Nanaimo wedding photographer

Hi, my name is Chris and I hope to be your photographer!
I've had a camera in front of my face for as long as I can remember (presumably I learnt to walk first!), and have always found the frozen image fascinating. A split second in time captured and remembered. The ability to capture what is not always immediately apparent to others.
I adjust my style to match the requests of my clients. For example if you don't want any posed shots at a wedding, I won't shoot any.
Unfortunately a lot of professional photographers end up taking over a couple's Wedding day. I do not want to disrupt your big day any more than I have to. Formal shots can be shot quickly, and then I will continue to work unobtrusively whilst you enjoy the day.
I shoot 100% digital, using the latest Digital SLR cameras, and digital darkroom techniques. This means I have full control over the final images that you receive. Typically my couples love my photojournalist style and a mix of Black and white/colour image. I consider myself very lucky to be able to do something for a living that I love. Hopefully this is captured in my images.

So some common questions....
- How many weddings have you shot?
Well at the end of 2011 I will have passed the 300 weddings mark.
- Where will you shoot weddings?
All over Vancouver Island. Specifically (this bit is for search engines), I'm a Nanaimo wedding photographer, Parksville Wedding Photographer, Qualicum Beach Wedding Photographer, Port Alberni Wedding Photographer, Victoria Wedding Photographer, Tofino Wedding Photographer, Ucluelet Wedding Photographer.
- Can we see samples of your work?
Absolutely, I consider this essential, not only to allow you to form your own judgements of my work, but also of me. You need to feel comfortable with me around for me to get the best images. Conversely if I think we won't click then I would politely suggest that I might not be for you. But I like to think I am a pretty easy going guy, so this has never been a problem to date!
Typically when you enquire about my services, I'll suggest a consultation at my studio, where you can tell me all about your big day and see some samples of my work, albums/etc.
During the consultation I show samples of relevant work, e.g. Example Weddings Story books, as well as a sample CD slideshow (see below). We also discuss particulars of your requests, e.g. any special requests for wedding images, etc.
For weddings my shooting style is what some would call 'Photojournalism' or 'PJ'. I consider it more a candid style, silently capturing the emotion and activities of whatever event I am attending. For weddings I keep group formal shots to a minimum, together with any requests you may have.
- What areas do you cover?
The whole of Vancouver Island. From Victoria to Port Hardy, from Nanaimo to Tofino. I also travel to Vancouver for mainland weddings.
- What happens if you get sick before our wedding and can't shoot it?
Good question! And you can ask the same question to any other 'single-body' vendor your are relying on, e.g. the marriage commissioner/DJ. To answer the question, in 6 years I've never missed a wedding. However I network with many local photographers, I am also a member of an on-line worldwide professional photographer community with 5000 other wedding photographers. Contractually If I couldn't shoot your wedding I would refund all your money and do my level best to find a replacement for you.
- Do you shoot alone?
Yep. In the past I've had assistants/2nd shooters, but found I work best alone. I've never had a client complain about lack of coverage. Being a single shooter is less obtrusive on your wedding day especially if there are other 'roving' vendors, e.g a video crew.
- Are there any travelling costs?
For the Summer Saturday weddings coverages all land based travel is included anywhere on Vancouver Island. For the my weekday/off peak coverage, travel within Nanaimo City limits is included. For other locations I can provide a custom quote for travel/time costs. I also covers mainland weddings. Please contact for custom quotes.
Overnight accommodation/meals/ferry travel may need to be charged separately if required.
-What happens if it rains?
I come equipped with special 'moisture reflective apparatus', namely big white wedding umbrellas, which we can use with inclement weather.
- Do you charge extra for Black and White photographs?
No. Shooting digitally allows me to create a whole host of image enhancements at no extra cost. By default everything is shot in colour, and then for example when I am composing the story of a wedding, I selectively convert some images to monochrome, applying pure black and white, or even special effects such a sepia or even Infra Red! This can also be done on request by a client.
- Do you provide Proofs for weddings?
I provide an 'on-line' proofing service, rather than physical prints. Within a week or so of the wedding I will post all images on my website in a new gallery (which can be password protected at the request of clients).
- What are the DVD images included in your packages?
These are the final edited digital images, good for printing, and provided on a CD. They are of sufficient resolution to allow any consumer lab to enlarge and print an image to 8x10.
- Can you explain the copyright/use of the images?
My wedding clients receive 'non-commercial' usage rights to their wedding images. This means they can use them for personal use, e.g. printing off for family and friends, but they can't make commercial gain from them, e.g. selling them to a wedding magazine. I maintain copyright ownership of the images and the right to use them for commercial purposes.
- Do you provide 're-touched' images?
When editing I make subjective selective enhancements to some images, e.g. to remove unsightly background objects, etc. or to enhance the colour or add a special effect.
I do also offer cosmetic re-touching, e.g. minimising double chins, facial enhancements, etc.. This is charged on a per hour basis for my time to do any re-touching.
- What style of photography do you shoot?
I mix 3 different styles during a typical wedding, usually on the fly, but sometimes at the requests of clients.
The 3 main photography styles are: Photojournalistic (aka Candid) - This will usually dominate my style. I try and keep out of the way of proceedings, and record simply what happens, capturing key moments and emotions. This style is usually very popular with clients. Typically about 80-90% of my images will be photojournalistic.
The next style is the more traditional formal/posed shots, e.g. all the family shots. When booking I ask clients to list any special requests they have for group/formal shots, beyond the standard formals (e.g. full length dress shot of the bride). We may also shoot formal/posed shots at locations away from the main proceedings at client request (time allowing of course).
The final style is what I call 'editorial', this is where the resulting shot looks to be candid, but was in fact posed by myself. How much editorial I shoot is entirely down to my clients. To shoot editorial I need to intervene in events and grab the Bride and/or groom for a couple of minutes to pose a shot. Some couples are happy for me to intervene whenever I spot an opportunity, others prefer for me to stick to one style.
I always make sure to explain the different styles with couples at consulations and to understand how they want their wedding recorded.
- What type of cameras do you use?
Big black scarily expensive ones! Currently I shoot with a Nikon D3, D3s, and a 3rd backup in the car. Various lenses and lighting kit usually tag along for fun!
- How long will the original files last?
They will exist as long as there is a means to store them. Unlike chemically produced film negatives, digital files do not degrade with time. Digital files are also very simple to backup and transfer to new media as technology progresses.
- How long will my digital prints last?
They will last as long as prints taken from normal film, as the end printing process is the same. Longevity is determined by the type of paper the prints are provided on.
The prints I provide are printed on archive quality paper, and providing they are cared for correctly (e.g. not placed in direct sunlight), should provide a display life of at least 60 years. Stored correctly in archive conditions, the longevity of the prints is estimated by the manufacturer to be at least 100 years.
- How long will my Wedding Story book last?
The books are manufactured with 'archive' quality materials. This typically means that they are acid free, and expected to have an indefinite shelf life if looked after properly.
- What is the CD/DVD slideshow?
This is an artistically created slideshow of the photographs in your album, complete with titles and text commentary set to emotive music.
- What is CGL Insurance and why do you need it?
All professional photographers should be expected to have CGL Insurance. CGL stands for Commercial and General Liability. This provides coverage in the event I accidentally injure someone or damage property whilst I am working. More importantly to the Bride and Groom, many wedding venues require third parties to have CGL Insurance before allowing them to work on the premises. It would be advisable for you to check with your venues (e.g. churches and reception venues) what their CGL policy is. I have $2M CGL coverage. You should also ask any other photographers you are interviewing if they are insured, and ask to see their insurance certificate.
- Are you a member of any professional Photography organisations?
I'm a paid member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), and also a long time paid member of the worldwide wedding photographers online community DWF (www.digitalweddingforum.com).
- How do I book you for my wedding?
Assuming you are happy with everything and want to go ahead and book, to reserve a date in my calendar requires a non-returnable retainer payment (usually a third of the total price), and a signed contract. This can all be done via my online client account system, making it easy for clients to book and update their information with me.
I do not 'hold' dates, and will only confirm a booking when a retainer & booking form have been received. This is the only way I feel I can be fair if I have multiple requests for the same date.
I accept bookings anytime, but bear in mind that I am usually booked at least a year in advance for a lot of the Saturday's in wedding 'high season', i.e. June to September.