He shoots with a Nikon. For me, one of the newest initiates to the Nikon family, that's enough right there. For those of you not so optically inclined, let me shed some light on it. In the world of professional digital photography, there are two poles that determine the gravitational field: Nikon and Cannon. And whereas both manufacturers produce high quality lenses and cameras, they both do so in there own unique (trademarkable) way. My point is not to make a case as to which is better (although I am biased), it's just to say that anyone claiming to be a professional photographer more often than not shoots with a Nikon or a Cannon.

Even more important than his equipment, is his ability to compose a picture in his head before pressing the shutter release. Don't just take my word for it. Take a look at these cool pictures he took of Maggie, Val's dog, during our consultation in his studio:

Jeff has been shooting professionally for the last 18 years. Therefore, just as his photographic skills have developed during this time, so too has his knack for running a successful business. From the beginning, his desire to create satisfied clients stood out. He was the first of all our vendors to contact us after signing our contract with the Atrium, and made it clear as our photographer his job more so than not was to capture the moment, not create it. Therefore, from the moment we arrived at his studio, he made every attempt possible show us that this was OUR wedding and he was only there to take the pictures WE wanted (see Keyword #3: Flexible). In addition, Jeff made sure that we left with every questioned answered. He was very transparent about his shooting preferences and potential concerns. He gave advice from his experience with other weddings, as well as his own. He was friendly and personable and made us feel at home in his studio, instead of like guests in a museum. Overall, he was a pleasure to talk with.

Understanding that we were graduate students on a fellowship-based budget, Jeff made no attempt to pressure us into purchasing more time than what came in our package. To the contrary, he showed us how we could fit all of the pictures that we wanted in the time we already had. No matter whether we chose to have a receiving line following the ceremony, pictures in a park afterwards, or pictures with specific guests, he showed us just how it all could be done. And since my groomsman Mr. J took such great engagement pictures of us, Jeff was willing to take our engagement session,and use it for additional time the day of the wedding. Again, I have to reiterate that he made it clear that this was our day and he was only there to capture the memories.

Keyword #4: Passionate
Needless to say, Jeff really likes photography; but when you're as passionate about it as he is, a few words wouldn't help. He loves what he does, and that comes every time he talks about something photography related. In his studio are tons of pictures that he's taken. Pick one, and he'll give you a play by play description of how he captured the scene, right down to the exposure, shutter speed, and ISO he used on the camera. It's almost if he uses these opportunities as teaching moments, which for me was great.

Which brings me to my next point, his goal isn't to be the only photographer out there. He understands that parts of responsibility is to impart the skills and tricks of the trade he's learned to other up and coming photographers, which is why he host several workshops covering topics from understanding camera basics, to landscapes and portaits. In fact, I plan on taking one of his courses this weekend....That's right Val and I are taking another trip to Maryland.