Parrotta Studio

Frequently Asked Questions..... and then some…

What is Wedding Photojournalism?
Commentary on photography style
How long have you been photographing weddings?
Is the quality of digital as good as film?
What type of files do you shoot?
Do you shoot Black & White (B&W) images?
How many images do I shoot at a wedding?
Do you have back-up equipment?
Will there be Formal photographs?
Comments on locations for group photos:
Comments regarding photography during the ceremony …..
How long do you stay?
Is there a travel fee?
How do we reserve the date?
When can we see the actual wedding photographs?

What is Wedding Photojournalism?
A common definition is: "journalism that presents a story primarily through the use of pictures". Photojournalism is "hands-off" photography. The true photojournalist records the events as it happens without any interference what so ever. Photojournalistic wedding photographers capture moments that are real.

Another term use to describe this style is called Candid photography.

Traditional wedding photographers are where each photograph is posed and directed by the photographer; this is carry over from the Portrait studio style.

Commentary on photography style
My approach to photographing a wedding is to tell the story of the day, by combining the photojournalistic/candid style with a little traditional/formal mix. I am not the type of photographer that will be “in your face” through out the day, directing where you stand or where you need look for each shot.

I will, at times give you direction when needed, but, usually I will be in the background. One of the best compliments I receive from the Brides & Grooms, is that “I didn’t know you were there“!

How long have you been photographing weddings?
A long time - over twenty years! Please visit the history page on the web site. Photography and videography are my profession, this is a full-time business.

Is the quality of digital as good as film?
The short answer is yes! I use professional, high-end digital SLR cameras that create large, quality digital files that create quality images.

There are advantages with shooting digital, Digital is faster and easier and I can review the images immediately after they are taken so I know right away if I am getting the results I need (and clients expect). Digital photography allows the flexibility that film does not offer. Instead of changing film or switching to a camera loaded with B&W film, adjustments can be made with a touch of a button. Also, shooting with film, there are limitations to the number of rolls of film I can shoot and maintain cost consciousness. With digital, I download the memory cards to my laptop on site and keep shooting!

What type of files do you shoot?
I shoot in the RAW format = "Digital Film"
The RAW format is the camera manufacturer’s proprietary software that creates uncompressed digital files. This format allows the most control and the highest quality. From this RAW format, I create high-resolution JPEG files for you.

Do you shoot Black & White (B&W) images?
Any of the digital color images may be easily converted to B&W either by myself or you!

How many images do I shoot at a wedding?
The number of images all depends on the size of the wedding party, the number of guests and groups and special requests. It could range from 200-900.

Do you have back-up equipment?
Yes! I bring extra equipment to your event just in case of an unexpected problem.

Will there be Formal photographs?
Yes, I would recommend that we do a few Formal group photographs.

Here are the most common group and posed photos:

1. The Bride & Groom
2. The Bride & Groom with the bride's parents (step-Parents)
3. The Bride & Groom with the groom's parents (step-Parents)
4. The Bride & Groom with the Bridal party
5. The Bride & Groom with bridesmaids
6. The Bride & Groom with groomsmen
7. The Bride & Groom with the bride's immediate family
8. The Bride alone

These groups can be usually completed in 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day, unburdened by the photographer.

I will be happy do additional posed photos, please allow about 5 minutes per group.
For any other special requested photos, please make everyone aware of the scheduled time for group photos and send me a list of the people and groups at least four weeks before the wedding,

I request that you designate someone outside of your wedding party to help gather people for the group photos. Give that person your group photo list and ask them to help make sure the people are present at the correct time and location.

Note: Be careful not to make your list too lengthy – I don’t want to miss other important activities that may be happening after your ceremony!

Comments on locations for group photos:
I am often asked to recommend places to shoot the group photos. While there are an infinite number of locations to use, the Bride & Groom often get overwhelmed on the choices. While the background of a picture is an integral part, the people in the picture should be the center of interest! The background should draw your attention to the people, not the location.

My recommendation is to choose two locations that are close to either the location of your ceremony or reception. One outdoor location and one indoor location in case of inclement weather are ideally suited and limit the amount of time that the wedding party and families are “traveling” around. I will be more than happy to help you choose a great location!

Comments regarding photography during the ceremony …..
It is now common practice for churches to prohibit professional photographers from using electronic flash during the ceremony (for distraction reasons) and only allow the photographers to shoot the processional. Several have limited us to where we can stand or move around the church. This prevents us from doing a high quality job that you are expecting.
We use electronic flash for a reason, to properly expose/light the area which we want to photograph. Sometimes, we choose to shoot with existing light and a tripod from the back of the church. The results of shooting with existing light may not always be acceptable. As a professional, I respect the wishes of any establishment and will follow their wishes. The Bride & Groom need to be aware of any limitations that may be placed on the photographer prior to the wedding, to avoid any disappointments. I am not a proponent to re-staging the events AFTER the real ceremony.

How long do you stay?
I typically stay long enough to cover the day and tell your complete story. After the key events are completed such as cake cutting, special dances, bouquet/garter, etc., dancing is well under way, and I feel confident I have covered the day’s events, is when I leave for the evening.

Up to eight hours of photography is included in our contract. Because of variations in the time of some ceremonies and respective receptions, I will work with the Bride & Groom to a reasonable and fair solution for photography coverage of your complete wedding day.

Is there a travel fee?
Outside of Monroe County area, there is a $50 per hour fee. (For example, Buffalo or Syracuse would be $100 additional). Locations longer than two hours driving distance, would be estimated based on time and mileage and if hotel accommodations would be needed.

How do we reserve the date?
Your wedding date is reserved once I receive your signed contract and deposit.

Please print the contract that I e-mail to you, fill in the blanks, sign and return it to me with your 50% deposit. The balance is due when I deliver the DVD and/or album.

When can we see the actual wedding photographs?
Typically, your DVD with wedding images will be ready by the time you return from your honeymoon.

I hope that sharing some of my thoughts with you will help you in choosing your photographer for your wedding day.

I have been in attendance at many weddings over the years and to quote Yogi Berra, “ You can observe a lot, by just watching!”

Please contact me with any other questions not addressed here,

Thanks in advance, David Parrotta

Copyright 2003 - 2006