My Wedding
Process
1. Booking
Finding a Wedding Photographer can be overwhelming, the googling, the instagrams, dozens of portfolios. I've tried to make the process easy and streamlined so you can get to planning the actual day!
Consultation
I make every effort to respond to any inquiry within 24 hours with a sample proposal and my automated scheduler. This allows you to schedule an over the phone consultation, and gives you a chance to ask questions, tell me a little about your plans, and make sure I'm the right fit for you.
Contract
Once the the consultation is completed, package selected, and you're ready to book, I use an electronic contract manager to make sure you always have a digital copy of the contract on hand. Never book a photographer without a contract! It protects both the photographer and the couple.
Confirmation
Once the contract is signed and retainer paid, you'll receive a confirmation email and a link to schedule the Engagement shoot!
"From start to finish, Ben was a true professional. Expectations were set, a contract drawn up, a complimentary engagement shoot scheduled, and finally the big day."
– Angelica
2. Engagements
Every wedding package comes with a complimentary* engagement session. This is a critical opportunity for us to meet and work together before the big day, and gives you a great gallery of photos to use for save the dates, invitations, a wedding website, or even decor at the reception.
3. Planning
As you can imagine, I go to a lot of weddings, and I'm always available to help consult on the timeline, vendor recommendations, or photo ideas.
A month before the wedding, you'll receive my pre-wedding questionnaire. This asks some basic questions that I've found are critical in making sure I'm where I need to be to document the day, including the timeline, the most important group shots, and some key elements that affect the photography, including whether or not you're including a first look.
Once I have the questionnaire, I will schedule a pre-wedding video call with you, generally about a week before the wedding. This gives us a chance to catch up, chat through any final questions, and make sure i'm in the right place at the right time.
"Ben was very professional and easy to work with from the initial plan all the way through the day of our wedding. He was courteous and professional, and did an excellent job of photographing every important moment."
– Sam
Wedding Prep
Those few hours before the ceremony are often my favorite parts of the wedding day and I love to capture them. Hanging out with the wedding party, hair and makeup, a first look with dad, these little rituals make lasting memories. Long after you've forgotten exactly what you said in the ceremony, you'll remember the butterflies, a pre-wedding toast, or dad's tears.
Details
During those first few hours, I also work to capture those small details you've spent so much time picking out: the dress, rings, floral, table settings, ceremonial decor – those items you'll want to look back on as the scene setters for your day.
First Look
Whether or not to include a first look is a key decision in putting your photography timeline together! About half my couples choose to do a first look, while the other half opt for a more traditional approach of the "first look" being as the bride walks up the aisle. Each has it's pros and cons which I'm happy to talk through during the planning stage.
Portraits
Wedding portraits are an important an essential part of the experience, the photos you hang on your wall for a lifetime – but that doesn't mean they should take up your whole day. I work quickly to get you those key portrait shots, allowing you to get back to enjoying your wedding day with your guests and family.
The Ceremony
The main event. Walking down the aisle, vows, readings, ring exchanges, happy tears and first kisses. Every moment is captured with exacting detail.
And, beyond just the photos, every wedding package includes a PhotoFilm with audio to preserve the moments you may have otherwise forgotten.
Reception
With the ceremony over, it's time to celebrate with your friends, family, and guests. Your speeches, first dance, dinner, bouquet and garter toss, cutting of the cake, or any other occasions will be documented with the same love and attention as your ceremony, portraits, and preparation.
Party On
The cake is cut, the speeches are given, all that's left is to dance the night away. Don't be surprised to find me in the middle of the action, capturing the energy of the party.
"I didn't notice him half the time, and then when we got the pictures a few weeks later, I was so surprised that it seemed like he was everywhere and got the best candid photos."
– Elizabeth
5. Photo Delivery
Backup
After the wedding, every photo is backed up the night of, both locally and online, ensuring your photos are safe and secure.
During the summer season, I do not deliver sneak peeks unless specifically requested, and it often takes several weeks before I am able to cull the photos.
Editing
Every photo is meticulously edited for exposure, contrast, clarity, and color. My editing philosophy is for clean true to life colors and crisp contrast.
I use the 2 week rule for retouching: if it won't be there in two weeks I will edit it out. In-depth retouching techniques, such as excessive skin smoothing, liquifying, removing double chins, etc. are not used.
Delivery
Photo galleries are delivered at a maximum of 8 weeks after the event, though it is usually quicker.
All Wedding packages include every digital photo in both Color and Black and White. If we worked together on an engagement, your engagement photos, wedding day photos, and PhotoFilm will all be hosted in your own personalized gallery.
"I have never had a picture taken of me that looked like ME until Ben!"
– Mary