Q. What factors should I consider in hiring a photographer for my wedding?
At times it can be very confusing hiring a photographer for your wedding due to complicated packages and options.  We strive to make our packages and pricing simple and straight forward.  We also try to impress upon potential brides and grooms that the wedding photography business has changed dramatically in the last five years and there are now hundreds of photographers on the web offering their services.  It is  easy today to hire a so called "Saturday Night Shooter"....someone who does wedding photography part-time in conjunction with their other job.  Rest assured, Purcell Photography is a well respected, full time wedding photographer that has been in business since 1999.
    

Q. How many hours of coverage will we need?
A. The typical hours of coverage are: 3 hour package for just the wedding, and the 4 hour or more packages for the wedding and reception coverage. It is recommended  starting at least 2 hours before the ceremony. The best photographs usually are taken before, during, and shortly after the ceremony.  The rule of thumb is it is best to cut hours from the end of the day if budget considerations are a concern.

Q. Do you have an Assistant?
A. YES, this is very important for wedding photography.   We are a husband-wife team that has been working together for since we started.  Indeed, a common complaint about wedding photography is that it takes too long!   After the wedding, your family and friends want to celebrate - not sit around waiting for lengthy picture taking.  We avoid this because  the picture taking and posing so that it is done fast and efficiently.   With there being two photographers, it allows us to be in different places at the same time, work more quickly and efficiently.   Also, we employ a lot of multiple, off camera lighting that really gives pictures a spectacular three dimensional look.

Q. What kind of pictures do you take?
A. We always adhere to your wishes in terms of the style of pictures taken. Our overall style could best be described as Contemporary.  This is a good combination of true photojournalistic candids, the best of the traditional groups and portraits, and my own in-between style that is more relaxed, fun, and romantic - where I am not posing you to the Nth degree but I am not totally hiding in the bushes, either.

Indeed, another important thing to remember is the opportunity for family photos. weddings are one of life's events where family members from near and far gather. A wedding is a time and place where your friends and family get together in one place, for a happy occasion. How many times will this happen in your lifetime? When was the last time you had a good picture with your mother or father...grandparents....aunts uncles, etc? If you really think about it, wedding photographs are truly a family heir loom because they are not only a part of your personal history, but also a part of your children’s family history.

Q. Do we get to keep our digital files/negatives? 
A. Yes, you receive all of your photos on a CD with complete copyright/ownership.   These are full size files which will allow you to make enlargements up to 20x24.  Thus, you can give copies of all of your photos to family and friends.

Q. How long after the wedding does it take to get our proof album?
A. We usually have wedding proof albums ready in two weeks. Call us when you return from your honeymoon - your album will most likely be waiting for you.

Q. What type of equipment do you use?
A. We use only  Canon, digital, and Pentax medium format equipment. Because weddings are fast paced and spontaneous, we normally use 35mm digital cameras because these types of cameras are better suited for constantly changing lighting and settings.

Some of our packages include medium format film.   This type of film tends to be a little more expensive but it produces awesome enlargements up to 20x24 and even beyond. 

Q. Do you have backup equipment?
A. Simply put, YES! We carry on average at least THREE of everything in the unlikely event something fails to work or is damaged during the day.

Q. Do you work out of a studio or your home?
A. All administrative duties are taken care of in my home office. We have a business office where we meet with clients. We do not have a fancy studio for taking photographs since 90% of our work is done away from the office, we really don't have the need to all the fancy decor that you will find at those fancy studios. This keeps our costs down, which of course keeps your costs down. Most of our clients prefer outdoors pictures for their engagement sessions, but in the event you would prefer them indoors, we have space available for indoor studio work.

Q. My Aunt likes photography, will you allow her to take pictures at my wedding?
Of course, your aunt is welcome to take pictures.  We do not mind if a few guests or relatives shoot over our shoulders. Indeed, some photographers would not allow this at all.

Q. What about pictures at different locations?
A. Limiting the number of locations is common among wedding photographers. They'd love it if you just had everything in one place, so they don't have to keep packing up. You, on the other hand, may have wanted portraits done not just at the church and reception hall, but also at the park or beach, or maybe where he proposed to you! Charging extra for different locations is common among wedding photographers. We do not charge extra for different locations.

Q. What type of dress code do you adhere to?
A. We are always appropriately dressed....I always wear a suit and tie to weddings unless the bride and groom have requested otherwise.

Q. Why hire a wedding photographer? Can’t Uncle Bob take pictures?
A. Trust me, producing  quality wedding photos is very difficult.  weddings are fast moving, dynamic  events and experience is a must...if you want good photographs.  The photographer has to deal with a multitude of different environments and lighting situations.  Dark churches and reception halls need to have more than an on camera flash.  Likewise, sunny beach locations create harsh shadows without adequate lighting.  Look at our beach photos...they are beautiful.

Your wedding photos are one of the few things that will last for years to come after the wedding. The food will be eaten, the wedding dress hangs in the closet, and the flowers have long since wilted. But the photos can bring back the memories of your special day for a lifetime.

Uncle "Bob" could take your photos, but he probably doesn’t photograph weddings very often and is unlikely to have the equipment needed for the special lighting conditions found at the church and reception. Besides, Uncle "Bob" should have fun at your wedding instead of working. Hire Purcell Photography and introduce us to Uncle "Bob" --we’ll be happy to meet him.

Q. How much of a deposit is required to hold you for our wedding?
A. Our standard payment policy consists of three payments.  We require approximately 30% of the total of any package, this confirms the date for you. An additional payment is due at least 120 days prior to the wedding and the final payment on the day of the wedding. Of course, paying in advance of the due date is always acceptable.

Q. What is the best way to reserve one of you for my wedding?
A. Please call us at (231) 947-4437 to check for availability or look on our website calendar. Our policy is this: the first deposit we accept will reserve the date and time. Popular days (like Saturday) go quickly, so promptness is important.

At Purcell Photography we don’t take wedding photography lightly. Your wedding is not a just a job, or a bottom line sales figure to us. Its an honor.

We feel this way because you have judged our work as worthy of your investment. It also signifies that you have invited us into your world as an active participant in the single most important day of your life. That is a very high compliment and we never want you to feel that we are doing you a favor simply by showing up. Our business is built on the principals of being fair, honest, friendly, service oriented and enthusiastic.