What's your style?
My style is a blend of the traditional (preparation, ceremony, portraits of the couple and all the relevant family members) combined with more candid and spontaneous images (documentary style) that capture moments of joy, emotion, and celebration. I don't bring a backdrop to the reception to do couple portraits, nor do I do organized table shots. My attention and energy is focused on the bride and groom, the guests and children, and the dynamics of the celebration that is unfolding.
Naturally, if someone requests a shot of themselves or a group, I'm happy to oblige. I just don't make typical table shots ("Would you four please get up and stand on that side of the table...") a standard practice.
What about pricing?
Henry Ford once said, ("You can have an automobile in any color you want, as long as it's black.") I like the simplicity of that, and my pricing is similarly straightforward. I don't offer a menu of packages ranging from inexpensive to extravagant. Such packages typically require a commitment to an album or a pre-determined number of prints in pre-determined sizes. To me, that complicates a wedding-planning process that is already complex. I have one package.
My fee is $1500 for up to 8 hours of continuous photographic coverage (additional time, if requested, is billed at $60 per half hour). For most weddings, 8 hours of coverage is usually sufficient. This includes the pre-ceremony activities (bridal party getting ready, etc.) through the reception. In addition, the fee includes a pre-wedding planning session and a complimentary engagement portrait at a local (Milwaukee metro area) site of your choosing.
Not all weddings or other events follow a typical pattern, and so if yours is planned to be shorter or different in other ways, I'm very flexible in customizing a package that is perfectly suited to your needs.
How are proofs done?
The proof images will be available for viewing online shortly after the wedding, usually within one week. The proofs can also be presented in a proof magazine or on a disk. The online viewing, on a password-protected site, allows your guests and friends the opportunity to see and enjoy the images and to select any they might wish for themselves. Images can be selected in a variety of sizes, in color, black and white, or sepia.
Proof images are untouched; they are for selection purposes only. Final images, those that are selected for reproduction (as prints, for use in books or albums, or for a DVD slideshow), undergo a process of color-correction, retouching, and other enhancements to optimize the quality of the finished product. All prints are custom-made at a professional lab.
Do we have to buy an album?
Because it is the first heirloom of a new family, I always recommend creating a wedding album, but not all couples want one. That is why I keep it as an option, separate from the photography fee. There are many excellent album choices and styles available, from simple to extravagant. If an album is part of your plan, I can help you create a gorgeous pictorial memory of the wedding day, in whatever style you desire.
There are also many wonderful options for smaller books and albums for parents and/or grandparents. In addition, the wedding images can be used to create a beautiful DVD slide show with music. Some couples use those as special gifts, or even in lieu of albums. There are many exciting choices available today for creatively presenting and preserving your wedding images, which is another reason why it doesn't make sense to bundle them all up in one package.
Why Richard Taylor?
As a wedding photographer, one of my goals (in addition to creating wedding pictures that you will cherish for many years) is to ensure that the photography is truly one less thing on the list to worry about.
I've been behind the lens for a few decades. I'm a dedicated professional, a perfectionist, and my own toughest critic.
I care about what I'm creating when I am given the privilege and responsibility of photographing a couple's wedding day. I love doing it, and I'm only satisfied with the best possible results.
Some kind words
What some couples wrote about their experiences with me:
“…Our pictures far exceeded our expectations. Everyone commented at our wedding about what a wonderful photographer Richard was. I never seemed to notice him taking pictures yet I knew he was capturing everything –
I think that is a sign of a great photographer. I found working with other photography companies very expensive and confusing to pick out a package. Rich made the process simple and stress-free and has continued to provide great support…” Jennifer & Ben H.
“Richard Taylor has not only a spectacular eye for detail, but he captures the special moments in a very unique way. One of the best things, though, is that he makes you feel so comfortable. His wit and personality are a joy to have around you on such a special day. Elissa and Jeff T.
What's next?
If you like what you've seen and read so far, I'd recommend a casual meeting over a cup of coffee. I'd like to learn a bit more about the details of your upcoming wedding, and I'm sure you have questions that may not have been addressed here. I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks again for visiting Life Journey Photography.
Rich Taylor