How did you get qualified to take professional wedding pictures? What kind of educational background and/or experience have you had in developing your techniques? When and with whom was your technique last updated?

I have a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from San Francisco State University.

I photographed my first wedding in 1975. I was already doing a lot of photojournalism prior to that. People liked my work and I began to get commissioned more and more to photograph weddings.

Since then learned with some of the finest masters of wedding and portrait photography in the world. I have been annually attending the Golden Gate School of Professional Photography every year since 1985. I have since served as an assistant, instructor and trustee with the school.

I have photographed and assisted for well known photographers and studios.

My membership in the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area allows me to listen to a guest speaker every month. The organization constantly has educational seminars and workshops for me to constantly learn and develop new techniques.

Some of my instructors have been; the late Rocky Gunn, the late Monte Zucker, Jenny Nourse, Ellen Bak, Dave Newman, Jack Peterson, the late Dean Collins, Victor Avila, Andrea Saunders, the late Don Blair, Darton Drake, Steve Larson, Eddie Tapp, Mark Allen, Jane Conner-ziser, Jack Reznicki, Andre Costantini, and Matthew Jordan Smith.

I have been attending the annual Wedding Portrait Photographers International convention at Las Vegas for the last four years.

Do you have a portfolio I can look at? How long have you been in business?

The best place to view my works is here on this website. If you want to see the actual leatherbound albums, arrangements can be made to view the albums.

I have been photographing weddings for thirty two years

How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding? Beginning at what time? Until when?

I expect myself to be with you for the time beginning and ending as agreed on the contract. I can stay beyond the agreed contract time at overtime charges.

Through consultation, we will set up a photography schedule before the wedding.

Are you the person who will be taking the pictures?

I am the main photographer for all the events I book. I may bring a secondary photographer. I never book any events I cannot photograph myself. If an emergency situation do arise where I cannot make it, I can arrange for another photographer upon your approval or all deposits will be returned.

What kind of camera, lenses do you use?

I use the Fuji S5, Fuji S3, 2-Fuji S2 digital cameras. My lenses are 12-28mm, 24-120mm, 28-105mm and 80-200mm.

Can you include some black and white pictures?

With digital photography, I can easily convert color images to black and white, brown tone and sepia.

What are these "styles" of wedding photography? What is traditional? What is photojournalism?

Traditional mostly refers to the formal posed images where the image is completely controlled by the photographer.

Photojournalism refers to the more naturally spontaneous way of photographing the event without the posing.

Do you offer consultation?

Yes, definitely. Because I do my best to let you enjoy your special day with relatives and guests and not taking you away for this picture and that picture. In order for that to happen, planning and scheduling before the wedding is very important. With a clear plan and schedule, we can work in an unrushed and relaxed manner so that we will not miss any important photos. Consultation is a must.

Can I get the high resolution digital files so that I can make all the prints I want?

The original high resolution digital image files are available at an extra charge. The digital images are not enhanced therefore it would help if you or someone knows an image editing program.

What kind of albums do you use?

I am pleased to offer you only finest hand crafted leather photographic album available in the world today by Leather Craftsmen. Each and every album is made to our precise specifications and is library bound with a choice of genuine leather to last beyond a lifetime.

Do you belong to any professional organizations?

Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area
Professional Photographers of America
Golden Gate School of Professional Photography, Trustee and Former Instructor
Wedding Portrait Photographers International

What is an engagement photo session?


This is usually done a few months before the wedding. Many couples choose to hold the photo session anywhere but in a studio. We like to take the engagement photos at a favorite park, at your home, or a special landmark.

The photo session typically produces a series of relaxed, casual images of the couple. Photos include holding hands while strolling through the park, standing next to a bridge relaxing together, doing a sport or hobby you both enjoy or relaxing under a favorite shade tree. The session is done within the many scenic areas in San Francisco.

The engagement session will serve a number of important purposes. First, it will get you accustomed to working with your photographer, making the interaction between you on your wedding day more comfortable and efficient. It will also give the photographer a better idea of what you are like as photo subjects.

Of course, the session will also result in some great photos. Some couples choose to put the engagement session photos in their own special album or folio and display them at their reception. Some choose a to have a signature matte where guests can sign the matte.

I usually include 100 complimentary promotional wallet sized photos with your names, wedding date and photographer's byline for your guests at the reception.

With most of our wedding plans the complimentary engagement photo session is included.

How long after the wedding do I get to see the images?
Normally about week for key images to be posted on your special password protected website.

How long does it take to get our album?

Seven to nine months.

Do you touch up photographs?

General photo retouching is included. Special requests available at an extra per hour charge.

Prevention is better than cure...I recommend proper make up and non-glare eyeglasses to avoid additional retouching charges.

Can you suggest me some other vendors for our wedding?

For flowers I highly recommend James Yee of San Francisco. James close attention to subtle detail and simplicity in design is a great compliment to your wedding gown, ceremony and reception.

Do we have to feed you at our reception?

No, you don't really have to, but it would be nice.

If you do not plan on doing so, please let me know beforehand so that I can bring some cha siu bao's with us.

Do you allow guests to photograph?

Of course I allow guests to photograph your wedding. Guests with cameras are very much a part of the wedding day.

But please note that I am the official contracted photographer.

Do you have problems with videographers?

No problems with experienced professional wedding videograhers. They usually know how to work their way around a professional photographer at a wedding.

Inexperienced wedding videographers can be a problem though.

With whom will I be dealing after the wedding? What if we reside very far away?

You will be dealing with me. I am a one-man operation. If you reside far away, there is always e-mail, internet, fax, postal service, couriers, bicycle messengers and of course the good old telephone, we can get keep in touch and process your order to you wherever you're at.

How will you be dressed at our wedding?

I prefer dark clothes so that I can work without drawing much attention. Generally I am dressed neat and comfortable so that I can work efficiently. No...I will not show up to your wedding in a t-shirt, jeans with holes and dirty sneakers if that's what you're worried about.

What keeps you interested in wedding photography? Why do you do it? What keeps you going?

I love to photograph happy people.

What new developments are you presently looking into for wedding photography?

Wedding photography is like fashion. It constantly reinvents itself and I must constantly learn and adapt to keep at it's cutting edge by attending seminars, attending conventions and reading trade magazines.

How come your prices are so expensive?

Expensive?! Perhaps you would like to take a look at these guys...$$$ or $$$$ and $$$$.

I do use the best materials and tools available to produce the finest images for you. My work with you does not end after the wedding. Many hours are spent on the average with each wedding which includes pre-wedding consultation, engagement session, editing images, enhancing images, posting online, prepare images for proofs, coordinating, designing pages on the computer, running to the lab, getting final approval, sending off to binders and delivering the final album.

I must also constantly maintain and update my equipment in order to stay with the constant changes in the industry, especially in the digital development.

A lot is also invested in continuing education and researching new developments in the industry.

What are the terms and conditions on your contract?

Terms and Conditions:

It is understood Leland Wong Photography is the exclusive official photographer retained to perform the services requested on this contract.

No part of any order will be delivered until balance is paid in full.

Leland Wong Photography reserves the right to use the images for self promotion, display, professional publications, use on website. Images remain the exclusive property of Leland Wong Photography unless sold to the client. Commercial copyright remains the property of Leland Wong Photography. Client's usage of images are limited to personal use only.

In the event of a postponement or cancellation of the wedding/contract, the deposits paid are not refundable unless Leland Wong Photography is able to book another wedding for that date.

Leland Wong Photography takes utmost care with respect to the exposure, development, and delivery of photographs. However, in the event the studio fails to comply with the terms of this contract, due to any event or act outside the control of the Leland Wong Photography, our liability is limited to refund of all deposits.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: It is ILLEGAL to copy or reproduce these images elsewhere without Photographer's permission, and violators will be subject to it civil and criminal penalties. Leland Wong retains all copyrights on all photos produced for the client. Where the digital images are sold to the client, Leland Wong Photography retains all commercial copyrights and use of the images by the client are limited to family and personal use of the client. Commercial use or sale of the images by the client are to be negotiated with Leland Wong Photography.

Leland Wong Photography cannot be responsible for lack of coverage caused by being late, location specific restrictions regarding photography or by actions of your guests or videographer.

Leland Wong Photography warrants that all prices quoted for professional services, photographs and albums are valid for a period of twelve months following the date of the wedding. Orders placed after this period are billed at the studio's current pricing, which may be greater. Orders not placed after more than one year will void this agreement by non-payment of balance due if client chooses. Thereafter neither parties are obligated to fullfill terms of agreement.

Mileage: Leland Wong photography covers the first twenty five miles. Extra miles will be charged to the client at 75¢ per mile from studio and back.

Expenses: Parking fees, bridge tolls, courier and postage expenses are to be reimbursed by client.

Great! We would like to commission you to document our wedding. How can we leave you a retainer/deposit and sign the agreement?

I am 100% virtual and meet with my clients in coffee shops, public places or your home.

My favorite places to meet are:
Peet's Coffee on 16th and Potrero St. (huge free parking lot)
Starbucks of Laurel Heights on California St. (parking in the back, tough during the daytime)
Starbucks on 4th St and Mission Street (the shop is right in the parking garage)
Royal Grounds on Polk St. and Sacramento Street in San Francisco (I live nearby, but tough parking in the evenings)
May's Coffee Shop, Japantown Center, San Francisco (has a nice size pay parking garage)
The Metreon (across the street from a huge pay parking garage)
Starbucks at Serramonte Shopping Center (plenty of parking)
and anywhere in the city where parking is not a problem. You can also e-mail me to request an agreement form. We can get a lot of things done via internet.

Hey...you don't have a studio! How do we know you're not going to take our money and disappear?!

Don't worry...you'll have my address. I've been photographing weddings for more than thirty years and have mostly done business this way. I am bound by our signed agreement.

I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area and Wedding Portrait Photographers International and abide by their code of ethics as a professional photographer.