As a documentary photographer my job, my focus, is to creatively and artistically encapsulate a story that speaks to the viewer into a single image, or a series of images.

This process is accomplished by capturing candid, unexpected moments that are unique which occur naturally in a story as it unfolds. My workflow applies to top media publications just as much as it applies to your event. In my mind, they’re the same, and each assignment determines a course of actions, a level of trust, that will give my images the punctum to make my images tell that story flawlessly, and with pronounced clarity. 

This is my workflow in the field on assignment, at an event, or in my backyard photographing my dogs. But, please keep in mind that I am not a wedding photographer.  I enjoy documenting weddings and events. I’m very good at it because of my history in documentary photography, but I am not a traditional wedding photographer. 

My photography style is considered documentary though I dislike labels.  I prefer to refer to it as being honest and true to the moment as well as the people, and places, found in my images. I’m a photo-purest and prefer to shoot in black and white film as this medium lends itself to photography with integrity to the moment and the subject but, I also shoot in color. Shooting in this way allows you to be authentic while enjoying your event without a lot of stiff posing or pretense. 

I like to work smarter, not harder. I developed a single event package that applies to all domestic events.  Any event outside the continental United States have a different price point and added services.

• Up to nine hours of coverage of your event.
  • I don’t believe in leaving a story untold. If your event goes longer than nine hours and things are still happening that I feel will lend to telling your story; I’ll not leave until I think there is nothing more to contribute to the photo essay. To me, your story, and telling it properly, is more important than money.
• Image development, editing, and processing of all photos,
• An easy-to-use, secure, private web gallery,
• Free digital download of high-resolution files with print release, so your family and friends can download, print, and share, whatever they wish.
  • Note: I do not share images on social media and recommend you doing the same. Be different. Keep your life, and your private moments, to yourself. You’re not a product for Meta to make money from. Social media is toxic to relationships, creativity, and will give you unexpected, explosive Flatulence.

A lot of people don’t know the difference between a copyright and printing rights. Let me help you understand the difference and how I operate pertaining to both.

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. In copyright law, there are a lot of different types of works, including paintings, photographs, illustrations, musical compositions, sound recordings, computer programs, books, poems, blog posts, movies, architectural works, plays, and so much more! You’ll never own the copyright on the images I make for you because you didn’t create them. But, you will have all available printing rights.

Print rights means you have the right to print your images for personal use. I, the photographer, give you, my client, the rights (in writting) to print your photos for personal use, or share them on social media. I incorporate this information into the image using EXIF data so that a printer knows, can easily see, the information.

Inside my contract I detail the use of the images I make for you. I’m not interested in making money by selling you a package of prints though I will help you if you need it at my cost (wholesale). My job is to tell your story beautifully, not sell prints.

I encourage you to print every image I make for you at least once, even if it’s a small print. I can help you establish an account with a professional printer who offers a wide range of papers, techniques and options at cost. If you’d like me to assist you in the process I can order the prints and have them drop-shipped to you direct from my printer to anywhere on the globe (shipping cost may apply).

The following events example my style of shooting during events such as wedding, receptions and on the spot portraits.  Look them over carefully before considering me to document your event.  If you like my style of imagery then contact me, or my representation Jacque Payne, and make arrangements for us to have a meeting over a beverage where we can get to know each other and determine if I can capture your vision.

• Joe’s Honkey Tonk – Kearney, Nebraska
• Purple Light Everywhere – Gering, Nebraska
• Shivaree – Guernsey, Wyoming
• At The Zoo – Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Learn more about F8 Studio West – ( Reviews )

I love to travel so I don’t charge as much for destination events as other photographers. Travel gives me the opportunity to see, and experience, new things-  food, people, and places which I love to document not only as a part of your story, but my own.

Destination event packages come in two categories; inside the continental United States, and outside the continental United States with the later being more expensive.

Inside the continental United States:

The additional expense of travel, lodging, food and time is included in my price for documenting your event. I’m fair with my pricing. I don’t charge extra because I had to get on an airplane, or because I had to call a taxi, Uber or Lift.

Outside the continental United States:

Traveling overseas, or out of country, can be a logistics nightmare. The extra expense can be managed with thoughtful planning which is why I require at least a three (3) month notice and booking period. I strive to put as much forethought and planning into my travel plans as possible. In the end this saves you money.

Get in touch with me and we’ll talk about everything you receive in any destination event package.

I don’t shoot on speculation unless it’s for my own stock or projects.

For Publishers

Publication assignment day rates begin at $900.00 per day plus travel, lodging and expenses. (3-day minimum with 35% nonrefundable advance if traveling outside 500 nautical miles from Fort Collins, Colorado).
Request a quote

Events: Weddings, Receptions, On Location

Event base prices are just that, base prices. The base price for any event is the minimum you can expect to spend and, the absolute lowest figure I’ll accept, to fulfill my agreement to document your event.  Depending on your needs, and requirements, don’t be surprised to learn that the price may rise slightly due to travel restrictions, lodging availability or other unforeseen circumstances.
Request a quote

• Event (wedding, receptions) base prices begin at $1,750.00 (9 hours) if inside a 250 driving miles from Fort Collins, CO. A non-refundable deposit of 35% is required to book domestic events.
• If outside of the continental United States the base price for an event is $9,500.00 (duration of stay) with a minimum 3 month booking and contract. I prefer 6 months advance booking notice so try to book me now.  A non-refundable deposit of 55% is required to book all destination events.
  • • Depending on the destination (Canada, US & British Isles, Mexico), and duration of stay, the cost of travel, lodging and amenities may be included in this price. 
• If inside the United States, but over 250 nautical miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, the base price is $3,500.00 (9 hours). A non-refundable deposit of 45% is required to book travel events.

What do I get?

• I’m an insured, experienced, reliable professional.
• I’m an artist. My skills and knowledge has merit and value that I will not allow anyone to take for granted, including myself.
• All events packages consist of:
  • • 9 hours of coverage at your ceremony, reception, detail shots, captured in candid format.
    • Bridal portraits
    • Engagement portraits
    • Family portraits
    • Anything else you or I can think of that you may want.
• I deliver projects in a timely manner, normally within fourteen days of completion.
  • Turnaround on your images is quick, but never rushed.  Contractually I allow for thirty days (maximum) delivery to ensure the best quality possible.
• The results I produce are worth double, if not triple, my current cost.
  • That statement sounds arrogant. It’s not. It’s fact based on the quality of other photographers offering similar services and promoting themselves as “wedding photojournalist”.  Quality isn’t cheap. You get what you pay for. In my case you receive more than what you pay for simply because I love my job, I love making images and I enjoy providing photographic memories that will last a lifetime.
• I don’t sell prints. I tell stories. You save a substantial amount of money when working with me.
  • I will assist you in acquiring prints at my cost through my professional labs, delivered to your door with receipt, and prints, of your choosing in tact. You pay for the prints and any shipping cost. I don’t charge to order them and there is never a markup.
• I have a very good reputation (see reviews) that I work very hard to retain. References are available on request.  I acquired this reputation because I treat people the way I want to be treated. I’m patient, understanding and easy to work with. I deliver unexpected, excellent results.