"When Quality Matters"
By Photographer Dan Harris

~ located in the historic San Marco district ~
1124 Riviera St.  Jacksonville, FL  32207 (904) 398-7668

Frequently Asked Questions

of Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photographer Dan Harris

"Nobody tells your story better!"

What is your wedding day philosophy? "Your Day... Your Way!" Cut to me saying: "It's a Wedding! NOT a modeling photo session!" Your favorite photographs from your wedding day will be of what really happened, not what the photographer made happen. GET REAL photography from a real unobtrusive Wedding Photojournalist! Your wedding day shouldn't be ruined by a bossy photographer who keeps you away from your family and friends by spending way too much time taking posed, 'modeling' or faked photos. We also believe you should get REAL useable archival photographs too, (not just thumbnail contact sheets or those cheap fifteen cent proofs that fade a few years down the road). Great photos are meant to be shared, that's why we include 2-3 photographers, a website, CD, inexpensive reprints & lots of photos with every package. We are honest and upfront with our pricing and don't 'nickle and dime' you to death. If you are fortunate enough to have us as your wedding day photographers we will unobtrusively get the GREAT images you want without ruining your day. Stress-free photography!
What is a Wedding Photojournalist? The dictionary defines Photojournalism as telling a story with photos. In wedding photography today photojournalism has come to be known as documentary photos of wedding-day events as they happened. (With no involvement, direction or control from the photographer). Also see traditional vs photojournalism and Wedding Photojournalist Association website.
Don't all photographers take photojournalistic photos? There is a misconception that anyone taking pictures of 'whatever is going on' is a photojournalist and you only need a fancy camera to be able to do this style of photography. The problem: documentary pictures of 'whatever is going on' don't really tell the complete story. A trained, experienced wedding photojournalist will know what to photograph and how to photograph it to really capture the essence of the event and be able to tell the complete story in pictures so others viewing those photos will be able to relive the event. They will be able to do it without making you 'stop and re-do' something or fake anything. Beware of Digital Debbie the wedding guest who thinks she is in charge of the photography!
What is your product guarantee? It's real simple, if you don't like it, we re-do it! No problem, no worries! All products are 100% archival and guaranteed! Price guarantee? You won't find better quality at a lower price! We treat you right and give you the best, top-of-the-line archival quality. We insure you get your money's worth. We aren't cheap, but we are the best!
What helpful advice can you give us? 1- To prevent future regrets, don't skimp on the things that matter most to you. 2- View hundreds of images and several real customer albums (not samples or faked albums) from your potential photographer so you have an accurate view of what they can really do for you. 3- Do your homework and check references, licenses, insurance and BBB, some vendors pay to be a 'preferred vendor' on a referral list... there is a reason they pay and paid listings are ads -not legitimate references! 4- Beware of the highly polished 'shiny turd' -too many photographers today are selling lots of BS and very little quality photography. 5- If you see an image you like ask lots of questions about how it was made. 6- Trust your guts. View more helpful hints at: www.FreePhotography.info.
Do you limit the number of photographs or the amount of images taken at our event? NO, with our wedding photojournalism photography style our photographers take aprox. 150-200 photos per hour (including a few wasted shots, but only a minimal amount of duplicates) We don't limit the number of images it takes to get your event covered properly! If you hire us for additional hours it will include additional reprints. (see package details).
What additional information do you have online? Here is the link to our Wedding Photography Table of Contents.
What is the typical cost of wedding photography? In NE Florida the average cost of a mid-sized wedding is $25,000-35,000 and quality wedding photography averages 10-15% of that amount for decent coverage (this may not include archival albums, reprints or extra items.) We have programs to fit most every budget, set an appointment for all the details!
We love Dan's work and wish we could hire him but honestly I don't think we can't afford him? You could hire Dan's assistants at a lower price. There's no guarantee that they will take images as good as Dan would but they will take much better pictures than the majority of the photographers out there. The best part is Dan will oversee all post-production editing, retouching, reprints, album design & assembly, etc. so you will be certain to get your money's worth!
Can we get a price quote? Yes, since we customize our offerings for each of our brides we need to first determine if we have your date available and then we need to meet to see if we are 'artistically compatible' and a good match to work together then we will create a custom package to fit your exact needs and budget. When the budget is limited, we can sometimes offer our well-trained assistants only to cover your event. Some prime-time Saturdays have a minimum investment requirement. Call or e-mail us to begin the process.
Can we view our proofs online? Yes! We have an exceptional password-protected, online viewing site which allows you to view a slideshow, zoom in, compare images, save favorites, view and order the images in alternate colors (B&W or Sepia) and share them with all your family and friends. Online Wedding Photography. This unique website viewing experience is included in our event packages for up to 3 months at no additional charge (a $300 value ~ additional online time is available for $30/mo.) Contact us for complete details.
What is high-definition still photography? (HDSP, HDR or HDRI) Just like high definition television; high definition still photography has much better clarity, consistency, color saturation, dynamic tonal range and image quality. We just recently upgraded all our equipment to support this new standard. (set an appointment to view the full details) More about HDRI here. You will be amazed by the images from our 32 megapixel medium format camera.
Why on a national average are there so many former brides dissatisfied with their wedding photographer / photography? Assumed expectations. There is more ‘false’ advertising currently in our industry than there has ever been! Two-thirds of all 'wedding photographers' advertising in today's market are inexperienced moonlighters (meeting at a coffee shop or bookstore), unprofessional, underequipped and not much better than your friend with a similar digital camera. Many are illegal operations, unlicensed, not insured and not paying taxes, (any day now the government may be shutting them down). It’s really easy for an unethical 'photographer' with: inferior equipment; stolen or faked images; extensive digital manipulation (performed by a paid web designer or graphic artist -- nothing like you will get on your pictures); a fancy website; a bogus sample album, a few white lies and some paid referrals to misrepresent and oversell their capabilities and make promises they can’t keep. Too often a bride who doesn’t search for reality and clarify their expectations is destined for future disappointment.
What is the latest fad in wedding photography that we will look back and laugh about tommorow? The 'grunge' look. This is where the photographer adds distracting background patterns to an image to make it look dirty, old, torn, scuffed or faded. It makes for a really cool and artsy effect if done properly (and with restraint) on the correct image but too many photographers are over-doing it on too many of the wrong images. It is not a classic look that will withstand the test of time, it makes the pictures look dark and dirty and ultimately will be declared as a 'bad idea'.
I've heard of Photographers and Videographers who ruin the mood of the reception by continually turning up the lights. I am not in charge of the lights at your event so I'm not going to touch them! We have the equipment, know-how and experience to be able to take photographs in any lighting situation. Some cheaper/inferior cameras have difficulty focusing in dim light, ours can focus in total darkness. (that's another reason we cost more)
Do you yell at the bridal party and act obnoxious in an attempt to elicit a reaction for the photos? No, not our style. Your wedding day is about you, not about the photographer. We want to capture the true emotion of the day and what really happened, not what the photographer faked. We want you to look at the photos and remember the real emotions of those real moments, not what the photographer said or did.
Why do your black and white printed images have such a unique, superior quality compared to others I have seen? Many photographers treat black and white as an 'after thought' and often only do a simple digital B&W conversion of their 'problem' color images. We use a completely separate process for our black and white photographs. Everything from the camera & lens choice, the settings on the camera, type of images captured, on through the developing and the final output is designed for the final black and white output. They have the look of film, but better.
What about referral lists or 'best vendor' lists? Some are legit, some are paid advertisements and some are popularity contests. It's real easy to judge any type of list just by looking at the vendors you DO know and then compare them with the ones you DON'T know. If 'THE LIST' says company XYZ is 4-stars and you know they are barely 2-stars then I wouldn't give much weight to the other rankings or suggestions. If you find a list that confirms what you already know about quality vendors then there is a good chance the 'unknown' vendors listed will also be worth considering. Do your homework to be sure.
Why is there such a wide varying range of prices among photographers? Most experienced photographers base their price on their cost of materials, equipment, education, experience, expertise and quality. No two are on the same level, so neither are their prices. Ultimately you'll get what you pay for. Since your wedding day will be un-repeatable and since your photographs will be irreplaceable and will help preserve your memories the rest of your life- you will have no regrets if you choose your photographer based on the style you like and then work with them to develop a program you can afford. You will be the most unhappy if you skimp on this process. Too many brides create a 'laundry list' of what they want and then search to find someone who can meet their demands at or below their budget, this is totally backwards because even if they find someone who meets their criteria, there's little chance that photographer will have the image style, quality and personality that matches their tastes. In the end they will have wasted good money on poor-quality pictures they don't like from a person they are having a hard time dealing with. The best photographer is never the cheapest.
Other than great images, superior service and a great reputation, what makes you worth your price? The difference is in the details! Everything is customized, archival and top-of-the line quality, we don't skimp on anything! We do it right --not cheap! Our experience insures the best outcome no matter the circumstances. We go above and beyond with our full guarantee, complete retouching, fully redundant world-class image backup systems, included archival and fireproof storage services, world-class high-definition quality. All prints and albums are UV coated and independent laboratory tested to not fade for 200 years. Also see: Medium Format Digital. We are 'easy going' with less pretence and more results. Set an appointment with us to experience the difference.
Why is your hourly rate for commercial photography less than your hourly rate for weddings? Commercial photography isn’t for a ‘once-in-a lifetime’ event so it doesn’t require a ‘backup’ photographer/s. Commercial photography has additional charges for; reprints, retouching, archival storage, ArtBoxes & websites which are all included in our hourly wedding rate charges. When you consider everything we include in the wedding photography hours, it actually costs less than if each item were paid separately, like in commercial photography. Weddings are very time-sensitive, action-packed and intense-- requiring more work in less time than a commercial shoot. We shoot, develop, edit, retouch, post, print & archive three times the number of images at a wedding than we do at a commercial event.
I love your work and wanted to hire you, but you are already booked for my date can you refer me to another photographer who is the same as you? I wish I could. But no two photographers are alike. Have you considered changing your date? Many locations will make concessions for non-prime time dates. I can give you some names of photographers I know and like, but they may do things a lot differently than I do so be sure to do your homework before booking them. Sometimes our assistants are available and willing to cover additional events. Now I can tell you a lot about the many experiences I have had with other wedding professionals that I work with on a regular basis i.e.: locations, food, cakes, DJ's, etc. And I will bet many of these other vendors have the 'scoop' on how a photographer behaves on the day of the event or if in the end they ulimately disappointed the bride!
Why don't you charge a $10,000 minimum like some of the other photographers of your caliber that I have seen on the internet? Although I was born in California, I don't have that Southern California connection! Let's be realistic, just before I retire I will raise my minimum price to 6 figures and then not book many events but travel worldwide, on a paid lecture tour, expounding to other photographers my vast knowledge and importance because I charge so much! I currently don't have the numerous publications, lecture series, advertisable celebrity weddings and other 'credentials' (and attitude ...maybe I just don't names drop enough) that 'justifies' extreeme prices. (If you think I am worth more, please feel free to leave a tip!) Our prices aren't cheap, but you get your monies worth.
I heard that photojournalists don't use proper angles, lighting techniques or flattering poses? Perhaps an inexperience photojournalist doesn't, but a well-trained experienced professional will always use the best lighting and work to find the best vantage point (or angle) to insure their client looks their best. The big difference between a 'traditional photographer' and a professional wedding photojournalist is the photojournalist will move to find the best position for the light and angle needed rather than interfering, interupting and moving the subject to suit their own needs. (Of course during the pre-planned times alloted for posed photography we will work with you to insure you also look your best in the posed shots. )
What is a 'full-service' studio? We are a full-time, full-service photography studio which means we are here for you through every step of the process and will design or help you with the design of all your finished products. Too many 'part-time' photographers don't have the time to give you the professional service and assistance you require, and have paid for! Too often a 'lazy' photographer finds it easier to 'shoot & burn' rather than give 'full service' and insure the customer gets the best.
Why do some photographers have so many photos that are fuzzy, blurry, over-saturated or with lots of special-effects? In an effort to present work that is 'different' and 'artsy' many photographers add special effects to every photograph they take --ad nauseam. Special effects can be cool (when applied to the right image) but only in limited doses. Too often special effects are used to hide poor-quality photography. Artsy images from someone else's wedding are often great initial attention getters but reality is, if all your wedding day photos were blurry or you couldn't see any faces in all the photos from your wedding day, you wouldn't be very happy. We work to get the best shots of your event and include a few of your favorite special effects with your online proofs without over doing it. Most our clients know we can add a special effect, cropping, tilting, lightening, darkening, etc. to any photograph at a later time (by request) for no additional cost.
Why on some stretcher canvas art you can see lines where the wood frame is behind the canvas? Professional stretcher bars have a milled inset and bead to insure that the canvas clears the wood frame. Cheap (or starving) Artists may skimp on the process by building their own frames out of wood that hasn't been beveled ultimately damaging the canvas.
What about makeup? In the days of film, harsh lights and theatrical lighting you needed a special (heavier) makeup application to prevent yourself from looking 'washed out'. With today's digital 'less is more'. A little of the right kind of makeup can go a long way in helping hide blemishes, even out skin tones and correct inconsistencies. All these same applications and 'make-up tricks' can be applied post-process in Photoshop but it is a time-consuming job. To insure the best results it is always better to apply makeup once before the shoot than to have to digitally 'apply makeup' to each and every image. Please don't get carried away and over-do it or dramatically alter your makeup prior to a photoshoot or you won't like the way you look because it won't look natural.
I've heard of some photographers taking 3-years to complete an album? Some low-priced, 'swamped' photographers don't have the time or the money to take care of previous commitments which they have already been paid for so they are very slow on album orders. Some with cash-flow issues can't pay for the album you already purchased until they collect more money from someone else. Our fully customized and individually designed albums can take anywhere from 4-6 months to complete depending on how quickly the bride can make decisions. Cookie-cutter or 'off-the-shelf' albums can take as little as 3-6 weeks to complete. We just did an album for a bride that got married 9 years ago. We completed her album 3 months after receiving her order. Does she tell her friends it took over 9 years to get the album?
What types of albums do you offer? We only offer the best-quality top-of-the-line albums. Contemporary Panoramic Art Albums, Traditional Matted Albums, Coffee-Table Style Albums and Digital Template Albums, the choice is yours. They range in price from $250-$6,000. When you come to our studio for your consultation we will show you samples of each and discuss your options. Our albums tell the complete story of your wedding day and are not just a "posed people picture" books. All our albums are guaranteed archival. The images are UV coated (protecting against fingerprints, moisture and contaminants) and have been independently tested not to fade for over 200 years.
Can I see a sample of your Contemporary Art Album? Yes, viewing a real wedding album in person will give you a greater appreciation of their exquisite archival quality. When viewing the design remember that every page is completely unique as they are custom designed on an individual basis. Here's the link to our Contemporary Art Wedding Album design sample. You can view actual customer albums currently in the proofing process here: www.OnlineWeddingPhotography.com click on Albums on the left, these are real customer albums and real images taken at there events, the real deal (not contrived samples for show or once-in-a-lifetime award winners). This is a fair representation of what we are able to do for you at your wedding.
I heard that flush-mounted wedding albums aren't as durable as matted albums? There has been a recent flood of inferior-quality wedding albums on the market and many inexpensive flush-mounted wedding albums are manufactured poorly and don't include a UV coating to protect the photos or archival binding. Some album styles have pages that easily warp and are easily damaged, some are more like paperback books, some are barely above a scrapbook with their peel-and-stick pages. Remember it is difficult and costly to replace a damaged page in a fully bound library volume. A top-quality Contemporary Art Wedding Album (if not abused) will provide as many years of enjoyment as a top-quality matted album and will be able to be passed down for generations, they will just wear and age differently.
What is a coffee-table style wedding album? It looks more like a book than an album and has thinner pages so you can include more photographs without it becoming too large or cumbersome. Beware that some manufacturers produce these more like paperback books; glued binding with inkjet printing on paper stock that absorbs oils from the skin, fades and deteriorates within a few years. We use only library-bound archival materials to insure long-term permanence.
What is a digital template album? It is made with pre-designed template software so has minimal customization options and is less expensive and quicker to produce than a completely customized album. The page design dictates the image size and placement. The software has pre-determined page layouts with spaces for the photos and we drop the photos into the pre-sized spaces. We offer the digital template album (which is a cross between a matted album and a flush-mounted one) as a less expensive alternative for those who are unable to buy the top-of-the-line style now but still want a contemporary quality album that is completely archival (including full UV coating on all the images). We don't try to pawn off 'peel and stick' inferior-quality 'proof' books as a wedding album.
Do you use stock photos for backgrounds in your albums? NEVER, we only use photos from your wedding day throughout your whole album. We take plenty of background, scene-setter and detail shots from your event so we have plenty of meaningful images to work with.
I love your albums but you were already booked for my date can I still get an album from you? Yes, we do this all the time! If your photographer gives you the negatives or a CD of the high-resolution images with a written release, we can design an exceptional album for you. (even though the images won't be as good as we could have taken.) Through creative cropping, editing, retouching, etc. we can put together an archival family heirloom you will love. If you only have prints, we can use those to make an archival matted album in either case we will create a computer mock-up for you to approve before production begins.
Is there a minimum order on reprints? NO, we offer reduced pricing on our standard reprints ordered online for the first 60-days. (A 4 x6 archival reprint purchased online, during the first 30-days, only costs $6 ea.) Photographs are made to share! We offer the same price for Black and White, Color or Browntones (sepia) and special effect styles.
Do you have time limits on re-orders and album ordering? NO, we work with you according to your time schedule. Some photographers have stiff penalties written in the fine print of their contracts that punish you for not conforming to their schedule, others won't give you the album you already paid for if you don't order it within a certain time period ...that's just not our style!
How many weddings do you photograph in a day? Typically only one large-sized event per day, this insures we have the time energy and enthusiasm to do the best possible job for you! This also insures that if you need extra time or we need to change the time (at the last minute) we are available for you.
How long have you been a photographer? I took my first photos in 1966 and became an avid photojournalist throughout my high school years (70's disco era). I have covered events in Florida since 1986. I officially licensed my photography business in Jacksonville in 1996 and have specialized in weddings ever since and have personally photographed over 340.
Do you offer a DVD set to music? Yes, these are usually compiled from the wedding album images. Here is a sample from a wedding at The Ribault Club.
Can we use our own music on the slideshow DVD? No, currently the practise of selling popular songs as background music on DVD's or making public presentations with other artist's music or adding songs to your website without a license is breaking copyright laws. What does it say of an 'artist' who steals the works of other artists for their own gain without compensation or license? Eventually we may see lawsuits that will put an end to this unethical practice. We will only offer legally licensed music .
What do you think about 'cost saving, wedding advice' books? Maybe they should fire their publisher? Often wedding magazines and internet searches will give you the same information. Although these 'advise books' have some good ideas, too often they are written for the budget bride who hopes to have a champagne wedding on a beer budget. Some of the 'cost saving' ideas sound good in print but don't pan out in real life. Try some of those ideas at your next vendor meeting and be prepared for them to laugh. A new or desperate vendor may cut you a deal, but you will ultimately get what you pay for.
What do you think about the newest 'trash-the-dress' fad? It's a media stunt for publicity, started by photographers and promoted by the media. Such an act of disrespect to an expensive heirloom looks more like a protest against weddings or marriage! The arrogance of a photographer to encourage a bride to destroy their dress for the 'sake of the pictures' or publicity is beyond me. I try not to let my personal opinions influence the bride's personal choices especially when they are meaningful to her, but today too many brides are 'following the masses' and 'doing the fad' because someone tells them it's cool. If you don't want to follow the tradition of saving your dress as a sign of hope for a future generation, it would be much cooler to donate (recycle) your expensive dress to a less fortunate bride who will really appreciate it. Or make pillows or quilts out of it for the homeless! (In fact if you have a positive wedding dress recycling event I will volunteer to take photos of it for free!) If you want to take funky & romantic photos after your wedding in your dress in the ocean or water, etc. (where the dress can later be cleaned and hasn't been destroyed) I have no problem with that.
I saw on TV that with a tripod and a self-timer you could take your own group photos? Good luck with that! It makes for good television but not good photos. Photography as a hobby is lots of fun and experimentation is cool, but hiring a professional will always give you better results.
How does paying a wedding planner/coordinator give me better leverage with my vendors? A wedding planner who handles many weddings each year will cultivate good relationships with quality vendors and those vendors will bend over backwards for that planner because she represents much more business to them than just one wedding. More Info.
Do you charge more for Black and White or film? NO, although it costs us more, we simplify your needs by charging one price that includes both color and Black and White or film AND the same price on reprints for color, sepia, B&W and special effects. (minimum hours may apply)
Do you use an assistant? YES, I have three professional photographers who work with me as assistants over the past 6 years (two male & one female) and they can do it all! Everything from taking back-up photos to straightening the dress, to holding a light, to organizing the groups, to running a last-minute errand for the bride! We have hired them out independently to cover low-budget events.
I am having a small event so I don't think I need 2 photographers? We always use a second photographer at once-in-a-lifetime events, no matter the size of the event, as the second photographer becomes a critical backup in case the primary photographer's camera malfunctions. This insures we won't lose a once-in-a-lifetime moment. If both photographers' equipment functions properly then during critical moments you will get more images to choose from at two different viewpoints and angles.
I love your natural photos of children, how do we insure you get some great photos of the children at our wedding? Just let the kids be themselves! Too often adults disrupt some great photographic opportunities by directing the children, straightening their hair or clothes, telling them to 'smile for the camera', telling them to 'turn this way, don't do that', running over to wipe their face, etc.
Do you use contract photographers? NO, unlike some studios, I don't subcontract your event to other photographers because their quality and style won't be the same. We have our own groupl of trained assistants. Dan photographs at every event he is contracted for and his professional photographer assistants takes back-up images during critical moments to insure a good selection of images and a different perspective. Sometimes our assistants will be contracted out to cover lower-budget events independently.
I'm being told I should only hire a photographer with a master's degree in photography? And of course the person telling you this just happens to be one of the few who meets these requirements. Education in photography is essential but a degree in photography from the 80's didn't teach much about today's digital processes. The beauty of photography is you can see a photographer's current abilities while viewing their current work. To me, looking at their masters' certificate may not be as inspiring.
I've heard several photographers brag about their graduation from New York Institute of Photography, is that a prestigious school? It is a non-accredited home-study photography course (www.nyip.com) Great class for the novice, taught by experienced photographers. I took their course years ago but you don't hear me bragging about it. They mail you workbooks complete with assignments and tests and when you complete all the modules you get a nicely printed "certificate of graduation" for finishing the material. An honest person wouldn't pretend it is any more than a great beginning photography home-study course for a stay-at-home mom.
I don't understand the incredible price differences between photographers for reprints? You can find low-quality, non-archival 8x10's for 99 cents at the jiffy mart (or on the internet) whereas a top-of-the-line 8x10 from a world-class independent photography studio can cost over $200. No two are alike. With a professional photography studio the price of the print includes much more than just the print. For example: retouching is $60/hr. our reprints include complete retouching. A family photo of 4 people and their dog can easily take a couple of hours to properly retouch, if this were billed separately it would add $120 to the cost of proofing, printing, packaging, shipping, etc. Comparing the price of a print alone doesn't give you the complete picture.
Can we get glossy prints? Our standard reprint finish is an archival (tested to 200-years) matt finish. Most high-gloss finishes don't last very long. We do have a high-gloss metallic finish by Kodak which has been tested not to fade for 150 years but the surface is softer than our standard matt finish and will have a tendency to show finger marks and is easily damaged by moisture. The standard matt finish we offer is not as sticky, won't show finger marks and resists 'getting stuck' to glass or plastic sleeves when framed or put into a proof album. The professional glossy finished paper we offer, although pretty, adds some additional contrast and color saturation to the prints so sometimes the dark areas become much darker and flesh tones often look orangish. We can't guarantee glossy prints and will not accept returns or re-dos for any reason on them.

Do you use digital or film? YES! Either, or both! all of my film images are digitally scanned and digitally manipulated allowing for all the 'digital' capabilities one may desire. I own 10 different cameras and 21 different lenses. Different cameras perform better in different situations. I choose the best camera setup for the subject matter based on the desired wedding photography style I wish to create. I usually bring 4-6 to each wedding. If a photographer were to limit the style of the captured images at your wedding to only one process you would have less variety and quality.
Someone said digital cameras aren't as good as film cameras because when you push the button the camera takes longer to respond so you can miss a photo. Yes, this is true of most 'consumer' digital cameras that can sometimes take 1 or 2 seconds to take a picture but it is NOT true with professional cameras. My professional digital cameras take photos in 1/8th of a second while my best film camera takes 1/5th. Between me and my assistant we don't miss many photos.
How experienced are you with digital imaging? We have used 100% digital in our studio since the year 2000. Before converting to digital in our studio, (inc. modeling, family portrait and commercial work) I took over 40 hours of one-on-one instruction from a certified digital photography trainer. Since that time I have had hundreds of hours of additional training and stay current with my digital proficiency.
My friend just bought a 7 megapixel digital camera, isn't that like a professional camera? (not compared to my 32 megapixel camera!) There is a misconception in the marketplace (promoted by many retailers) that the higher the number of pixels the better the picture. There are major differences between 'professional' and 'consumer' or 'prosumer' digital cameras. Today I wouldn't hire someone if their camera is less than 12 megapixels, it's just not professional. Megapixel size is just one factor, sensor size is another and processing methods is another that all contribute to the image quality.
I've noticed some of your website is old and outdated? Yes, I prefer to call it classical and historic! Too often the 'new kid on the block' has the newest and latest website because they have 'all the time in the world' to fake some photos and update their website (and blog) while the busy professional doesn't have enough time to take their own family photos! The 'best' website doesn't mean the 'best' photographer. Once or twice a year I update certain sections of my website, most pages are dated at the bottom, but I am happy to have you see where I have come from and know that the pictures I took 7-10 years ago still show a classic style and transcendent quality that is still relevant today. Fad photographers have to change their style every 3-years and their older work looks very dated. Set an appointment and I will share with you some of my latest work.
What is your booking/deposit/payment policy? It's all in the 'fine print' of our contract. $1,000 initial retainer holds the date. To insure your date remains locked-in, 50% of the total package amount must be paid 4 months prior to your event date and the remaining amount must be paid at least 2-weeks before the event.
I was told I could save money by buying my own album? Maybe, if you are happy with scrapbook quality. When all is said and done most photographers make less on their albums than the typical retail re-seller. Read more about the problems with a 'do-it -yourself' wedding album.
My ceremony or reception location will be dark, is that a problem? No problem for us we have covered many events lit only by candle light. We don't dictate how your event should be lit nor do we adjust the lighting you establish. We may want to discuss and show you examples of how the images will look based on the type of lighting you choose.
Why are most wedding photographers pictures setup and prearranged? Predictable results. It's easiest to know what you will get if you 'set-up' (or pose) each shot. (cut to me saying 'cookie cutter') Most traditional photographers photograph your wedding with one goal in mind --can I sell additional copies of this picture? If the answer is no, they won't take it. They take more 'cheezy' pictures than realistic ones. That is why many photographers will refuse to take certain pictures at your event. With our program you have already purchased a specific number of printed photographs (based on the number of hours we are contracted for) so we will take all the photos you want! We aren't expecting a certain quantity of reprint orders.
Why is it important to view a complete album from one wedding? The album is the finalized, completed work of the photographers wedding photography efforts, you really need to view SEVERAL completed albums from real weddings (that were designed by the same person) so you get a good idea of what your potential photographer is currently doing and what your completed album might look like. I post my completed wedding album designs online, click the album link on the left. Remember the wedding album photos are the 'best-of-the-best' and include all finishing enhancements so it should showcase the best the photographer has to offer. The albums online here are actual customer albums in the proofing process (not faked or setup samples and not once-in-a-lifetime award-winners, the real deal similar to what we would do for you!) If you don't get your once-in-a-lifetime event covered properly, you won't have many choices from which to choose your reprints, albums, folios, enlargements and photographic keepsakes.
What's the difference between an independent studio like yours and the franchise ones at the mall? Quality, volume & personalized service. 1 hour reprints aren't quality reprints. Follow this link to learn more about portrait studios.
Can you present a slideshow of the ceremony pictures at the reception? We could but do you really want your reception interrupted by a photography advertisement? Is your event about photography, or is the photography about the event? The preparation and presentation of such a production would interrupt us from our primary responsibility of getting your event covered properly. Our images look much better after we have spent 30+ hours editing and retouching them. Photos do a great job of bringing back memories of the past, as time goes on their value and appreciation will increase --unless your guests have very short memories.
Why is it important for my photographer to be a member of several support organizations? Most respected organizations have minimum requirements for membership and codes of ethics. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) does a complete background check and investigation on a company before they can be approved for membership. The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) requires all wedding photographers to have indemnification (malpractice) insurance. Nationally recognized photography organizations not only provide resources for photographer education and improvement but also a network for qualified professional assistance in case of problems or emergencies. A company that violates the organizations code of ethics may be banned from membership. Unreputable companies may not be able to meet the organizations requirements. Don't hire a photographer -- for any purpose -- that isn't a member of several support organizations!
Can we use pictures from your website? YES, All photos are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by Dan Harris PhotoArt, but we will give you limited permission to use them on the internet. In lieu of payment, you must include a photography credit with a link back to this site i.e.: Photos by DanHarrisPhotoArt.com. Editors: If you want to use our photos for printed purposes please e-mail me so I can send you a higher resolution copy or an original to insure they print at their best. Publications are required to include a 'by line' in lieu of payment and may be required to provide exchange advertising to offset preparation, copying, production and delivery costs.
What type of equipment do you use? We use only professional medium format (32 megapixel) and top-of-the-line (12 megapixel SLR) digital equipment with multiple camera setups and lenses. This insures a good variety of multi-dimensional unique image styles and gives us the flexibility to capture every unique detail of your wedding. We usually bring 5 cameras and 10 lenses to each wedding. We also bring 8 different lighting setups (both battery and AC powered) to insure proper illumination if needed (like when the beautiful daylight turns to a suddenly dark and cloudy sky --welcome to Florida). For those who notice designer labels, here's a partial list of the brands we use: Phase One, Nikon, Contax, Canon, Photogenic, Quantum, Bogen, Kodak, Chimera, Norman, Lumedyne and Westcott. Why so many cameras? We have the equipment to get the job done right!
I talked to a photographer who said they can 'do it all' with less equipment? I talked to a 'mechanic' who said he can fix anything with only a monkey wrench and a screwdriver! I think a professional that is well prepared with ample 'tools' to work with will do a much better job as he will have the right 'tool' for the job and if an equipment problem arises at your event he will be prepared to still get the job done right. Also, consumer camera equipment (and film and developing) is cheaper than professional equipment (film & developing) for a reason, I would hate for you to have to learn the hard way.
I've heard of photographers wasting lots of time fiddling with their equipment at a wedding? Once again, a different style. Untried, unfamiliar and tempermental equipment can cause the fiddles. If the photographer only has one main camera that they have to keep changing the settings, lenses, filters, etc., they will be much less efficient than a well-organized, multiple-camera setup where the photographer can be handed the appropriate camera from his well-trained assistant (that was previously setup) for the next particular shooting situation.
Can you print an artsy border on my proofs? We could, but why? (that's so 1980) Fancy borders used on every proof wouldn't enhance the images, but actually distract from them. (unless you want to divert attention away from the quality of the photo and put more attention on the border?) When you print a proof (or small print) with a large border the actual proof image size is decreased and therefore reduces your ability to see any imperfections or problems with the image. Isn't the purpose of 'proofs' to identify the good & the bad so you can determine the best photo to enlarge, re-print, add to your album or discard? Selective use of cool borders can enhance an enlargement or album page photo when carefully chosen and properly applied. Good quality reprints help you decide which photos need some extra decoration and which stand best on their own.
Why is credit card acceptance important? Anytime you are paying for something in advance you can protect your rights by using a credit card. The credit card company will insure you get what you paid for or will help you get your money back if there is a problem. (The credit card company has direct deposit/withdrawal access to the vendors bank account.) A company that doesn't want you to pay with a credit card may be trying to avoid future recourse. American Express is usually the first credit card company to cancel a vendors account if that vendor has a high occurrence of disputes and problems. Be wary of a vendor that doesn't accept American Express.
Should I be impressed with a photographer who specializes in local celebrity and 'who's who' weddings? Some photographers like to talk less about their photographs and more about who they photographed. What you don't know is those who use 'high-profile' weddings as an advertising ploy are often booking those weddings at a deep discount or have volunteered to shoot the wedding for free in exchange for bragging rights. These type of photographers often seek out the 'who's who' weddings and then negotiate themselves into a contract and later lie about how the 'rich and famous' found them. It seems a little sleazy to me... sidebar to bride: don't believe the hype, in the end you'll get what you pay for.
How do you store my negatives and high-resolution files? All your negatives are archivally sleeved to protect from fingerprints and scratches and are stored in a humidity controlled environment at a consistent temperature of 68-78 degrees according to film manufactures specifications to prevent degradation and mildew. We also have high-resolution digital negatives created of every image taken at your event and these are stored on archival (100-year) gold-layered CD & DVD's in a quad-layer fireproof media safe. The original negatives and hi-rez camera files may become available for purchase a year after your album is completed and/or you have met the minimum purchase level.
My resort is trying to push me to use their photographer? Too often the highly recommended 'resort' photographer isn't the best photographer in the area but too often is the one who gives the resort the biggest kickback. (We don't give kickbacks) If you are using a photographer at your event for any length of time (4 hours plus) then it is often better to bring your own photographer because they will be 100% dedicated to you and experiencing the inspirational excitement of the event as it unfolds just like you are, whereas the 'resort' photographer may be in the rut of the same-old job and wanting to quickly get to the next assignment.

What do you think about referrals over internet chat boards? I would take them with 'a grain of salt' because many vendors "relatives", friends and/or employees are posing as a 'bride-to-be' and continually post 'rave' reviews of their 'favorite vendor'. Too often the least informed have the most advice! I would stick to advice from reliable sources and double check those sources. Helpful hints and advice articles in reputable publications (signed by the authors) are usually well researched, edited and contain some good ideas, remember too that publications will be careful not to offend their advertisers. Other local vendors can give you the 'inside scoop' on their fellow vendors that they work with regularly.
How about those internet forms where you fill out one form and get up to 5 different bids for your event? It's a fantasy to think hiring a good photographer is that easy. You'd be better off throwing a dart at the yellow pages. The companies that respond to those forms are paying to be one of the five. (and if they are paying for leads from the internet how good of a photographer are they?) The price you are quoted over the internet will have nothing to do with the final price you pay, it's not apples to apples nor is any meaningful information exchanged.
Why do some photographers promote "100% digital capture"? Promoting "type of capture" may be inconsequential to the quality of the photography. I would be more concerned with the overall quality of the images rather than the process they used. Improperly processed digitally captured images can look very one-dimensional. Often digital 'effects' are added to digital images to hide exposure, latitude and color-balance problems. In some digitally captured images the white areas look unrealistically bright and harsh. Sometimes poorly developed digital images will have strange colors such as orange skin or a blue wedding dress. We strive to make our digital images undistinguishable from our film images. We scan all our film so we can offer all the digital products and services anyone may desire. (see also digital vs film)
Can you put words over the pictures in our album? Yes, but you don't want to over-do it. Often the use of lots of words and cutesy borders in an album only distract from the photographs and reduce an elegant and timeless heirloom classic down to a scrapbook or a slick magazine advertisement. 'Cutting Edge' fads or trends often go out as fast as they came in (has anyone seen the 'pop-up' wedding album recently?) We will work with you to insure your album maintains its classical elegance throughout time. (Without being tacky) That is why we limit wording in the contemporary art or coffe-table style wedding albums to only 2-3 sets of verses, lyrics or vows.
Why is it difficult to find a quality photographer? The best photographers are never the cheapest, and there are a lot of poor-quality ones out there. Nothing more disappointing than paying 'good money' and being disappointed with photos that are no better than your guests took! A lot of photographers advertise low prices but then up-sell every step along the way and when all is said and done you will have spent double or triple the original amount quoted! Remember: photographers 'freebee incentives' may sound enticing but really aren’t worth much. (Remember the free watch you got with your paid subscription? It looked great in the picture but didn't keep good time and the lens fogged soon after you got it!) If the photography isn't very important don't waste good money on someone who's practicing on you, just have your friends do it for free and use the money for something more important! If photography IS important then hire the best top-notch experienced full-time professional that you can afford, you won't regret it and it will be the best money you ever spent!
How will you and your staff dress at my wedding? To insure we blend into the background we wear all black slacks and a polo golf shirt or black long-sleave shirt in winter. (never jeans). Our goal is to blend in and not distract from you or your guests. Beware: there are some self proclaimed 'rock star' photographers who wear obnoxious clothes (pink high tops, unprofessional attire, etc.) and even tye-dye or spike their hair because they plan on being the 'center of attention' at your event (or the freak show). We remember that your event is all about you and your guests and not about the photographers.
What about rules or restrictions at my church or synagogue? We follow all rules and restrictions religiously... we have never had a problem getting our job done within the parameters of the venues requirements. Most locations don't want the photographers to interupt, be intrusive or use flash during the ceremony, with the use of our 'remote-controlled' camera and our 'football lens' camera we can get the ceremony properly covered while maintaining an unobtrusive distance. (It is helpful to know the particulars or any special requests beforehand.)
Will you visit my location prior to my wedding? YES, we usually like to meet with you and the coordinator prior to your wedding at the location and discuss the big day plan and timetable, if that isn't possible we arrive early enough to do a walk through before we begin.
Should I hire a photographer who has won a bunch of awards? Dan has won a bunch of international award competitions, but that alone isn't the only reason to hire him. Photography competitions and awards are a very popular way for photography organizations to earn money. Some awards are very impressive while others are given to 'anyone who enters'. It is difficult to be impressed by awards and ribbons if you don't know the full details behind each competition. Some photographers thrive on competitions and pay lots of money to hire models and produce a 'competition print' for the sole purpose of winning an award. Some photographers don't have the time, money or resources to pursue plaques and ribbons. (see award-winning photographer) While viewing a photographer's trophy room (or shrine to them self) ask yourself of what significance is this to my photography requirements? Then base your decision on what is important to you. The photograph on your wall should look better than any of the awards on the photographer's wall.
Someone said a woman wedding photographer is better? No, silly ...everyone knows a gay photographer would be absolutely fabulous! (That was a joke!) As a male photographer I have never had any problem or difficulty taking the photos needed at ones wedding because of my sex. (Although I know women photographers who unexpectedly got pregnant and had to cancel weddings or husbands job transfer took them out of town and seldom have I seen either from male photographers.) I do have a female photographer assistant who has worked with me for 5 years and is availble by request. (I have seen the wedding photographs taken by both good and bad women photographers and none of them were better just because of their sex either - -so if someone had a sex-change operation does it also improve their photography?? Note to self: add to your research list)
How do the hours in your packages work? The hours in our packages start when the photography starts. Initial travel time and setup time is included in the package but isn't deducted from the package photography hours. (Some photographers advertise 'unlimited' hours, but the fine-print reveals "not to exceed 6 hours," or they include one-day of photography but don't tell you they will charge for a second day after midnight.) We have tried to make the packages generous in hours to insure we get your day covered properly. Because we only shoot one wedding per day, you can hire us 'on-the-spot' for more time if required.
Can color pictures be made into Black and Whites? YES, we can print any color image in black and white but it doesn't always have the same look or feel as B&W images created on B&W film. Typically we shoot our B&W images differently than we shoot color images.
What about Sepia or brown-toned images? Sepia is the 'old-fashioned' look and is typically more of an orangish-light brown, we use a more updated version of a darker-toned brown to add warmth to any photograph. This process is done at the time of printing and can be made by request from both color or black and white negatives at no additional charge.
Someone said to beware of photographers working out of a home studio? I think they meant 'motor-home' studio! (They are like the carnies that take your money and motor on) Some of the world's best photographer's work out of their home. I would visit their location and determine their level of commitment to their photography business. If their 'home studio' only consists of an old dusty roll-top desk in their garage, then I would worry.
Can we buy the negatives and high-resolution digital scans? YES, after all initial reprints, albums, enlargements and wall PhotoArt have been ordered (Typically after your 1st year anniversary). Negatives and high resolution digital images are for your personal use only, the photography studio retains copyright for commercial use and may require negatives for such purpose. We take great pride in the quality of our workmanship to include cropping, retouching, editing and color-correcting of each reprint to insure you look your best. We only use professional 'trade-only' commercial labs. Reprints you make from our originals at a consumer retail lab may cost less but the image quality will be proportional to the reduction in price. (See also: do-it-yourself wedding albums & reprints)
Do you let guests take pictures and can we put disposable cameras on the tables? YES, there is no restriction on reception photography, but how many paparazzi do you really want at your event? (I will make you a bet that my photos will be slightly better than the expensive ones your guests take with the disposable cameras ;- ) Check out Guest Wedding Photographer. If we have a formal group photo session immediately after the ceremony, I ask that guests refrain from congregating in the aisle or around my equipment and don't allow flash photography as it hinders our ability to get the best possible job done in the least amount of time. You may want to ask 'Peter Paparazzi... photographer to the stars' to not create problems for your hired professionals. Nothing worse than grandpa with his disposable camera at the ceremony stepping out into the aisle during the bride & groom kiss and blocking the professional photographer's picture... so here's your professional photograph of the back of grampas head! And grandpas 'kiss' shot... opps, looks like his finger blocked the action!
How many pictures will you take? Enough to get your event covered properly! (Aprox. 150-200/hr.) Photographers that 'set-up' every shot use a lot less film/exposures. The nature of photojournalistic style photography inevitably creates some 'wasted' shots. We want to insure that your image choices for your album/reprints/enlargements are the 'best of the best!' You will choose your favorite reprints based on the number included in your package. Thorough coverage will insure a good variety of exceptional choices.
My girlfriends photographer took over 600 pictures at her wedding but then only showed her 300? Every photographers style is different, some do a lot of post-event editing based on their own personal tastes. I would be concerned they might trash one that I would like. We show you 'the good, the bad and the ugly' so you can make your own decisions as to which ones best portray your event as you want to remember it.
I read about a photographer who takes 3,000+ photos (500/hr.) per wedding, they said that was better? Once again a different style and philosophy. I wouldn't be impressed by quantity alone, more isn't always better. Often the best photograph isn't produced by a loose trigger finger but is captured with precision accuracy, timing and discipline. An over abundance of photos can be both overwhelming and a disappointment when you discover that you didn't get a good variety of interesting pictures but really just got 3 times the amount of duplicates. How many real copies of the photographs do you get to keep? I'll bet more photos taken doesn't translate into more prints for you to keep.
Is more photographers better? Depends on your event. Sometimes they just get in each others pictures. I don't know many brides that want lots of photos of photographers, assistants, DJ's, videographers, wait staff, tripods, equipment and other paid professionals in the background! Our experienced team works together to get your event covered properly while minimizing the intrusion. We normally use 2 photographers and sometimes 3 at large events.
What about special requested shots? Not a problem, we are happy to take whatever photos you want at your event. It's your day ...have it your way! It's your film ...we will use it for whatever you want!
What wedding etiquette rules do you see violated the most by wedding guests? 1- Guests shouldn't wear loud, obnoxious or inappropriate clothing; of course you will stand out in the crowd especially in the group photo with your hot-pink dress, cowboy hat, yellow suit or Mexican print outfit! 2- Miss manners says guests shouldn't leave a reception until after the cake is served. 3- When it comes to alcohol -know your limits. 4- Let the hired professionals do their job, don't let your 'fun' photography interfere with the professionals job requirements. 5- Bridesmaids and Groomsmen shouldn't get sunburned the day before the wedding! 6- Proper etiquette says a minimal wedding gift should at least equal the price of the meal with drinks and the tip (typically $70 to $150+ per plate). 7- It's the bride's day --NOT yours!
I've heard other photographers promote using 'local labs' for developing? Some try to play on the 'fear of losing film in the mail'. We don't use the mail for film delivery. We use overnight delivery services with sophisticated package handling systems and computerized barcode tracking. Today losing the film isn't a big problem. I have not found a 'local' lab that can offer the quality or service of my professional commercial lab that specializes in wedding photography. Most 'local labs' have minimal employees, services and less automated processes. I would be more worried about the 'human error' factor that could destroy a roll of film at the local lab. The cool thing with digital images is we are only sending a copy to the lab, if there is a problem we still have the original on our computer.
Shouldn't we get a discount for an 'off-season' wedding? When is off season? Although this type of marketing may be true for travel or honeymoon locations, our photography coverage and quality is never compromised no matter what the time of year. Sometimes in Florida it's better to NOThave a wedding in 'off-season' or rather hurricane season! We do offer smaller packages/minimums and some special pricing for week-day weddings or non-prime time saturdays, call us to set an appointment and go over all the details.
Do you do video? Video is very different than still photos and takes a whole different set of skills, talent, training and equipment. Sound, motion, editing, etc. That is why we don't offer video. "jack of all trades, master of none!" The best video people understand the difference and don't offer still photographs either. There are some things that can only be captured by video. Not everyone is a 'video' type person. If you decide to hire someone to do video talk to us about it so we can insure they don't ruin your photographs and/or your event.
Can we change the packages? YES, you can add-to or take-away from any package to insure you get just what you want. The package prices are based on our Ala. carte pricing with some extras included for paying in advance. Most people customize one of our standard wedding packages or they use our custom wedding package calculator to help design their own package from scratch.
What if we don't want photos that are grainy, blurry or out-of-focus? These artistic special effects are used to convey an ethereal mood, feeling or e-motion. Typically after we have taken the 'standard' expected photo we will set the camera to get the artistic blurry and unique shot. Often these type of photos are used as accent or background photos in the album. Our pre-wedding planning survey form helps you identify the special effects you like or dislike. This helps insure that we cover "Your day...Your way!".
Should we feed the photographers? Yes ...please. If the event is over 4 hours we will either have to eat or take a break to go get food. Both myself and my assistant prefer to eat the same food as the guests and will make it well worth any extra expense for you. (Ask for details) Most 'Vendor meals' are not fit for human consumption but are typically yesterdays leftovers made into a very dry and bready cold sandwich that's served in a degrading manner. (Put on your chefs hat, hold your nose high and say this with an arrogant French accent: "here's your plastic fork... go eat out back by the dumpster you swine!") . . . You would think, for PR benefits alone, top-quality venues would treat the vendors exceptionally well so they would increase their reputation and refer others!
Does a small wedding mean we should get less photography coverage? Not necessarily. Intimate weddings may take less time overall but we often use the same amount of film and more extensively capture the events and each persons emotions. Often a small wedding is best shared with those that couldn't attend with the internet online proofs and with an extensive heirloom album. Let me know your requirements and we will credit the unused hours in a package toward more pages in your album or additional reprints.
Do you accept lists of photographs that we want? YES, only after you've signed the waiver contained in our contract. Many photographers have been sued for missing a picture that was on a list. The bridal coordinator and the photographer's assistant will use your list as an organizational tool to assist the lead photographer in creating what is important to you. The lead photographer will take more than just what is on the list because he takes photos based on his artistic eye and wouldn't be as creative if he limited himself to just the listed shots.
What is your price? Everything we do is customized for you! The exact amount depends on your exact needs, the date and our availability. We will be straight-forward and honest with our pricing and policies --no surprises. Our hourly rate varies depending on the number of hours and the date and includes: 2-3 photographers, archivally printed reprints, Website & CD. Certain days may have minimum spending levels. We customize our pricing to fit your exact needs. If you are on a very tight budget we can contract out our assistants to cover your event (without Dan). Call or e-mail to discuss the full details and set an appointment.
What time of day should we plan our wedding for the best photos? I would first determine when sunset will be on your wedding date (unless in Alaska during the summer when the sun doesn't set!), then I would plan on starting your reception about an hour or two before sunset so we can get a good mix of both daylight and nighttime photos at your reception location. I would start the reception festivities and then plan on a time to 'break-away' for some bridal party pictures just before sunset. I would plan the complete day backwards from that point to determine when the ceremony should start, allowing some buffer time in case of delay. During the winter months (of early sunsets) this plan may not be possible, but some brides will plan some sunset photos immediately after the ceremony. Remember, the sun waits for no one and not all sunsets are photo-worthy, but we will make the best of whatever your day delivers.

HOME | WEDDINGS | BAR MITZVAHS

---

This complete website and all content (including photographs and verbiage) is copyrighted and cannot be used without permission.

©2008 Dan Harris All Rights Reserved