QUESTIONS - big honkin' list of questions to ask your photographer.

Can I see a pricing sheet for your phoenix photography services?
Pricing is set individually by each of the photographers that book their photography services through this website. For more information on my affordable phoenix photographer services, go to my phoenix photographer prices page.

Can I see your photography portfolio?
You can see a limited sample of Joseph's photography work here.

You offer digital photography, what about prints?
I don't offer any prints, photo albums or posters.

What is your personal photography style?
I like active/documentary photography and staged portraits. I lean towards full color photos, but also sepia tones and black and white.

Why should I hire you?
You will get good, high quality photos at an affordable price.

What attire will you wear?
Typically, I will wear black slacks and a button up shirt or dark polo.

Will there be backup equipment available?
Yes.

And what happens if you are ill?
I can't imagine being too ill to do my job, but I have a network of other photographers that I can call if the unimaginable happens.

What type of equipment will you be using?
I use a pro-sumer level camera. It provides me with a nice balance between high megapixel images, special functionality like scenery and portraits, and the convenience of a point and shoot camera.

Will the lighting be intrusive?
I don't use separate lighting equipment from that which can be mounted on my camera.

What kind of equipment will you bring with you?
I will bring a camera tripod, monopod, batteries, and a camera.

Will you be taking the photographs at my wedding?
Yes, I will be the photographer at your wedding.

Are you a member of any associations or groups specific to the industry?
No, I am not a member of any photography association or group.

What styles do you specialize in?
I specialize in live, candid photography at weddings.

Do you do any creative shoots?
Generally, I capture standard images with the intention of communicating the feeling of the moments that I capture. I simply want to document what happens and leave the creative, artistic imagery to the higher end photographers.

Do you only shoot in color or can you shoot color and black and white?
Any color image can effectively be made into a black and white image, but black and white images cannot effectively be made into color. Consequently, all images will be captured in color and made into black and white in post-processing as desired.

What type of camera will the photographer use?
I shoot with a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H50 or equivalent. I also have other cameras that I'll use if I want to get certain effects.

Does you use an assistant?
No. If I used an assistant then I would have to charge you more so I could pay them. I'd rather keep both of our costs down and do everything myself.

Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
Anyone is free to capture candid photographs as long as they stay out of my way.

Will you stay later than scheduled to get important shots if we end up running late?
My primary goal is to get the great shots of your event. I don't mind staying a little later that scheduled.

What is the breakdown per photo?
Generally, the cost break down per photo will be around $5 for each digital image that you receive.

Approximately how many pictures will be shot throughout the day?
I tend to shoot a lot of photographs at live events. I may capture over 500 photographs at your event. This is not an indication of how many photographs will be delivered to you as the editing process

Can we give you a shot list to work from?
Yes. Also, if you decide at your event or session that you want a particular photo taken, I will try to accommodate you.

How long after the event will the photographs be ready?
Special requests for expedience can usually be met within reason. There will typically be a one week minimum for processing photographs.

What type and how much assistance will you provide in planning my album?
Again, I don't provide prints, proofs, or albums. I simply provide the service of capturing and delivering digital images to you. You are welcome to use those images to have an album or individual prints developed for non-commercial use.

Can we buy the negatives from you?
I do not turn over the raw image files. There is a screening process by which the images that reflect the atmosphere and spirit of your event are selected, edited, and delivered to you.

Do you have liability insurance?
No.

How do you determine the price that you will charge?
I charge based on time. In cases where I will want to charge extra for special services, I will likely refer you to other vendors.

What do you think is important about wedding photography?
When all is said and done, the memories are all you have left from your day. Photographs help bring back those memories and those feeling. It is vital that your photographer be able to capture images that reflect those emotions and bring back those memories.

Why does the photographer choose to shoot weddings?
I had been in the wedding industry for over ten years before I started offering photography services. My goal of starting this service was actually only to match other photographers to clients. I have since decided to offer my photography services as a simplistic and low cost alternative to the professionals who have had extensive training and experience.

What percent of the photographers business are weddings?
About 75% of my business is weddings.

Are engagement portraits offered?
Yes. Engagement session are $100, and shot at sunrise or sunset.

What are the advantages of hiring a higher priced photographer?
In my opinion, the photographers who have a starting price of over $2500 take exceptional photographs. If you can afford that level of price, then they are a great investment. Between $1000 and $2500, I don't typically see much of a difference in image quality, but the higher priced photographers in this range will tend to offer services like online proofing, free wedding photograph website, prints, albums and a DVD of your wedding photographs. Below $1000, and you are generally not going to get any extras, but you can get images comparable in quality to the mid-range photographers. It is important to look at the photographers portfolio to determine the real quality that they can produce.

How long have you been shooting weddings?
I started my photography company in January 2010.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have shot live bands, community events, ballroom dancers, and engagement photos.

Do you video tape as well?
I do not offer videography services.

How far in advance do you suggest we book our date with you?
Now. Seriously, you should book me immediately.

Is there a deposit required?
A first payment of 25% of the total service price is required on booking my services. If the 25% has not been made, I have not been booked.

When do you require the final balance to be paid?
Final payment must be main before I will deliver your images to you.

What is your cancellation policy?
Any funds delivered to me remain mine in the event of cancellation.

Do you have a portfolio of previous weddings?
See my gallery page.

Do you retouch photos?
Editing decisions are made on my side. Sometimes, retouching takes place.

Do you charge a travel fee?
Excessive travel will be accompanied by a travel fee.

Can the whole wedding be shot in black and white?
If you want your entire wedding shot in black and white, I suggest that you get a photographer that specializes in black and white photography.

What kind of lighting will work best to get the best pictures?
I only use natural light and light mounted on my camera. Different situations can benefit from extended lighting equipment. I don't offer that as part of my service.

If the ceremony and reception are a few hours apart from each other (11am ceremony, 5pm reception), what additional charges will apply for that time?
I charge for time from my arrival until my eventual departure.

What time will you arrive and how long will you stay?
Typically, I will arrive an hour before your ceremony and stay until about 8:00pm. If you want to schedule more photos before your ceremony, then an earlier arrival can be arranged.

How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?
Typically, I will photograph no more than one event per day.

Do you develop your own film?
I don't use file. I am all digital.