FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

Q: We want our formals shot outdoors, but what do we do if its raining, too cold  or too windy?

 A:  I strongly suggest that the couple discuss and/or make arrangements somewhere for indoor formals in case of inclement weather.   The following are only suggestions.  If the church itself is suitable, inquire with the church authorities whether or not there would be time after the ceremony for formals inside the church in case of bad weather.  The Delta Bessborough is an elegant setting for formals, but is available only on a 1^st come 1^st serve basis.  We may have to wait for or work around other wedding parties in the same situation.  The wedding reception hall is usually available.  Renting a meeting room in a hotel or using a friend or relatives beautiful home with a large room or deck is also a possibility.  Any additional fees required by hotels are the responsibility of the wedding couple. With regards to the weather, we must be flexible and ready to improvise.

Q: I hear that its becoming popular to photograph the formals before the wedding instead of after.  Why should we consider this?

A: There are many reasons you should consider having the formals done before the wedding. You look your best and freshest before the wedding.  It's a way of assuring that everyone will be dressed, organized and perfectly ready for the start of the wedding.  Having the formals completed before the wedding means you can relax after your ceremony and take your time in a receiving line, visit with family and friends or escape to be alone.  If you have a mid or late afternoon wedding, you may be pressed for time for the formals before supper, and many of the prime outdoor locations will be occupied by other wedding parties. It can help eliminate the pre-ceremony tension and jitters that many couple encounter and help them to concentrate and enjoy (and remember!) the ceremony.  Of all the formals I have photographed before the wedding, not one of the couples regretted doing it, and many have expressed that before the ceremony is really the only way it should be done.  But either way... it's totally your decision.

Q: Can other people bring their cameras to the formal portrait session?

A: Yes and no.   Often,  I must wait for a relative to finish with someone or a group of people that I need for my next photograph and although it might only be a short time at that moment,  it often adds up over the entire session.  Another great distraction is having someone else shooting off to the side or from slightly behind me, a group I have posed. This will result in one or two members of a group looking at someone elses camera while I'm taking a picture. You are paying for my time and I dont think you want it wasted.  I certainly don't mind if someone else does take the odd candid snapshot, but it really is preferable if that during the formal portrait session, they don't take pictures of the groups I am posing, or hold up the session by keeping people or space that I need for the next shot.  If the couple lets those who are attending the formal shoot know this before hand, it helps the session go much smoother.

Q: Is a shot list important or necessary?

A: Important, yes : necessary, no.  A detailed shot list is a very helpful tool to use at the formals shoot.  Even more helpful is if someone (often a member of the bridal party) can be the holder of this shot list and assist in the orderly gathering of groups of people for the next shot.  This can make the difference between formals that last for an hour and a half, or formals that can finish in ¾ of an hour.  And sometimes, after standing in a hot church for an hour, finishing the formals quickly under the hot sun seems to make a lot of sense.   I don't rush formals, but on a hot, hot summer day, organization can pay off and make the whole session go by a little quicker and leave you with some time to find some shade, air conditioning, and a cool drink.

Q: What if you break your leg? Do you have a back up photographer?