Where are you located?
Stewart says: Portland, Maine
How long have you been in business?
Stewart says: Since 1995
How many weddings have you photographed?
Stewart says: 150 and counting.
Do you travel?
Stewart says: Yes.. What I love about my profession is that I am always on the go traveling from the top of Maine to California so traveling is not an issue.
Does travel cost extra?
Stewart says: Yes. The cost is determined on the location of the event.
Did you ever go to school to learn your craft?
Stewart says: Yes… I studied at the Rhode Island School of Photography from 1992 to 1994. I graduated in the top ten of my class and majored in Portraiture, Commercial and Photojournalism.
What do you think is important about photographing a wedding?
Stewart says: First and foremost…Knowledge of photography, Communication skills and using the right photographic equipment.
Can you give us a little more information on your answers on that last question?
Stewart says: Composition, lighting, posing and exposure is crucial.
Knowing how to communicate with the Bride & Groom is very important. You all need to be on the same page in order to make the event run smoothly. Family members and wedding party need to know where and when to be at a certain time and location for group photos. If family members or people in the wedding party are missing because they were not aware that there were group shots being taken before or after the ceremony that could delay everything.
Having the right type of equipment such as lights, cameras and lenses can make all the difference. The big thing is you have to know how to use it. I hear this all the time, "My friend has a nice camera ". My response to that is," I have a nice stove/oven and kitchen set but it doesn't mean I know how to cook with it ". I am not trying to sound sarcastic but photographing weddings is not for everyone.
How do you describe your technique when photographing a wedding?
I like to be unobtrusive. I try my very best not to bring any attention to myself. I only pose people when the time is right. I don't make a habit of posing people all day.
How much do you charge for a wedding?
Stewart says: During peak season which is from April to October my rates start at $1600.00 for 5 hours and $200.00 for each additional hour. If you are off peak from November to March, my rates can be negotiated where I do not require a 5 hour minimum.
What is included with the cost?
You will receive a low res cd/dvd with all your wedding images on it. I will upload all your wedding images online for your family to view and purchase. I have an assistant that helps with my off the camera lighting. Your cd/dvd will be ready with in a weeks time of your wedding instead of what used to take 6 to 8 weeks when I provided a proof book.
Can I order packages:
Stewart says: Yes, no problem. I have plenty to choose from.
What steps need to take place to book you to photograph my wedding?
Stewart Says: I require a $400.00 non-refundable deposit. I would also like to do a consultation with you and talk about your special day.
Do you have any referrals?
Stewart says: Yes. As a matter of fact. I have a whole referral list that you can go to on my web site.
What happens in case you cannot photograph my wedding?
Stewart says: In the event that I was unable to photograph your wedding. It would be due to a family emergency or a personal health issue. On that note. I have a list of professionals in the business I could call on and make sure you were taken care of. Yu would also receive your deposit back.
Is there anything you would like to share with anyone?
Stewart says: Well…I guess the big thing is, keep in mind, you are with us ( the photographer ) pretty much for the whole day. You need to ask yourself if you did not click on the day of your phone conversation or consultation than you might want to keep looking around until you find somebody you hit it off with.
Do your research. I receive a lot of calls when the person on the other end of the phone asks me, "How much do you charge for a wedding?". I always ask that person if they have ever seen my work. If the answer is no, then that means they are asking me for just a cost with no idea the quality of work that comes with it. I highly suggest that you always look at the photographers work weather it be online or in person so you always know what you are paying for. I have heard more than my share of horror stories from upset brides who may have saved a few dollars but wished the looked more into who they were booking.
The best compliment I receive from anyone is that they love the image I created of them but had no idea I was taking it.
If you have any other questions you would like to ask me, please feel free to contact me by phone at 207-772-0911 or toll free at 1-877-236-9420.
My approach to High School Senior Portraits is quit simple - I listen to what that senior wants. I don't try to make them out to be something or somebody they are not. I don't know many people that walk around hugging birch trees so therefore I don't pose them like that. I am always open to your thoughts and suggestions. I don't have a certain game plan or rule I follow when doing your portraits. I prefer to go by inspiration. I feel out your wardrobe and talk to you for a little bit before we begin shooting.
My big concern is - will you still like your senior portrait 5 or 10 years from now? I want your portrait to remain timeless in a sense. I don't have any type of gimmicks or cheesy props that I use. I don't use any type of trick photography or super imposing of any kind.
Now that I have gone completely digital, you will receive a low res cd with all of the images we took that day with in 24 hours of the shoot!!
My sitting fees are as follows:
(add $50.00 for additional pictures in studio)
I would be more than happy to provide you with my packages and reorder list upon request.
Please keep in mind.You will not be herded through or rushed while we do our shoot!! I take pride in the time and work that goes into each senior that I photograph.
Want some free wallets or enlargements??
I have a referral system that has been pretty successful over the past few years.. If I do your senior portraits and you give a friend a referral postcard that has your name on it..You can seriously rack up a bunch of few enlargements or wallets by doing so.It is my way of thanking you for referring me.
Looking good for your senior portrait:
I have a make up artist that I can supply you with upon request. ( additional cost of $50.00 will apply )
Wear solid colors.. Clothing with stripes, polka dots or huge text may be distracting.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ... PLEASE READ.
Be punctual. Do not show up more or less than 5 minutes of your appointment.
If you are running behind. Please call me to let me know.
Do not bring a crew or posse with you. I don't mind you bringing 1 person with you for the shoot but more than one person gets to be distracting. The only way more than one should be with you is if you are splitting a session with a friend.
There is a $50.00 nonrefundable sitting deposit. I require a two day notice of cancellation or your card will be charged.
In the event of rain or bad weather, we will then reschedule on another day.