Q. Why are your prices so much lower than many other professional photographers in the upstate NY region?
A. It's true -- our prices are lower than many of our competitors. One of the primary ways we achieve this is by carefully limiting our advertising expense. While we respect and enjoy reading many of the beautiful Capital Region and upstate NY wedding magazines, advertising in even just a few of them is extremely expensive. Same with bridal shows, yellow pages ads, and newspapers. So by limiting our advertising to word-of-mouth recommendations, this website and a few other creative and inexpensive methods, we are able to save literally thousands of dollars a month in advertising expenses -- a savings which we pass directly onto our clients.

Q. How do I reserve my date with you?
A. The first thing is to find out if we are available for your date. You can do a preliminary check of our calendar by clicking here. Or just email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . If we are available, we'd love to discuss your wedding plans, budget, and photography ideas on the phone, by email, or with an in-person meeting. Sometimes we meet at informal locations like Starbucks or Barnes and Noble. Or if you prefer, we can meet at our studio in Voorheesville. For couples traveling to the Capital Region from far away, we can complete the entire booking process over the phone and with email.

But if possible, we recommend setting up a meeting with us -- meeting in person is a great way for you to see if you "click" and have good chemistry with the photographer(s) who will be with you on your wedding day.

Q. How far ahead can I book you?
A. If you're planning a wedding for a Saturday during the peak wedding season, we recommend booking a year to 16 months out from your date.

Q. Who will actually shoot my wedding?
A. All of the photography shown on this website was done by Paul and Brenda, and we're the ones who will be shooting your wedding. We believe that every photographer's viewpoint and style is unique, and we think it would be unfair to show you work by one photographer, and then send someone completely different to photograph your wedding. In addition, the photo editing, book design and layout, and slideshow creation are all done by Paul and Brenda -- never shipped off to an outside contractor. The truth is, we really enjoy putting the books and DVD montages together -- and we think that having the same person doing the book that shot the wedding gives you a more informed, meaningful book. We love what we do, and can't wait to share it with you!

Q. I looked at your price list, but it doesn't fit exactly what we want.
A. Let's talk. Our price list introduce the range of services we offer. But we know that many couples have unique needs and great ideas, and we are happy to plan something special just for you! This can be as simple as deleting or adding an item and adjusting the price, or as elaborate as  a destination wedding with several days of shooting. We will always work hard to meet your needs.

Q. What if we decide we want to change to something different after we book?
A. You always have the option of staying with the original items you ordered, or at any time before your wedding date you can upgrade to another set of options of equal or greater value. This gives you the best range of choices -- typically, our prices go up a little every year, but you have "locked in" a package at last year's prices. But at the same time, if we begin to offer something you think is better than the what you originally chose, you can easily upgrade to it. It's a win-win situation! 

Q. Are there any hidden or unexpected costs or charges?
A. That's just not our style. As you get to know us, you'll discover we are very low-key, and SO not about the drama!  We'll work with you in a relaxed way to build a wedding photography solution that meets your needs and budget perfectly -- no matter how small or how big that budget is.

Q. Do you charge for travel?
A. Within 75 miles of our Albany studio, there is no charge for travel to and from your wedding venue. If you book a package with two photographers, we extend this radius to 150 miles. If you are further away than that, it depends on the package you select and the time of the year, -- just ask!

Q. Do you require a deposit?
A. Yes. While you are thinking over your options and comparing us to other photographers, we will hold your date open for a week or so. However, to be fair to everyone, we book on a first come, first served basis, and a nonrefundable retainer of $400 formally books and reserves your date. The balance is due at the beginning of the wedding day.  To reserve your wedding date, click here.

Q. Is the retainer refundable?
A. Unfortunately, the retainer is not refundable. Because most weddings are booked so far in advance, it is often impossible for us to replace a cancellation with an equivalent wedding. 

Q. Do you have a contract?
A. Yes. We have a contract that spells out exactly what services and products are included in your wedding photography, and the total cost for those services and products. It also lists the various venues, dates and times, deliverables and contact information. We want you to know exactly what you are getting and when you will get it -- no surprises, no hidden extra charges.

Q. Do you allow changes in the contract?
A. Sure -- everything is subject to negotiation! If there are any changes you want made to the contract, we will work hard to find a way to accomodate your needs.

Q. Does your contract include a model release?
A. Yes it does. We really appreciate it when couples allow us to show the images from their wedding to other couples. Without that, other couples choosing a photographer in the future would have no way to judge the quality of our work. At the same time we understand that some couples have a special need to protect their privacy, and upon request, we will agree not to use your images on our web site, and your wedding gallery will be password-protected so that only you and those you designate can see it.

Q. Do you charge sales tax?
A. Yes, the state of NY requires photographers to charge State Sales Tax on any photography that includes delivery of images on CD, in the form of prints or albums. We have to charge sales tax on the full amount of the photography services, not just the tangible items delivered. Consequently, we collect and pay to the State of NY, 8% sales tax on all photography.

Q. Will you give us the copyright to the pictures?
A. Almost every combination of wedding services we offer  includes a very generous usage license. The usage license basically says that we, as the photographers, retain ownership of the copyright, but we grant you the right to use the images almost any way you like, without getting further permission or making additional payment to us. You can print the pictures, copy them, email them, post them on your website(s), publish them in a newspaper or magazine -- the only right we do NOT give you is to sell them to a third party for commercial use, such as advertising a product or service. Other than that, the photographs are yours to use as you like forever, and we provide you with a CD of high resolution images to make it easy. Most brides find that this is exactly what they need, and it is much cheaper than transferring the copyright.