How many years have you been shooting weddings? I have been happily documenting weddings 6 years.
What’s your educational background? I have a BSBA in Accounting/Finance from Robert Morris University and also worked as a software developer for 9 years. I am self taught in photography and continually attend workshops/seminars/conventions each year to enhance my skills.
Do you work alone or with an assistant? I always have an assistant with me on a wedding day. This assistant always has a camera too, but their main job is to make sure that I have everything I need to do my job well.
Are there additional photographers at your studio, or are you the only shooter? I am the only photographer for the studio.
Do you shoot film or digital? I shoot Digital 99.99% of the time but occasionally will shoot film in addition to digital, especially if my clients request it.
Do you use any special equipment? I use Nikon Professional Equipment.
What shot of yours seems to be your favorite for most of your weddings? Every wedding is different and I do not stage any moments, so each wedding produces unique favorites of mine.
How many weddings do you usually shoot per year? 20 - 25
How many shots do you usually take at a wedding? Varies greatly, but deliver only the best of the best.
What is the price range of your wedding packages? Our packages begin at $3500
Do you offer Engagement pictures? Our packages include an engagement session. We love the engagement session because it gives us a chance to connect and learn about each other. I get to see how you interact as a couple and you get to see how I am with the camera. This helps us build a relationship so when I show up for your wedding, I am your friend with a camera and not just “the photographer”. I do approach engagement sessions very differently than I do weddings, because we do have time to interact with each other and we are trying to create nice portraits. Most times couples are uncomfortable in front of the camera at first, and then by the end they are pros. Some direction is necessary on my part to help you feel comfortable and look your best for the pictures.
How far are you willing to travel for a wedding? I will travel wherever you would like me to travel for your wedding. I have documented weddings throughout the US and Mexico.
Do you give away or retain the rights to reproduce your pictures? We retain copyright of the images however we provide you with an image release document for reprinting rights. This enables you to use the digital negatives for printing, website, email, facebook, etc...
How long do you archive the negatives or files from a wedding? We archive the photos for 1 year after your wedding album is delivered.
Do you see any new trends in wedding photography? Wedding photography definitely follows trends. It is more important to me, to create timeless images rather than trendy images. I want your wedding album only to be dated by hairstyles, automobiles and attire, not by special effect or trendy album presentation options.
What makes you better than your competitors? This is a funny question. I guess there is somewhat of a friendly competition between my colleagues, but honestly I feel that if a client connects with me and my style of photography, then they will hire me. If they do not, that is OK too, because I know they will be in good hands with my colleagues.
Describe your target market segment for weddings? Any bride/groom that wants their photographer to quietly observe and discover genuine moments throughout the day. They are looking for their story to be captured authentically rather than being contrived and orchestrated. This goes back to my “timeless” philosophy. They are looking for “Life” in their images of real moments that capture the feeling of their story and their day.
Tell us about the best wedding you ever shot? I like to think the next wedding I document will be the best wedding ever. This is the mindset that I get in for each event I am about to observe. This enables me to stay focused and motivated to find unique stories to tell.
Do you have a facebook or twitter page? Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/burke.david Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburke
What is your most effective form of marketing? Definitely Word of Mouth referrals. Whether it be from a previous client or vendor that I have built a relationship with over the years, these referrals are the best ones. Most people trust their friends rather than an advertisement or mailer.
How do brides find you most often? Most brides find us through referrals or via our website (http://davidburkephoto.com)
Do you carry any backup equipment? I always have backup equipment with me. You never know when a piece of equipment may fail. You have to be ready for anything the day throws at you.
Can my friends and family to order reprints directly from you? We have a partnership with pictage.com that enables our clients, their families and friends to view the entire engagement/wedding gallery and place orders through the website. We also are here if you would like something custom or more hand-crafted.
Do you post your proofs on the internet? Yes via Pictage. http://pictage.com Over the years we have used several services for print fulfillment orders. Pictage continues to raise the bar of customer satisfaction and superb service. We are very happy to partner with them.
How many hours will you be with me? Our packages are customized based on your specific needs. I can tell you that most clients need 8 hours of coverage beginning to end. If the event takes place in one location, sometimes you can get away with 6 hours coverage. If you need more than 8 hours we can definitely accommodate your needs.
Do you offer printed or computer proofs? Our proofing is done digitally, however we can provide paper proofs as an add-on to your package.
What do you usually wear to a wedding? My assistants and I dress professionally in all black. Sometimes we wear jackets (sport coats) and sometimes not. If we are doing a destination wedding in Mexico, on the beach we will probably wear white or khaki to blend in.
Do you work from a shot list? I do not work from a shot list, because this distracts from what it is I actually do. If I am focused on a shot list, I will not be able to observe, discover and react to the moments in front of me. I do welcome a List of Family Formal shots though. I give this list to my assistant and we work with someone from your family to insure that we gather all of the appropriate people for the family photographs. Our bridal party and family formal session lasts 20-30 minutes. Quick and Painless ;-)
May the bride requests specific shots? Specific shots as in portraits with people, group shots, family shots, absolutely. Our brides trust that we are going to capture all of the necessary shots throughout the day, that will tell the story.
How long after the wedding does it take to get proofs? 2 to 4 weeks.
How long after the final order does it take to get the album? Once and album is finalized and ready for print it takes up to 8 weeks depending on the time of year.
