Do I really get all my images on CD, in full resolution?
Yes, you will never have to come back to me for your memories. You have all images and are free to print them whenever you wish. I can recommend local places that do excellent prints very inexpensively.
Do you shoot film or digital?
I shoot exclusively digital, with an array of professional Canon bodies and lenses. I use only professional equipment including radio remote controlled strobes and flashes.
Why digital?
I find that it is much more flexible, cost effective for both myself and my clients, has quicker turnaround, prints with better quality and it is more earth friendly! With recent technology, it has surpassed 35mm film in every way.
Do you have backup Cameras?
Yes! I have 4 Canon bodies.
How many images do I get?
That depends on a lot of factors, the main one being how many changes of venue. Traveling and setting up at different locations will cut down on shooting time. My opinion is that quality is preferred to quantity. I am selective of the shots I take, considering lighting and composition at all times. I don't blast away at 50 shots per minute, hoping to get a few good images. That being said, I will constantly have my cameras in hand and shooting at every good opportunity. You can expect a very well documented wedding!
Do you do engagement photos?
Yes. I feel that engagement photos are a good idea, not only for the couple to have, but it's a chance for us to get more comfortable with each other as well.
Do you shoot in color and black and white?
Being digital, I shoot the entire wedding in color, and select images at my own discretion to convert to black and white. When you get your CD, if there are images you would like in black and white, you let me know which ones and I will do that at no additional charge.
I notice that you don't have a lot of "special effect" images.
I don't fill up my portfolio with lots of motion blur, selectively colored photos or other special effect photos. That doesn't mean that I can't, I just don't put it up front, because it's not my main style. Coloring flowers or rings in a black and white photo, adding motion blur to a photo etc are all photoshop actions that are easily done. If you have photos that you would like this done to, just let me know and within reason, I provide these at no extra charge.
Do you shoot anything else beside weddings?
Yes. I focus on wedding photography, but find that shooting for a variety of clients helps me to incorporate new ideas and keeps me fresh. I have a home studio and regularly do and enjoy family, infant and senior photography as well as some commercial projects.
You are obviously a photojournalistic photographer, will you do posed shots?
Of course! There will always be a need for shots of the grandparents, family etc, because they were there and its good to have record of it. I will make these as short and painless for you and everyone as possible, because there are much more enjoyable ways to spend this day of your life!
Our reception hall is dark or might be tricky to photograph in, how will you approach it?
I take a lot of pride in my work and will stop by and check out my lighting options way before the wedding. I want to do the best job I can possibly do, not only for you - but as a matter of personal pride and will do everything possible to ensure the best photography. I have 4 radio remote controlled strobes that I can set up on tripods, hang on walls or from ceilings if necessary. Whatever the scenario, I can adjust.
What are your travel fees for weddings?
I don't charge for wedding travel in the Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia area. Outside that area, my travel fees are usually just gasoline, hotel if necessary or airfare. For certain destination weddings, I am willing to negotiate with you, as the chance to shoot in new and exciting places is alluring to me.
Are you bossy or stuffy?
Never! I know that the best photos come when everyone is having fun and I can capture that emotion on my camera. I don't want pictures of a lot of people giving me dirty looks! I try to be as unobtrusive as possible, preferring to let the day happen and document the love, happiness and fun as it unravels.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, I ask for half the fee along with a signed contract.
How long do you allow for a decision?
Due to the high amount of inquiries I recieve, I cannot hold any date unless I have a deposit.
I would like to meet for an interview, but I don't like to be pressured.
I want you to feel like you are hiring me because I can do the job and provide the images you want. NOT because I talked you into it. I will gladly meet and discuss anything that you would like to talk about with absolutely no pressure. I really believe in what I do, and I want that to be what you take away from the interview, not "Oh man was that guy pushy!!". That being said, I have an almost perfect interview to booking ratio. I do pride myself on being informative and forthcoming in a friendly, casual, non pressure, non threatening atmosphere.
Why should I choose you over 5 million other wedding photographers?
Are you asking me to be a salesman here? I refuse! In all seriousness, I believe that if you have gotten this far, my images have impressed you enough to keep reading - and in the end, that is just about all that matters. The only other important thing is finding out how much you like me personally, and if you can tolerate me hanging around all day taking photos. Let's get together and chat!
Any last words?
I'm glad you have gotten this far. It probably means that you are seriously considering me as your wedding photographer. I know too many people that don't have really good photos of their wedding. They thought they could take the pictures themselves, or skimped when it came time to hire the photographer. Please don't be one of these. This is a day that, above EVERYTHING ELSE, should be documented well. My goal is always to photograph in a way that gives a real feeling for the day. I want to not only provide great, lasting memories for those in attendance, but to make those not present feel like they were. My ultimate goal is that when you view your wedding photos, you will smile, laugh, and even cry for years and years to come. I'm very pleased to say that most of my weddings are referrals from satisfied clients. I am very passionate about what I do, and my hope is that after looking through my image gallery and recommendations, you will agree.
The trust you are putting in me is understood and I feel it is truly an honor to be a wedding photographer. I look forward to being yours.
Sincerely,
Derek Pearson
Email::derek@derekpearson.com
