NEW -- How do I get a free iPod?

New for 2008 is our awesome iPod proofing system. To make things simpler, greener, and more fun (which is sort of our mission), we decided to give our clients ALL their wedding photos on a new iPod nano. Now you can carry your wedding images with you, as well as your own music, TV shows, movies... on your very portable and cool iPod nano!

In addition to your iPod proofs, we also provide you with a proof CD so you can view and email your proofs from your computer, and all but one of our packages includes your high-resolution digital negatives, suitable for making your own reprints. If for any reason you don't want an iPod and proof CD, you can choose a Coffee Table Proof Book instead.

What is Decisive Moment?

Decisive Moment is four fun, funky photographers who believe in real photojournalism with an artsy edge. When we opened our studio ten years ago, we were the only ones in our area that offered photojournalistic coverage. It's about being a fly on the wall, just recording what's really going on, rather than managing, posing, and staging. We typically shoot more than a thousand images at one wedding, just to make sure we've got every angle and every moment. We're sensitive and we really pay attention. That's how we end up with so many beautiful and unique images.

Who is Decisive Moment?

Decisive Moment is only as good as its staff. Bridget Adams started the company, then her sister, Brenna Adams-Boone, and Bridget's husband, Joseph Brewer, came into the picture. Kristin Kiser's first job was shooting Bridget and Joe's wedding in 2002.

What's your style?

We are wholehearted wedding photojournalists, and we always have been. Photojournalism is about telling a story - your story - at your wedding. Our emphasis is on capturing real moments as they really happen. We spend twenty to thirty minutes at every wedding getting those important family portraits, but the bulk of your wedding day is spent getting married, instead of posing. We believe people look their most beautiful when they're not aware they're being photographed, so we shoot in an unobtrusive manner - no poking, prodding, or staging, in black and white and color. In our photographs, if you look closely, you can see people really enjoying themselves, not faking it for the camera.

Do you shoot posed photos?

Absolutely. We just don't spend hours doing it. Our family portraits are posed and photographed efficiently, and in a relaxed manner. We're laid back and flexible, but we never miss a beat.

Do you shoot in color and black and white?

Definitely. Black and white is a beautiful, classic way to tell a story, but color is the only way to go when you've got a bright bouquet of flowers. We also work the selective color (flowers in color, the rest of the photo in black and white) and sepia tone (old-fashioned brownish tint).

Why do all your brides look so beautiful?

Our theory is that people look their very best when they're happy, and when they're not aware they're being photographed. Go look at your friend's photos - the one who hated her photographer - and see how uncomfortable and posed she looks in her proofs. That's the biggest difference you'll see between Decisive Moment and other wedding photographers.

How much does it cost?

We have several different packages, all of them designed to include everything you'll need. Even the smallest package has all-day coverage, unlimited film, unlimited locations, online proofing, proofs on an iPod and proof CD, and a sizable storybook album in real leather. There are no hidden charges, and we don't sell skimpy packages, knowing you'll end up buying more later. Email or give us a call for details.

What if I don't want a big wedding album?

All of our packages include an album credit, which allows you to choose a traditional leather album, a more contemporary book, or anything else you want. If you're not into books at all, you can use your credit to buy prints. Every package has that flexibility built in, so you don't have to decide, before you ever see your wedding photos, exactly how many of them you want.

Do you have any bargain packages?

We designed our packages to include everything our brides and grooms wanted, rather than selling you on a skimpy package, knowing you'll end up spending more after the fact. If you love what we do, but we're completely out of your budget, give us a call and we'll see what we can do for you.

What about the negatives?

All of our packages, except for one, come complete with your digital negatives, and the rights to make your own reprints. We don't just leave you alone with your raw digital files - we give you recommendations on where to take your CDs, and we also give you the custom retouched images that you chose for your wedding album.

Who will my photographer be?

We have four, well-trained, fine art photographers who shoot weddings only for Decisive Moment. Once you meet with us, we can recommend a photographer for you based on your needs and style. All of us are photojournalists, more interested in capturing the real events of the day and not about posing and staging everything. All of our work is well-represented in our portfolios.

What do you do besides shooting weddings?

We don't shoot anything besides weddings - we've been specialists since the day we opened! In her free time, Bridget loves renovating houses, walking her four little dogs, and fostering rescue dogs. Joe makes documentary films and plays the drums. Brenna stays busy shooting portraits of families and children, while chasing around her three little girls and Kristin is a partner in a web development company and looks after own little one.

Do you bring an assistant?

We usually don't need one! We knock ourselves out covering your wedding and shooting hundreds and hundreds of great images. If you are planning a “double wedding� with more than one bride and groom, or expecting more than 500 guests, we prefer to bring an assistant.

Where are you located?

Our main office is in Toledo, in the historic Davis Building (see OUR STUDIO section for directions). But we spend much of our time shooting out of state.

How far will you travel? Do you shoot destination weddings?

We'll go anywhere. Passports are current. We have a travel charge for destinations outside of our standard coverage areas. Call for a quote!

How do I book you?

Give us a call or email us. We can set up a meeting if you can come to Toledo to see more, or we can send you a full-size album and you can book us via phone/fax. We ask for a deposit of one-third of your total package to hold your date. (We take Visa or Mastercard and can work out a payment plan - just call for details!)