Below you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). These FAQs are designed to help you get a better feel for Mike Pittman’s personality and style. If there are any questions you have that are not addressed in the FAQs below, please feel free to contact Mike Pittman Photography.
Can you tell me about the packages you offer?
I know how overwhelming wedding planning can be, and I have assembled three packages that offer services and products to meet the desires of my clients.
Each package includes coverage time on the date of your wedding, edited images, your choice of prints or a Friends & Family album, an online slide show, and online product purchasing. For more information, click “Investment” and read all about what each wedding package includes.
Also, I would be happy to provide additional information on rates for additional items or customizations for your wedding. I understand that you need to invest in that which is most important to you. At the risk of sounding dramatic, keep in mind that since your wedding photographs are the only things that are shared after your wedding day, you might want them to rock. There are no do-overs in wedding photography: if your wedding pictures end up mediocre for you – they are going to be mediocre for your children and grandchildren as well.
If I contract with Mike Pittman Photography, who will shoot my wedding?
This seems like one of those questions that just shouldn’t have to be addressed, but it does. There are horror stories all over the internet of couples who work with one person with a photography company throughout the whole process, only to have someone she’s never met show up to shoot her wedding.
That’s not how I roll. You may be contacted first by someone to set up our first meeting, but you’ll meet with me, talk with me, sign the contract with me, and on your wedding day I’ll be the one shooting your wedding.
Do you create albums as well?
Each package includes the option of a Friends & Family album. If you decide you want a custom album of the highest quality, I’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the best album out there. I work with only the very best manufacturers and designers to make certain you are getting the very best album available anywhere at any price. Wedding albums are available as an a la carte item and each album is custom designed and custom quoted based on what you want.
Can I customize the package further?
Additional hours, guest signing albums, handfinished prints, save-the-date and thank you cards, and a variety of digital products can all be added on an a la carte basis as desired. If you’re interested in a particular item, send me an email (Info@PittmanPhoto.com) outlining what you want, and I’ll get a quote together for you as quickly as possible.
What is your photographic style?
Defining a photographer’s style is practically meaningless these days. My style has been called photo-journalistic, classic, modern, artistic, and indescribably different. When it comes down to it, if my pictures speak to YOU then you’ll know it’s YOUR style. When I’m shooting your wedding, my style is all about capturing the REAL you and the JOY of living – the label placed on my style is inconsequential.
How did you get into wedding photography?
It seems like ages ago that I shot my first wedding for a lovely young couple. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I winged it from start to finish. We made some great pictures that day, but I swore I would never shoot a wedding again. Ever. Several years later, a friend called me and told me I was shooting her wedding; I wasn’t being given a choice. We met and discussed why she wanted me to shoot her wedding; I told her why I didn’t want to. Finally, she said to me point-blank, “I want you. I love your work. I want you to shoot the wedding the way you want to shoot the wedding, and I know that you’ll do a great job.” I shot her wedding, and had a blast doing it. I realized that day that all of the reasons I enjoyed photography were right there: I was in my element while capturing the unique personalities of the people involved, the artistry and elegance of the day, and the challenge of capturing images that will be remembered by families for decades to come. To this day, I still get excited about shooting weddings; I still get excited to get back to the office and see the photos; and most importantly, I LOVE to see the look on my client’s faces when they see their wedding photos for the first time.
You indicate that the personality of the photographer is important. Why?
Keep in mind that you’ll be spending almost the entire day (the most hectic and emotional day of your life) with your photographer. You want to feel comfortable around and supported by this person. You want someone who knows when to take charge and when to be utterly invisible.
And afterwards?
Unlike most wedding professionals that you’ll deal with, our relationship continues well after you’ve returned from your honeymoon. You may never speak with your florist, dressmaker, caterer or band after your wedding day, but your work with your photographer has only just begun. The process continues for awhile. Besides, my goal is to be your photographer for life.
Can you tell me why we should choose you?
1 – You realize that when all is said and done, you’ll have a ring, a dress, and photos. You picked the best ring, the perfect dress, and now you want to ensure you get the best photos possible.
2 – My images speak to you in a certain way – the way the subjects look happy, more alive, like they’re having fun. And you like that.
3 – Like me, you’re one of those people who hates having your picture taken so you want to hire someone who makes it easy, pleasant, and even fun. But at the same time, you want them invisible most of the day.
4 – You are the type of person who prefers to deal directly with the artist who will meet with you personally over a glass of wine, good IPA, or triple grande soy iced skinny hazelnut no foam latte, but most importantly meet with someone who will give you one-on-one personalized attention from start to finish.
5 – You think that most photographers’ wedding work looks pretty much the same and you want something better – something more you and not so ‘wedding-y’.
6 – You understand that the person you hire is going to be an integral part of your entire wedding experience and you want someone who can actually put you at ease and add to the pleasure of your day.
7 – You’re fun people, and fun people like to work with other fun people.
8 – You can appreciate and love my work. And you love me. (If you haven’t yet met me, you can reserve judgment on the latter!)
I hate posing for pictures. Do I have to pose?
I know what you mean. I hate posing for pictures too (shh, don’t tell anyone: the secret is when you’re a photographer, people don’t take your picture!). Posing isn’t natural and I don’t think it looks natural either. Will I recreate a moment like exchanging wedding bands for purposes of photographing it? Only if you ask me to. If I miss a moment, you can kick me in the shins later.
The people in your pictures always look like they’re smiling. You must tell them to smile, no?
My clients are smiling and look like they are having fun because they ARE having fun! I won’t tell you to smile. But I might make you smile. There’s a big difference. But that’s our secret, so don’t tell anyone.
Do you engage your subjects?
During portraits, absolutely. But during the ceremony, toasts, dances, etc. you and your guests won’t even know I’m there.
Do you do traditional wedding photographs, too?
Traditionally, wedding photography has been pretty cheesy, posed looking and/or boring. I’d have to say, “NO.” But if you mean do I take traditional family pictures in addition to more lifestyle and photo-journalistic work, then the answer is absolutely yes. I appreciate the value of and the history behind the traditional family portrait, and while they may not be as exciting as some of my more informal portraiture, they serve an important function.
Do you shoot digital?
My normal medium is digital. However, I love film, but the reality of the need for quick turn around prevents film from being feasible. If you love film as much as I do, and want some of your wedding shot on film, let’s chat about it.
Do I get my negatives? Do I have to wait a certain period of time?
I don’t subscribe to the old school philosophy that you are beholden to your photographer to purchase every thing you want directly from them. I provide you with a copy of all of the final edited digital images on a disk. There’s no waiting period.
Can I make my own prints?
They’re your pictures and you can do pretty much as you like with them. Of course there’s a huge difference between a print you make at your local printer from and those I can print for you. Only the photographer can fully realize the vision of the photographs he takes – both technically and emotionally. Only I care that much about them. But of course, I leave the choice up to you.
Do you shoot destination weddings?
Absolutely! Have passport – will travel. Please contact me to discuss availability and to get a custom quote for your destination wedding.
Do people really ask these questions frequently enough that they’re on an FAQ?
No. But that could be because they’re on this FAQ. If you’re still here after all these questions, you must be interested in what’s here and that’s the primary reason all of these questions are on the FAQ. You’re detail oriented, and I’m detail oriented, and stuff like this makes people like us comfortable.
I really want you, but you’re out of my budget, what can I do?
Your wedding day very well could be the most important day of your life, and when you see something you want, it’s disheartening to find out it’s out of your price range. Unlike that Black Audi RS6 you’ve been drooling over (on?), you can turn to your family for help when it comes to your wedding. I offer gift certificates that your friends and family can purchase as your wedding gift. It sure beats getting another waffle iron as a wedding gift.
What do I need to do to hire you?
A signed agreement and a retainer of 33% are required to reserve the date for you. Because each wedding requires such an attention to detail and follow-up work, I book a limited number of weddings each month, so don’t wait. Some couples book weddings up to 3 years in advance to secure the date they want.
What if I have questions that aren’t listed here?
Send me an email at Mike@PittmanPhoto.com or give me a call at 646-484-8578. I would love to hear what you’re planning and discuss how I can preserve your memories for you. If it’s more convenient for you, we can even chat over drinks.