General Information

1.  Why choose J. Butterick?

Ah, the million dollar question.  This is the one you must ask.  Here is my response:

I love what I do.  I love to look at a situation and use my camera to create a historical document.  I am in the business of preservation and aiding recollection.

People ask me to photograph their weddings, kids, and families because they know I enjoy what I do and they enjoy the experience of working with me. 

People ask me to photograph for them because the images are creative, the prints and albums are stunning, and the experience, from beginning to end, is a positive one.

You have so many choices, this I know.  I think I offer something special.  Come find out what so many others have discovered so far.

2.  What do you charge?

Another great question.  I believe people hire me, as stated above, because they love my pictures and they love me.  Of course, budgets matter.  So, price can and does factor in.  Here is my opinion of price and what you pay . . . I saw this on a bumper sticker in Florida:  "Good work is not cheap and cheap work is not good."  I like to think I offer my couples something valuable.  It may not be "cheap", but I guess that "expensive" is equally a state of mind.  I like to offer my quality services and products for a fee that is fair, not cheap or expensive. 

3.  What is your style?

I prefer to shoot more documentary and stylish images, but I also incorporate traditional images of the couple, wedding party, and family.  My main focus is to create a portfolio that favors the most candid, spontaneous, and natural images possible.  I encourage you to take a look at the numerous slideshows on my site to get a better feel for the type of images I create.  Each wedding is different, but consistency is important.  I have a style that, at its core, is defined by the emotion and mood of the couple.

4.  What kind of cameras and equipment do you use?

I currently shoot with the Nikon D200 digital camera.  This camera enables me to shoot in various lighting conditions without having to use a flash, switch "film" speeds also known as switching the sensitivity of the sensor, and produces high quality digital images.  I carry everything on me so I have instant access to whatever lens or accessory I may need.

5.  What is the process of booking a wedding?

A signed wedding services agreement with a retainer of $1000 holds the date officially on my calendar.  If you would like a copy of a wedding services agreement, I would be happy to email you a copy.

6.  How do I set up a consultation?

To get to know me better, see the albums in person, and reserve your date in person, you are more than welcome to contact me and set up time.  I am located in Windsor, CT, just north of Hartford.  Contact me here.

7.  Do you book more than one wedding a day?

No, I want to give you both my undivided attention on your wedding day.

8.  Who will shoot the wedding?

I shoot every wedding.

9.  Do you have referrals?

I am happy to share compliments from many couples here.  If you would like to email or speak with a past client, I would be happy to pass along your contact information to some of my past clients and ask them to contact you directly.

10.  What is an engagement shoot and when and where do the shoots happen?

An engagement shoot is a great way for us to get to know each other better.  It is a great opportunity to create some fun and candid images of you two before the wedding.  I do the shoots in Windsor, where I live and work, during the week in the late afternoon.  I post your images online for viewing and ordering after the shoot.

11.  What do you wear to a wedding?

I dress formal enough to blend in, but comfortable enough to shoot.  My usual attire is black pants and a dark collared shirt.

12.  What happens in case of bad weather?

We will certainly assume the best, but the weather will be part of your day, and I will create images that incorporate the natural events, including the weather, going on around you.  Rain, snow, and cold make taking pictures a challenge, so we do our best with what we are given and use interior locations as well should the elements force us inside.

13.  What is your travel fee?

If your wedding requires an overnight stay or substantial driving, I build in a travel fee to cover my time and expenses. 

14.  How many pictures do you provide?

I take a lot of pictures and usually end up editing down to between 300 and 500, 400 on average.  There is no maximum or ceiling.

After the Wedding

1.  When can we view images in our online ordering gallery?

I am usually able to get images online for proofing and ordering within two weeks of the wedding.  Prints that you order take a couple of weeks to process and ship.

2.  How long does it take to complete a Digicraft album?

From the time you send me your selected images to when the album has arrives, it usually takes about two months door to door.