Frequently Asked Questions
What are your package prices?
My wedding package pricing range from $1495 to $2995
Each package receives a USB in a custom-designed case, copyright release, and online access. All but my Basic package ($1495) include all-day coverage, an engagement session, prints, albums, or proof books. For more information on your investment, please view my
Wedding Pricing.
What does "all day coverage" mean?
With some photographers, you have them for a certain amount of hours or "units." When you hire BLG Photo, "all day coverage" means all-day coverage. You won't have the added stress of worrying if your photographer is going to "expire" before you cut the cake or have your first dance. I will work with you to make a timeline that will help your day go smoothly for all involved. If we go off schedule I will use my 30 years of experience to pivot to still and get all the pictures you need. With all but the Basic Package, coverage usually begins with a couple of hours of getting ready pictures and usually ends after the bouquet and garter toss. Here is a sample of a "typical" timeline for the Ultimate, Premier, and Deluxe package:
- 10 - Brett arrives for prep pics (could be at a salon, home, hotel, etc.)
- 10-12 - Prep pics (makeup, hair, dress, accessories). Time with groom included
- 12-2 - First look with couple and various pics.
- 1-2 - Bridal party pics
- 2-2:30 - Family pics
- 2:30-3:30 - Couple rests and hides (I always leave at least 30 minutes of downtime for the couple)
- 3:30-4:30 - Ceremony and receiving line.
- 4:30-5:30 - Bridal party and couple travel to other locations for more casual pictures.
- 6 - Grand entrance (photo booth is set up at this time)
- 6:30-8 - Dinner pictures of toasts, cake, room
- 8 - First dance
- 8-9:30 - Dancing
- 9:30 Bouquet/garter toss
- 10ish Brett leaves
Can the packages be customized?
Absolutely! Yes, none of the packages are set in stone so once you receive my list
Please offer suggestions as to one you’d like to change. If you a specific budget amount
you’d like to work with we can custom tailor a package to fit that too!
Do we get to keep the images from USB?
Yes, the images are yours to keep forever to share on social media or print. I provide a copyright release form you will need if you print the images. BLG Photo retains overall copyright on the images mostly for advertising purposes. I also keep a backup to your images in case you lose the one I provided.
Why do wedding photographers change so much?
Wedding photographers get this question all the time. On the outside it seems like a good gig right? Work one day, rake in couple thousand bucks? The truth is this fee includes far more than just the day of the wedding. BLG Photo is there to help plan for your wedding to run smooth. After the wedding we spend hours deleting the photos where you didn’t look your best or those with closed eyes or distractions. We also take the time to insure your images are properly color balanced so you dress looks white and those roses are red. Time is also spent turning some of the images into black and white or adding Photoshop effects. For your prints and albums I also take the time to soften skin, whiten teeth, remover a pimple, a tourist or stray hair. My packages also include a photo assistant at no charge to you who will help adjust your dress, hold your flowers, get you water and corral folks for pictures. Photography is a business like any other. We carry insurance, advertise, and pay taxes just as any other business. I am aware there are lots of “photographers” that are cheaper. Many of these who are cheaper are the “shoot and burners” and those with no formal training. This mindless attempt at wedding photography is where the “photographer” gives you all the unedited images from your day and exits your life. This method is super cheap because these images are not ready to use like with BLG Photo. You get all the images with bad lighting, zits, and distractions. These photographers promise you lots of images but most are unusable. They also have no relationship with you after the wedding. BLG Photo will be there for you before, during and after your wedding. I still have relationships with many of the over 500 couples I have photographed in the past 35 years.
What about a second photographer?
The second photographer option comes and goes in popularity. I provide a second photographer for an additional $500 to any package. I use only experienced wedding photographers I know will offer a different perspective to your day. Some couples chose a wedding photographer that includes a second photographer because they are afraid of missing a moment they see have a second as a guarantee they will not. In 30 years I have never had a couple say an important moment was missed because I was the photographer. Also, there is no guarantee these two photographers will have the combined experience BLG Photo has.
I want photos of me getting my hair done and my dress on?
The all-day packages account for this. My photojournalism experience allows me to be unobtrusive as I record the important milestones of the day. Being a guy hasn’t really got in the way. I will simply step out when your undressing and step back in when you are comfortable. Does any bride really want pictures of people in their underwear anyway?
Do you charge for mileage:
There is no mileage fee within 60 miles of Duluth. Weddings outside that area are welcomed and any travel fees are small or exchanged for an item that may not be wanted in a particular package. BLG Photo is also available for multiple day coverage and destination weddings.
When will our pictures be done?
Your edited images and USB will be ready 60 days after your wedding. The edited images will be posted online and I will contact you about the best way to deliver the USB to you. The delivery of images is guaranteed and clearly indicated on your contract along with payment due dates.
We are from out of town/state how will this work:
About half of my couples every year are from outside the Duluth area. With cell phones, email and the Internet I promise you will feel as connected as if you were next door. I check my email often and welcome phone calls anytime. Photos are posted on my website and stay up for a year. Books are delivered only by certified UPS or Fed-X.
What kind of equipment do you use:
I use all Nikon camera equipment and name brand lighting products. I was a Boy Scout back in the day and still believe in their motto “ Be Prepared.” So, like NASA, I have back ups to my backups in cameras, lenses, lighting and digital media cards. I have made tens of thousands of dollars investing in top of the line equipment and strongly believe you get professional results with professional equipment.
How else can I improve my wedding day experience?
Consider an unplugged wedding!: Cell phones sometime give people permission to be impolite- this includes your wedding day! Please post a sign or mention in your program to make sure your guests turn off their cell phones and not take any flash pictures during the ceremony. Inform your guests that you have invested in a professional photographer and you want them to be able to do their job without being blocked or distracted by a cell phone or tablet.
Ask your family and friends for help: There is a reason there is a whole TV show dedicated to Bridezillas. You can avoid stress by designating some folks to take care of the little things for you. Your wedding day is YOUR day. Many of your friends and family are eager to run an errand for you or to fix a forgotten detail. Your concentration should be on having the best day or your life.
Ask your family and friends for help: There is a reason there is a whole TV show dedicated to Bridezillas. You can avoid stress by designating some folks to take care of the little things for you. Your wedding day is YOUR day. Many of your friends and family are eager to run an errand for you or to fix a forgotten detail. Your concentration should be on having the best day or your life.