Frequently Asked Questions

What is your style?
Authentic, photojournalistic, and classic. Nothing overly trendy. In my mind, timelessness trumps trendiness. My style is largely documentary: I aim to work as unobtrusively as possible, but will help guide you from time to time. 

How many weddings have you shot?
 300+

Are you available to shoot my wedding?
To check my availability, please use the Contact Form or email me at mike@mikesearsphotography.com, and I will aim to get back to you asap.

How many images will I get?
About 13 or 14 final images - JUST KIDDING! - 600-800, but the total number of images depends on hours of coverage, of course. I believe in quality over quantity.

How do I receive my photographs?
All edited images are uploaded onto a private/password protected online gallery (Pixieset) from which you can view, share, download, and purchase images, including full resolution file sizes. This online gallery also serves as a backup archive for your memories.

Can I print the photographs on my own?
Yes! Download the high-resolution photos from your gallery and print them anywhere you want. They are all yours! 

When do I get my photographs?
Within a day of your wedding, I'll share with you a handful of images as a "sneak peek" of what is to come. Within a month after your wedding, you will receive your gallery.

What do you mean by edited photos? What do you do to them after you take the pictures?
Once I return home from a wedding, there is quite a bit of work that begins. I upload all of the RAW images to three hard drives to ensure I have backups immediately. I methodically go through each and every image on my MacBook Pro. Then I edit the images in Adobe Lightroom which involves color correcting, tonal adjustments, contrast and vibrance boosts, clarity adjustments for smoothing skin, cropping, etc. 

Do I need two photographers?
Not necessarily. I shoot many weddings solo. What I will tell you, however, is that including a second shooter in your package is money well spent. A second shooter means more photos taken from different locations and perspectives. For example, if I am shooting a ceremony in a church aisle, the second photographer can be capturing epic shots from the upper balcony. A second photographer also helps make the family and wedding party formals go faster as we can divide shoot in half the time.

Do you have backup gear/equipment? What's in your bag?
Yes. I shoot full-frame Sony’s (A9 and A7riii) and Leica cameras, and have multiple lenses and lighting gear.

Do you photograph a 'first look' ?
Yes! The first look is great way for the bride and groom to see and spend time with one another in an intimate and relaxed way prior to the ceremony. It also allows us to possibly get a good amount of the family and wedding party formals photographed before the ceremony, giving the two of you more time to spend with guests at the cocktail hour. See a Sample Wedding Day Timeline Here!

What happens if something were to happen to you and you were unable to shoot our wedding?
Good question! Remember the idea of a second shooter being money well spent? All of my second shooters are seasoned pros who could step in for me as the primary photographer in the event something catastrophic happened to me. In addition, I have an extensive network of wedding photographer colleagues to whom I could turn to in a moment’s notice to fill my shoes. Let’s hope this were to never happen, but rest assured, I have a plan and process in place, and were the worst to occur, your wedding would be photographed by an experienced and talented shooter.

How do you come dressed to shoot our special day?
I dress respectfully and conservatively, but typically never a tie or suit. If you want me to wear my good shoes, let me know!

Do you shoot formals on the wedding day?
Yes. I ask for a list of these group shots in advance so I can photograph them as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can get on with the important business of enjoying your day!

Ok, so how do we book you for our wedding?
A 30% retainer and a signed contract will secure your date. The balance is due 2 weeks prior to the wedding day.

Are you insured?
Yes! Certificate available upon request. Good question!!