"Everyone we know on the east coast has seen the pictures, and love them." - Chris M.
Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do your prices compare with other area photographers?
A: As one of the only full-time and full-service professional photographic studios in this area, our prices are lower than the national average for full-time working professional studios. Tony has accumulated 25+ years of photographic experience. Facing many different situations and responding to them has built a skill-base that cannot be matched by someone who has only been photographing weddings for a short time. TLC Photography is a full-time studio, too. Tony & Diana do not have side jobs, or a spouse who works in another profession to provide their living expenses. Tony & Diana are committed imaging professionals whose only concentration is that of photography and imaging. In short, you aren't buying just a photographer, you are buying a lifetime guarantee of quality, customer service, and a commitment to wonderful images. Read more about Tony and Diana.
Q: Do you have a CPP or other title?
A: Professor, sometimes, is about it. The CPP program is sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America, which photographers must pay to be a member of. The program puts strict requirements on photographers who must pay to submit images, take a test, and then be deemed a professional. While these accolades are nice for those photographers to whom the honors are bestowed, they are given by other photographers. I prefer to let my clients select me based on my work, my customer service, and my approach to life. It costs less to smile, and I don't have to take any written tests. :o) Oh, the professor part comes from being a professor at Shepherd University since 2001. I have taught Studio Photography and Sports Photography there.
Q: What is the difference between a traditional and digital album?
A: Traditional albums are essentially designed with a "pictures per page" concept, meaning that each page holds a certain number of pictures. Those pictures are mounted behind mats, and the mats are mounted into slip pages. The slip pages are then mounted into an album cover. The advantage to these types of albums is that they are well-built and available in a wide variety of colors, styles and finishes. A digital album, on the other hand, is designed on the computer. The images are laid out onto a single sheet of photographic paper, and then mounted onto a hard-backed page insert in the album. The album is then bound. The advantage of digital albums is the layout is freeform and there are no mat restrictions, giving the creativity of layouts an open door.
Q: How soon should I book a photographer?
A: We let you be your own guide. Honestly, the sooner you book the better off you will be when it comes to making sure you get the photographer you want. It's the same theory in booking your reception venue, or your entertainment. If they aren't available, then you don't get them. We have one highly-experienced wedding photographer, and Tony generally only does one complete wedding per day. If he's booked, you will either have to find someone else, or accept an associate's recommendation. Booking only costs $500 for the retainer, and you know you have us for that date. Even if you can't settle on the package or products you want to include, at least you can relax knowing that you have booked a photographer.
Q: How can I save money on wedding photography?
A: First, keep this in mind: After your wedding, you get to keep two very important things - the rings and the pictures. Everything else that you purchase for the wedding is for others, and usually are not as well-remembered as the rings and photos. With that in mind, we created the Bridal Registry Card which will give friends and family the opportunity to contribute money toward things you want to purchase after the wedding. Book for your wedding time and previews, and the cost-saving print-packs. Then tell everyone you want money toward your albums or DVDs instead of a toaster or picture frame. We are preparing a new program whereby family and close friends can pre-purchase wedding products (including enlargements) and get 50% more than they paid for. You'll see information on the website once it is introduced.
Q: Are there fees for travel or peak periods.
A: No, we don't pile on fees to drive up the profits. All our wedding packages include mileage up to 50 miles from our studio. After that, a modest per-mile fee will be assessed. There is no lump fee, and we rarely add the travel fee inside 100 miles anyway. We also do not charge extra or exclude certain packages just because it is peak period. We want you to have your wedding photography your way, and not be nickel and dimed in the process.
Q: Do you go to bridal shows?
A: We attend one bridal show every few years, and are in the process of planning one now. The trouble with bridal shows is that most show hosts are only in it for the profit it brings from the vendor booths and/or ticket sales. There's little or no pre-screening process, so virtually anyone who says they are a wedding vendor can set up a table. The problem with that is that you aren't truly seeing professionals offering their services. In many cases, there are too many choices, and you leave feeling more confused than enlightened. The ultimate bridal show would have vendors that were full-time professionals in their field, and whose main business is what they have to offer to you.
Q: What other photographers do you recommend in this area?
A: This area is so diverse, with hundreds of new families moving in every year. As a result, what you are looking for in photography may differ dramatically from what someone else is looking for. But I have worked with and seen the approach of several other photographers in this area. At this time, there is one photographer in Martinsburg who has done consistent work and one in Winchester who has done well, also. The rest are part-time photographers with whose work I'm unfamiliar.