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A Wedding Portfolio 510-526-4276 wedding photojournalism by Howard Gale Ford ...twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in photojournalism |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is "Wedding Photojournalism"? Wedding photography has experienced considerable change in the last decade. Photojournalism is the type of documentary photography used in such magazines as Time, Life, and National Geographic. Wedding photojournalism is a similar approach that has provided an alternative to traditional wedding photography. Wedding photojournalism illustrates a wide range of emotions as the events of the wedding day unfold. A reason for its popularity is due to the editorial style of photography seen in wedding magazines. Another reason is the personal commitment to each wedding that makes each couple's portfolio unique. There are many photographers who say they do wedding photojournalism. In fact, many do. However, wedding photojournalism isn't simply candid photography or working in a "photojournalistic style". There is a significant difference between candid photography and "photojournalistic style", and the technique and experience of the photojournalist. Photojournalism is not a series of arranged images throughout the day. A photojournalist uses finely tuned skills of anticipation and observation: sensing, feeling, and seizing decisive moments as they naturally unfold. Photojournalists also have years of experience photographing many varieties of editorial and news assignments for newspapers and magazines providing emotionally powerful images of newsmakers, distant cultures, and the events that shape our lives. The best photojournalists work in a quiet and discreet manner; because people act more naturally when they are unaware they are being photographed.
What should be the criteria for finding a wedding photographer? It is important to choose someone you like and with whom you are completely at ease. You will be spending most of your wedding day with them and the connection you make with a photographer will come through in your images. So you should find a photographer whose work you connect with and love. They should be well versed and adept in their approach.
What makes Howard Gale Ford unique? One of the things that separate me from most wedding photographers in the San Francisco Bay Area is the depth of my experience. I have over 30 years experience as a photojournalist with over 5,000 published images. My work has also been exhibited internationally and is archived in both private and public collections. I deliver beautiful, decisive, and joyful photographs every time in every situation. I have been honored by my peers with two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 - in Spot News photojournalism and Public Service, the Associated Press Executive News Council Award for Sports Photography in 1992, and many other distinguished achievements. This experience and achievement benefits you in many positive ways - allowing you to relax at your wedding with the certainty that your wedding day's photography will be an exciting experience with technically excellent and emotionally fulfilling images.
What is your approach to wedding photography? I create lovely wedding stories photographed with the same skill and commitment to excellence that has brought me two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize in Photojournalism and Public Service. I love what I do, and that love and enthusiasm result in photographs that are more special to you. Plus, you, your wedding party, family, and friends will become excited too - so your expressions will be much more relaxed, natural, and beautiful because everyone is having a great time. It is so important to surround yourself with people and vendors who love what they do, and to have a wedding photographer who will help everyone to have fun while working in an unobtrusive and friendly manner, rather than a photographer who will interrupt your day. Why? Because you will see it on their faces and in their expressions in the photographs.
What is your wedding photography rate? Prices begin at $1495. Please refer to the Pricing Page.
Are there any hidden costs not disclosed in your pricing information? Not at all! I fully disclose all of my Prices online and in our Brochure.
What types of albums do you offer? A Wedding Portfolio offers GraphiStudio Coffee Table Books and Asukabooks.
Do you offer a personal wedding web site? Yes, I offer a password protected Private Wedding Web Site with Online Proofing and Photographic Print Ordering Service - so that you, your family and friends can view and purchase their favorite photos from your wedding online, from anywhere, anytime!
Will you customize a plan for our specific needs? Yes! I will customize any aspect of my services to meet your needs and desire for great photography.
What are some of the advantages of working with A Wedding Portfolio? There are many advantages! Everything I do is designed to put you at ease about your wedding photography. I listen very carefully to your concerns about wedding photography, knowing that you may never have worked with a photographer before. I explain everything I do and provide complete information regarding my work and services. I am determined that the photography I provide be absolutely the best available. I am not ego-driven or a temperamental "Artist". I strongly believe that the wedding day belongs to YOU! I am non-confrontational and am accommodating to every request. I will never double-book any wedding date. I am totally dedicated to a single couple on any wedding date. I will never back out of a wedding commitment to photograph a more lucrative booking. I will never allow an assistant or second photographer complete a wedding assignment that I have been hired to perform. I will not substitute another photographer without your authorization. The only reason that I would request you to authorize another photographer would be for an unavoidable medical or urgent family emergency.
Where are you located and do you charge a travel fee? A Wedding Portfolio is based in the San Francisco Bay Area in the community of Albany, CA, and is available to travel to any location on the planet. My basic Service Area includes Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, and Contra Costa counties. There is no charge for travel to locations within these counties. Travel to locations outside the Basic Service Area is billed at a rate of $25 per hour - round trip. Travel days may be required for longer trips and are charged at $300 per day each, plus expenses - to cover the cost of transportation, meals, and lodging. Specially customized plans are available for travel to any destination on the planet.
Do you photograph "formals" or group portraits? Unless you request otherwise, I photograph the traditional poses of the wedding party, family, and Bride & Groom in a mixture of traditional, romantic, and casual poses. It's an important part of recording your family history at your wedding. I work quickly and get it done in a short amount of time. You may want to designate someone to gather all the people you want to have photographed during the portrait session.
Do you want me to provide a list of "must have" photographs? I do not need a long list of "must have" photographs, but I would like you to specify anything special that you may want, which may include you with someone you are especially close to (that is not in the wedding party or immediate family). I know very well that many of the people who attend your wedding are special to you, and that some travel from far away to honor your day. So, I understand how important these wedding photographs are going to be to you and your family, and that is why I work so hard to create the finest images that money can buy. I love creating images that thrill you! Of course I would like to know about anything unusual or unique to your wedding.
Do you shoot film or digital? A Wedding Portfolio uses High Resolution 10.2 megapixel Digital Capture. Traditional Black & White Film is available on request. Film, film processing, & film scanning fees will be added to the package price for assignments using film.
Can guests shoot pictures at my wedding? Yes, as long as they don't interfere me. Your guests' cameras and flashes will not interfere with my cameras or lighting systems, nor will my cameras and lighting systems interfere with you guests' cameras and flashes. Tell your guests to feel free to explore their own photography.
What types of Professional Equipment do you use? DIGITAL Cameras > Nikon 200D 10.2 megapixel Camera Recording Media > Sandisk Extreme III CF Cards File Type > JPEG LARGE-FINE Lenses > 17-55mm /2.8 + 28-70/2.8 + 80-200mm/2.8 FILM Cameras > Nikon F100
Do you have a photographic assistant? Mostly I work alone. I do use a professional photographic assistant for large weddings or when the wedding day venue requires complex lighting solutions.
How many weddings to you book each year? Typically I book 20 weddings each year in addition to portrait, editorial, and corporate assignments.
Do you book more than one wedding a day? No, I do not double book any wedding date. I specialize in working with Brides & Grooms who want everything to be the very best, and want everything to go perfectly and smoothly for their wedding. This is why I book only one wedding on any given day, so that I am not rushed and take the time necessary to make really beautiful wedding photographs for you. When Howard Gale Ford is Booked an Associate Photographer is available for any plan I offer.
How far in advance are you booked? Certain times of the year book out one year in advance. Also, particular dates are more popular than others. I photograph a select number of weddings a year in order to maintain a high level of service and deliver the photographs in a few short months. Please call me for availability.
How do I book your services? A retainer fee is required to secure your date and will be applied towards your balance. A Wedding Photography Contract is provided at the time of your booking. I accept Cash, Check, or Money Order. The rest of the balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding date.
Is an Associate Photographer available if Howard Gale Ford is already booked? Yes. A Wedding Portfolio offers an Associate Photographer who is a working photojournalist with many years of experience and has photographed weddings on a regular basis.
Do you photograph other special events and parties? Yes, I do. I am available for Bar Mitzvahs, anniversary parties, wedding and baby showers, family reunions, and other special events, including fundraisers and corporate events. Please call to discuss your needs.
Please call me M-F: 10 am - 8 pm @ 510-526-4276 for a consultation |
IMAGINE YOUR DREAMS!.... copyright 2008 A WEDDING PORTFOLIO - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ALBANY CA 510-526-4276 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, WINE COUNTRY, CARMEL, YOSEMITE, LAKE TAHOE, AND BEYOND |