When you hire a professional photographer for your wedding you are not simply hiring someone to stand behind the camera and push the button for you. You are hiring someone who knows about lighting and proper exposure, someone who can explain to you what an f-stop is, and how depth of field can impact your image. Not only are you hiring someone to take your pictures, but you are hiring their talent and experience to ensure that you will have well composed and well exposed images. Anyone can "take a picture" but it is not as easy to consistently produce quality images over and over again.

One of the most important things is the photographer's personality. Choose someone that you feel comfortable with on a personal level because weddings are usually stressful enough on their own and the last thing you need on your wedding day is a bossy, irritating photographer. I will help you enjoy your wedding day in a relaxed manner, helping you to have FUN!

 

Also, do you like the samples that the photographer presents to you? Make sure the lighting in the images is correct - are there hard shadows or is the lighting smooth and natural? Can you see the details in the bride's dress, or does the dress look washed out with no detail?

Often times, the person that you speak with prior to booking your photographer is not the person that shows up on the day of your wedding to take the pictures. When you book Jeff Hartzell Photography, you can rest assured that I will personally be the photographer at your wedding. Since I am both the photographer and the owner of the company, I have more of an interest in your satisfaction than a photographer hired by a large company, that may be working somewhere else next month.

 

Because I personally photograph every wedding, I only book 1 wedding per day, as I do not think a rushed wedding produces the right results. If you would like to check my availability for your wedding date CLICK HERE.

 

I am a Full Time, professional photographer and have been photographing weddings throughout Western Pennsylvania since 1980. In that time I have photographed more than 700 weddings and have also provided the same exceptional service to thousands of customers in my studio.

You can immediately view several recent samples of my work on this web site. To do this, visit the Photo Gallery by clicking HERE. Also, I like to have the bride & groom come to the studio so that we can discuss your wedding plans and I can show additional samples of my work.

 

For wedding receptions my primary camera is a Digital Canon camera and Canon lenses.

 

Keep in mind that you will only have one opportunity to capture the memories of your wedding day. Any truly professional photographer will have backup equipment on hand at your wedding. Not only do I bring backup equipment with me, I bring backup equipment to my backup equipment. It's this type of commitment to complete customer satisfaction, that sets Jeff Hartzell Photography above the competition.

 

I normally wear a suit & tie. I feel that an appropriately dressed photographer projects an image that does not distract from the couple's day, and also shows respect for the families and the wedding party.

 

I arrive approximately 1 1/2 hours before the wedding. I request that the wedding party be at the church and ready, 1 hour before the wedding is to start. This will allow adequate time for photographs prior to the wedding ceremony.

 

I do not have a minimum or maximum amount of time that I will be at your wedding ceremony or wedding reception.

 

 

I photograph weddings in color. The professional labs I use for developing can easily print the color files in black & white at no additional charge. This allows you the option of having the same photograph printed in both color and black & white. On the other hand, a photograph taken in black & white can not be printed in color.

 

The proofs remain the property of Jeff Hartzell Photography unless they are purchased.

I will store your images for you for 4 years. You are able to reorder prints at any time during this period. At the end of 4 years you may purchase the CD for $75.00 plus tax.

After your wedding, I immediately order your proofs. I will then contact you when your proof album is ready, which is in approximately 1 1/2 weeks. Your final order will be ready approximately 5 weeks after your order is returned to the studio.

Since I only book 1 wedding per day, I do require a signed contract and a $150.00 retainer to book your date.

 

A $200.00 retainer is due 7 days prior to the date of the wedding.

 

A $675.00 retainer is due when you pick up the preview album.

 

The balance of the order is due when your final order is place.     

I will gladly service most locations in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. My wedding packages include travel to local Butler facilities. Depending on the location of your wedding ceremony and wedding reception there may be an additional travel charge. Please contact me for the actual amount.

Yes my Internet proof service allows the bride and groom, as well as friends and family, the opportunity to view photographs from the wedding day on the internet. Using a password supplied by Jeff Hartzell Photography, you can view the photographs via the internet from anywhere in the world! Please remember, our packages include proof photographs as well as the Internet proof service. Many photographers charge extra for these options, if they offer both at all.

 

It is never too early to book your wedding date. Most Brides & Grooms in the Greater Pittsburgh - Butler County area plan their wedding 12-18 months in advance. Because I can only photograph one wedding per day, you should book your date as soon as you have set a definite date. To instantly check the availability of your wedding date, enter it below.