Common Questions
Are you a professional wedding photographer?
Yes. I currently work full time as a Digital Media teacher and in my spare time and during the summer, I do my photography. I have 20+ years of photography experience and am able to use both digital and film equipment. I have been a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Guild of Professional Photographers of the Delaware Valley (GPPDV). I have worked in many areas of photography including portrait, event, product, architectural and fine art.
Did you go to school for Photography?
Yes. I received my B.F.A. in Fine Art with my concentration in Photography. I am classically trained to understand the elements of design like composition, form, texture and color and use those elements to set my work apart from other photographer's that don't come from an artistic background.
How long have you been in business?
I've been in business working for others as a professional photographer since 1996. I decided to go out on my own and start MPS Photography in 2006. I've gained a great deal of experience and insight having worked in so many facets of the industry as a designer and photographer, and I see things from a unique perspective which also makes my images unique.
What is your style of wedding photography?
I photograph in a journalistic style with added dimensions in artistic composition and classic portraiture. I am unobtrusive and focus on artistically capturing the emotional story of your wedding day.
What makes you different as a wedding photographer?
I combine the styles of traditional and photojournalistic photography as well as using my experience from the commercial and fashion work that I've done to create a truly unique visual style. I also do all of my own computer work on my images to color correct, retouch, and use artistic filters and effects to enhance the overall look of your images. I am one of the few working in the field that does all of his own image work. I shoot the wedding, organize and edit the pictures, and send them out for printing.
Where are you located?
In Montgomery County, PA. This area in Southeastern Pennsylvania is convenient to many locations in and around Philadelphia. I also travel to areas in New Jersey (including shore points) and Delaware.
Do you have business liability insurance?
Yes. I do have business liability insurance, which covers my general liability as a wedding photographer. Most reception and catering halls require the photographer carry insurance.
Can we contact you before the wedding?
Yes. We will be in contact from the very start. You will also work with me until the job is finished. Personal rapport and communication with your photographer makes a huge difference in your photography and in your special day. You will have my direct cell phone number as well as my email address for any questions you might have.
How many weddings do you book in one day?
Just yours. This enables me to focus on you and allows for greater flexibility in planning your wedding day. Want to change your starting time? Not a problem.
Will you be our actual wedding photographer?
Yes. I will be your photographer at your wedding.
Are all of the photos taken by you?
Yes. If you request a second photographer I have a group of assistants that share the same personality and style that I do that will accompany me, but I will take the majority of your pictures.
When we can see our photographs?
In about 3-4 weeks your on-line gallery will be your first look at selected images from your wedding. You could visit it from a wireless hotspot anywhere in the world. Too busy after your honeymoon to email images to your family and friends? Then simply email them a link to your gallery! I use Shutterfly.com's professional galleries storefront to store and present your wedding gallery. Here is a direct link to a previous wedding to show you what your's will look like: http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/MPSphotography/BrookeandMike
Can we buy the images from our wedding?
Yes. You can order a complete collection of digital images from the camera. Your image collection will be provided as full-size JPEG files. They are gently and individually hand optimized for brightness, color and clarity. They remain full-size as captured in the camera and in the original colors so that you will enjoy the maximum creative potential of every image for the future. Depending on the package you choose, they are available for purchase and I will write you a release form giving you full rights to the images.
How soon will our digital image collection be available?
It usually takes 3-4 weeks. Since I am the one processing all of the images, I go through every proof to make it look it's best. It may take me a little more time than some, but it's because I'm going in and correcting every image; something a lot of photographers don't do.
Will my prints be professionally retouched?
I begin by optimizing color and exposure; then by minimizing blemishes and background distractions; and finish by applying artistic effects such as softening, spot-color, black/white, sepia, or specialized painting effects. The images are printed on real photographic paper.
Do you offer custom wedding album design?
Yes. Our work together continues into the design of your storybook album. You will see the creative artistic design transpire in online proofs, and you will have input as your custom album takes shape. Here is a link to book that was created for a couple using Shutterfly.com: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AaOXLZo4csTa
What type of photographic equipment will you use during our wedding?
Professional digital SLR cameras and lights: like those you often see used by magazine photojournalists. My cameras are high quality, quick and reliable. I use Nikon cameras, lenses and flashes. I update my equipment when needed to ensure the best photos possible.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. I always have two (or more) cameras, lenses and flashes as backup along with the necessary accessories needed.