FAQ: Weddings
Answered by Michelle M. Otto

Who will be photographing my wedding?
My name is Michelle McKay Otto; I will be the primary photographer at your wedding!. .  

Describe to me your philosophy and approach to wedding photography.
My approach towards wedding photography is as a story teller.  I aim to capture the emotions of the day,
not staged moments for pictures.  I am not a wedding coordinator, nor do I try to act as one.  

"Michelle was great with 'handling' us on the day... not intrusive, but effective in helping
us through the process."  .-One of my favorite grooms!

What is the balance between posed and candid shots?
My style of photography can best be described as photo journalistic.  I realize that through the years
traditional wedding coverage has become the standard.  Posed pictures and staged events have become the
trend in photography coverage.  It is my belief that your wedding day should not be focused around the
photography.  I attempt to keep posed picture taking sessions less than 20 minutes and allow the events of
the day to tell the story.

How formal are your wedding poses?
I like to focus on having fun with the posed pictures.  It is my belief that every image
should be a work of art.  











What is photo journalistic coverage and the WPJA?
In 2006 I was accepted into WPJA.  "The Wedding Photojournalist Association is a highly screened, critical
organization.  Less than 5% of wedding photographers out there qualify for membership."

www.wpja.com offers a GREAT explanation of photo journalistic coverage.

How many exposures will you take at my wedding?
As many as it takes!  Yes, that sounds cheesy, but every cheesy moment I see…. You will see too, at a later
point and time.  Using a digital media the numbers are unlimited.

What kind of equipment do you use?
I use Canon Digital SLR cameras for wedding coverage. My primary camera produces images at 12.8
Megapixels. I have a wide arsenal of lenses that range from L Series telephoto to fish eye lenses. I carry
backup equipment for everything.

Is digital better than film?
This is a question that I will not even attempt to answer.  Opinions regarding this topic vary greatly
depending upon who you talk to in the photography world.  Film and digital both have their advantages
and disadvantages.  When shopping for a photographer I encourage you to look at their work rather than
the means of obtaining the work.

Will the prints be of archival quality? (Since you’re shooting with digital)
Yes, the prints will be archival quality.  All images are printed on Kodak Endura paper at a professional
lab.  The length of time a photograph retains its original quality depends on, among other things, the
environment in which it is displayed or stored. Photographic dyes, like dyes used in any other product, can
change (fade and discolor) with time. To preserve the longevity of your photographs, store them in a cool
dry environment away from direct sunlight and in an acid free archival album or mat.

How long will you keep the negatives?
Digital negatives are kept on file for two years after your wedding.  Prior to destroying the digital negatives
CMP will contact you to ensure you do not wish to order reprints or purchase the digital negatives. Prices of
reprints are subject to change to current print prices six months after your wedding date.  There is a fee to
repost wedding images online.

How soon after the wedding will I be able to view my proofs?
Prints will be available for online viewing four weeks after your wedding.

How long will by proofs be available online for viewing?
Prints will remain online for six months after the wedding for viewing.

How soon will my photographs be ready after I submit my order?
Prints will be available four weeks after you submit your order.  Albums will be ready 9 weeks after final
approval on album design.  


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