JBe Photography - So, What's the Deal?

I've put together a very comprehensive set of frequently asked questions here to help you with your decision!  Please feel free to e-mail me at inquiry@jenniferbrindleyphotography.com if you have any further questions.

Q. What do you shoot?

A. I shoot Digital with a professional Nikon D3s full frame camera and one Nikon D700 backup camera. I have a slew of prime and high quality lenses. In college, I was in the darkroom for hours on end, developing and printing my film. Though Digital is the medium I use the majority of the time, I have recently returned to film as a supplement to my digital arsenal, and I just might bring some heavy, awesome medium format gear to your wedding.

Q. What if your camera breaks during my wedding?

A. Though I might cry if this happens, the truth is... this is why I have two things: insurance and backups.

Q. What will you wear?

A. I always wear black pants and a black shirt, sometimes with a black or grey vest. I will always do my best to project a professional appearance and image that works well with any wedding atmosphere. Though I can't deny... at your reception if the DJ puts on "Play that funky music, white boy,"... I'll be dancing with you guys while I take photos. I just can't help it. 

Q. What if the weather turns icky?

A. Wellll, sometimes that happens. Unfortunately, when it comes to Mother Nature, there are no guarantees, and unfortunately, no re-shoots if weather turns wet, snowy, dark, angry or ugly. I will always do my best to give you the best possible images, but often it depends on how bad the weather actually gets, and how scared you are of getting your dress wet. I do come armed with 14 black umbrellas and a pair of galoshes in case things get rainy.

Q. Do I have to feed you?

A. If I'm shooting longer than 5 hours with you, I will need to eat at some point to stay fueled and energized.  (If I bring an assistant or second shooter to the wedding, this applies to them as well.)

Q. Can my relatives take photos at the wedding too?

A. For the most part, I have no problem with that. It will usually turn out just fine as long as everyone there realizes that I've been hired to do a job, and as long as I can do that job, it's all good. Typically if you ask your friends and family to wait until I'm done with the photos to take their snapshots, that is best.

Q. What about the Videographer?

A. If you have decided to use a videographer, I will ask to meet with them. There are some shots I cannot compromise on (ie: the kiss, cutting of the cake, and other big moments that only happen one time.) The photos should take a priority to the video. It's ultimately up to you, but if you give the Videographer priority over me, you might not like the photos you get.

Q. What kind of style do you have?

A. I use a combo shooting style, mixing a primarily candid photo approach (occasionally referred to as a photojournalistic style) and prefer to breeze quickly through the more traditional posed formal photos (I do understand that most folks still need them.) Really, I don't get too caught up in the name of the style. I just call it "Jenn-style." You'll get a good idea what that is when you see the photos on my website and in the books I'll show you.

Q. How soon will we see our photos?

A. Usually, you can expect to see your initial images online within 3 weeks following the wedding. 

Q. Can you put a courtesy hold on our date?

A. No. Unfortunately, the deposit is required to take a date off of the market. This way, I won't miss out on business I could have had if you change your mind. I'm sure you understand. :)

Q. Are you the only photographer in this company? If I hire you, am I guaranteed that you will be the one showing up to shoot my wedding?

A. Yes, I am the only photographer. It's Jennifer Brindley (JBe) Photography - and I believe if you're hiring me, you should get me. I do not have, nor do I ever plan to have associate photographers. I believe that is a huge disadvantage to large photography companies; you never know who you're gonna get. 

Q. Can you show me 3 or more complete weddings you've done?

A. Absolutely. I feature a full wedding on my website, and I'm also happy to e-mail you the links to a few full weddings on my proofing site if you'd like.  Also, when we meet for a consultation, I will have several wedding books so you can see the whole picture. I have full confidence in the product from beginning to end!

Q. Is color and B/W photography included or is there an extra fee for B/W?

A. I include both. I actually do a professional black and white conversion for every single image I take at your wedding, and I don't know of any other professional photographers that offer that. It's my belief that some images look beautiful in color, and some look better in black and white. When you see your proofs and get your disc of images, you'll get both copies of photos. 

Q. Do you offer hand coloring for B/Ws, digital coloring for B/Ws or digital color separation? 

A. My style is modern and progressive, photo journalistic and artistic.  As such, I do not offer selective coloring or sepia editing.  If that's something you're looking for, I would be happy to refer you to some photographers who are a little more old-fashioned than I am.

Q. Is unlimited coverage included in your packages or is there an extra fee for all day coverage? Are you willing to come extra early to get shots of us (the couple) before the ceremony if we choose to do that? Would there be a fee for this?

A. I offer a maximum of 10 hours coverage in the "Bragging Rights" package. Regardless of the package you choose, we can adjust where the time begins and where it ends, and if that means you'd like to begin my coverage an hour or two before your ceremony, that's great. I also love recommending a "First Look," or hiring me for a "Day-After Shoot" if you don't feel there will be enough time for portraits of the two of you between your ceremony and reception. 

Q. Do your packages include one or two photographers and is there an extra fee for a second photographer?

A. It's my belief that when you hire JBe Photography, that's precisely what you should get. I don't like leaving the images for your wedding in anyone elses hands but mine. If you have a particularly large wedding, I may say that we need to have a 2nd photographer simply because of the size. If that's the case, based on my discretion I will choose a qualified professional photographer to accompany me. With that, the cost for a 2nd photographer will range from $500 to $1500 based on the hours of coverage needed. The reason it's so expensive is because I only work with other professional, experienced photographers, and I refuse to entrust your images to anyone less qualified than that.

Q. Do you work with an assistant?

A. I will bring an assistant to most weddings.  They are non-shooting (primarily,) and will mostly be there to hold equipment, carry lighting and other tasks I need them for. :)

Q. How far will you travel to a wedding before charging a travel fee?

A. I do not charge a travel fee for any wedding within the Milwaukee area.  I am absolutely available for travel to Chicago, Door County, Madison and beyond.  In some instances depending on the location, I may require overnight accommodations and travel fees.  Contact me for details!

Q. Do you charge a fee if the wedding and reception are in more than one location? What if we want to go to a third location for pictures? Is there a charge for this?

A. I do not charge for multiple locations.  In fact, I encourage it!  Sometimes the most fun part of the day is running around the city for pictures with the bridal party.

Q. Do you offer a website and CD of my images? If so, is this included in the packages or this is an extra fee?

A. I automatically include online, password protected proofing. Additionally, each wedding package includes your full resolution files!

Q. If your packages are not what I am looking for, would you be willing to try to customize a package for me that is within my budget?

A. Absolutely. Though I cannot guarantee I will be able to meet every budget, I will do my best to customize packages to match what you're looking for. And though you might find longer hours of coverage for less money with other companies, I have done a great deal of research and am confident that the prices I charge are fair and accurate, if not a bit underpriced, for the quality and attention I offer. 

Q. Do you offer only traditional albums or do you have a wide variety of options to choose from including any coffee table style books?

A. I am proud to offer a variety of albums. Most packages include coffee table books, and several have the option to upgrade to a gorgeous heirloom flush mount album. You may also purchase albums and coffee table books a la carte no matter what package you have, and you also may order them, or duplicates for gifts, up to one year after your wedding.