I am a photographer, SPECIALIZING in Weddings having covered 547 Marriages since 2000 in 16 different States. I also am experienced with numerous family photoshoots, anniversaries, birthdays, prom gatherings, real estate pictures, aspiring model photoshoots and a wide range of other needs.
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1 customer review
Peter M Black
Before I meet with a couple, I will provide them with names, phone numbers, and email contact information of past couples who I have served at their own Weddings.
What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
Most importantly, I first determine what my client desires. At time of photo taking process, I provide clear, unobtrusive, diplomatic, and gracious direction in a warm and friendly manner - never being overbearing with those in front of my camera. I shoot with a high quality Canon 5D II camera with flash mounted and usually shoot with Canon 24mm-105mm lens. (I have 2 backups, though I've never needed them.) I shoot mostly on automatic settings to maximize the number of pictures without bogging down and wasting precious time to change lenses or settings. I take care of refinements post- editing in the days after the Wedding or other photoshoot.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
I would begin by asking a Couple what they are looking for if they have specific wishes. I listen to them, and then tailor my service to suit their individual styles. I'll ask for specific times and places they want me to be. Tell me about parents and grandparents and other close family members. How many bridesmaids and groomsmen will there be, and specifically what are the maid of honor and best man names? Will there be a ring bearer and a flower girl, and what ages are they? Will there will be families and children at a Wedding? Will they want a receiving line following ceremony? I will point out that can be time consuming and take time away from post ceremony pictures, ultimately keeping them from rejoining guests at cocktail party. In short, I will draw on much experience I've gained covering hundreds of Weddings.
What do you love most about your job?
Pleasing all those I serve .. .. and that includes not only both the Bride & Groom at a Wedding, but also their Moms & Dads and Bridal Party members & all guests as well. I enjoy breaking the ice and making people feel comfortable at the outset about being around me and my camera. I'm unobtrusive and can sense if someone is standoffish and I can respect their feelings accordingly. Not everybody wants a camera stuffed in their faces. I pride being sensitive and aware of feelings.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I remember my own Wedding photographer from 1969 and knew I could improve on his approach. There were so many aspects I did not care for about him being somewhat aloof photographer. He was rigid, not flexible, cold, and distant. He set agendas and determined what, when, where and how the process would proceed without regard to what we wanted. His package was fixed and he wouldn't modify things. When we met with him months after our wedding (it took forever!) he presented a proof book, from which we were to make selections and then afterwards tried to up-sell us to purchase the proofs we were not choosing for our Album. They were all stamped "proofs only - not for reprint purposes". (Those would have been exciting!) I decided there could be a better way and I'm doing it.
Why should our clients choose you?
I offer flexibility and wide experience gained from 534 Weddings since 2000. Too often, other photographers charge much more for only a very basic service, have restricted photography time, fewer pictures taken, not copyright releases, no DVD's of all images released to the couple, no completed Albums and no options to do an engagement photoshoot or cover a rehearsal. Many other photographers frown on family and friends taking pictures when they are shooting, but I warmly welcome others to capture the same memories right along with me.
