Just What IS Wedding Photojournalism?

The DEFINITION

Wedding photojournalism is a new-ish trend in wedding photography that seems to be the result of a generation which has grown up thirsty for truth–whether it is reality TV shows or the openness seen in online postings! This generation’s search for what is real and meaningful, rather than what is proper or expected, is clearly seen in every walk of life. In the world of photography, it translates into the increasing popularity of photojournalism; in the smaller neighborhood of wedding photography, it is found in the rise of Wedding Photojournalism.

Should you choose my services, then as your wedding photojournalist, my job would be to record your wedding to the best of my ability. With my past experience in Fine Art Photography, you get the best of both worlds–reality with a flair! I do not bring a large amount of equipment or lights or back drops to the weddings I shoot, as natural light is so much more complimentary. I shoot with professional-grade lenses which allow me to photograph in low light settings without using a flash–though, if your wedding is an evening wedding, or if the location is particularly dark, I am prepared with a lovely bounce flash.

Being a photojournalist generally means that I shoot your wedding as it happens–a bit different when compared to the philosophy of “now look this way and point your chin up and…” . Different, too, in that I do not direct your wedding or your reception; rather, I document it. Understanding that this might be the only time the family gets together, though, I am more than happy and perfectly competent to take posed group or family shots as well.

The DETAILS

Several unique features arise should you choose to have me record your special day. The first is the wedding photobook–a professionally bound book, printed by an online publisher, which beautifully records your wedding day. As a custom photobook bookmaker, this option is available as a part of most of the wedding packages that I offer. These photobooks are then available indefinitely online after your wedding should someone else desire to order one.

Another unique feature is that I do NOT do prints. Instead, after your wedding, I proof your photos–cropping, color management, basic Photoshop–and then burn them to a DVD. The digital files become yours to copy, share, print and enjoy. The only exception to the “no prints” rule is that I do provide canvas prints should you want them. Prices for those are available upon request and are dependent upon a third party printing company.

Artistic treatment (more intense photo manipulation or “Photoshopping”) of a selection of your images is also available for a fee, whether it be having your images converted professionally into Black & White or Sepia-toned (playing with curves in PS) or having photos turned into digital watercolor, etc.

The Package DEALS

The BASIC Package–$1200*

  • ONE photographer for up to FIVE hours of shooting (this can include portraits before or after the ceremony);
  • Basic Photoshop enhancement of all images (color correction, cropping, etc.);
  • DVD(s) of ALL of the FULL SIZE, FULL RESOLUTION images taken at your wedding;
  • ONE custom 40-page 7″ x 7″ Wedding Photobook–image-wrapped (hardback); available online for purchase of additional copies.
  • Travel within the Nashville, Tennessee area**.

The BRONZE Package–$1700*

  • ONE photographer for up to SIX hours of shooting (this can include portraits before or after the ceremony);
  • Basic Photoshop enhancement of all images (color correction, cropping, etc.);
  • DVD(s) of ALL of the FULL SIZE, FULL RESOLUTION images taken at your wedding;
  • ONE custom 40-page 10″ x 8″ Wedding Photobook–image-wrapped (hardback); available online for purchase of additional copies.
  • Travel within the Nashville, Tennessee area**.

The SILVER Package–$2200*

  • TWO photographers for up to SIX hours of shooting (this can include portraits before or after the ceremony) OR ONE photographer for up to EIGHT hours of shooting;
  • Basic Photoshop enhancement of all images (color correction, cropping, etc.);
  • DVD(s) of ALL of the FULL SIZE, FULL RESOLUTION images taken at your wedding;
  • ONE custom 40-page 10″ x 8″ Wedding Photobook–image-wrapped (hardback); available online for purchase of additional copies;
  • TWO custom 40-page 7″ x 7″ Wedding Photobooks for parents or in-laws; available online for purchase of additional copies.
  • Travel within the Nashville, Tennessee area**.

The GOLD Package–$3000*

  • TWO photographers for up to SEVEN hours of shooting (this can include portraits before or after the ceremony) OR ONE photographer for up to NINE hours of shooting;
  • Basic Photoshop enhancement of all images (color correction, cropping, etc.);
  • DVD(s) of ALL of the FULL SIZE, FULL RESOLUTION images taken at your wedding;
  • ONE custom 40-page 11″ x 13″ (or 12" x 12") Wedding Photobook–image-wrapped (hardback); available online for purchase of additional copies;
  • TWO custom 40-page 8″ x 10″ Wedding Photobooks for parents or in-laws; available online for purchase of additional copies.
  • ONE hour on-location BRIDAL or ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION (before the wedding) OR ONE hour on-location HAPPILY EVER AFTER SESSION (after the wedding);
  • Travel within the Nashville, Tennessee area**.

The PLATINUM Package–$4000*

  • TWO photographers for the entire day;
  • Basic Photoshop enhancement of all images (color correction, cropping, etc.);
  • DVD(s) of ALL of the FULL SIZE, FULL RESOLUTION images taken at your wedding;
  • ONE custom 80-page 11″ x 13″ (or 12" x 12") Wedding Photobook–image-wrapped (hardback); available online for purchase of additional copies;
  • TWO custom 40-page 11″ x 13″ (12" x 12") Wedding Photobooks for parents or in-laws; available online for purchase of additional copies.
  • TWO hours on-location BRIDAL or ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION (before the wedding) OR TWO hour on-location HAPPILY EVER AFTER SESSION (after the wedding);
  • Travel within the Nashville, Tennessee area**.

*Please add an additional 9.25% (state sales tax).

**Outside of Nashville, TRAVEL EXPENSES are charged at the following rate: travel by car–50¢ per mile; travel by air–all travel expenses including but not limited to airfare, meals, lodging, and vehicle rental costs.

The EXTRAS

You may add any of the following options to your package:

  • Extra hour of photography–one photographer–$200/hour;
  • Extra hour of photography–two photographers–$300/hour;
  • ARTISTIC TREATMENT of selected images–$100/hour;
  • Custom Photobook UPGRADE–from 7″ x 7″ to 8″ x 10″ OR from 8″ x 10″ to 11″ x 13″ (or 12" x 12")–$200;
  • Custom Photobook UPGRADE–from image-wrapped (hardback) to traditional cloth bound–$400;
  • Additional hour for BRIDAL, ENGAGEMENT or HAPPILY EVER AFTER PHOTO SESSION–$200/hour;
  • Hosting your images online in a password-protected private gallery for one year–$100.

One More "Extra": The

HAPPILY EVER-AFTER

EXTRA

You may also schedule a Happily-Ever-After session which, simply put, is a relaxed photo shoot AFTER the wedding with just you and your spouse. Some couples pick their one-year anniversary for this date; others are equally happy with just any time after the wedding and while the dress still fits! The fee is $250/hour (unless I am/was your wedding photographer, in which case the fee is only $200/hour!) and you will receive a CD/DVD of full-sized, full-resolution digital images. Click on the link to the left to see a portfolio of images taken at a recent "Happily Ever After" session.

The DECISION

If your interest is piqued, if you have seen something you like in my portfolio, please contact me and we can discuss your needs over a cup of coffee (chai tea in my case) or a glass of iced tea. Didn’t find what you were looking for in my packages? Let’s talk! Email me to set up a time and place to meet. While you are thinking through your needs, take a peek at my wedding portfolio--the link is to the left--and enjoy! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

TAMARA GENTUSO

tsgentuso@yahoo.com

615-948-6499

http://www.gentusophotography.com