Michael Peterson Imaging
Wedding and Event Information and Q and A

Click here to return to Wedding Home Page 
 Click here for the PDF of the Reservation Form and Contract. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader  

Serving the Pocono Mountain Region with Affordable Digital Photography
Now Accepting a Select Number of 2008 Wedding Reservations

Affordable wedding photography is our specialty. All work is “for hire” which means you own the files when I am done  - not me. You set the cost for the day’s shoot. You print the photos. No 500% mark ups every time Aunt Hattie orders a print. No delays, no hassles, no waiting, and waiting for albums that take forever. You retain control.  Further, when you hire me to image your wedding, you will get me – not one of an assortment of so called staff, intern or associate photographers who shoot under someone else’s name!

I have an extensive background in photojournalism and would like to bring this approach to your wedding. My background of  providing images to over 100 different newspapers and magazines (500 different publications) including 4 cover shots, is your insurance that the memories of your big day will be meticulously recorded.  But, unlike some prima donna photographers, I offer flexibility since I am working for you – not selling a set “package” and style based on my preferences.  So, rest assured, in addition to the fun and memorable PJ style images we can also do a blend of formals, posed, portraits, and traditional poses too.  You decide what and how much!

All pro-Digital.  I work with Nikon pro digital cameras with top quality lenses. According to Popular Photography Magazine” September 2007, “The debate between film and digital is over!”  If a wedding photographer tells you film is the only way to go, its because he has a huge personal investment in the equipment, and he is stuck in the past.  If a wedding planner recommends film, its because they are getting a big commission from the photographer.

Rates 
$100.00 an hour, one hour minimum – hours 1-4.
$50.00   an hour, after the first 4 hours.
$25.00   one time deposit/materials fee covers all services.
No travel or setup charges within Monroe, Wayne, Pike, Lehigh Counties Pennsylvania or Sussex, Warren or Morris Counties, in New Jersey.

Post Shoot  – custom packages are available subject to your needs and budget. I charge $50.00 an hour  and actual material expenses (no mark-up) to do post event custom photo enhancements, proof preparation,  print orders, and beautiful hard bound wedding albums – perfect for the coffee table!

We also photograph  Corporate Events -  - Parties - Reunions -  Picnics -   Large Functions -   You name it!    Call me.     
Michael Peterson – the Photographer
Specializing in capturing the moment!  - I believe quality images make the best record of the greatest moments in our lives!

I do not do special affects. I do not do art prints. I do not do color tinting, softened portraits, halo’s, or overlays.  What I do is attractive, high quality, high resolution, digitally correct, well lit images that capture the feel of the moment. Those old style affects added a fortune to the cost of event photography and made it unnecessarily mysterious and complicated. I love capturing images, - images that reflect the joy, the pain, the color, the emotion, the life of an event - and capturing it accurately.  Please, if you want great quality natural images, I can work with you. Affects can be added later at your option through the marvels of modern software. So, if you want dreamy, massively retouched images of stiffly posed people lined up and regimented – like something your great grandmother had on her mantle -  please look for another photographer. 

So in this new “digital” age, why not let your Uncle George, the accomplished amateur family photographer “do” the wedding with his newest digital camera he got for Christmas?  Simple – reassurance!  You are paying me for use of  TOP shelf quality Nikon Pro Cameras, great Sigma lens, professional lighting equipment and techniques, - but above all - the experience and know how to capture the images and the moments you will cherish.

Q&A
Things you will want to know even before you call me! These are the questions you should ask if you were interviewing me – or any photographer - in person…

1- What about traditional wedding photography vs. the newest fad – Photo Journalism?

I have been doing primarily photo journalism (PJ) for years.  It is my specialty. Photos “in the moment!” Images that capture people being themselves, places, times and emotions that color them.  I can and will do this for you.  I can deliver color or black and white – or both. Just ask.   I can also do the formal check list images of a traditional wedding package.  In fact, I recommend a basic selection of formal or traditional images to satisfy the in-laws and produce some nice enlargements – to go along with PJ themed work. Some arrogant wedding photographers fancy themselves artists and come to you with their “style expectations” dictated.  I come to you to work – just tell me what you want – and we will do it.


2- People are telling me film is far superior to digital and is the only way to go for wedding photography?  

Anyone still holding on to film, proofs and negatives in 2008, is doing so out of a desperate need to continue making payments to the bank or credit card on equipment they are stuck with. Any wedding planners or event managers pushing them on you are recommending them because they get large kick backs, er, commissions.  There is a lot of that in this business.  According to the September, 2007 issue of Popular Photography – “the debate over film vs. digital is over!”   Digital images are just as good, often better, way more flexible, and allow us to check quality and make adjustments on the fly.  When I leave the building, I know I have the good stuff and don’t have to wait two weeks for the proofs to come back from the lab to see if anything went wrong.  Also, you are no longer paying for film, paper, chemicals, proofs (all at big, big mark ups) and my time going back and forth with the lab.

3- What is the difference between a photographer who works “for hire” vs. photographers who offer package deals?

I do “work for hire.”  You hire me by the hour and I work for you.   That means you control the images, and you own all of your own photographs.  I do not put my copyright stamp on everything and require you to order and buy directly from me or my printer. Your aunt Hattie does not have to order prints from me. Further,  I give you the discs so you don’t pay me for my time to finish the photos and do the things you can just as easily do yourself in this computer age.  Once you have the discs, you can print the photos yourself at home or work, use one of hundreds of online professional photo and printing labs (yes, the same ones we use with a mark up or commission) or even simply take them to Wal-Mart!

4- You claim to be saving me money. OK, what are the hidden costs?

My flat fee is $100.00 an hour for the first four hours. $50.00 an hour starting with the fifth hour – if we go that long. One hour minimum. You decide if you want me for one hour or ten hours. The clock starts with the first click of the camera – not with travel, set up, or consultation. Also, I have a $25.00 flat fee per event which covers the cost of discs, postage, download time, copying, printing a thumbnail index, labeling, a quick basic edit and pre-event phone consultation.  Print costs – well go online and price them yourself. You will be amazed at what they cost vs. what some photographers charge you.

5- Once you give me a disc with the photos, what do I do with them?

Almost everyone today has photo editing software on their computer. If not – you can even download some basic photo editors free. Simply copy the pictures to a folder on your hard drive and do the printing yourself – editing too.  Take your time (I know one groom who took his laptop on the honeymoon – I understand from the bride it was great fun at first, but did get a little annoying to her after the third day!).  Customize or add special affects as you like.  And, if you don’t work with computers or photo software, undoubtedly your nephew the geek, or cousin Amy in community college, or another member of your  family most surely does – and would love to help you with your wedding photos.

6- But I want a special album and some real nice enlargements?  I don’ really know how to do this?
 
It’s 2008, remember. Just go online.  There are a hundred nice digital printing houses that will allow you to upload your pictures direct.  Some sites allow family and friends to view pictures, and even order them directly. Some companies even give you your own web site – imagine – www.TomandBethsWedding.com.   I suggest you check out a few of my favorites:   www.mpix.com , www.eventpix.com ,  www.weddingtracker.com ,  or www.picaboo.com among others. After you visit these sites, you will wonder why you would ever pay a photographer a 500% mark up and wait months for the product.  Also, especially take a look at the albums offered by mpix and picaboo.  You will fall in love with their coffee table style hard bound, glossy book/albums that you can easily layout yourself (with their step by step online process) for under $40.00!

7- What if I don’t like the photos?

OK, it happens. Photography is an art – not a science. Picture viewing is also very subjective. I’ve had photos win major awards then been asked by an editor of them “why did you send me this junk?” We all see things differently.  That’s art. That’s a gamble at every event.  So we do our best to minimize potential problems.  We use very high quality and reliable equipment and have back ups on hand.  We take many hundreds of photos – way more then a film photographer who is counting the cost of the film and developing – so inevitably there are going to be enough selections that you will be satisfied with.  Now, that said, I can’t make a heavy person look thin – thinner, yes, but not thin.  If the Priest refuses to allow a flash during the ceremony or  is uncooperative, that limits us severely. If its raining, I can’t make the sun shine.  If 46 young nieces and nephews insist on jumping into every shot, or uncle George – the family amateur hobby photographer jumps in front of me at every key moment in the process -  and someone does not correct them all quickly – there will be disappointment.  I can work around a lot. But not everything. Further, PhotoShop can edit and fix many mistakes and enhance many quality issues – but a live event will always offer challenges. So, that’s why you are hiring me.

8- What is the time line and the process?

Call me and we will check dates, and talk about what you want and what I can deliver. If you feel I am the right person for your wedding, return the agreement form (download from this web site) with the $125. (first hour and material costs) deposit.  We will agree when to talk again later. At my option we might meet in person at some point if it is an elaborate wedding, and/or I may elect to do a site visit with you.  I will call the night before the wedding to confirm, then I will see you at the agreed to time. If I need to set up lights for portrait work, I may come a little earlier.

Balance due is expected at the end of the ceremony if you want your pictures really quickly – or no later then five days later.   Sorry, no credit cards. Upon final payment, I will either deliver your discs in person or send them by priority mail.  You are then free to do what you want with them. If you really want me to prepare your albums, prints or do custom editing work - we can discuss it then (at $50.00 an hour plus actual cost of materials or prints).  I will keep your files backed up for one year after the event if you need replacement discs or additional help.

9- Exactly what do you deliver to me in terms of product?

Within five  business days of the event – or final payment, I will deliver the following:
    -One or more complete disc(s) with your large/fine JPEG files (suitable for prints, 8x10 enlargements, simple edits, album printing, cards, etc.) with basic auto-fix edits applied.  And, one duplicate disc.
    -One complete disc(s) with all your RAW big megapixel files for custom editing, big enlargements, etc. And, one duplicate disc.  RAW files are professional 10-12 mps files suitable for PhotoShop or other high end custom photo editing work, and for enlargements of 11x14 up to poster size. Because of the size of these files – I will only shoot a limited number of them – mostly the key group shots, portraits, and a few at the alter.
    -Plain paper thumbnail indexes.
I used to provide a slide show disc for the TV, but this is no longer done as it is redundant because Microsoft software including Windows Vista and XP now will play the disc direct from Windows Explorer.
     

10- Do we need to meet in person before the wedding day?

Generally not if it’s a basic, traditional modest wedding. Its good if we can, but remember this is a budget package. If it is a big, big elaborate wedding or something non-traditional (like getting married on a mountain top, etc.) it would be an option I might consider, or you can select. Also, some couples like to have me attend the wedding rehearsal for an hour both to photograph the dinner, capture some of the fun for the Photo Journalism series, and to meet everyone and get comfortable with each other. This is at your option.

11- Do you have a separate charge for your travel time?

My travel time is free for Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Lehigh County’s in Pennsylvania and for Warren and Sussex in New Jersey. I also work in Bucks, Hunterdon, and Morris Counties and for those latter locations charge a flat travel fee of  $50.00.  I have no other hidden costs. The $25.00 material fee is a one time charge, even if I do the rehearsal, engagement party, pre-wedding date portraits, or whether I work one hour or ten.  Once finished, I hand it all over to you so you can select your own lab, printers, album producer, or simply do it all yourself.  If you hire me afterwards, to do the album, design graphic products (I work in Adobe InDesign CS3) or do custom photo editing and prep work, I charge $50.00 an hour plus actual material costs. 

12- Practicalities out of the way – how would we categorize my shooting style and event work?

When we speak prior to the event I will ask you for an idea about how you want the wedding shot style wise. Traditional?  Its dying according to many of the Bridal Magazines, but I still believe every one wants some wedding party, group, personal portraits and alter images.  Photo Journalism? This is a total portrayal of the day’s sights in an informal progressive “news like” manner that captures the feel of the event from start to finish. This is the style most  Bridal Magazines are heralding today.  Many even feel the photos should be in black and white. I can do either – or better – both.  Its your wedding so you decide.  Personally, I recommend a few traditional poses, bride and groom portraits, some quick images of the wedding party and then PJ coverage of the rest of the day. Let me mix with the guests, and do my thing.

Another thing some couples choose to do is a pre-wedding shoot for the bride and groom or just the bride.  This is portrait time if you are not superstitious and willing to do up hair, make-up and wear the dress prior to the big day – just for an hour. A stress free dry run so to speak. This allows us to stage and control the lighting, chose backgrounds, poses, and try some glamour shots and experiments without the hysteria, stress and chaos of the actual event day.  The groom and even the key family members can participate too.  As I have said, many brides have now chosen to forgo this traditional photography in favor of PJ style, but if you want these really nice shots, and have a really hectic wedding day, site limitations, time limitations, etc. it is something to consider. 

13- We have a wedding planner. Should they be involved?

You are paying this person to help you with difficult decisions and to help smooth over the bumps. Certainly. Talk it over with them. Subsequently, I will need to speak with them and may even meet with them on site. They will be a big help, for sure.  But keep one thing in mind.  In recommending absolutely anything to you for you wedding day – these folks do a great job and make sure you get it all right  - but they don’t do it for free.  If they are pushing one photographer or DJ over another especially hard, they are probably very good, but they are also paying that big kick back, er, commission.  And that’s OK, its part of the business.  But factor it into your thinking, and your budget.

If you are not working with a planner or event manager, it is very helpful to the photographer to designate a helpful – preferably bossy - family member to act as family liaison. It will make the process better for everyone. This person stays somewhat close and is called upon to identify family members, chase the kids out of every shot, keep Uncle Ned out from being in the way of the lens, collar the best man when he leaves to watch “the game” at the bar, and gather the troops for the big group photos. Sometimes the bridesmaid does this, but others are fine – and I have seen mother-in-laws who were killer effective and loved the assignment too!