I'm located in the Metro Detroit, Michigan area. I was raised overseas in Europe and can easily travel wherever your wedding is taking place. Yes, I do charge a travel fee and that is largely dependent on how far I'm going and how many days I'll need to take off my calendar. Weekends that require me to book out the whole weekend are reflected in the price for destination weddings, but I'm also shooting once I arrive.
I've been a professional photographer since 1987 when I started at my local newspaper before moving to the Associated Press. I've been shooting weddings full time since 2000. I've covered over 1,300 weddings as the only shooter and I've got over 1,100 happy couples to vouch for me!
I'm a photojournalist by training and instinct. I know, I know... EVERYBODY'S a photojournalist now, but really and truly, I do have the street credentials that go along with the title. More importantly, I've learned to create portraits that are unique, on the fly and superbly lit... something that sets me apart from most photographers.
I arrived at 8 hours of coverage because that's what 90% of my clients need. It's not about the size of the wedding, the casual location, how many guests you have. They ALL need 8 hours of coverage, even for the 10 person ceremony. I LOVE the behind the scenes moments that lead up to a wedding. I love the nerves, the joy, the winding down. It takes 8 hours in most cases (sometimes 10) to hit the highlights. I don't like belaboring the day, but I do like to really give my slant of the day. I charge $2,000 for the 8 hour package if you are within an hour's driving radius from my home in Metro Detroit. That gives you full printing rights as well.
I do have a studio, but I usually meet at a coffee house or somewhere more neutral so I'm not entertaining you, but we're getting to know each other on neutral ground. I am always available to Skype as well.
I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University and almost 30 years of making my full time living as a professional photographer. Recently? I'm ALWAYS trying new things, fine tuning, etc. No need at this point to take classes and workshops when I'm shooting and working 100 hours a week!
I love what I do. I'm an inquisitive, happy bugger who gets to witness couple's biggest and finest party and public event of their lives. I love that they lose track of me very quickly. I love that I can tell a story that most couples had no idea that they'd experienced until they see their photos. I love that my couples are oh, so very appreciative. They love photography, they love art, and they love what I bring to the table. They aren't price shopping for a wedding photographer, they're looking for someone relaxed and fun who will tell their happy, sappy, wonderful story in a truthful, romantic way.
