Philip Thomas Photography: 10 Questions with Philip Thomas

Photographer - Philip Thomas

Business: Philip Thomas Photography
Location: San Antonio, Texas TX
Experience: 30 Years
Photography Types: Engagements, Weddings
Profile: Philip Thomas Photography
Website: www.philipthomas.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

I'm from the U.K, living in San Antonio, Texas, since 2006. How did I end up in the U.S.A, you. might ask? I met my wife, from The Alamo City, on a cruise ship in 2002. We both were employed on board and started dating. We dated on land, crossing The Atlantic many times, visiting each other's country, lots of Skyping, and miraculously, somehow, it all worked out.

A former press photographer in England, I bring that photojournalist skillset to wedding photography. I have over almost thirty years of professional photography experience and an interest in the arts since I was 13 years old. I drew and painted in an endless supply of joy and sketchbooks. I picked up my first serious camera when I was 13 and stayed hooked to the craft, always refining and eager to up my game with every wedding.

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

I have photographed weddings since 2006 after moving from England to San Antonio, Texas. I capture around 20 weddings a year. I enjoy what I get to for a living and don't think of it as a job, more as just doing what I love.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

I believe photography is a unique medium. Wedding photojournalism is comparable to how other forms of photography capture. The following descriptions of my work also describe my particular way of thinking and are often described as documentary wedding photography or reportage wedding photography. I capture the fleeting and instant moments of life using dynamic symmetry, diagonals within my frame. In essence, dynamic symmetry, or more precisely, the Gestalt psychology principles, creating an atmosphere of balance, harmony, simplicity, and unity. When these all come together in a click of a button, I know I have captured exactly that 'fleeting moment' and geometric composition.
Typically, a precisely timed, one-off shot, not a repeatable moment on a wedding day or any other day. These 'wedding life' captures are unobtrusive and candid moments, without direction from me, your photographer.

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

Typically, the best time to book a wedding photographer is at least six to nine months out. Then you have a better chance of securing your favorite photographer. My peak booking months are early in the year and early fall.

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

I have six packages ranging from a starting price of $2800 for a few hours and smaller groups. Most popular packages include engagement and, or bridal sessions, beautiful heirloom albums, and printable, high-resolution files around the $5500-$7500 range.

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

I always shoot the wedding day along with a second shooter once the guest count is over 75.

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

There are no travel fees in the San Antonio area up to 150 miles. For travel to Houston, for example, a two-night hotel stay is included in my rates. National and international travel are tailor-made on request.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Coffee style table books are included in most of my packages.

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

Typically, I have a sneak peek of my favorite wedding images on my blog within two weeks. All photos ready to view on a private client gallery six-eights weeks after a wedding day. A USB of high-resolution images is delivered shortly after the gallery is released.

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

Many of my existing clients share the same concerns, so here’s what I’m doing.

If you book me for your wedding and your event cancels due to the coronavirus pandemic, and I’m available on that future date, you can apply your retainer to a future date up to 18 months in advance.

As a wedding photographer, when it comes to planning for the most important day of your life, it’s reassuring that you don’t have to worry about losing your retainer in this fast-moving and devastating pandemic.