For those of you searching for a photographer, and need helpful tips/advice your selection- search no further! I had the pleasure interviewing Joe Sanfilippo’s experience and passion in photography. Please read My Bridal Budget’s interview with Joe Sanfilippo. In addition, please visit www.joesanfilippophotography.com to see his albums and to read his blog. Contact him to learn more about his packages and rates & Book your 2011 event today!
Q & A
Q:Give a description of your background- such as education, professional organizations, and how long you have been in this field?
A: I have been photographing weddings professionally for 3 years now, and I truly cannot think of another job I would rather have. I always tell everyone I have the best job in the world!
I have been a photographer for as long as I can remember, I remember taking photos with my father’s cameras when I was kid, then going in his darkroom and developing the film with him. Since then, I have studied photography while attending online courses, workshops, but got most of my experience while assisting other wedding photographers throughout the years.
Q: What advice can you give to a couple when they are in the process of selecting Photographer?
A: So many variables go into choosing a wedding photographer- price, style, options, etc. But to make your wedding photographer selection go smoothly, try to follow these steps below!
Start with selecting photographers who has a style you absolutely love! Then try to find one who is within your budget, your photos will last forever so try to keep that in mind when budgeting!
Once you know what you want and what you can afford make sure you do the following:
a) Meet with your photographer and see if you like his or her personality. You will be spending a good part of your wedding day with your wedding photographer and if your personalities don’t mix, it will show in the photos and you and your photographer will be very unhappy.
b) Make sure he or she is insured and carries back up equipment!! There are no do-overs on your wedding day. Also, most venues require your vendors to carry liability insurance.
c) Book your photographer early; we tend to book up quickly. It is something you don’t want to have wait until the last minute and then get stuck with a photographer you are not happy with.
d) ALWAYS Remember that your photos are the only thing you have to look back on after the wedding day! Make sure you are totally happy with your decision before you sign a contract!
Q: What is the difference between photojournalistic and traditional shots?
A: The difference is mainly the way the shot is captured. Basically a true photojournalist is going to be following around the bride, groom and guests waiting for moments to unfold while trying to blend in with the crowd and go unnoticed throughout the day.
Traditional shots are usually posed or even staged. Some traditional style photographers will shoot off of a list for the entire day making sure every shot the bride and groom requests is taken. I always tell my clients to refer to their parents wedding album to see some traditional photography.
Q: What do you consider your photography style to be?
A: Artistic Photojournalism.
Q: During a ceremony and/or reception, how do you know when to capture that “perfect shot”?
A: My job during the wedding is to keep my eyes peeled always looking for the “perfect shot” or what I would rather call the “perfect moment”.. But, How do I know when to capture the moment? Its mostly instinct and trying to anticipate what’s going on (not easy to do), having my finger ready on the trigger, I also like to get to know my clients before the wedding so I have a good idea of how they will act on their wedding day!
Q: In today’s economy, some couples may not choose photography for their wedding because of their limited budget, why do you think it is important to have a photographer for a wedding?
A: I think out of any service that would be cut, photography should be the last thing to even think about removing. After the food is eaten, the band has played, the flowers died and your dress is packed away; photos are the only thing you will have left to remember all of the details and thought you put into this big day!!
Q: After the event, what is your turn around time to give photos to a client?
A: I am pretty quick with my turnaround time. I have given clients their photos in as little as a week, but during busy times of year it can take up to a month. But this year, 2 weeks has been my average turn around.
Q: How much direction or posing do you do during the day of the event?
A: Not much. I usually will put the bride and groom in a position that feels natural to them and have them interact with each other and do their own thing while I capture the moments and natural emotion in between. Most couples are not used to being in front of a camera all day long, they are not models, and so I don’t treat them as such.
Q: Are you willing to have a couple’s input on the photos that they want?
A: As an artist, I see a shot and I take it! If a client asks for a specific shot on the wedding day, I have no problem taking it, as long as I get all of the shots that I know I need to get. I want my clients to have enough trust in me to know I am going to get the right shots!
Q:Do you think updating photography technology & equipment is necessary in your field?
A: I wouldn’t say its necessary in an artistic sense. There are still guys out there shooting film, not many, but they are out there. It’s the photographer’s vision, and technical knowledge that makes the photo the camera is just a tool.
While the technology advances today are not 100% necessary, they do offer us many more creative possibilities when it comes to wedding photography and that alone is reason enough for me!
Q: Have you handled events of any type and size before?
A: I have shot events of all types and sizes. My preference has always been weddings though. I have shot backyard weddings of 50 people total, with my largest wedding ever having 400+ guests.
The small weddings are nice and intimate and really allow you to be a part of the wedding day; while the large weddings have so much going on in every corner of the room you never know what’s going to happen!! I love this Job!!
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