BELOW ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR QUEST FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER

1)  "How much should I expect to pay for Wedding Photography?"

One of my most popular packages is the"Classic Package".  The current cost for this package is about $3000.  My prices are extremely competitive.  If you find someone a lot less expensive than me.... look out!   Many photographers do not include the high resolution digital files, Internet posting, etc., in their "package" price. I do.

2)  Be comfortable with the interaction and photographic styles of the photographer that you choose for this most important occasion.  This is the single most important part of choosing any wedding photographer.  Any discomfort you might have with a particular photographer comes through in the images taken.

My previous clients give me high marks for both my personal interaction and photographic style.  As a matter of fact......  if you would like a list of references, just let me know.

3)  Carefully review the work of every photographer that you are considering.  Schedule a private meeting with each one to examine their work and to get to know him/her in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Ask who will be doing your photography.  Many larger studios have multiple photographers working for them and on the day of your wedding may send a photographer that you haven't met before.

I, Ron Jones, photograph every wedding myself.  Jones Photography is a fully licensed and insured business, which I own and operate.

4)  What is the style of Jones Photography?

I would have to describe my style as "mixed".  Lots of candids, some photojournalistic, some posed.  It's this mix of styles that give my photography it's unique look.  I'm all about keeping the formal posed photos to a minimum and allowing the Bride and Groom to have fun on their big day.

5) Ask which photographer took the images presented to you in the sample albums that you view.

If you visit a studio with "associate" photographers make sure you concentrate only on the photography that the photographer assigned to you has produced.  It's also a good idea to visit with the "associate" who will be photographing your wedding before you sign a contract, not just a salesperson.    I am proud to present only my own images in my sample albums.  When you choose Jones Photography to capture your wedding day images,  you get me...  Ron Jones.

6)  Ask what is and is not included with the package. Are the digital files and Internet posting included

at no additional charge?

All of my packages include all of the images posted on the Internet (with a password)

and the full resolution digital files in JPEG format.

7)  Can you purchase the negatives or digital files used to create the images?  If not, what guarantees do you have that the photographer will still be around in 5 or 10 years if you want more prints made?

At Jones Photography you don't have to ... with every package the digital files are included 

at no additional charge!  So rest assured, all of the digital files from your wedding will be shipped to you for your safe keeping at no additional cost. 

8)  Ask if the photographer will have a complete set of backup equipment with him/her.  Remember, there are no second chances to photograph your day! 

I always have at least two sets of equipment with me. 

9)  Will your photographer be using modern professional grade digital equipment or film?

Some photographers are still hanging on to the old days of film.  Do prints made from film look better than digital?  No.  If your photographer knows what he or she is doing, prints made from a digital camera actually surpasses the quality of film based cameras.  Also, with film based negatives, how will you load them into your computer?  They could be scanned, but that's expensive (if done right) and scanning degrades the original quality.  Why not just start out with a high resolution digital original?     I photograph every wedding (from start to finish) using professional grade digital equipment. Film based camera equipment is never used at Jones Photography.   

10)  What will the photographer wear to my wedding?

Most weddings I wear a starched, black,  long sleeved dress shirt with black dress pants.  I can also wear a dark suit or tux depending on the event.  Bottom line....  classy & professional.

11)  How do I reserve my wedding date with Jones Photography?

The only way to reserve the date is with a retainer of $500 and a signed contract.  If you have an appointment scheduled to meet with Jones Photography, this does not reserve your date.  With Washington DC becoming a destination wedding spot, it is not unusual for clients to reserve their date via phone/fax without even meeting with me. 

12)  Is it possible to have black & white prints made from your favorite wedding photos?

Black & white photography has a timeless, classic look that has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in the last few years.  Through a special process, any photo taken on your wedding day can be made into a black and white print.   

13)  Ask the photographer if he/she accepts VISA or MasterCard.

For your convenience Jones Photography accepts Visa and MasterCard for the DEPOSIT

and for reprints ordered via the INTERNET.  Any other payments are accepted by check.

14)  Will the photographer post the images from your wedding day on the Internet, with a password, for your friends and family to view and enjoy at no additional charge?

At Jones Photography, the answer is YES!

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