What’s it like to work with you?
My guiding principle is to care for my clients. On the enneagram, I’m a one — a perfectionist. I hold myself to the highest standards of professionalism and artistry. When you book with me, you begin a boutique experience under my expert guidance. In the months of planning ahead of your celebration, I’ll share my insider information on a variety of topics, and I’ll always be available to answer any questions that arise.
By the day of your wedding, we’ll be ready with a plan you feel confident in. And I’ll be ready if anything goes awry. My years of experience have taught me when to step in and curate a scene. (Even the simple act of straightening a bowtie can enhance an image) And I also know when to step back and let a moment speak for itself. When you work with me, you can enjoy your life-changing day with the relaxed confidence that you’re in the hands of a consummate and capable professional.
What type of equipment & insurance do you have?
I photograph with state-of-the-art digital and film gear. I have two Canon 5D Mark IV full-frame digital cameras as well as a Hasselblad H1 medium-format film camera, plus a full suite of prime lenses. I have full liability insurance.
How many images do we get, and when do we get them?
I deliver images as high-resolution jpeg files in an incredible online gallery, which includes a year of complimentary cloud storage. Giving you that gallery is my absolute highest priority, and you can expect to receive your images within four to six weeks of your wedding day. Because I only deliver images that meet my highest professional standards, I don’t provide a set number of photographs. In general, you can expect to receive 50 to 80 images per hour of coverage.
Do we need to give you a photo list?
Throughout the process, we’ll discuss what elements of your wedding are the most important to you. On your final details call with me, I’ll make sure that I have a list of all the family photos you’re hoping for, and all the details that are the most meaningful to you and your partner. Beyond that, you can count on my experience and artistry to ensure you have images that will endure for life.
Do you shoot film or digital?
As a hybrid photographer, I shoot in both formats. As an artist, using a film camera connects me with the photographers I’ve admired throughout history. As a professional, using a digital camera allows me to take advantage of the latest tools. I use my best judgment to decide when the right moment is for each, and you’ll love the look of all of your photographs.
Should we do an engagement session?
Absolutely. Making the decision to get married is an amazing moment in life, and it deserves to be documented. More than that, doing an engagement session is a great way to get to know your photographer and to get a preview for how you’ll look and feel in front of the camera. We are all used to iPhone photos at this point, but being photographed by a professional is a new experience. Plus, engagement session images are perfect for save-the-dates and wedding websites.
What if one of us doesn’t love being photographed?
Most often, this question comes from brides about their husbands-to-be. It’s perfectly normal to be a little camera shy if you’ve never had professional photographs taken. The good news is that an engagement session is an easy way to get comfortable in front of a camera. Over the years, I’ve had plenty of people tell me that they are nervous about being photographed, but I’ve always found that they loved the experience after. You’ll be surprised at how natural you feel during the session, and you’ll love the way your essence as a couple is captured.
Will you help me with my timeline?
When you book me as your photographer, I’m with you for the whole journey. Throughout the process I’ll offer my expert advice on anything you ask, from bridal party outfits to flowers. And I consider putting together a photography timeline to be one of my most important priorities. About two months before your wedding, we’ll set up a phone call to discuss your day. From there, I’ll sketch out a detailed timeline for us to review together. There’s no better feeling on your wedding day than having a plan you feel fully confident in.
What happens if you get sick?
I have never missed a wedding in my life, and I don’t plan on missing one in the future. However, I do have a plan for the remote possibility that I am physically unable to photograph your wedding. I have a team of accomplished and skilled professional photographers who are able to take my place in an emergency.
Who is your team?
I hold every member of my team to my robust standards. I hand-pick my second photographers based on their artistic eye, their professionalism and their images. And I train them to make sure that they act with the care you would expect from anyone at Asher Gardner Photography. If your collection includes a second photographer or an assistant, you can be fully confident in their work.