What is Eye Wander Photo?
A boutique wedding & portrait photography experience.

What’s up with the name of your company “Eye Wander Photo”?
While a student at LSU studying photography in 2003 (my first major in college), I found myself eerily drawn to the intricate details of the human eye. After photographing many eyes extremely closeup at parties, I decided I wanted the word “Eye” in my business name. During a talk with a good philosophical friend of mine, Robert, we started talking about the great all-seeing wandering eye mentioned in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. I then realized that had to be the name of my business – Eye Wander Photo. Ok, maybe not what you hoped for?

How do you identify your primary photographic style?
Documentary with an edge! I love fashion photography styled-portraits for the bride and groom while I provide purely documentary photojournalism for the wedding ceremony and reception. I enjoy capturing raw emotion without much interference on my part.

Do you take posed photos of the wedding party and families at weddings?
While my style is certainly more documentary than posed, as I prefer creating natural photos in a natural environment to create the best memories and facial expressions, I do family and group shots on request, focusing primarily on creating these portraits in a timely manner so as not to disrupt the flow of the wedding day. I spend extra time with the newlywed couple either prior to the ceremony in an optional “first look” private session or a post ceremony private session to create beautiful artwork of the couple. These relaxed photos turn into the true artwork that is the basis of the final wedding album “art book”. These flush mounted wedding albums are discussed later.

About how many photos would you say are generally taken during a typical wedding ceremony/reception? The good ones – not the total number!
While I shoot upwards of 1300 in a 6 hour period, I usually edit the number down to 300-450 on average. Speaking only of the final number of images, I shoot about 90-100 photos per hour. I believe in presenting only the best images to my discerning clients and if that number happens to be less than the average quantity, then so be it. But the quality won’t be sacrificed. I don’t believe in providing so many photos to a couple that they get sick of looking through them all. In my experience as wedding photographers, I learned that fewer choices make for an easier decision when narrowing them down for the final album.

What is your pre-wedding consultation like?
Super fun! We watch movies and party. Ok but seriously, whenever possible, I strongly encourage in-person meetings for the initial pre-wedding consultations. It’s the best way for both of us to know if I’m the right fit! I like to get to know my clients very well so I can truly become a part of their lives such that on the wedding day, I’m able to blend in like a fly on the wall. During my meetings, I love sharing my outgoing yet sensitive personality. If meeting in person isn’t possible due to long distances, I have no problem speaking with a couple over the phone and through email. After the initial pre-consultation process, 90% of all my communication is via email and texting. Generally am quick to respond to emails and texts (except in cases of extremely high workloads or if I’m out of town).

Describe any special techniques and retouching you offer:
We custom color correct every single image taken. We process some B&W, others “vintage” style, some sepia, while others take on funky looks with strong contrast and punchy colors inherent in cross-processed film. While this color correction is not technically “retouching”, we do fix blemishes on a per-request basis at an additional fee. We do minor blemish removal for the majority of the photos which go into the final album.

What type of cameras do you use – digital or film?
The highest quality full-frame “35mm” Nikon digital SLR D3s cameras. These cameras shoot in insanely low light. Though some days for personal work on personal shoots I bust out the Hasselblad for fun. F-I-L-M…not a “four-letter-word”…though I haven’t shot film at a wedding since 2005.

Which lighting situations do you have experience with?
Every type of lighting on earth. I prefer overcast when possible but enjoy late afternoon and dusk “magic hour” lighting also. Candlelight is great for rehearsal dinners. Yes, I photograph rehearsal dinners also. My cameras can shoot in light so low it’s hard for my eyes to even focus. It’s not the best situation, but it’s possible.

Should I do an engagement session or a bridal session or both?
I believe the engagement session to be a necessary addition to any wedding photo package. In fact, if you book me, you’ll get this session automatically. It’s FREE within the base package. This is a time where I really get to know my clients and they get to know me, getting comfortable in front of my camera. During a consultation, we collaborate and “design” the session by discussing the locations and clothing for the for the client as well as a good bit about the client’s hobbies. I learn how they met, about the proposal, and places they like to visit together.

Using this information, I craft a customized portrait session that is special for my unique clients. With these photos, my clients have wall art with which they can decorate their new home. This art, unlike the wedding day photos, will have a long-term place on their walls because they are casual lifestyle portraits of the couple as they really are and won’t tend to get “old” over time like the wedding day portraits. Would you really want a wedding portrait hanging in your living room 3-4 years after the wedding? You may, but it’s not likely. I even suggest multiple engagement sessions, otherwise known as a casual portrait session, during different times of the year in differerent locations so that your wall art that is derived from these sessions is extremely diverse in color, light and vibe, enriching your home’s walls even more.

Regarding the bridal session, I do them with just about every bride as a way to not only document her beauty in a relaxed two hour session but also to provide her a large portrait for the wedding reception. This session can be substituted for a post-wedding newlywed session of the couple in wedding attire or for a bridal boudoir session.

What is a bridal boudoir session? Sounds interesting.
Boudoir is a French term meaning “to pout”. I offer a very sensual bridal boudoir session in which a bride-to-be is photographed just before doing the formal bridal session on the same day, or even on the morning of the wedding day in ideal lighting. The session will be carried out in a comfortable studio-like environment with controlled lighting such as the bride’s bedroom or around the house. The photos will be retouched from the session to hide any blemishes. A professional makeup & hair artist will be provided for every session as well.

Depending on the level of “sexiness” desired in the shoot, the woman will be wearing her wedding day lingerie in the majority of the photos with perhaps a bridal veil in her hair. She can have the wedding gown on in other shots as she is either putting it on or taking it off. In some photos the woman may be topless either covering her chest discreetly or if desired, photographed uncovered. This session can be an excellent gift to a bride’s new husband in the form of a small book of images or a few gift prints/canvases. This session will be done with upmost attention paid to the full comfort of the subject as well as to her privacy. These images are simply beautiful works of art.

Should I have my rehearsal dinner photographed or filmed?
Yes, absolutely! In a nutshell, the rehearsal dinner is one of the most intimate and emotional times during the entire wedding process which rightfully deserves proper coverage, both with video/audio recording and photography. Think about who will attend the dinner – only your closest friends and family.

They will likely pour their true feelings into you both in a very relaxed yet emotional environment. I’ve captured some of the most treasured memories at a rehearsal that would never happen on the actual wedding day. There’s such an amazing energy and anticipation level during the rehearsal that it just has to be captured! Consider having the dinner filmed professionally as you won’t want to miss those rare speeches that will be given.

How many photographers do you have for the wedding day?
I am the primary photographer and always offer an additional photographer to cover the other angles I’m not able to cover. I strongly recommend a second photographer not only to capture the guys getting ready before the ceremony, but also better reception photos and more opportunities for great candid shots! Also, it’s best to capture those moments with your dad (or whomever it is) just before he/she walks you down the aisle. Those tender moments must be documented.

Do you guarantee your presence at the actual wedding?
Always.

Do you sometimes book yourself for more than one wedding in a day?
Almost never. However, if a couple has a super short early afternoon wedding I may under rare circumstances shoot an evening wedding, but ONLY if there’s NO chance of me being late for the evening wedding. This happened twice in 10 years of shooting weddings. So again, rarely.

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
Absolutely. A few actually. But I rarely, if ever, had had to call on these trusty backups.

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
Two top-of-the-line professional Nikon bodies (D4 and D3s which I shoot simultaneously), an arsenal of lenses (about 8 in all), a few extra batteries, 3-4 flashes, studio lights for group portraits, tripod used seldom, pocket wizards for triggering my flashes wirelessly and an assistant to set it all up and tear it down.

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yep, always. An identical backup as my primary camera actually.

Do you require a meal break at weddings? If yes, do you require that the wedding party provide your meal?
Yes, though my assistant grabs the food and drink and I sometimes keep my camera in hand in case a good moment happens as I eat. I generally like to eat at weddings and if I can’t put the camera down my assistant gets me a plate.

How many breaks do you usually take throughout the day?
1 break in a 5 hour period of only 5-10 min to eat/drink/use restroom.

Do you charge for travel?
Minimal $0.65/mile (roundtrip) to cover gas. Only charged if event is beyond the Greater Baton Rouge (GBR) area. New Orleans is considered outside the GBR area. I am available for travel worldwide at the cost of plane ticket for myself and my assistant, and lodging/food and a little extra to cover missed time in the office.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
4-5 weeks, though typically 4 weeks, with the slowest turnaround time in mid-spring and mid-fall.

In what format are the initial proofs offered? Do you offer online proofing?
The couple will come into my studio and view the best images on my large projector screen. During this meeting, the clients will choose their favorite images for their wedding album. Also, the clients are given a copy of the proof book containing every image (6 small images per page) as well as the website link to their online gallery of images.

How long can the couple keep the proofs?
Digital proofs are online 3 months. After that time email me to repost the event online FOUR MORE WEEKS. The proof book including every image included with the base package is yours to keep forever.

Do you provide clients rights to publish photos online?
I do offer free small versions of watermarked files for Facebook/online use only. Any client who purchases the copyright release and hi-res files on DVD may also print the high quality files as often as they like.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
For weddings I now include the copyright release on a USB flash drive as part of the wedding package available 6 months after the wedding. This is only included with the purchase of a full wedding package. Digital files from portrait sessions is not an option as we handle the printing for you in an effort to control quality of the work to ultimately be hung on your wall.

The wedding day copyright form will include all .jpeg images (final edited down number). Along with the USB flash drive, you’ll have to sign a copyright consent form which you keep with the disc at all times. This form gives you rights to make prints so that you will not be hassled by a photo lab about copying/printing professional photographs. You may post them online and do anything you wish EXCEPT you may not sell them and you may not make copies of the disc to distribute to anyone other than to make a personal backup copy for yourself. I retain exclusive rights to the sale of the images and rely on sales from friends/family to make a living in this profession. So even with the purchase of a disc, I request you keep the images for your own personal use and don’t hinder my ability to get print sales from family/friends.

What is your copyright policy?
I retain full copyright to the images once taken however I offer you the ability to post images online and make reprints of the images if you purchase the hi-res DVD. You may make a backup copy of this disc for personal use but may not give this disc to others as I rely on the sale of reprints to stay in business. Copying the low-resolution photos off my website or making scans of my prints is strictly prohibited and is a breach of contract.

What is your deposit fee and how do I book you for my wedding?
$1000 is the non-refundable deposit payable via check or cash only. I require a contract be signed with every client as well.

When is the final payment due? Any other terms of payment?
30 days before the wedding.

What kind of albums do you offer?
The finest flush albums/coffee table books available from GraphiStudio, Floricolor, Couture Books and Iris Fine Art Books. I also design and create custom hard bound photo guest sign in books using the couple’s engagement photos and/or bridal session. In addition to flush albums for the bride and groom, I offer smaller identical books for parents.

What is the process for getting the final wedding book?
When the client comes into the studio approx. 4 weeks after the wedding to view the edited images from the wedding, I provide my professional advice on which images would work best in the album. I make this process as easy as possible by only requiring the client to choose the top 20-40 images among the formals and reception photos. I choose the rest in order to make a masterpiece. The album is then added to a waiting list as I design on a first come-first serve basis. The album generally takes 3 (but up to 6) months before it’s designed and delivered to the client.

How long does it take to deliver a book?
Once fully designed and approved by the client via email, the process of printing, binding and shipping takes approx. 3-4 weeks. The waiting period before the album is designed can take up to 4 months.

Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, I am a legally operating small business corporation and I certainly charge 9% sales tax to all orders/sessions occurring within the state of Louisiana. If you live outside Louisiana but your session is in Louisiana, I will charge you 9% sales tax. If you live outside Louisiana and I travel to your state for the session, will not charge sales tax. I will charge sales tax on all sessions involving the ultimate sale of a product (prints/products/disc). I will not charge sales tax to any session that ONLY involves my time and does not result in the sale of any product whatsoever. The session fee is taxed when an order of any kind is placed.

What are your rates for wedding photography? Do you charge hourly or full day?
Hourly with a very simple a la carte pricing structure. My wedding pricing starts at $3800 + tax. This base price includes
-engagement session (COMPLEMENTARY 2 hrs session – $250 value)
-6 hours of my time on wedding day (priceless) – extra FREE hour if you opt for First Look
-2nd photographer for 5 hours on wedding day ($400 value)
-10×10 basic flush mounted wedding album w/ 65 images (photo or combo fabric/photo color) valued at $1320
-Copyright release of ALL final images available 6 months after wedding ($2000 value)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT WEDDING PRICING WITH ADD-ONS.

I always offer the option to add rehearsal dinner coverage for an hourly fee which is beneficial to both of us so I can become familiar with your family as well as capture intimate photos of your closest friends and family. These photos often contain more emotion than wedding day photos!

Are you available for shooting overtime? If so, how much do you charge for overtime?
Yes, $300 extra per hour.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards (AmEx, Visa, MasterCard, Discover). We do NOT accept a credit card for the initial $1000 deposit (cash or check only for deposit) but we do accept them for all remaining balance payments.

Do you offer any payment options?
Yes, I allow clients to pay as they see fit in small amounts every month if you like. We can put your credit card on file and auto-draft your account a pre-determined amount each month. The balance is due in full 30 days before the wedding day. I also offer a bridal registry. See details in the next question.

Do you offer a bridal registry?
Absolutely! Every client has the opportunity to allow friends and family to help pay for their flush mounted wedding album by donating a small monetary gift to the bridal registry. The wedding album is the greatest investment of all in the photography package so why not allow your friends and family to help you add more pages to your first family heirloom? Each donation received on behalf of the client through my website is deducted from the client’s balance. Every little bit helps! This is all done online in a secure website payment environment.

Do you offer videography?
Not directly, but we do refer all video inquiries to Daniel Jones, owner of FILMSBYDAN who is a top notch BATON ROUGE AND NEW ORLEANS WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER.They are a fantastic, energetic excited group of video professionals based in Baton Rouge, but available for travel worldwide. We work perfect together and our work compliments each other. They use my stills in their video! When you book both of our companies together to document your wedding.

Are you a member of any professional associations?
Yes, I am a member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and I stay very close in touch with most professional photographers in Baton Rouge.

How long after the wedding can we expect to receive the finished products?
The photo proofs are presented to the couple 4-5 weeks after the wedding. Products including photo canvases & reprints can be ordered immediately after that point and print orders will be fulfilled within 14 days. However, our custom designed coffee table books are designed in the order they’re received so this book could take up to 5 months to receive after the photo list is submitted to me. Either you or I choose the photos to be included in the final album. We can design quicker generally if our clients trust us to select the wedding photos for the wedding album. The design could take up to 4 months and the printing/binding is about a 3.5 week turnaround time. You will receive an email link to view your proof of the design after we complete it and you’ll be able to make changes page-by-page until the design is EXACTLY as you like it.

How long do you keep the digital files in your archives? How do you archive them?
The images are redundantly stored on multiple hard drives in multiple locations for approx. 18 months after the event. After a year the images are deleted from my hard drives and archived only on DVD and stored in a large fire-proof gun safe. The photos are only available for purchase up until 18 months after the event. However we will pull the images from the archives after 12 months (if we still have the DVD).

Do you have any contracts? If so, what are the expectations for each party? If not, are you opposed to us drawing one up just to guarantee we get everything we paid for on time and in the quality of what we paid for?
We handle our detailed contracts electronically and the contract has been reviewed by my lawyer so the language is approved in a court of law. There is a section on the contract in which you can make amendments to your photo package and you can add in extra items or changes there.

Wedding Photography Editing Process
After your wedding day, all of the images that were taken have to be edited. There are two stages to editing. First, we go through and delete the duplicates and the images with eyes closed. We generally narrow down the original number of photos taken to about one-third. For example, if I shoot 1200 images on the wedding day, which is very common, then the final number of images after the deletion process will be around 300-400.

The second part of editing involves the color correction process. The images will be retouched to fix any color balance, cropping, or lighting issues. Please note that “retouched” does not involve removing skin blemishes or removing background elements, but rather focuses on the overall “look” of the final image. We do retouch minimally for the final album but not as a part of the normal “editing” process. We choose many images to convert to black and white or sepia while others are enhanced through various coloring techniques and filters. This process takes approximately 4 weeks, depending on what time of the year the wedding occurs (April-May and October being the busiest months typically).

Once the images are edited, an appointment is set up for the newlyweds to come in to the studio to view the wedding as a beautiful slideshow set to music, displayed on my 9′ wide projector screen. We examine all the wedding photos and discuss which images should go into the album. This appointment usually takes about 2 hours and I encourage the bride and groom and immediate family to attend this meeting as they’ll have an opportunity to order prints from the wedding before they go online to the masses who attended your wedding. You will be able to purchase a copy of the slideshow presentation on disc at this session if you wish. Immediately following the meeting we will also post the images online for family and friends to have immediate access to every image for viewing and purchasing.

Once you view the wedding slideshow in the studio, the wedding day images will be uploaded to the current “online proofs” section on our website. Wedding images will remain online for 3 months after being posted. After the 3 months, I charge $25 to keep your images online for FOUR MORE WEEKS. If at some time down the road you or a family member decides to purchase more wedding day prints after the wedding day images have been taken offline, I charge another $25 to re-uploaded all images to the internet.

Wedding & Engagement slideshow examples

Here’s an example of a WEDDING SLIDESHOW like you’ll see from your wedding. If that wasn’t enough, check out this FUN WATERCOLORS, FLORIDA WEDDING FROM OCTOBER 2013. Check out the same couple’s DESTINATION ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN LA JOLLA, CA! Yes, my wife and I travel all over regularly for engagement sessions. If you can’t make it to Louisiana for your engagement, we will come to you at the cost of travel expenses.

What is your favorite color?
Orange. I drive an Orange Honda Fit and often wear orange corduroy pants.

Are you married?
Heck yes, to the most amazing woman ever, Jency Griffin Hogan. We married July 24, 2011 in St. Francisville on private property. Go here to view our WEDDING SLIDESHOW.