McShea Photography: 10 Questions with David McShea

Photographer - David McShea

Business: McShea Photography
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA
Experience: 10 years
Photography Types: Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: McShea Photography
Website: www.mcsheaphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hey I'm Dave McShea. A chemical engineer by trade, photography has always been a love of mine ever since I was a teenager. After 10 years of working in the chemical industry, I felt that the decision to go into photography shifted me in the right direction. I reached a point in my life where I realized it was important to follow my passion instead of the money.

A great photograph of family or friends or just a special moment tends to be one of life's most treasured possessions. Providing that photo is the allure of photography for me.

Unlike some of the larger photo studios, when you work with McShea Photography, you will meet me face to face for our consultation, and you will be able to reach me by phone or email or text with whatever questions you have leading up to your wedding day. If you hire me…you get me. I believe it’s important to meet my clients before the wedding not only to make sure I know what they are looking for but to establish a relationship with them. After all we will be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day. My 100+ reviews that I've received on The Knot and Wedding Wire are what keep me going. Throughout the entire process from our details meetings to the final turn around of the final photos, I take great pride in making sure you are happy with everything from beginning to end. I do not consider a wedding complete until I receive that delighted review from the bride and groom.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

I've had this company for over 12 years now. I cap my weddings at 30 a year to avoid stretching myself out too much. I still love what I do and I want to keep it this way. Plus I have two kids so keeping sanity is a high priority for me now.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

Congrats...you asked the infamous question that Google tells you to ask all your photographers. The one thing that I'll tell you when you ask me that is that I try my best to avoid being intrusive during the times when you just want to enjoy yourself. I'll capture as much as I can naturally and avoid the "stop and smile" requests as much as possible. We will have our time to do some posed shots with your wedding party and family but when it comes to the reception, I try to capture the fun without being in the action. I'm never going to be standing in the middle of the dance floor getting in people's faces. I'll be on the outskirts of the action. If you want me to come up with a catchy buzzword for my style....Ninja efficient?

Just look at my portfolio and it'll speak for itself.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

People typically start shopping for photographers in the first tier of vendors after they book a venue. So anywhere from 9 months to 2 years in advance. The earlier the better to make sure you get your choice of photographer before availability disappears. The spring and fall are the prime seasons for weddings with the fall being the most popular. So for Saturdays in September and October, you'll want to book far in advance.

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

I start with my base package which is 7 hours coverage for $3000. My most popular package includes an engagement session and a 10x10 couples album for $4100. Additional hours can be added as well as the option to add a 2nd photographer.

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

The business is mine and I will be at every wedding booked through me. I do have options for adding a 2nd photographer if needed/wanted. I try to keep my base package as a low as I can to make sure I can reach as many budgets as I can.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

I only charge for travel for over 40 miles outside of Philly center.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

The base package includes a client gallery of all edited shots as well as a USB drive of all edits as well as originals with full rights to all the photos. Any other add-ons like albums and wall art can be added at booking for a discount. I guarantee archive of photos for at least a year so I'd be happy to wait and provide all of these items. It would just be regular price at that time.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

1 month to turn around wedding day photos. A client gallery online of all of the edits as well as a USB drive of all the edits and originals.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

25% retainer to lock in your wedding day into my calendar. The balance due a week before the wedding. Any payment plans can be worked out for partial payments as long as everything is paid in full before the wedding day.