Lewis Brown’s Photography

 The Process

I understand that you've probably never hired a wedding photographer before in your life. That makes the whole process difficult and a little scary - after all, this is a lot of money to spend. So a few things to keep in mind: Unlike the rest of your wedding vendors, the photographer is probably the person with whom you will spend the most time on your wedding day. The photographer is also the only one who you will continue to deal with long after the wedding is over, when you order prints, albums, and reprints. With that in mind, I'd like to make this whole process a little easier by explaining how it works.

The selection

The first step in the process is to select the photographer. You will probably talk to several photographers, both locally and perhaps from other areas. You'll view samples, either in person or on the web, and you'll speak to photographers to get a feel for who they are. Once you have selected the photographer you wish to hire, you will sign a contract and put down a retainer to hold your wedding day. My policy requires that 50% of the Photographer's Fee must be received with the signed contract.

The waiting

Now comes the waiting. There's not a whole lot you'll talk to me about right now. Be thinking about people and things you'd like to have photographs of and keep a list to share with me in our final meeting. If you're so inclined, tear out photographs from magazines or bookmark web sites for me to look at when we meet again. But don't be complete strangers - I'd like to hear from you periodically to know how the planning is going and if I can do anything to help.

The month before

About two weeks before the wedding, I'll want to meet with you to finalize details - either in person or over the phone. I'll provide you with a detailed questionnaire to fill out that will give me all the information I need to photograph your wedding. I'll go over the questionnaire with you to nail down the exact times and locations, and go over the list of requested photos to make sure I know who's who. This is also the time the remainder of the photography fee is due.

The day before

This is my preparation time. If I'm traveling from out of town to photograph your wedding, this is the day I'll arrive. I'll contact you with a phone call to let you know I've arrived and to make sure nothing has changed since our last meeting. I'll scout the area of the wedding and reception. If I'm photographing your rehearsal, I'll see you there.

The wedding day

Finally, the big day has arrived! I'll begin by arriving at each location about a half-hour before you do, just to have one more chance to scout the area. I'll check with you periodically throughout the day to make sure I'm getting the images you want and to quickly organize a few groupings and posed portraits for posterity. But mostly I'll be unobtrusive and quiet; doing the job you hired me for.

The Basic Wedding Album

Now it's back to waiting - processing and organizing that many images takes some time. It will take me about two weeks to compile all the images and to create your digital presentation. Once that's done, I'll deliver your images to you in person. I'll provide all the information you need to order addition prints and albums of your dreams.