·         What sets you apart from other photographers?

o         What sets me apart from everyone else is my honesty, my determination to be upfront with all of my clients, my methods to truly customize my photography towards my client’s visions, and the ability to relate to our customers.  I guarantee you that I am the only professional photographer in the entire Rio Grande Valley that has their prices posted for you to review prior to calling me.  We provide 2 free consultations (initial and final) to customize your photography experience.  But most important of all, I am a newlywed myself. Through personal experience, I can personally relate to all of my clients.  After all, it was only after continuous bad experiences with my own wedding photographer that I made the transition into Wedding Photography.

·         Though your prices are reasonable, they are considerably lower than what other photographers may charge.  Why is this?

o         Many business owners like to loosely use the term “You get what you pay for” so that the client can feel they are receiving a better product by paying more.  Though that may be true for some businesses – I strongly believe that wedding packages starting at $3,000.00 is just way too much to charge.   We offer packages to accommodate all budgets – because we feel everyone should be able to afford a professional who they can trust to preserve their most precious moments and capture them at their best.

·         What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, relaxed, photojournalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?

o         I don't consider myself to have a primary style.  My style depends on the type of event (rather it be a wedding, XV, senior portraits, or commercial photography).  As we gear ourselves to customize the photography element around your vision, a great part of my style is based on the influence and feedback that I get from my clients.  In most cases, I tend to capture a mix and blend of various styles.  Remember, though I have styles of my own, this is your special day.  I will capture and preserve the memories of your wedding day towards your vision.

·         Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?

o         When I shoot your special event, it will be shot in full color.  In post-editing, I will get creative and turn selective photos into B/W, Sepia, Full Color, or B/W with selective coloring.  Of course after proofing, my clients may request additional edits.

·         What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots?

o         One of my most repeated directions are "Pretend that I am not even here."  I may also suggest various poses, different locations to a variety of backgrounds and for the best lighting, and suggest creative shots depending on my surroundings.  Bottom line - expect your shots to look good, professional, uniformed, and very fun!

·         Can we give you a shot list to work from?
You sure can.  But let me share with you, I have most of those shot lists memorized.  What most clients share with me are the photos/people they don't want pictures of.

·         Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
Yes, I am the wedding photographer.  You can meet me at anytime.

·         Do you have an assistant?
I have a personal assistant (my wife).  Though she is not a photographer, she works equally as hard answering all questions, comments, and concerns while I am running around taking pictures.  She also helps me with quick equipment swaps, helping pose children, and makes sure I don't miss any shots.

·         How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer?
I have lost count.  But let me share some stats with you.  I average about 25 weddings a year, and been doing this since 2001. .

·         How many events do you photograph during a weekend?
Big events are usually limited to 1 per weekend.  At times, I will take smaller weddings during the week.  If your wedding is Saturday at 5:00pm - I will schedule NOTHING prior to your event.  That time is used to make sure my equipment is ready for your event

·         What kind of equipment will you bring with you?  Will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be present?
I have two backpacks full of equipment with me at all times.  In addition to my cameras and lenses, I also bring various lighting setups, extra batteries, filters, tripods, light stands, reflectors, umbrellas, and power packs.  Lighting will constantly be present - but will vary depending on the location of your event.

·         Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
All of my equipment is professional grade Nikon.  To give you an idea of what I mean, my backup camera is much, much, much better than most photographers’ primary equipment.

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·         Do you develop your own film?
I currently do not shoot with film.  All of my digital prints are sent to professional photo labs for processing and for photo fulfillments.

·         Can we buy the negatives from you?
As I only shoot with digital cameras, negatives are a thing of the past.  However, you are able to proof all images online.  You may also include the C.D. in your package that will serve the same purposes as a negative.

·         What type of camera will you use?
I use Nikon D3, D300, and D80.  They are all professional grade digital cameras.

·         What happens if the photographer is ill?
In the unlikely event that the photographer becomes ill, every attempt to secure a backup photographer will be made.  If neither myself nor a backup is present, a full refund will be given back to the client.

·         Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
Friends and family are more than welcome to take photos.  However I ask that they do not flash their camera while I am taking my photos - as this may interfere with the outcome of your photos. 

·         Have you worked at most event locations before?
I have worked at a variety of locations before - all over the Valley.  All of my photos from various locations have come out great.  If you are having an event in a location that I have not worked with before - I will be more than happy to accompany you in a walk through of your venue location at no extra charge.

·         Should your event last longer than scheduled, will you stay? Extra charge?
If I am scheduled to leave at 8:00pm, I will not leave until I check out with you or the wedding planner first.  If I need to stay for more than reasonable amount of time, then I will charge by the hour.  

·         How many photos come in each package? What is the breakdown per photo?
Please refer to my Wedding, Portrait, or XV pages for a comparison and breakdown of each package.

·         What attire will you and your assistants wear?
Our attire is professional.  The attire consists of buttoned up shirts tucked in, slacks, and polished shoes.

·         How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
Generally, proofs are ready within two weeks after the event.

·         What is your price range?
My price ranges from $125.00 an hour to full photo packages at $1,999.95

·         What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
This will be based on the package that you select, or the terms that we agree to

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·         Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses?
I have cases of nothing but lenses.  I have prime lenses for portraits, macro lenses for close ups, vibration reduction lenses for high activity photography, tele-photo lenses, and wide-angle lenses.  But more importantly, I have a very nice lens that does all of the above in one lens!!!

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·         Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
I work well with everyone.  More than likely I have worked with that vendor before.

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·         Will you and your assistant eat during the reception
If we are offered, we will gladly use that time to eat, rest a bit, and prepare for the rest of your event.