FAQs
Q: What is your style of photography?
My style of wedding coverage is photojournalistic. I’m pretty well qualified to do that since I’ve been a photojournalist over 30 years! When I say photojournalistic style, what I mean is that I come to the wedding well ahead of the ceremony and start documenting the moments leading up to the wedding – I will spend time with both of you as the momentum of the day builds – but I don’t create or direct the pictures – I’ll leave that to Hollywood directors – instead I document the events and anticipation of the moment.
Q: Do you shoot group photos?
Group photos are part of the day, but I do them efficiently and quickly. The group photos I do tend to have some life in them – I’m not one to have all the groomsmen putting their hands in their pockets exactly the same way – I think the people in the wedding party have personality and the photos should show that. I tend to make photographs of moments as they occur – but if there’s anything specific a person wants, all they have to is say “Hey, can you get a picture of X”. It’s as simple as that – its done.
Q: Do you have wedding packages?
Because I don’t think one size fits all, I don’t have lots of pre-assembled packages. Instead we will work together to put together based on exactly what you want and your budget. I try to discourage pre-purchasing items before you see your photos. You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, would you? There’s plenty of time after your wedding to purchase anything you might want – don’t rush.
I also don’t work on a clock – if I’m shooting your wedding, I am there for as long as it takes – and I leave when we have mutually agreed that we’re all set. I don’t offer 4 hour, 6 hour, or 8 hour plans because if the time runs out we are forced into a discussion nobody wants to have at a party – money!
For base pricing and a discussion about your special day, please contact me at 603.957.1820 or email me at jay@jayreiter.com
Q: How soon can I see my photos?
The gallery will be up and viewable within 4 days. The DVD will be ready within two weeks.
Q: Are high-resolution files included?
You get all the photos on a DVD – they will be high resolution and not copyright protected. You can choose to have prints made from them or not – its your wedding and they’re your photos – and you get a password-protected online album of the wedding so anyone you share the password with can see and order prints if they want.
Q: Do you create albums?
Yes, I can create a beautiful collection of the finished photographs. And I customize them to your style and budget. Album covers can be genuine leather, faux leather, vinyl, metal, cloth – it’s more what you might want than what I decide.
Q: Do you offer any options other than albums?
Yes! The neatest new thing out there are books instead of traditional albums. They are a far better alternative than a traditional album – photo sizes can be mixed, there are a lot more design options and they likely won’t become an expensive dust collector on your bookshelf. People tend to leave them out…and look at them!
Q: How far in advance do clients typically book services?
The best guideline I can give you is this – book your vendors as soon as you find the right person. Its sort of like falling in love – you’ll know the vendor when you meet them. The risk in waiting is that who you want won’t be available when you want them – the other gain in booking early is once you sign the contract, you have locked the vendor in on their price. Make sure you and your vendor talk about that – you need to get a guarantee that the price won’t change.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
I require a non-refundable $500 deposit to secure the date.
Q: After our initial meeting, will we meet again before the event?
This depends on you and your event! I will be happy to meet with my clients to discuss their event as many times as necessary. An engagement shoot is included as part of the basic fee – its a great opportunity to get to know you as individuals and as a couple as well as you getting to know me – and they are always a lot of fun! Of course, if you prefer to communicate over the phone or email, all arrangements can be finalized those ways as well!
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
I use 35mm high end digital cameras, strobes when needed. Without going in to a list of stuff in an attempt to impress you or your camera-geek friends, let’s just say I have more equipment than I need and its all backed up. In another life I think I was a Sherpa!
Q: Do you have an assistant?
I work in many ways – I strongly recommend two photographers – you get much more bang for your buck – if your budget allows. Otherwise I often have an intern along. As for assistants, no. I find I am still able to carry my equipment all by myself.
Q: Are you available for travel?
I am willing to travel anywhere! I learned how to travel for photography during my newspaper career, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you are considering a wedding in Mexico, the Carribean, Siberia or anywhere else! Obviously there will be some extra expense, but not as much as you might guess.