..what is wedding photojournalism?

A: Its a hands off approach to photography which leans towards truth and authenticity, and you’re left with a collection that tells a story. Instead of being told to look like you're having fun, you just do the real thing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your wedding. Your photos will be unique, recording your day with all of its highs and lows.

What about portraits?

A: Yes, I still pose formal, bridal, and wedding party portraits. Yes, I do enjoy them and will shoot as many as you'd like.

How much do you charge?

A: For additional hours, I charge a pro-rated hourly rate. Typically I have a 6 hour minimum, but it doesn't hurt to ask, especially off-season. I'm willing to work with you for off season dates, Friday/Sundays, and last minute bookings. If you're in doubt, just ask!

Do you use a contract?

A: Yes! Always use a contract, it protects both the client and photographer! It also leaves no grey area for misunderstandings. If your photographer doesn't use one, run!

Do you offer reprint rights? What is that?

A: Yes! After I deliver your hi-res files via cloud server (I never use watermarks), you can make prints at your leisure, at no extra cost. I retain the copyright, but you are granted lifetime printing rights so you can order enlargements, books, prints at the online or print shop of your choice, without any fees or restrictions from me. For all intents and purposes, these are your photos.

How do you ensure no loss of files? What’s your data backup workflow?

A: I only shoot with cameras which record onto 2 cards simultaneously. In the unlikely event that one card fails, there's a duplicate. As soon as I get home, I download images onto 3 hard drives. We've all heard horror stories from friends who’s photographer lost images, that will not happen with me. My OCD shines when it comes to backing up files, so you and I both can sleep at night.

What kind of cameras do you use?

A: I shoot with two Sony A9 MKII mirrorless (silent - no click!) digital cameras providing big beautiful files. These are incredibly sensitive and allow me to shoot in low light without flash. My lenses are sharp Canon primes with as wide open aperture as I can find, allowing for clean low noise images in low light. My go-to is a Canon 50mm f1.2, mostly shooting wide open for that beautiful bokeh we all love. The Canon 135mm f2.0 is great for portraits, and the Canon 16-25 f2.8 for the sense of intimacy.. and a Canon Tilt-Shift for that fun, Instagram look.

Bio

Mike Burley is a father of two high school boys, a baseball coach, and the Ski Patrol Director at Sundown Mountain. In his downtime, he snowboards, restores vintage audio equipment, and unwinds with a good Peter Green or Ramsey Lewis record. Music is therapy.

In 2005, Mike earned a B.A. in visual-journalism from Brooks Institute of Photography, in Ventura, CA., while also working as an assistant for Sports Illustrated magazine, and serving as UCLA football’s contract sideline photographer.

For over 20 years Mike has practiced photojournalism, wedding, and advertising photography, traveling throughout the country. He has been a staff photographer for the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Topeka Capital-Journal, and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, as well as a regular contributor to the Chicago Tribune, specializing in portraiture and documentary. His work has appeared in Time magazine, New York Times, Washington Post, GEO magazine, as well as many regional publications. For 7 years, Mike was the cover photographer for Her Magazine and Him Magazine.

Mike now photographs weddings and advertising/marketing campaigns across the country. His local clients include Mercy Hospital, Clarke University, University of Dubuque, Dupaco Credit Union, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque County Historical Society, AllTogether, Iowa Credit Union League, Henkels & Baker, O’Connor & Thomas, and Kane Family Dentistry.