A: Wedding photography has experienced considerable change in the last decade. As photojournalism is the type of documentary photography used in such magazines as Life and National Geographic, “wedding photojournalism” is a similar style that has provided an alternative to traditional wedding photography. Wedding photojournalism illustrates heartfelt emotions. It avoids the prompted or posed look of the traditional style, with little or no intrusion. A reason for its popularity is due to the editorial style of photography seen in wedding magazines, like Grace Ormonde Wedding Style and Town & Country. Another reason is the personal coverage to each wedding that makes each couple’s album unique. It is not a series of arranged images throughout the day.

  There are many photographers who say that they do wedding photojournalism. In fact, many do. However, wedding photojournalism isn’t simply a black & white candid. Photojournalism has nothing to do with whether the image is black & white or color. There is a difference between candid photography and the technique of the wedding photojournalist. A photojournalist needs finely tuned skills of anticipation and observation: sensing, feeling, and seizing those decisive moments. The best photojournalists try to work quiet and discreetly. People act more like themselves when they are unaware that they are being photographed. The photojournalist can be “unseen” with their unobtrusive manner and the couple can really enjoy their family and friends.

  A: It is such an important decision when it comes to who your photographer will be. You want your wedding day to run smoothly, be beautiful, and really enjoy it like no other. There are a number of elements that make up your wedding. But when the day comes and goes, what you have left are the photographs. These images become your memories. How do you want to remember your day?

REFERRALS
There are so many photographers. How do you narrow your selection? Personal referrals is a great way to collect some names of people you may want to consider. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. You want to find out who had a great experience in working with a photographer, and also loved the results they produced.

WEBSITES
Websites are also key in narrowing your selection. This way you get a chance to browse portfolios without even stepping into someone's studio. You get a feel for there work, background, and what they're all about. Its a great way to pre-qualify photographers.

PERSONALITY
After you've made a list, call and ask questions. If you are calling a photographer in your area or within driving distance, definitely see if you can meet them in person. Some couples hire photographers out of the area whose work they love, or fly them out to a unique wedding location for a destination wedding. In those cases, when meeting in person may not be possible, be sure to spend time talking with them on the phone. It is important to choose someone you like and feel completely at ease with. You will be spending most of your wedding day with them and the connection you make with the photographers will come through in your images.

STYLE
Besides personality, style is essential. You should find a photographer whose work you connect with and love. They should be well versed and adept in their style. You want to not only see a portfolio of their work, which gives a great overview, you also need to see entire weddings. This will show your whether they have consistency in their skill and artistry.

We always say that you should love the photographer and their work. Then reserve them as soon as possible.

Article by Alisha Todd of Alisha & Brook Photographers

  A: We were featured this year in American PHOTO's "The 10 Best Wedding Photographers in the World". We have also had articles about us in national magazines including Studio Photography & Design, Rangefinder, Kodak's ProPass, and WPPI Monthly, as well as in the books The Best of Wedding Photography, The Best of Wedding Photojournalism and The Best of Portrait Photography. One of our images is currently being used in a national Kodak Ad running in several magazines. Our images have also been published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Weddingbells, The Knot, Desination Weddings & Honeymoons, Here Comes the Guide, and Elegant Bride.

To read more about us, please visit our F.A.Q. page, or our BLOG.

  A: We offer different packages with photography coverage from Alisha OR Brook. Also, we are both available to combine our talents and document your wedding celebration. Any of our packages can be customized to suit your needs.
As for albums, we use Leather Craftsmen. Incorporating learned skills from a fifth generation custom bookbinder, combined with the use of the finest quality materials, Leather Craftsmen has been producing wedding albums for close to 60 years. We not only offer their Fine Art Book, but also a magazine-style Gallery Book from Leather Craftsmen that are quite beautiful. We are also offering 2 other very unique books. One of these styles is made in Italy with stunning metal cover. The other is a hard bound book, like a photography book you display on your coffee table. Though all of our books look fabulous on your coffee table. We are happy to show you samples of these and discuss your needs and preferences.

Please contact us for detailed information us at (888) 686-1006.

  A: Our studio is based in the historic Hearst Building in San Francisco, located on 3rd and Market. Most of our work takes place in San Francisco and Napa, but ranges throughout the Bay area, which includes Carmel.

  We have photographed events nationally in Chicago, Washington D.C., Philedelphia, Baton Rouge, LA, Aspen, CO, and Oahu & Maui in Hawaii. As far as destination weddings internationally, we have traveled to Playa Del Carmen, Puerta Vallarta and Cabo in Mexico; and Tuscany (near Siena) in Italy.

  As regards travel fees, any place beyond the Bay Area in California, we would require hotel accommodations. Outside of California, we require roundtrip airfare, accommodations, and possibly rental car or transportation expenses covered as well.

  A: Unless you request otherwise, we do photograph the usual groups of the wedding party, family and bride & groom. It is an important part of recording your family history at your wedding. But it is just a small portion. We can get the groupings done in a short amount of time when it's well organized. You may wish to designate someone to gather people. We will not go up to pose everyone, just give a little direction when needed. We do not need a long list of "must have" photographs for the wedding day, simply because we are familiar with basic shots to be taken, and you don't want us tied to a list instead of capturing moments. However, we would like you to specify anything special that you want to make sure we capture. And any details, about anything unique to your wedding. We'll be sure to discuss all the details with you prior to the wedding.

  A: We send our Kodak film to our personal printer in Hollywood, to be developed and printed. You can request “sloppy borders” (rough edge), “keyline” (thin black border), or “full bleed” (no border-the image fills the print). Our reprint prices for color and black & white are as follows:
    11x 14 $65 (color only)
    8 x 10 $35
    5 x 7 $25
    4 x 6 $6

  We also offer through a different printer in LA, black & white fiber base prints. He is an artist in his own right and his handprinted photographs are not only beautiful, they are exceptional. These fine art prints are archival and museum quality. A variety of toning, borders and paper are available. The prices for black & white Premium Fiber prints are as follows:
    16 x 20 $210
    11 x 14 $150
    8 x 10 $75
    5 x 7 $45

  Premium Fine Art Fiber prints (special toning of selenium, sepia, copper, red, blue and split-toning & darkroom effects):
    16 x 20 $350
    11x 14 $250
    8 x 10 $125
    5 x 7 $75

Details: Additional fiber prints of the same photograph (and size) after the first print are 50% off. California Sales Tax is applicable for California residents.

  A: Certain times of the year book out a year in advance. Also, particular dates are more popular than others. We photograph a select number of weddings a year in order to maintain a high level of service and deliver the photographs in a few short months. Please call us for availability.
A retainer fee of $3000 is required to secure your date and will be applied towards your balance. At the time of booking us we will send you our contract. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. The rest of the balance is due 10 days before the wedding.

  A: Yes, we photograph different events such as fundraiser events, anniversary parties, wedding and baby showers, family reunions, and other special events.
Please call to discuss your needs.

  A:A family, baby or children's portrait session is $475, photographed by Alisha. This includes a combination of black & white and color 4 x 6 prints in 2 beautiful small handmade albums (Brag books) for the client to keep. Family or children's portraits are photographed on location outdoors using natural light or window light indoors. Alisha will travel to the beach or park or special place you had in mind. Please call to discuss. For baby portraits, Alisha feels the baby is most comfortable in its home environment. So she will come to the parent's home and use window or skylight coming in. Travel fees may apply. Please call to discuss.

  An engagement session is $500, which can be anywhere between Carmel up to Napa. Alisha & Brook have some favorite spots in a few different locations. The engagement session will include two locations in close proximity. Two handmade albums with black & white, color, and cross-processed 4 x 6 prints is included for the clients to keep.

  A: Choose solid colored clothes and not a material with a print, which can be distracting and take away from the subject. If it is a family or couple you should be well coordinated, not necessarily matching, unless you want to. Alisha can discuss your ideas and help you choose what to wear if you need.

  A: If you would like to! Professional make up is a great idea since they know how to apply makeup to you for photography and bring out your features in a natural, beautiful way.

  A: Yes, we do. You can purchase a portrait or engagement session or choose the amount you wish to give gift as a credit with Alisha & Brook Photography.

   Please call or fill out our Order Form. We will mail you the gift certificate boxed with a ribbon or we can ship directly to whom you wish to give your gift.