FAQs
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.
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.
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
The gallery will be up and viewable within 4 days. The DVD will be ready within two weeks.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I require a non-refundable $500 deposit to secure the date.
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!
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!
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.
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.
I've made my way around the country doing photography with stops in Maine, New York, Oregon and Minnesota. I don't have an accent from any of them but plenty of fond memories and great stories from each place and in between as well.
- Jay Reiter