1. What style of photography do you use?
As a former Photojournalist, I have a hard time saying "photojournalistic style” because the snapshot photographers call themselves this. Therefore, I prefer calling my style a more Editorial or Portrait Photojournalists perspective. There are times where it is important to have subtle posing while keeping the integrity of the relaxed atmosphere. For the photography to work, there needs to be a healthy mix of posed (like wedding formals) and unposed (getting ready,  ceremony, reception, etc....) photographs. The less you look at the camera and not even think about us the better!  Brides often say “I didn’t even know you were there!” when they go through the proofs.

2.  What are the Coffee Table Albums?
The Coffee Table Albums are the greatest thing to happen to print photography since canvas and C printing. The types are different in terms of quality as we offer a variety of Coffee Table Albums to fit nearly all budgets. They are typically hard cover books with the photos on the actual pages of the book in full color professional quality printing. As designers, we have the most fun creating these books to tell the story of the day and give that “wow!” feeling when the bride shows them to their friends. We have developed so many new relationships because of these albums. Gone should be the days of the plastic sleeve albums with the photos slid in. These albums began with fh only for weddings in 2004 and now we design and publish these for seniors, families, modeling portfolios, and anything else our imagination takes us. While many photographers may just now learning how to do this, we started designing albums in 2004 and only create these from a blank canvas to ensure each album is unique to the individual. No templates allowed at fh!

 3.  Is the camera going to be in my face all day?
One of our favorite questions! In short, yes and no. We understand how intimidating and strange it can feel to have all the attention on you all day. Some enjoy it and others don’t. Most brides give me their concerns before the wedding day and afterwards say that they had so much fun being photographed. Our philosophy is to document from a distance. We don’t want to dictate what happens unless necessary. You will know we are there when we get a bit close but for the most part, we keep our distance to keep you as natural as possible. Eventually in the day it will feel second nature having us around. We know that many of you are not professional models and we don’t expect you to be!

4. What is webhosting?
Webhosting is the easiest way to view and order images on the internet. By simply clicking “Client Images” at the top of this screen and following a few easy steps, you and your family can view hundreds of images from your event. You can have it password encoded or keep it open for viewing. If your family from Berlin couldn’t make the wedding or your grandmother from St. Petersburg wants to see the kid’s pictures, it’s no longer a problem. Webhosting also takes the pain out of having to retrieve all your friends and family orders, checks, delivery, etc....Simply tell them they can order their own photos online. We recently received a thank you card that said their 87 year old grandmother ordered pictures online. Don’t fear this technology, embrace it! Photos will arrive within a week’s time.

5.  How long does it take to get my pictures back?
As a rule of thumb, each type of photography takes different times. The following is the typical standard:

Weddings - 6 to 8 weeks for completion of design and editing. In the 3rd weeks, photos should be able to be viewed via webhosting, in the 5th week the proofs should be available, and by the 8th week the album design should be viewed.
Family and Individual - One week for webhosting and 2 weeks for proofs (if applicable).

Seniors - 2 weeks for webhosting, 3 weeks for proof pick-up, and 4 weeks for album design (if applicable).

Modeling Portfolio, Corporate events, Product design - On individual basis.

These are rules of thumb that can either deviate earlier or a bit later depending on time of year and other factors. Ryan photographs over 45 weddings a year so things can get crazy!

6.  Is it going to cost me a fortune to have you shoot our destination wedding?
Absolutely not. In fact, brides said they saved money and worries by flying me out to their location. When a client does this, we also photograph their home reception as part of the package. There is no extra charge for destination other than straight accommodations. I have been trusted by families to photograph weddings and portraits in locations like St. Thomas, St. John, Denver, and L.A. Guaranteed with the destination wedding are 1000 + images from the travel! You also recieve the full resolution images from the experience so there is no worry about getting images from "the photographer on the boat"...

7.  Do you make Christmas, thank you, announcement cards?
Yes!  We have researched printers from around the country and found the best for everyone’s needs. We design and print these for you with envelopes included. We want to create the best product possible for you to be the talk of the neighborhood!

8. What does the fh stand for?
If you have read this far, you deserve to know! The letters fh are an acronym for two things in Ryan’s life. First, it is the acronym of his former band the figurehead (and as he says, “the band will get back together...”) and second, it is an acronym of a Dutch phrase that helps keep his passion and focus on the important things in life. This photographic company’s passion is rooted in spirituality and a desire to evolve as people, community, and photographers. We know the importance of photographing your life as it happens. Our passion is to create emotion evoking photographs and have a great time doing it with you. Stress free and relaxed should be the way business is done. All our clients are not simply clients, but friends of fh photographic.