the preferred photo spots.  Your total time will be dependent on your travel, but likely longer than you would expect.
• When planning your photos, try to keep everything 50 ft. or less from a paved road.  It's harder than you think to get around while wearing a wedding dress.  Minimize your walking, maximize your photos.