MA Wedding Photographer - Berkshires Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Please Select A Question:

 

How far in advance should we reserve our wedding date and what is your reservation policy?

How do printed pictures compare to the online images?

What are the differences between proofs and prints?

Do you take formal pictures?

What is your style of photography?

Do we need to provide a meal for you?

Will you publish our pictures on a web site?

Do you take B&W or sepia pictures?

Do you recommend hiring a second photographer?

Will you photograph an "XYZ" religious ceremony?

 
 

How far in advance should we reserve our wedding date and what is your reservation policy?

 

You should reserve your date as soon as possible as 2008 reservations are filling and 2009/2010 bookings are well underway. On the other hand, I've photographed weddings with as little as two weeks notice ... I don't recommend waiting that late, however!

Also, no dates are reserved until your retainer is received. However, couples living in other states can reserve their date prior to my receiving their check. I'll reserve dates for out-of-state couples for up to 3 days (after they've verbally approved a contract) prior to receipt of their retainer.

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How do printed pictures compare to the online images?

If you like the online images, you'll absolutely love their printed counterparts. There's really no comparison between the two. Due to internet connection speed considerations (not everyone has a fast connection), online images must be much smaller than the files which create prints: often up to 100 times smaller.

As a result, many facial details, especially in group shots, are lost completely. It's also very difficult to make online images look sharp without increasing their size dramtically. Couples who view my prints in person are always postively surprised at just how good the images are.

There are many factors that contribute to how my images appear on your computer. Different monitors can make them appear very grainy (which they are not) and improper settings can make them appear too light or too dark. If the images don't look good on this site, then please check your monitor calibration HERE.

What are the differences between proofs and prints?

The simple answer is that proofs are intended to give you an idea of what (re)prints will look like so that you can place your (re)print and album order. The term "proofs" originally came from the book business where galley proofs are used to proofread uncorrected advance copies..

Similarly, photographic proofs are not final versions of your images. A key question to ask a photographer is whether or not his/her prints are watermarked and, if they are, to see an example of this. Clearly, the presence of a watermark will obscure the image and make it a less desirable display option. Often, watermarks insure that the proofs are used only for their named purpose: to make reprint decisions from. Currently, I don't watermark my proofs.

So how else are proofs different from prints? Again, it depends on the photographer. My proofs are color-adjusted, sharpened, etc. prior to printing. So, in the 4x6 print size, often my proofs are close in final quality to a 4x6 reprint. However, if an image requires specific areas to be lightened, sharpened, softened or otherwise enhanced, that service is not provided at the proof print stage but rather as part of the reprint or album service.  The bottom line is: don't expect proofs to be perfect, final images but rather good representations that you can make reprint decisions from.

As reprints get larger, the details become more visible. Consequently, photographers shouldn't simply take the adjustment settings applied to the 4x6 version of the image and reprint it at a larger size. For the best looking professional reprints, reprints larger than a 4x6 will have to be recropped, resharpened, perhaps noise levels reduced, etc. These adjustments often result in very noticable quality differences in your enlargements and digital albums. This is one reason that reprints may initially appear expensive.

Do you take formal pictures?

 

Certainly! Simply let me know what formal images you would like and I'll take them!  In general, I'm moving towards more of an "informal formal" style of photography with bridal party formals. 

Most of my clients don't want the standard, everybody-in-a-line, formals. So, I tend to shoot the family formals more traditionally and the bridal party formals in a combination of formal and a posed "informal" style.

Either way, it's your choice to select which style I use to capture your "formals"

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What is your style of photography?

 
 

I want to retell your story such that you reexperience the rush of emotion felt on your special day. Often, I'm told my images do indeed bring the rush of those emotions right back - smiles and tears included. I use a photojournalistic or reportage photography style and aim to capture your special moments unobtrusively. I'm also not afraid to be different with my images or to try unique techniques to create once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

A key element of my photography style is my ability to use shadow and light to create atmosphere and mood. A photographer's ability to "see shadow and light" is a critical distinction between simply taking pictures and capturing tender moments.

Lastly, my "personality style" is one of being patient, a good listener, and positive. I don't get caught up in all the scheduling trauma that can surround a wedding. Once you reserve my services, you can change locations and times within reason and I can assure you that I won't become a source of anxiety. Change your flowers, dress or groom (just kidding!) at the last minute? Not a problem...simply be happy, let it show and I'll deliver amazing pictures!

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Do we need to provide a meal for you at the wedding?

This question and the answers to it raise quite a ruckus on a lot of bridal and photography wedding forums! In fact, many photographers stipulate in their contracts that they must be provided a meal and, if not, they can leave to obtain one and charge the newly married couple for it! So, if your caterer messes up, you pay for it twice in not having your photographer present and in having to pay for another meal. That doesn't sound fair to me so my approach is different.

First, a newly married couple has a lot more to think about than whether or not I get to eat. That's not to say that the majority of couples don't check in with me to make sure that I receive a meal. However, as a back-up plan, I bring some snack bars with me. If I get a meal then I'm very appreciative. If I don't, that's okay.

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Will you publish our pictures on a web site?

 
   
   
 

Every MomentsKept wedding gallery is custom designed to maximize your viewing pleasure.  Most photographers use gallery software that places the focus on buying prints as opposed to viewing the pictures easily.  I've spent many hours working with a software company to custom design my gallery interfaces to maximize ease of viewing.  Our galleries are also easy to purchase prints from too!

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Do you take B&W or sepia pictures?

 
  Yes, one wonderful aspect of digital photography is that it provides nearly limitless options. B&W images are one option that we offer clients without an extra charge. Also available is "colorization" where portions of a black and white photograph are left in color.

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Do you recommend hiring a second photographer?

 
 

Two photographers are most valuable for very short ceremonies (less than 20 minutes), large cathedrals or outdoor ceremonies, large bridal parties (12 or more), and guest counts greater than 150. A second professional photographer can also shoot the groom at a separate location prior to the ceremony while I cover the bride.

Please note:  a second professional photographer is VERY different than an assistant with a camera.  My second photographer, David, is a full-time photographer with many years of experience shooting weddings and events on his own.  If you're making your photography decision partially on the benefits of a second photographer, insure that you view the second photographer's portfolio of entire weddings!

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Will you photograph an "XYZ" religious ceremony?

 
  I'm often asked if I'll photograph a particular religious ceremony especially if it's not Protestant or Catholic. I have no prejudices against any religious denomination and welcome all religious faiths, sexual orientations, races, cultures, etc. In fact, variety is the spice of photography - so I welcome your call!

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All Images © 2008 MomentsKept Studios - Photography by John Fitzpatrick