frequently ask questions
What does ajourney stand for?
Using comfortable posing to document the day as it happens, I can capture natural and spontaneous moments. Moments are captured sequentially as they unfold, from start to finish. This is real-life reportage/real artistic expression in my opinion.
Are you available for travel?
Yes, I have lived in 206 New Street, Spring City, Pennsylvania for over 26 years, but work anywhere. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
What is Storytelling Portraitjournalism?
Storytelling Portraitjournalism is a creative and deliberate art form that captures moments that would otherwise be lost if left to recollection alone. A universe unseen by the normal eye exists through the lens of a camera - the angles, colors, light, emotion, and truth are all present in a single snapshot when shot with integrity and sensitivity. A snapshot, like a real, breathing piece of honesty and life, reminds us of our experiences. "A picture is worth a thousand words," as the adage goes. It is all about capturing a moment and having the luxury of remembering that time through a photograph. A snapshot will live on in perpetuity, reminding us of significant events in our lives.
How long does it take to get our images?
Four to six weeks.
How much time will you spend at our wedding?
My coverage is seven hours, but we can make arrangements to extend this time at your request. Contact us to discuss the specific structure for your day. Shorter coverage is generally not available for Saturday events but may be available for other days.
Are you available for a bridal portrait separate from the wedding day?
Yes, I love these sessions. Bridal portrait sessions can be scheduled before or after the big day. There are always a few ideas we can’t fully explore within the hectic schedule of the wedding day, so this is a great opportunity to do something special. And we can, of course, be a bit more adventurous with the dress if we shoot the portrait after the ceremony.
If I hire ajourney, who will photograph my wedding?
When you hire ajourney, you get me as your sole photographer for your day. I provide the coverage of the day. I can bring an apprentice-in-training to assist with some weddings.
How much time should we allocate for pictures?
Apart from the traditional family groupings-which should be calculated at four to five minutes per grouping once all subjects are gathered at the designated location. My work is mostly documentary in nature and requires no special time consideration. You just enjoy your day and I’ll capture it, beginning to end.
That said, many couples are attracted by my striking environmental portraiture, spending a few private moments alone. I can capture a little bit of this “on the fly”, but the more time you schedule for this purpose, the better the images will be and the more fabulous you will look.
Will you force us into trite poses?
No. While I might occasionally ask you to move into an area where the light is exceptionally beautiful or the background is particularly striking, I generally prefer to work in a more documentary manner, quietly observing and anticipating the special moments of the day. This is what I do best, and these are invariably our client’s favorite images. Just ignore us, have fun, and we’ll give you our very best work.
Given this philosophy, I have chosen not to work for shot lists. My experience has shown that working from a shot list is the most effective way to remove all emotion, spontaneity, and spirit from my efforts, and I feel it does not represent the best I have to offer. However, if there are special guests who I must not miss, please outfit them with a little corsage or boutonniere. Just clue me in as to what to look for, and I’ll do the rest.
How much do you charge?
Weddings, Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s, and corporate events are, perhaps, some of the most challenging things there to photograph. Combine the fast pace and “no second chances'' aspect of photojournalism with the expectation of a fashion show, and you have a very challenging event, indeed.
My photography services are completed using a Trust-Based Pricing; additional services like print enlargements, albums, books, and framed images are available to clients. We also do a limited number of projects each year based on the *Gift Economy. Please see my pricing section and contact me to find additional information.
How can we be sure you’re the right photographer for us?
I am happily married. I enjoy weddings, Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and special events; I enjoy being among people of all kinds; and I have spent over 25 years photographing weddings, Mitzvahs, and special events. Please allow me to photograph you and your significant other at one of my exclusive engagement sessions. If any of this sounds appealing to you, please contact me, and let's see if we "click." The worst thing that can happen to you is to hire a photographer for your wedding or event and then not get along with that photographer throughout the day. *After all, all of your photographs will reflect the bond you've built with the photographer well before your wedding day!
NESTOR DIAZ-VALENTIN | PORTRAITJOURNALIST
FOUNDER ajourney Designer Photographers