Frequently Asked Questions

Why the name Ardent Photography?
Ardent is a word that, according to Webster, is characterized by eager warmth of feeling, passion, or intensely devoted. The word perfectly describes the passion that surrounds people in love and my enthusiasm for photographing them.

What is your photographic style?
Artistic, romantic, sophisticated, wedding & relationship photography that is just a bit edgy.

Do you shoot digital or film?
Digital. But I sometimes snap a few frames with an antique film camera for a unique look.

Do you have a studio?
I have a small studio/gallery in my home. I use the space for photo sessions during the winter months and for client meetings.

Did you go to school for photography?
I have my bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from the Universtiy of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. In addition to my design degree I also have my minor in art history and many credits in photography.

How long have you been shooting weddings?
I have been shooting weddings unofficially since 2002 (I assisted my first in 1995) and I started Ardent Photography in 2005.

Why do you offer an engagement session with all of your packages?
I offer engagement sessions as "get to know you" time. I love learning about how you met, how you hold hands, what makes you laugh... Plus it is a great time for you to get used to my shooting style and dumb jokes.

How many photos do you take at our wedding?
I average about 200 frames per hour when I shoot with two cameras. The actual amount of proofs you will see is quite a bit lower than that. I go through every photo and hand select the very best images from your day. I remove blinks, motion blurred images and duplicates from the bunch. You will end up with around 600-900 final proofs in your proof book depending on your package coverage.

What kind of albums do you offer?
I offer hardbound coffee table albums in a variety of sizes. I also offer custom art books with leather cover options.

In what format are the initial proofs offered?
You will receive a hardbound proof book contact sheets of all your photos. In addition to the proof book you will have a private website of your wedding images to share with friends, family and co-workers. The proof book is yours to keep forever, the website is live for 60 days.

How soon after the event are the proofs ready for viewing?
I always post a few teaser photos on my blog at www.ardentphotography.blogspot.com. The proofs in their entirety are ready for viewing on your personal website up to 4 weeks from the wedding day.

How do my family and friends know when my online proofing site is ready?
At your reception I will place an email sign-up list near the guest book. Guests will be encouraged to add their information to the list. They will be notified by email when your wedding website will be ready.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
Yes. You can purchase the personal rights release and high resolution images from me at any time. Some packages have the high-res files included in the package.

Are your high res files large enough to print larger than 8x10?
I include the same high resolution files I print your photos from on your DVD. The files you receive from me are large enough to print 16x20 and higher, unlike many photographers who say their files are high resolution. Of course, I recommend ordering from Ardent to ensure the highest quality enlargements - plus they will come retouched and mounted on archival board to protect the print for generations.

Do you shoot destination weddings?
Yes. I have done weddings in Boston and California. I have my passport and would love to quote of your destination wedding!

Do you have a replacement photographer in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
Yes, in the very slim chance an act of God does not allow me to shoot a wedding I have a large network of qualified photographers that could take my place.

What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
2-3 professional digital SLR camera bodies, a variety of L-Series lenses, 3 flashes, reflectors, up to 36 GB of digital media, a laptop computer, ladder and umbrellas.

Do you bring back-up equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
Yes. I have back up equipment for everything.

How do we reserve our wedding date with Ardent?
Whew! You are still here? Great!!! The first step in reserving your date with Ardent Photography is to find out if your date is available. You can check my calendar section on the website or shoot me and email. The next step is to set up a complimentary photography consultation. After we talk about your wedding dreams and details you will be able to look through printed samples and albums. All I need to retain your date is $350 and a signed contract.