What is Wedding Photojournalism? Wedding photography has experienced significant changes in the last decade or so. Photojournalism is the type of documentary photography used in such magazines as National Geographic, Time, Life, etc., "wedding photojournalism" is a similar style that provides a desirable alternative to traditional wedding photography. Wedding photojournalism done well illustrates heartfelt emotions. It avoids the contrived or posed look of the traditional style, with little or no intrusion. Two reasons for the great popularity of wedding photojournalism is due to the editorial style of photography seen in wedding magazines, like Martha Stewart and Town & Country, and the personal coverage to each wedding that makes each couple's album unique. It is not a series of arranged images throughout the day.

Many photographers claim that they do wedding photojournalism. However, wedding photojournalism isn't simply candid or black and white photography. There is a difference between candid photography and the technique of the wedding photojournalist. A photojournalist needs finely tuned skills of observation and anticipation: sensing, feeling, and seizing those decisive moments. The best photojournalists try to work quietly and discreetly. People act more like themselves when they are not aware that they are being photographed. An effective photojournalist is often unnoticed with their unobtrusive manner whereby the couple being photographed is free to enjoy their family and friends.

How far in advance are you booked and how do we book you? Certain times of the year book out a year in advance. Also, certain dates are more popular than others. We photograph a select number of weddings a year in order to maintain a high level of service and deliver the photographs in a timely fashion. Please call us for availability.

A retainer fee is required to secure your date and will be applied towards your balance. At the time of booking us we will send you our contract. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.

What is your payment policy? We normally request a 50% retainer to accompany a completed contract to secure a co-commitment, and request the remaining 50% balance ten days before the wedding.

Can you take photographs in low light? Yes we can. Lauren and Robert primarily use the latest in professional-grade Canon digital cameras and lenses, which more often than not enable us to create beautiful images in very low light without electronic flash. For example, our use of the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L series lens coupled with our Canon professional-grade cameras enables us literally to create sharp, properly exposed images via candle-light. When necessary, we do use diffused, on camera flash, but prefer to work with existing light whenever possible since it looks more natural.

Do you offer retouching? Yes. All of our custom reprints, enlargements, etc. are retouched to remove blemishes, adjust the color balance, contrast, density, etc.

Do you carry back-up equipment? Yes. We normally have at least two levels of back-up equipment available if needed.

Where are you located and do you charge travel fees? Our studio is located in Ithaca, New York, which is the home of Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the beautiful Finger Lakes area. Much of our work takes place in Central/Western New York state and New England. We consider Central and Western New York to be our local area. Beyond our local area (as in New York City and New England) we would require hotel accommodations. Outside of New England we would require roundtrip airfare, lodging, and local transportation expenses covered, in addition to a $600. per day travel fee, event date excluded.

How far will you travel? Robert and Lauren's services are available worldwide.

Do you photograph "formals" or group shots? Do you want me to provide a list of "must have" photographs? Unless you request otherwise, we do photograph the "standard" groups of the wedding party, family and bride & groom. It's an important part of recording your family history at your wedding. But it is just a small portion. We work quickly and can get it done in a short amount of time when it's well organized. You may wish to designate someone to gather people. We will not go up to pose everyone, just give a little direction if needed. We do not need a long list of "must have" photographs, but do appreciate a brief listing of specific group photographs desired. Additionally, we do like to know about anything unusual, special, or unique relating to your wedding.

What sort of equipment do you use? We digitally master all of our wedding and event images with the latest Canon professional-grade camera systems and Canon L Series Professional-grade lenses.

How long does it take to get the proofs? Proofing normally is delivered within six weeks after a wedding or other event.

Do you offer online viewing and ordering of event images? Yes; we offer online viewing and ordering as an option for an additional fee of $125. Many clients and their families opt for this service since it makes the process of viewing and ordering wedding images very easy.

How much do you charge for reprints and enlargements? Our current pricing is $23 for a 5x7" custom print, and $30. for an 8x10 custom print.

What do you and your associate photographer wear to the wedding? Lauren and I always dress appropriately when we work. I normally wear a dark suit, white shirt, and tie or tuxedo for black-tie weddings. Lauren normally wears clothing similarly appropriate to the occasion.

Do you offer finished albums, and if so what styles? We do offer our creative services both with and without finished albums. We find that many clients choose to build their own albums, and some like to have us design and make finished albums for them. The styles of albums we currently offer include Art Leather Futura Onyx albums, Leather Craftsmen Magazine-Style albums, and beautiful handmade custom albums finished with Japanese silk fabrics, archival materials, clamshell cases, etc. We do offer very customized services in addition to our "package" offerings.

Do you photograph other special events and parties? Yes, we do. We frequently photograph various fundraising and political events, as well as personal parties. We are available for anniversary parties, wedding and baby showers, family reunions, and other special events, including fundraisers and corporate events. Please call to discuss your needs.

Do you do engagement portraits, and if so what is your fee? Since some clients want engagement portraits, we do provide this service for an additional $300. fee. Since we are primarily location oriented documentary-style photographers, we normally create such portraits in beautiful, natural settings, and do them in a very natural style. We certainly can do more "formal" portraits as well if this is your desire.