Documentary photography? What the heck is that?

Documentary photography is about capturing real life. Your life. Sure, photos of your family standing in front of a run down warehouse or frolicking through a field of tall grass can be pretty. But I want to photograph the raw and stripped down version of you and your family. Even if that means just hanging out in your home for a few hours while the kids play and you go about your normal activities, ones you think of as mundane.
 

You shoot all on-location, but what if we’re outside and it rains?

If we know ahead of time the chances are high it will storm and your heart is set on an outdoor shoot, I may choose to reschedule if I have an opening within the next couple days. Or we just move indoors. Or grab an umbrella. Locations are flexible and I can make just about anywhere work for your session with a little creative thinking.
 

All I see is black and white. Do you shoot in color?

I do shoot color and you can see some on my blog here and there. But I choose not to showcase color photos in my portfolio because I much prefer shooting true black and white film. There are some times color is preferred, like an Indian wedding, beach sessions, or other colorful situations, but most of my work is in black and white.
 

What do I get for my portrait session fee?

You get my undivided attention and a few rolls of film! Oh, web-sized digital files for online sharing.
 

Can I print the web-sized files? Do you put your watermark all over them?

You could print the files, but I wouldn’t recommend it. They are resized and optimized for online viewing and will look like poo if you try printing them any larger than a postage stamp. I trust that my clients are honest and respect me enough to make note in captions of photo credit with a link back to my website when they post them online. Also, not doing so is in violation of Copyright Law and the release I give them. So far it hasn’t been an issue.
 

Birth photography? Nobody wants to see that! Gross.

My most cherished photographs are the ones that were taken while I was in labor and the sweet moments right after giving birth. Birth photography is not about a spread eagle crotch shot of your baby crowning (unless you reaaally want that). It is about telling the story of your birth and new baby. Details you wouldn’t otherwise remember or notice. Family supporting you and holding your hand through contractions. The expression of disbelief and relief that no mom can hide the moment she first sees her new babe. Birth is amazing and your life will never be the same afterward no matter if it is your first child or fifth. Having a collection of beautiful black and white photos to look back on is something I think every family should have. And I’d love to share that experience with you. You will not regret it.
 

Will you photograph my baby’s first birthday? My baby shower? Family reunion?

Sure! My event coverage is hourly and includes an online ordering gallery for family members and friends.
 

What about my wedding?

Maybe. Due to my shooting style and own personal preference, I only take small, intimate weddings. So, if you are eloping or planning a quaint backyard event with just close family and friends to share the day with you, drop me a line. And if you’re having a hugely extravagant affair where the guest count is upwards of three hundred and you have more people in your bridal party than I have fingers and toes, I would be happy to refer you to another trustworthy and rad photographer friend of mine better suited for your needs.
 

How long do I have to wait for my proofs to be ready?

If you’re reading this you should know I shoot 100% film. Which means the next business day after your session or event, I box up your film and send it out to my lab for developing and scanning. The average turn around time is 2-3 weeks. Once I receive notification that the digital scans from your film are ready for me to download, I grab them, cull out the best of the best, do minor tweaks and basic blemish retouching, and then let you know they are ready so we can schedule your in-person ordering session or upload your proofs to a proofing gallery online.
 

In-person ordering session? What is that?

Over the years I’ve noticed that most clients feel pretty lost when I post their proofs online and they have to not only decide which photos are their favorites, but what hard copy form they want them. When you schedule an in-person ordering session, I bring your gallery to you and help guide you through the ordering process rather than sending a thousand emails back and forth trying to explain things or having you stare blankly at the ordering gallery wondering what the heck to do next. No, it isn’t a pressure sales tactic – these are your memories and I’m not a used car salesman. I present your proofs in a slideshow and then we go through and make notes of which are your favorites. Then we discuss the best way for you to get exactly what you want in a way that works for you. And the best part is you get to see and touch a variety or product samples rather than guess and try to imagine what a session album or gallery wrapped canvas looks like. Then you pay right then and don’t have to worry about anything else until your products are delivered!
 

Are you available for travel?

Sure thing. As of right now, I do not hold a US Passport or enhanced driver’s license, so I am limited to traveling within the United States. Most of my clients tend to be local to southeastern Michigan, but I have gone out of state. My rates are the same, you just pay for my travel and accommodations while I am in your neck of the woods.
 

How do I book a session with you?

Shoot me an email and we can start discussing details and dates. Availability is first come, first served and no dates will be held without a contract signed and retainer paid. I am available for in-person consults, as well. Just ask.