FAQ
To assist your wedding photography search I prepared a helpful list of questions that couples frequently ask me. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
Experience & Style
- Who will my photographer be?
Stuart Sanft (that’s me). I will always be your primary photographer. Everyone who works with me, either in the studio or on location, has an AA degree in photography.
- How long have you been shooting weddings?
For over 20 years I have been photographing weddings professionally. Prior to specializing in wedding photography, I spent a number of years running a commercial studio in the city where I was heavily involved in the fashion end of the photography business.
- Do you have formal photography education?
I possess a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the field of photography.
- What is your style of photography?
My style is a sort of hybrid wedding photography. Rather than shooting in one particular style of photography we will shoot your wedding combining as many different styles as possible. While we shoot traditional style images (it seems the parents love these images the most), we also shoot a wide variety of detail and photo journalistic shots as well as fun and lighthearted images.
My philosophy is to give you as many different looks with your images as possible. Then you can select the particular images that move you the most. We try not to take ourselves too seriously throughout the day while, at the same time, taking our job very seriously.
Business Practices
- Why should I hire a professional photographer rather than a less expensive person or asking my friends to take pictures?
This is a very good question that I address often. Please keep in mind that after the cake has been eaten, the party is over, and the flowers wilt all that remains are your wedding day images.
Practically every day I speak with someone who tells me the sad story of saving money on their wedding photography by hiring either a “friend of a friend” or an “up and coming photographer” to shoot their wedding. The unfortunate result is they only have a few decent images if they are lucky or none worth remembering their day by.
We all know that times are tough these days and we need to cut back wherever possible. The most lasting memories of your wedding will be your photographs. My suggestion is that you diligently research and hire a skilled and experienced wedding photographer, whether that is me or another qualified professional.
- Will you meet me at Starbucks or Panera?
I prefer meeting in my photography studio for several reasons. It’s important that you get a full understanding of the professionalism I bring to my work. I am very proud of my studio and it’s important for you to see the environment I work in, how your files are protected, and the large assortment of albums and products I offer.
- Do you book multiple weddings for one day?
I only book one wedding for each particular date which allows me to devote 100% of my studio’s time and energy to your event.
- What are your turnaround times for products?
Proofs are available 3–4 weeks after the wedding and finished products are available within 3–4 months of order placement.
- Do you carry insurance coverage?
Yes, I carry both product and personal liability insurance at all times.
On the Wedding Day
- How long will you photograph us during our wedding day?
The standard package includes up to nine hours of photographic coverage. It begins upon arriving at the first location of the day and runs continuously from there. In the vast majority of instances this coverage is more than adequate. I am one of the few Delaware Valley area photographers to offer more than six hours of coverage.
- How many images will you shoot at my wedding?
My goal is to shoot as many great images as possible without being overly redundant. For this reason I do not guarantee a minimum number of images. That being said, I generally shoot about 500 images working solo and 900 images with an assistant.
- Do you charge for additional travel time?
My policy is not charge for additional travel time for weddings held in the Delaware Valley area.
- What are your thoughts on my fiancé and I seeing each other and taking photographs before the ceremony?
As I’m sure you’ve been told, your wedding goes by extremely quick. You should do everything in your power to enjoy as much of the day as possible.
It depends how much time is between the ceremony and reception. When they are held at the same location or there is little down time, I highly recommend taking photographs before the ceremony. This allows us to capture them in a more relaxed environment and gives you more time to enjoy celebrating with your guests after the wedding. I’ve learned from experience that this makes everything go smoother, but it’s not a requirement.
The majority of weddings I shoot follow tradition where the groom won’t see the bride prior to the ceremony. Rest assured we can make the schedule work if this custom is part of your vision.
Equipment & Processing
- What type of cameras and lenses do you use?
I use professional-grade Nikon cameras and lenses both in the studio and on location.
My primary setup is a 12.5MP Nikon D700 camera and Nikor 28–105mm lens. It’s mounted on a rotating flash bracket that produces more even lighting and eliminates any potential red-eye.
My second camera/lens combination is a 12.4MP Nikon D2X coupled with a Nikkor 15mm fisheye lens. Throughout the day I also use a Nikkor 28–200mm telephoto lens extensively.
- Will I receive an assortment of color, black & white, and desaturated images?
Yes. While I initially shoot every image in full color, during RAW processing I will create alternate versions in black & white and desaturated tones for you to select.
- Can a black & white image be converted to color and vice versa?
Yes. My RAW processing workflow gives me flexibility to convert between styles without any loss in quality while retaining the original color image forever.
- What type of digital format do you shoot in?
This is a very important question, and one you should ask every photographer you interview. I shoot exclusively in RAW format, which is like a digital negative for professional photographers.
Each RAW file stores about 20 times more information than a standard JPEG file that many less experienced photographers shoot in. This adds about five hours of post-production time to every wedding we shoot, but the advantages are worth it by far.
RAW processing gives me a finer degree of control over exposure, brightness, skin tones, hue adjustments, color temperature, and much more that JPEG cannot. This guarantees you the highest quality image possible.
- Do you “touch up” your images?
Photos that are selected for albums or reprints will be processed, adjusted, and touched up by me personally.