PRE-MEETING

HOW FAR OUT SHOULD I BOOK MY WEDDING DATE

In my opinion the entertainment and photography are the two key critical components after the venue is booked and should be next on the pecking order. The entertainment is the life of the wedding. That last wedding you went to, you may not remember the cake, the food or the place settings but you rememeber if you had a great time. The photographer is critical because besides capturing some of the most important moments in a once in a lifetime event, they are the only person with you the entire day and the one that has the most contact with you. If you’re confident in your date you can even book a photographer before you have the venue booked. The date is the most important part to us, venues sometimes change and there is often times where we get to suggest venues that we’ve shot at, we are the only person in the room usually who’s been to hundreds of weddings who know a thing or two.

HOW MUCH TO SHOOT MY WEDDING?

That’s a little bit of a loaded question. It all depends on what you’re looking for. There are so many things that go into the cost a photographer places on photographing a wedding and other services. Some of it is simple like the type, quality and amount of equipment they use. The amount of experience they have and the cost of the education they invest in. I prefer only to carry the best and although money can be saved by lesser albums a heirloom quality album will be passed for generations and is well worth the investment. I have many blog posts that will specifically address these in depth but If you have any questions on the cost I would love to sit with you and explain the value and benefits of every item that is involved in creating a cost. You will be surprised at how much goes into the photography and how much a small amount extra spent will make a huge difference. A photographer friend of mine used to say “better to spend a little more than you thought, than less than you should”.

WE JUST SENT YOU AN E-MAIL ASKING ABOUT PRICE

Most e-mails get a response within a few hours. In the event that the internet monster eats these or we are at a very very busy time of the year, and yes we are human and if you receive hundreds of emails a day it is possible one is missed, if you do not get a response within 24 hours please feel free to call me at 781-727-4708. You can also text or email me at anytime. I often here from brides they realize I am busy and don’t want to bother me. But it’s actually the opposite, you’re never bothering me and love what I do and I’m very grateful that you chose me.

WHAT'S THE PROCESS FOR MEETING WITH YOU

First either call me or contact me via my website's contract page or my cell phone number 781-727-4708. I love meeting with people in person or talking on the phone. For me there is nothing more personal than a wedding. I have always viewed it as becoming part of someones family because it is that important. Today things are lost through text, emails and the lack of personal contact and I want to create a trust and personal bond so that on the wedding day I am able to create the best possible images and experiences for you.

WE'VE HAD THE MEETING WITH YOU, NOW WHAT

Once we’ve met I’ll follow up the same day with a contract, a somewhat substantial e-mail with accompanying instructions if you want to hire me. I’m also a wealth of knowledge if you have other questions about the wedding not related to me. It also helps me to have the day go smoothly.

WHY IS THE DEPOSIT ONLY $200

There’s a few reasons I only ask for a two hundred dollar retainer. One reason being a wedding is expensive and booking everything can be very expensive. When you meet with vendor after vendor you find out some want a few dollars and others may want eighty percent. I find that everyone can easily come up with two hundred dollars to reserve me.

DO YOU DO PAYMENT PLANS

Weddings cost a lot, no lie, and everything seems expensive these day. I don't expect everyone to have all the money up front, everyone has different sized wallets. I'm very flexible on payments because I know I'll get paid eventually, whether it's before, at or after the wedding. My focus is covering your wedding regardless of payment. I treat everyone the same way I would want to be treated. That’s my golden rule.

WHEN DO WE TELL YOU ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT OUR WEDDING

Before your wedding I will need as many of the details of your day you can provide. The information worksheets are designed to give very extensive guide to the events of the day but are made to be done in steps. So don’t stress and we have your back and with many years of experience to cover you. You basically fill out what you know. If I have any questions I will contact you. As you know more you can update me at any time. The Monday or Tuesday the week of the wedding we will do a final review. This can be done in person or most choose a phone call or facetime chat. It takes only a few minutes and you will be so busy that week you will appreciate the way we do this. No stress and you will know everything is well in hand.

SAME-SEX WEDDINGS

As long as everyone loves each other I will shoot any wedding. Love knows no bounds! One thing that has captivated me and drawn me in over many many years is the many changing faces of weddings and people. No two weddings are the same and I believe todays’ weddings are some of the most personal and challenging and hence beautful. And I love a challenge, it gets the creative juices flowing. I came from a very traditional base where they called it Wedding Portraiture not Wedding Photography and I love the evolution and direction weddings have taken. So the bottom line, I am honored and humbled to be part of your wedding.

WHAT STYLE DO YOU SHOOT

This is a really important question and once thats very personal. No two newlyweds are alike, hence no two weddings should be approached the same. I have adapted many styles through the years, traditional, photojournalistic, contemporary, fashion/glamour etc. My style today is adaptive and responsive. It takes the best of all styles and blends them from moment to moment, image to image to tell the real story of you and your day! I analyze people and things and come up with creations. You can tell allot about people from their haircuts, shoes, the way the walk, talk sit. My job as an image creator is to be a mirror and see all the potential of things around me. I got into photography because I loved how I could make things looked not as they seemed but much better. You are only limited to what you create by your own mind. Art and creativity have no bounds and that’s what I love and why I chose and adaptive, flexible and responsive style of photography. No limits.

DO YOU SHOOT ARABIC, INDIAN, CHINESE OR OTHER CULTURAL WEDDINGS

I have shot many different cultural weddings and it’s always interesting and provides a unique experience for me. Once again I love all things cultural and people oriented. I love studying people, culture, foods and facts. With thousands of events covered I have extensive experience and also pride myself as easily able to become part of any event. It is not just about photographing and event as much as being part of an event and capturing what is happening.

DO YOU SHOOT JUSTICE OF THE PEACE WEDDINGS AT CITY HALL 

Yes. Basically if it lives, breathes, eats, moves, doesn’t move I photograph almost anything. Because of the size of the wedding I of course adjust my price accordingly. Most of these weddings start at city hall and end at a restaurant or function hall, so it’s a much simpler wedding with a corresponding price. Contact me for more information.

DO YOU SHOOT PROPOSALS

Yes. We especially love these. There is nothing more exciting than the looks and expressions during these. It’s especially an honor.

HOW MANY PICTURES DO I RECEIVE

Every wedding is different. It all depends on your wedding day. It depends on the amount of people, the venue, the length of time, the number of locations etc. We can sit down at any point and learn more of what you envision your wedding day to be and that will give me a really good idea of the depth and what is involved. I love shooting so you will never be at a loss for images! And I believe in details and that the wedding is made up of the smallest moments. I tend to over shoot also because you never get a second chance at once in a lifetime. I would rather take five images of the same picture and throw four away to get that perfect image.

DO YOU TRAVEL FOR WEDDINGS

So this is a question that is asked and can either be one thing or the other. I have people who specifically contact me asking this and they'll say we're getting married in Boston which is an hour away, that's more than okay.  I consider anything that puts me more than two and a half hours away traveling. After that two and a half hour travel time I really prefer to get a hotel for the night because a wedding is pretty draining and I always like to have the backup process completed as soon as possible. Travel fees are usually a bit of gas money and a local hotel. If you're interested in booking me for a destination wedding I've written more about that below.

DO YOU SHOOT MULTIPLE WEDDINGS IN A SINGLE DAY

No, because if one ran late then it would effect the other and it’s too important a day to mess around. I would much rather concentrate on one wedding and get that amazing review from a bride and groom. I also like shooting from start to finish with weddings because I don’t believe in a six hour wedding day. There’s too much to capture and you can’t rush a wedding.

DO I GIVE YOU A LIST OF SHOTS YOU WANT

Yes and No. Most times the lists that brides have are basic shots taken at every wedding. And I am open to any ideas or shots you want and get excited when you share them with me. I have always felt no two weddings are the same and I focus on covering the day as it is and then applying the suggested shots in a way that’s more you and not just copied. So my methodology when shooting a wedding is to get all of the important moments as they unfold. There’s allot going on that day and I my goal is to balance creating images and making sure you have funwhile we do it.  Maybe you want a photo of the groomsmen wearing T-Rex inflatable costumes chasing you following the wedding? In that case let me know ;).

WHAT IF WE HAVE SOME DIFFICULT FAMILY OR GUESTS

I’m used to working with big personalities and I’m very skilled at dealing with such people. Yes it happens at every wedding. The best way is to make sure we all talk and be clear on your needs and the best way to handle them, after all it is your day.

CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERRALS

I'm more than happy to give referrals. Nothing makes a photographer happier then when the brides share their experiences with new brides.

MEETING

WE'RE ON A BUDGET

Everyones on a budget. My goal is to provide a price that’s fair to you and also me. I believe in value and just like you work very hard for my money. Many clients say that not only was it worth every penny but I made the whole experience better than they imagined. It’s not just about the images, it’s about the experience and it’s hard to put a price on that!

WE ONLY NEED SIX HOURS OF COVERAGE, CAN YOU DO THAT 

I really do suggest a full package as a wedding is not a repeatable event. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, no do overs. I don't book by hours typically because sometimes things don't happen on schedule, travel time, people eating. There's a lot of time where I won't be taking photos because of the previous listed statement. The more time we all have together, the more photos you'll get. In the event that you do want to have me stay longer then we have to potentially discuss money during your wedding day which to me always feels a bit out of spirit for the day. I've heard plenty of stories of regret when it comes to wedding photography and not spending money on it. When it comes down to leaving a wedding after six hours i'm certainly going to feel a little bit of regret knowing that you're missing some beautiful photos or chose not to get getting ready photos. I really do want to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

WHY DO YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PACKAGE LISTED

I have one package listed with everything a typical bride and groom would want or need. Over the years I’ve been able to see what brides look for in a package and I have put that together in a single package. I do customize this package if need be. But what happens when I have three package model is the temptation to mix and match. Then I have to revert to an a la cart model and the savings disappear for the bride and groom. 

WHY DO WE NEED A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER

A second photographer can provide more vantage points and more photos. This means that if a groom is getting ready a town or two over then a second photographer makes sense. If you have under a hundred people you may not need a second photographer. I also have the option of having a female photographer as well as a male photographer .

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER

I use several wedding photographers who have similar levels of equipment. I don't use warm bodies for photographers.  I depend on the second shooters to produce images that I can use. They are also wedding photographers that I uses I also shoot for as well when I don't have my own weddings booked.

WE WANT TO TRIM SOMETHINGS OUT OF OUR PACKAGE

Every wedding is a little different and I understand that you may not need a second photographer or that you’re not interested in having an album. Your day, your way! I will suggest and explain things that allot of couples hadn’t thought of and thank me later. I hate being sold and prefer to be educated and allow you to make your own decisions. That’s my job, not just to create memories but to help you with every aspect of the wedding experience.

WE'RE NOT INTERESTED IN FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

I get this a lot believe it or not. The formal photos are the photos that you will be hanging up and that your parents are expecting.  These are the group photos of your bridal party, parts of your family and also just the bride and groom. We can always get more creative in this area. Honestly the better the photos are the more weddings I book so I really do want to get the best photos for you and me. If the approach to the formals is right, you should not feel like it’s a task, I make it fun and quick. The formal photos really encompass about forty minutes out of the entire day.

WHAT IF WE DON'T WANT THE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

The engagement shoot doesn't cost anything when paired with a wedding package. Also it’s a really important piece of the whole experience. I have found most people really don’t like the way they look in images. We are trained early by parents and friends to do the “cheeeeese” thing. The more I know you, the more you are comfortable the better the images. There’s tips and tricks I pass on and once you see a few images and how great you look then the sky is the limit. It also creates much more relaxed and fun images on the wedding day. After all we are a team!

CAN YOU TENTATIVELY  SAVE OUR DATE WHILE WE DECIDE

Of course I'll try and attempt to save your date. Sometimes we have one or more brides asking for the same date especially during the busy season or special dates. This goes back to the above mentioned whenever you find any service you really like then reserve them as soon as possible. We have many brides from the same families or referred by friends so it can be very busy!

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

I don't require much advance notification for engagement shoots. That means if you're flexible then we can do your shoot within a few days to a week of that phone call.  There are times during certain locations that create the best images due to foot traffic, tides, location of the sun etc but I help you with that. That’s why you hire a seasoned professional.

WE ARE AWKWARD AS HELL IN PHOTOS AND SUCK AT POSING

That’s why you’ve hired me. I’ll help pose you and get you used to getting your photo taken. My whole goal from my heart is to make you love being photographed. I hate having my photograph taken and can completely relate. So I would want someone fun, creative, supportive and exciting to lead me through this. That’s what I do.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

? Clothes. We can go over clothing types/colors/patterns and things to make sure the backgrounds and theme of your engagement session is realized. There’s allot to it and you are welcome to pick my brain anytime and review past galleries for ideas.

WHERE ARE WE ALLOWED TO GET OUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS DONE

Backyards, parks, cities and more. A note some locations might have restrictions or caveats and that’s where I can help. And I love creative locations and ideas, the bigger the better.

HOW LONG DOES AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION TAKE

Engagement sessions don’t have a real time limit. Most are anywhere from an hour to two hours. It’s a very relaxed photo shoot. We’re getting to know each other and we’re working through a few poses. Most of the poses are very simple. We are people not models so if it gets complicated you will feel awkward and not have fun. The idea is to bring out the real you and capture that, and that comes from a level of comfort and having fun. I might ask you to stop and focus on each other and have a little conversation followed by a kiss.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS BACK

Depending on my current workload the photos can take a few days to a week or two. I really love getting your photos back to you as soon as I can. After the photos are shot it’s a process of sorting, editing and uploading. The photos are shared on a gallery which I will provide a link for. These images are high resolution and yours fro downloading. They can be used for a variety of purposes. You can print yourself but if you need an extra level of service we can provide any photographic service from retouching, art work, canvas, save the dates etc. We have you covered every way.

PRE-WEDDING

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET SICK

I've never missed a wedding due to illness. I would still show up and shoot a wedding regardless of how I feel that day. I was in the Marines and failure is not an option. A wedding is important and I can always take another day to be sick. I do have other photographers that I can call in an emergency though. I would never leave anyone high and dry. I always check with others to see who is available before the weekends weddings. I have taught classes and helped many photographers through the years when they needed help. It’s a special group and we always come together to help each other when ever someone is in need.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE WEDDING

I’m fully prepared to take an Uber, Lyft, taxi, hitchhiking, personal helicopter.I have thought about this a few times. Basically I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get to your wedding. It’s only more bragging rights if I show up to your wedding after major adversity. And I am a nut about back ups and back up planning. An excellently executed wedding is no accident and that goes as well for this.

WHAT IF THERE'S INCLEMENT WEATHER ON OUR WEDDING DATE

If it’s snowing then we’ll get beautiful photos of you in the snow. If it’s raining I have umbrellas and we’ll get beautiful photos of you outside. I have shot a wedding in a hurricane and lots of rainy weddings besides that. I’m not going to promise that you will stay completely dry but I am going to promise you that we’re going to still get your some amazing photos regardless. I also do a rain date guarantee. If it means that much to you that you would be willing to get redressed and reshoot because the weather did not cooperate then I am all in for that. I have done this before and it allows the time and opportunity for some incredible images that might not be available on the wedding day weather or not.

DO YOU NEED A SCHEDULE OF OUR WEDDING DAY

I ask you all the important details prior to your wedding. I have you fill out my wedding worksheet the week of your wedding. I am always going with the flow of the wedding day. If there are times when you are running a bit behind I'll make up the difference elsewhere as far as photos go. I've done thirteen different groups of people, organized and photo taken several minutes before it rains. One brides dad said I had the presicion and skill of s surgeon with the speed of an olympic athlete during the formals. If I run behind on my photo schedule then that means i'm now leaning on the venue and DJ's schedule. So I always make my best effort to keep everyone’s schedule by speeding up if needed. Also the planning we do pretty much eliminates this. Accidents happen but great weddings are planned, they are no accident.

WHAT IF THERE'S POOR LIGHTING AT THE CEREMONY TONIGHT OR RECEPTION

One things I especially pride myself and have invested allot of education in is my understanding and use of light. Be it available or off camera light. I am certified by the PPA and have done extensive portraiture while relies critically on lighting. The gear I use, cameras, lenses and lighting is the best you can buy, no expense spared.I love the challenge of tough lighting situations and if you know what you are doing there is no bad lighting. It’s all in your approach, your elevel of skill and experience and how hard you are willing to work to get those wow shots from what others might find a failure. We love light!

WHAT IF IT'S DARK OUT WHEN WE DO FORMAL PHOTOS

I have the equipment to make photos happen wherever. I’ll usually have an area scoped out to shoot whether it’s inside or outside. My main goal is always getting you the beautiful photos that will be hanging on your wall, in your albums or sharede with your friends. Sometime’s the most beautiful photos are before, during or after sunset. As I have said before, the greater the challenge the more the ability to shine. This a big area most photographers are lacking in and it can produce some amazing images with the right gear and knowledge.

WHAT IF WE HAVE QUESTIONS FOR YOU BEFORE THE WEDDING

I pride myself on being very accessible to every bride. Some will book with me and I'll see them for the engagement shoot, follow up with them before the wedding, shoot a wedding, deliver photos and that's my only point of contact with them. Others have lots of questions and we talk via text messages, e-mails and phone calls a lot. Either way i'm there for you, whether it's a little bit or a lot.  I don't have typical office hours so I really will answer most messages late into the night. 

WEDDING DAY

WHAT TIME DO YOU SHOW UP

I start my day when you start your day. That means when you are getting your hair and make-up done I start. It’s always best for me to be there from the start so I can start getting some detail shots and also get to know everyone.  

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED FOR PHOTOS

You hear horror stories all the time of the wedding photographers taking forever and missing reception time. And I always wondered about that and here’s the deal, a professional photographer that cares will have that handled before they ever touched the camera with careful planning. We move at a quick comfortable pace. Although the formals are some of the most beautiful and important images, I want to make sure that you get to enjoy your cocktail hour or time with families and friends. The experiecence you have that day is just as important as the images. After all the images are just capturing the love and fun you have that day.

CAN YOU RECREATE ALL THESE PHOTOS I FOUND ON PINTEREST

When you see some of those magical photos in a Google image search or on Pinterest they aren't always as simple as you might think. Most aren’t even taken on the wedding day or they used models or friends for the images. It’s much more common than you think. They are very arranged, planned, and very time consuming. Some of the photos are very easy to do though, but when you plan those twenty images to capture you have to account for gathering everyone for them, arranging everyone and taking multiple photos and then doing the next one and the next one and the extra time. I'm more then happy to do this but during your wedding you'll realize that it's not always practice to stop your wedding to do an hour and a half of fun photos. The best thing I can suggest is think of a few fun poses or ideas you want to roll with and let the rest happen naturally. If you're a fun couple and your friends rock then we'll end up with something even better!

WE WANT TO GET PHOTOS WITH EVERYONE

The best time to get photos with all of your guests would be during the reception. A receiving line following the wedding is typically hugs and handshakes and mashed faces into each others shoulders. During a reception the bride and groom will typically visit all of the tables and say hi to guests individually. We can either do a photo of you with the entire table and that is the quickest route to photos with everyone. We set up the photo, take it and while you're wrapping up and saying thank you to everyone i'm at the next table arranging everyone into a group for the photo and then we repeat the process.  If you want to do photos with individuals or couple then that's possible as well. I'm your photographer for the day so anything goes. Also any large group, college or extended family shots are best done at the edge of the dance floor after a key event, say parent dances, wgen everyone is in the room and we don’t have to pull everyone from the dance floor.

HOW DO WE GET FUN PHOTOS AT WEDDINGS

Having fun photos at your wedding really depends on you. I can have a dozen ideas of fun things to do but it really rests on you to follow through with these crazy ideas. Some of them will work, some of them will not. But the quickest way to not get fun wedding photos is to shoot down ideas or say no. Jumping photos, American gothic, zombie, dapping, magazine cover, funny poses, lifting the bride in the air.  If you're having a great time, relaxed and ready to have fun at your wedding then it's going to show in all the photos. 

WHAT TIME DO YOU STAY UNTIL

I stay until the last dance.  There’s lots to cover at a wedding reception. That can be photos of couples at tables to everyone out of the dance floor and also bouquet toss and whatever other events you have planned throughout the reception. I always communicate with the bride and groom before I pack up. Some of the best and most emotional images are at or near the end of the reception.

DO YOU NEED A MEAL AT THE WEDDING

I don’t require a meal at a wedding but it’s always nice to get one. I just need to know before hand so that I can plan to get a meal locally or bring a food. It tends to be a long day with few breaks and it’s important to keep peak energy. When everyone is eating I can’t do any photos so this is usually a time when I break for a little bit. Cake is optional as well. We never turn down desert!

WHAT DO YOU WEAR FOR ATTIRE

I usually wear a black button up shirt or long sleeve black shirt or sweater with no logo and black pants. I wear black fashion sneakers because I am running at points, crouching, balancing on different things. I was regularly destroying three pairs of dress shoes a year and also I wasn’t comfortable. I’m the only one that comes to your wedding that isn’t in any photos. My goal is to be comfortable and unnoticed during your wedding. 

WHAT'S YOUR BACKUP PROCESS

During the wedding I backup your photos to my MacBook and retire whatever memory card to my pocket so they never leave me. After the wedding all of the photos are backed up to an external hard drive and cloud backups. The hard drive, MacBook and memory cards are kept in different parts of my equipment bags. There are no do overs when it comes to these images so you have to treat them very carefully. As I have said before there is no second chance at once in a lifetime.

POST WEDDING

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS

Following a wedding I always send a dozen or so photos to the bride and groom. The editing process takes a little bit of time and depending on my wedding workload I return photos in few weeks. I have a mental clock going after your wedding andI am pretty focused on making sure everyone gets their photos on time. The sooner you receive your images and start showing the family and friends them the better for me too! I've heard the stories of photographers taking months and a year or so to return the photos and I could never do that to anyone. I believe in doing a good job and getting those referrals.

WHAT'S YOUR EDITING PROCESS FOR AFTER THE WEDDINGS

So I get this question occasionally, usually every few years. Because I take two or three thousand photos does not mean that you will get two or three thousand images. I am only giving you the best of the best photos because my name, my image, my reputation is attached to each one of those photos. I may shoot five to ten shots of exactly the same image if its a critical image to ensure no blinks. I would never give a blurry photo or bad composition or unflattering photo.  This is not up for debate what so ever. My weddings do receive anywhere from seven hundred to twelve hundred photos give or take. After the backup process following the wedding I usually build previews for all of the photos and then I start sorting through the photos. I either accept or reject the photos and the rejected ones are removed. I go from the first photo to the last photo one by one at least several times repeating this process. The sorting process is meant to make it easier for you to view or select images for an album or other use. After the sorting process is the editing process. Once all the photos are edited they are uploaded to a custom online gallery.

ARE ALL THE IMAGES PHOTOSHOPPED

I do not photoshop any images. I do what is called adjusting the photos. I shoot in a format called RAW. This means I am working with a native high resolution image file format optimized from the camera manufacturer. I’m adjusting brightness, contrast, profile correction, saturation, color temperature, sharpness. I’m also cropping in on certain photos. I don’t include blemish removal or applying filters to photos.  Each image is gone through one by one and adjusted. In the event there was something beyond my control, a guest in the background during first dance, then art work is available at cost. These days it is extremely affordable and good.

DO YOU DO BLEMISH REMOVAL

Yes, no, a little. If you are ordering an album or need a few images corrected for thank you cards these will be corrected. This includes minor/moderate retouching on those. Extensive retouching or artwork is an additional cost but as mentioned before extremely affordable.

CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP EYES ON MY AUNT

When I take a group photo I usually take three to five photos. The main thing i’m looking for is the bride and groom looking their best. The second thing I look for is everyone smiling, eyes open and no weird expressions. Every once and awhile I will end up with a photo where one of your family members happened to have their eyes closed and then that leads to the inevitable question of “Can you photoshop eyes on so and so”. The answer is maybe. If you are using the image in an album or a purchased print this might be possible, please don’t hesitate to ask and I will let you know right away.

HOW DOES THE ONLINE GALLERY WORK

You’ll receive your very own personal link to a gallery. You’ll be able to view, download, order and share your wedding photos. Please feel free to share on social media the images with your friends and family as much as you like. Nothing makes a photographer happier than seeing their work all over!

HOW DO THE RIGHTS TO THE PHOTO WORK

We both share the rights. I share the rights so that you may print wherever you would like afterward. I’m not going to sell your image to anyone but I will use it in my marketing on social media or print. The only request I have in my contract is that you may not sell your photo or submit it for publication without written consultation and consent.  All images may be duplicated and used for personal use.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE FLASH DRIVE

The flash drives I use are custom wooden flash drives cut with my logo. These have magnetic tops which hold the top on. The size of data the flash drive holds depends on your needs. If you have seven gigabytes of data you’ll probably end up with a eight gigabyte flash drive and if you have more you’ll end up with a larger flash drive. These flash drives are not for the purpose of ordering photos at Walgreens, Walmart, Shell gas station. They are for putting in a safety deposit box or safe. Additional flash drives maybe ordered for back ups or freinds, family or as gifts for the bridal party too.

WHEN WILL MY FLASH DRIVE ARRIVE

The most important thing for me to do is get your photos to you. This is done through the online gallery within two to four weeks. The flash drive is usually within a few weeks after that. This is for the safekeeping of your wedding photos, computers die and your photos shouldn't go down with the ship.

CAN WE ORDER PRINTS THROUGH YOU

Yes you can order prints through the online gallery that you initial get your photos from. I would suggest using NationsPhotoLab.com to order any prints. It’s what I personally use when I order prints. I honestly don't feel very good if I am trying to sell someone an eight by ten print at twenty dollars when I know you can hop online and find it for two dollars. So as a matter of honesty I offer that. I would rather be a friend verse a middle man trying to get a few extra dollars from a bride and groom. But should you choose to order a custom print directly from me and not on the online gallery, these images are done by hand in photoshop to create the best possible image. The results are obvious and go way above anything you can print yourself. It is worth the extra money if it is in the budget.

CAN WE ORDER A CANVAS OR OTHER PRINTS THROUGH YOU

Yes. I have an excellent company that I use and regularly have deals to get your large canvases and other photographic offerings throughout the year. I sometimes get special deals though that aren't available to the general public.  But in case you don't want to wait for the deals and order directly then visit CGProPrints.com

HOW DO WE DESIGN THE ALBUM

After the wedding you will be sent instructions with the online gallery link if you have ordered an album. You select the photos online and I design the album. The album proof will be then loaded online for your approval. If you want to my creative input you can ask and I will select images that would bring a whole new look to he album you may have overlooked.  My goal is making the album as beautiful as possible. I design several dozen albums every year and design the book to tell the story of your wedding day. This means the getting ready photos are grouped together, wedding ceremony grouped together and so on. Large group photos sometimes encompass two pages to showcase all your friends and family's beautiful faces and the most beautiful photos from your wedding day are highlighted in larger formats in the book. The back end of the software to edit the albums is not adjustable by customers at the moment. Here’s more information on the ordering an album.

HOW DO WE LEAVE A REVIEW

I love reviews. These help bring new brides and grooms to me. You can find me on the Knot, WeddingWire, Google and Facebook as far as reviews go. Click here for a list of all the reviews. A great review means more than you could ever imagine, I work hard to produce the best possible experience and images. It’s everything I am about. It is people like you that allow me to do what I love and no words could convey my thanks.

HOW DO WE TAG YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR GIVE CREDIT ON PHOTOS

(www.facebook.com/rolandsilvaphoto) My facebook business page. You should be able to find me by typing Roland Silva Photography while in Facebook. You can also tag me by name as well @Roland Silva (www.facebook.com/roland.silva.10). If you’re tagging me on instagram whether in your story or your feed then @RolandSilvaJR. Beyond that if you’re just crediting me for a photo and don’t want to make a link to my page then you can credit me as Roland Silva or BostonWeddingPhotos.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

DO YOU HAVE BACKUP EQUIPMENT

My equipment is something I'm very proud of. I have the best equipment money can buy and back ups for the backups. The cameras, lenses, lighting gear are all tools and they are as much a part of me as my hands and eyes. Nothing but the best creates the best images. I'm prepared for any situation. I also have about a dozen memory cards for a wedding and also multiple flashes and strobes as well. I take the responsibility of shooting someone's wedding very seriously. I also have my equipment serviced regularly and I'm always upgrading. I love having a huge offering of equipment to get different shots for your wedding. Gear for photographers are like toys for a kid and who doesn’t love toys!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR EQUIPMENT

I use an Olympus Pen with an 18-55 lens and my iphone 7 plus which I am told is one of the best. Kidding…… Through the years I have bounced back and forth from Nikon, Canon and Fuji at consdierable cost. But the cost was well paid back by awesome images and less time in lightroom and photoshop. You never waste money in buying great equipment these days. Right now I am Nikon based and have done extensive testing and found it provides the best sharpness, contrast, dynamic range and focusing. Tomorrow who knows, things change quick in tech these days. But I am more attached to the quality of the images than the camera in my hand.

IF YOU'RE UNAVAILABLE FOR OUR WEDDING DATE WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND

I have several people I can recommend if I am not able to shoot your wedding. Feel free to contact me with any questions and I can pair you with someone that can meet your needs and wants.

DO YOU DO VIDEOGRAPHY OR OTHER SERVICES

No I don’t, but I can recommend.. I believe in doing one thing and doing it well. Most vendors will offer many services but here’s my take. If you are great at something why would you work for someone else. If I offered videography and I had a financial interest I would be crazy to not tell you my person was the best. I have always treated others the way I would treat myself, with gear, service and all aspects of weddings. If I refer someone to you then you better believe I would use them for my own family. That’s my golden rule of referals.

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE

Yes. I have liability and also insurance.

WHY ARE ALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPENSIVE

Expensive is when you hire the wrong photographer. Sometimes ot’s better to spend a little more than you thought than less than you should. I have been guilty of saving some money only to have it cost me more later or lose experiences in life that can never be reclaimed. The experience level, the education, the equipment and many more factors go into the cost. Maybe more than most things in your life, with wedding photography you get what you pay for. As I have said many times “you never get a second chance at once in a lifetime”. To save five hundred dollars on a wedding you spent twenty thousand dollars on and all that you walk away with is mediocre images is heart sickening. These are some of the most important times and people in your lives and you deserve the best. You can always make more money but you can never go back and relive this day.

HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN SHOOTING WEDDINGS

Around twenty five years. Over three thousand events and loving each and everyone of them. I am truly blessed to share in waht I do!

WHY DO YOU SHOOT WEDDINGS

I love to tell stories through my images, that’s what I do. I often get ribbed for talking too much but I love sharing life and experiences. Nothing makes me more alive than when I have a camera in my hand and people or places in the view finder. It’s like breathing for me. We all have a purpose in life and this is mine. I love telling stories, and what’s better than a story you can tell of two people in love surrounded by the most important people in their lives.

DO WE NEED A PRINT RELEASE FOR THE PHOTOS

No you do not, with that being said... Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Shell Gas station (the last one was a joke) might be sticklers to their store policies. I will never suggest that you go to any of the above places to make your prints. I would suggest a real lab that does it correctly over a ten dollar an hour employee pushing a button and a general knowledge of fixing a paper jam. On each flash drive will be a copy right release form you can print allowing use for the images. And if you choose you can by pass the headache and order online or custom images directly through me. I can send a copy of all the services I offer anytime.

DO YOU HAVE A MILITARY DISCOUNT

Yes! I served in the US Marines and it was one of the best times in my life. Just provide me with a valid military ID or DD Form 214 to receive 10% off your package. We offer this discount to all active duty military personnel, reserve or National Guard members, and veterans, plus their spouses or significant others. The discount is not transferable to other family members. Thank you for your service.

OUR PHOTOS AREN'T ON YOUR GALLERY PAGE ANYMORE

I leave up photos for as long as possible but as newer shoots happen the older ones get pushed out. When I say the older ones I don't mean two or three months, it's typically six months to a year. The gallery is for you to initially download photos, share with friends and family and also make your selections for your album. If it's been over a year and you need your wedding photos again that usually means that I am going to have to reprocess them, a slight fee incurs. 

WE'RE A WEDDING VENUE AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A FEW PHOTOS FROM A PAST WEDDING YOU SHOT

I'm always more than happy to give out photos to venues or other vendors that have been present at the wedding. All I ask is that you give me photo credit somewhere. It's always nice to have a referral as well. But please contact me via my contact page and let me know the date of the wedding and I will send you over a link to that wedding if it was in the past year or if not I can send you a selection of photos from that particular wedding or other weddings at the venue. 

WE SENT YOU A TEXT MESSAGE / FACEBOOK MESSAGE OR E-MAIL AND NEVER HEARD BACK

Occasionally during the year I get a huge workload and am unable to follow messages. If you've send me an e-mail asking me a single question I’ll usually respond very quickly. If it's a text message i'm still pretty good about responding. But I do have a large amount of people across many platforms that send me a single question and sometimes I will be answering these questions during a quick minute at a wedding or while working on photos. Because of the nature of this business i'll usually respond most hours of the day but if I don't then feel free to call me at: ‭781-727-4708‬.  If you do not hear from me within 24 hours please do not hesitate to call, text or email me. You are important to me!

WE MISSED A PHOTO THAT I WANTED TO DO, CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP THESE FIVE PEOPLE OUT AND ADD THESE OTHER TWO PEOPLE

I apologize for any less than perfection. That’s what I strive for. Weddings are pretty dynamic environments and constantly changing. There maybe times when something is missed but it is never intentional. Sometimes there are other critical shots that supercede or the timing is off and preclude them being taken. I take this very seriously. I’m always going to make my best effort to get as many special moments as possible. In the event that we do miss one of these photos I can’t manifest it into existence or photoshop together a photo to replicate what you’re looking for. If there’s a moment you want captured then grab me for it. If there’s a group of people you want a photo of then get those people together and i’ll do my best to capture it. I’ve found that if you miss a single photo no matter what the photo was then that will be the most important photo that the person wanted. I can’t remove people from photos or add other people to photos or change out peoples smiles or arm positioning or make it snow or create sunshine. This is not in my skill set as a wedding photographer. You are welcome to take my photos to a graphic artist who does work like this. These kind of adjustments are entirely different than what I do as a wedding photographer.

CHASING PEOPLE

I have lots of people who approach me for different types of photo shoots. The most I do is set up a date or do a follow up message. I don't chase anyone down for a photoshoot. If you contact me about a family shoot or portrait I will typically follow up once. If you set up a date for a shoot and bail then most of the times I leave the ball in your court. I do this for a few reasons. Sometime's people's financial situation changes or maybe they loose interest in the idea of a photoshoot for whatever reason. I have lots of weddings and engagement shoots throughout the year as well as other commercial work so I really only follow up with those who are interested in having a shoot. If you bail or don't e-mail, call or text me then I can assume that this something has happened and it’s not going to take place. It is critical we stay in communication and confirm any times or dates with a written email. This is the best way to make sure nothing falls between the cracks.

DEPOSIT

Unless i'm shooting a wedding I don't ask for a deposit. I want to make this process as easy as possible. Most shoots won't even require a contract. Our e-mail correspondence should suffice for a record of our agreement and dealings with each other. It's much easier to uncomplicated the booking process with a handshake and gentlemen's agreement then a written contract and back and fourth to take some photos of you or your family. Commercial contracts that are looking for a specific assignment completed will require a contract.