Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Wedding Photojournalism | Elizabeth Vincent Photography

Elizabeth Vincent Photography

F.A.Q's

Q: Tell us a little about your clients?

A: We truly have the most amazing clients. They are laid back. They go with the flow. They love great photography. Aside from securing the ceremony and reception locations, the photography is the first vendor on their list.

By trusting us and giving us creative freedom, they allows us to find the authentic storytelling photographs that are truly unique to them. It allows us to break away from the conventional, contrived wedding photographs that you see clogging up the internet.

Q: What is photojournalism? Who are photojournalists?

Photojournalism is telling a story through photographs. Done at a high level, it is so much more than just shooting random candid photographs. Documenting real life by shooting real moments. Photojournalism is the type of photography practiced by newspaper and magazine photographers. Shooting real life without setting up and directing the photographs.

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Photojournalists are held to a strict code of ethics not to intervene, pose, or create situations and then photograph them. We worked as staff photographers for more than a decade at various newspapers, and before that we both earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Photojournalism from Ohio University.

Not every photographer has the ability to see these key moments and then capture them. Some photographers are very good at posing subjects and creating a situation; But photojournalism is not about posing subjects. It is about capturing the moments as they happen.

Q: I've never hired a photographer before! How do I tell the difference between a real photojournalist and someone who just claims to be one.

Natural moments happen, well, naturally. If a majority of the photographs that are displayed are of the bride and groom, in a romantic embrace outside (think about it, how much of your wedding day will be spent outside??), or in an open field, or jumping on a the Clemente Bridge, or in an alley, they are probably just using the word photojournalism because it sells. Also, if a good deal of their portfolio is of inanimate objects (shoes facing each other, empty rooms with decorations, dresses hanging alone on a hook), that photographer is probably more adept at the detail part of the day and not capturing natural, fleeting moments.

Q. I read that Vincent is a sports photographer. Why should I hire a sports photographer to shoot my wedding?

A. Sports photography is tough! You have fast paced action combined with moments that may only come once in a game that you simply cannot miss. On top of that, many sports are played in arenas with poor lighting that requires intimate knowledge of your camera gear to maximize the quality of photos you produce. These are all things that sports photographers deal with on a daily basis and these are also things that some wedding photographers are not prepared to deal with. The pressure to capture the ‘shot’ is nothing new as a sports photojournalist and it is something that has prepared me well for covering weddings.

Q. What about formals? I've heard you photojournalists types don't like taking formals :-)

A: We do like to take formals! These straight forward photos are in integral part of your day. However, our aim is to keep the formals to a short list. We generally complete all of the formals within 30 minutes.

We want you to go ahead and have a great time at the reception so we can continue to get amazing photographs of the two of you. Keep in mind why you're hiring a documentary photographer. If, two to three hours of formal shots is what you have in mind, then it's quite possible we may not be the right choice for you.

Q: Do we get a high resolution DVD?

A: Yes! We deliver an edited high resolution DVD with every wedding. All of the images on the DVD have been carefully cropped, color corrected and are ready print. Photos on the DVD can be printed at the lab of your choice.

Q. Can we give you a "must-take" photographs list?

A. The only list I ask for is of special family groupings and non-family members that have a special meaning for the couple. We do not work from a list detailing photographs to be taken throughout the day. We approach each wedding as a unique event and strive to bring out the individuality of your day. Shooting from a predetermined list hinders that creative process.

Q: Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Is that reasonable?

A: Yes. If the photographer is trying to work quickly through a series of formal pictures, a snap-shooter might slow the process. A problem arises when there are several cameras aimed at a formal group - the subjects will be looking at different lenses. The diverted attention will ruin the professional's picture. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device ("slave") on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures that you are paying for. There are many other reasons why a professional might ask others to refrain from picture taking during formals. On the other hand, many guests find snapping a few pictures a pleasant part of attending weddings, so it should not be a big deal for people snap away when formals are over.

Q. But my cousin has a really nice new digital camera with 16 megapixels. I was going to have him take our photos!

A. A wedding is a once in a lifetime event. Lets put it this way. Would you want your cousin doing open heart surgery on you even if he has the best equipment in the world? You do not get second chances at capturing those crucial moments. If you are serious about having fantastic photographs from your wedding then it is advisable to hire someone who not only has experience as a wedding photographer but someone who has a great deal of experience as a professional photographer.

Q. How many hours do you typically work on a wedding day?

A. Ten hours is typical, many times more than that. Our goal is to document your entire day from the early preparation to the final send-off. We want to capture as many sentimental moments of your special day as possible. Therefore, we try to work with your schedule; usually by starting a few hours before the ceremony and staying until the end of the reception.

Q. Do you have liability insurance?

Yes, of course we do!

Q: How do we meet?

A: We usually meet at a coffee shop. If you’d like to make an appointment give us a call at (412) 304-2456 or email us so we can get you into our calendar.

Q: Do you photograph more than one wedding a day?

A: No! Once you book a date, it belongs solely to you. We do not double-book weddings.

Q: Can I include you in our gift registry so guests can contribute towards the cost of our photography?

A: Absolutely. We have a gift registry service where your guests can gift you money towards the cost of your photography.

Q: What is required to book the date?

A: We require both a retainer and a signed contract. This guarantees your date. We book on a first come, first served basis. Simply email us that you want to and your date will be permanently held as soon as we get the contract back along with the retainer.