4R

  • Reliability – This is non-negotiable. We depend on our team to show up—and show up early.  Miss a wedding, we’ll miss you too.
  • Responsibility – We consider the level of responsibility you're entrusted with—whether you're first, second, third, or fourth shooter, or assisting. Every role is important and contributes to the success of the event.
  • Result – Solid results matter to us and this is where we notice you.  This is also when we call you more frequently and bump you to the next level (translation: $$)
  • Relationship – Over time, our working relationship plays a key role. When you consistently perform and communicate professionally, you become a trusted partner. (translation: $$$$)

ETIQUETTE

  • Be Kind to Everyone - Treat everyone with respect—especially fellow vendors. The industry is tightly knit, and word travels quickly. Even a minor slight toward someone’s assistant or intern can reach us. Never underestimate anyone based on appearance; often, the most casually dressed individuals are the most important (i.e. the client).
  • We are a premium photography team. That means every performance must meet the highest standard—every time. Clients expect flawless images and an exceptional experience. Deliver subpar results then you'll enjoy some quiet days off.
  • Maintain Professional Silence - Unless you are the lead photographer, do not engage in conversation with clients, guests, or other vendors. Remain discreet and focused—your role is to observe and capture moments, not to participate in them. Let the event unfold naturally without inserting your personality into it. If you're talking, you're not shooting—and that's not our approach, nor will it ever be.
  • Talk to us first.  If you have any problems or needs, talk to our team first. Do not involve clients, planners, or vendors. We will handle everything on our own.
  • Do not consume alcohol under any circumstances—even if offered by the client. Kindly decline.
  • Be a photographer.  You are not a stylist, planner, family member, therapist, or a lap dog. Don’t do anything else except what you were hired to do: photograph.
  • If a guest asks you for something (“can you take my picture?”) Then do it and do it nicely.
  • Eat in vendor room only.  Do not eat any passed tray food or drinks.  If you’re the type that needs to feed regularly, then pack some food bars.
  • Our team rotates eating vendor meals. If you're eating before others, then please eat quick or be efficient. Other teammates cannot eat until you return to the ballroom. If you are a slow eater or need time, then let them know and eat last. Be considerate to others in our team.
  • No selfies with anyone or anything.
  • If you need to check your phone, go find a dark corner and do it out of sight from everyone.
  • No networking.  We don’t need anyone to network on behalf of us either.  Just focus on capturing memories for the client.  Network at “Networking Events”.  Advertising yourself at our event is the fastest way to eject.
  • Eyes and ears everywhere – at our luxury events, there are planners, planner’s assistants, client’s assistants, other vendors everywhere watching photographers.  Hidden security cameras are everywhere. Be professional at all times.
  • Trust is everything - We run on complete trust. If you ever need help or are going through something, speak to us. We’ve supported many team members through tough times. But remember: as freelancers, we don’t operate on warnings or second chances. Trust is either intact—or it’s broken.
  • What to wear
    • Weddings and evening events: Black.  Clean, professional black attire. No denim, no casual black, no athletic black tops, no yoga clothing, no dark gray, no dark navy, etc.  Shoes can be comfortable as long as it’s black or pure white (i.e. white chucks or similar).  White soles are OK.
    • Daytime Events (Baby Showers, Birthdays, Kids Parties, etc.) or Wedding Rehearsal/Welcome Party Events – Neutral tone, clean business attire.  Browns, navy, light blues, pastel colors, etc.  Men in Brown, blue, gray suits with white shirts are ideal.  Women in similar equivalent dresses, suits, slacks, or similar professional looking attaire.  No denim, no yoga, no t-shirts or casual shirts.

TRAVEL

  • We deeply value destination assignments and consider them significant milestones in our business. As such, we approach these projects with heightened care and attention, especially when it comes to assembling our travel team.
  • Please note that we always have the option to hire skilled local professionals at a lower cost. Therefore, if we invite you to travel with us, it’s a clear indication that we recognize and appreciate your talent and presence. We trust that you’ll bring your best work—and when you do, we’ll continue to include you in future travel opportunities.
  • Be reasonable with your expenses.  If you’re expensive to bring, we may consider another that’s cheaper.  Simple economy.
  • We will cover all necessary travel-related expenses, including: Luggage fees, meals, transportation, tolls, parking, etc. Please ensure you provide clear, itemized receipts for reimbursement. Credit card transaction receipt alone will not be accepted. For gratuities, we will reimburse up to 20% of the total bill.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

  • No Format.  All cards must be formatted prior to the shoot. Once we start shooting, no formatting.  Most unintentional image losses are photographer errors.
  • Dual Slot - Always shoot to dual card slots using simultaneous recording. This is a non-negotiable safeguard against data loss.
  • Always shoot RAW.  We only want RAW photos.
  • Follow the 3×3 rule: photograph each subject or item from three different angles and three different distances. This yields at least nine variations per scene.
  • Overshoot intentionally. When you think you have enough – shoot it over and over again.  Look behind, under, over, or if applicable - move things around.  Look for angles that most regular photographers wouldn't see.
  • Photographers: Shoot Vertical.  Horizontal images are used sparingly and only when there is a clear, intentional reason. Vertical framing not only flatters subjects but also minimizes distractions. Our style strongly favors vertical composition. Also, John is allergic to horizontal photos.
  • Everyone matters - 2nd Photographers are valued for their consistency, but 3rd and 4th position photographers have the freedom to create the most artistic images.  This is where you can shine.  When possible, we position our most talented photographer on the 3rd position.
  • Decor > People.  Lead will focus on clients.  Photos of decor (flowers, setup, setting, furniture) are very, very important.  If you are in a situation where you have to choose to photograph guests or decor, always prioritize decor photos.  You can come back around to get those guests later but you cannot redo decor.
  • Shoot guests.  Photograph everyone 3 times.  (1) at cocktail hour (2) at dinner table (3) candid shot.  Our clients care about the people they invite.  Avoid “baseball card” photos – or tight headshot of a guest.  Always include the context of what is happening – tell a story with your photos.  Review this link for sample guest photos.
  • During the ceremony, never, ever walk across the aisle.  Walk around the back where guests won’t see you. Be discreet!
  • During reception, be aware of seated guests.  If you are shooting in front of them, squat down or keep moving so that you are not blocking the guest’s view.
  • Tag team – always ensure someone in our team is present with the client before going to the bathroom, vendor room, or checking your gear.  At least one photographer has to be present on the event floor at all times.
  • Be aware of our team’s camera angle so that you are not in their picture.  Do not be directly across from our other shooters.  Shoot from a complementary angle so that you are adding something to the collection, not yourself in client’s pictures.
  • Chimp very little.  Photographers that “click then look” will often miss important moments and their images have little focus because their attention is not at the subject.
  • Never, ever delete photos.  There is a good technical reason for this – if you delete one image, it only deletes from 1 SD slot but not the 2nd slot.  After the event, when we download your cards, the two simultaneously recorded cards are seen as different cards by our downloading software.  This causes a big headache later – not only we’ll still see which ones you deleted but we also have to comb through duplicate downloaded images.  Trying to erase your mistake will only amplify it.  Everyone shoots blurry, out of focus, and badly exposed shots – own it and freely experiment.  If you shoot 100 images of one scene and give us one gold – we will keep calling you.
  • Be reliable, available, and easy to collaborate with.  Talent is based on how many useful photos you’re providing for us in the final collection given to the client.  If you shoot the same thing as the lead, then it’s likely your angle won’t be included in the edit.  Always find a way to create unique photos.
  • Pet Peeves
    • We don’t like backpacks.  Use a black satchel, sling, fanny packs, etc.
    • Carry extra batteries with you all day.  Only an inept photographer rely on in-camera battery for a wedding.
    • If you must charge your battery at the venue, then tie the charging cable to your bag when plugged in.  This way, you don’t forget to take it home. If you forget it, then you lost it. Do not contact the venue, do not contact the planner or any other vendor about it.  Buy more batteries like a professional would do on long shoots.  Plan on a 12 hour day with 2 cameras.

VIDEOGRAPHERS

  • No Format.  Always format before the shoot.  Once we start shooting, no formatting.  Most unintentional image losses are photographer errors.
  • Dual Slot – always write to two cards at once.  Simultaneous recording of everything.
  • Photo is priority – always prioritize our photographers and their shots.  Our clients add-on video to our team, so photos are more important.
  • Multiple Cameras – Always set up multiple cameras on tripods.  Especially during ceremony and speeches.  Gimbal on the floor during the speech is terrible.  If you are too lazy to hold a gimbal during a 10 minute speech, then use a monopod or multiple tripod methods.
  • No to minimal lighting – we prefer none to little auxiliary lighting on our video at our events.  It’s OK to increase ISO or change lens with better f/value.
  • Slow and steady – we love slow, steady, and long clips.  We do not use or like any fast gimbal movements, encircling type shots, or tilting type shots.
  • During the ceremony, never, ever walk across the aisle.  Walk around the back where guests won’t see you. Be discreet!
  • Tag team – always ensure someone in our team is present with the client before going to the bathroom, vendor room, or checking your gear.
  • Be aware of our team’s camera angle so that you are not in their shot.  Do not be directly across from our other shooters.  Shoot from a complementary angle so that you are adding something to the collection, not yourself in client’s pictures.
  • Never, ever delete footage.  We know of a videographer that formatted awhile trying to delete a shot!  We don’t care about junk footage – just keep shooting.