Embracing a Photojournalistic Approach

My core philosophy revolves around a photojournalistic style, capturing moments as they naturally unfold. This approach allows me to tell the true story of your day, filled with genuine emotions and spontaneous expressions.

Blending Styles for a Complete Narrative

Recognizing the diverse tastes in wedding photography, I seamlessly blend traditional and artistic shots with my photojournalistic approach. This fusion ensures a comprehensive and balanced portrayal of your special day, capturing every facet of your unique story.

Capturing the Journey from Start to Finish

My coverage begins two hours before the ceremony, a crucial time for capturing the anticipation and excitement of the day. This period allows me to focus on candid shots of the preparation and detailed artistic photographs of the wedding elements like rings, flowers, dress, and shoes. These details are integral to your story, setting the stage for the day's events.

Efficiency and Fun with Pre-Ceremony Photos

Whenever possible, I take advantage of pre-ceremony time for traditional group photos and fun shots with the bridal party. This not only adds variety to your album but also helps in reducing the time needed for post-ceremony photography, allowing you and your guests to transition smoothly to the celebration.

Capturing the Essence of Your Ceremony

During the ceremony, my focus is purely photojournalistic. I utilize a range of zoom lenses to capture intimate moments discreetly, allowing you to be completely immersed in your union without any intrusion.

Organized and Swift Post-Ceremony Family Shots

Post-ceremony, I understand the eagerness to join the reception. With a pre-prepared list of desired family group shots, we can efficiently complete this session in 20-30 minutes, ensuring everyone quickly joins the celebration.

Reception: A Time to Celebrate

The reception is where you let loose, and I'll be there to capture all the significant moments. While you're enjoying the party, I'll be on the lookout for photo opportunities, occasionally whisking you away for those not-to-be-missed shots.

At Mark Thomas Photography, my mission is to tell the complete story of your event, capturing every emotion and moment, so you can relive your special day for years to come.

Our Photo Editing Process

Comprehensive Image Enhancement

Every image you receive from us undergoes a meticulous editing process. We balance and correct each photo to ensure it's print-ready. Rest assured, any unsuitable shots, like misfires or unflattering images, are removed. You'll have a collection of high-quality images, leaving you spoiled for choice.

The Art of Selecting the Best

On a typical wedding day, I capture around 3,500 images. Thanks to my camera's ability to shoot up to 14 images per second, I take multiple shots of the same scene with varying exposures. This approach provides a wealth of options for selecting the best photos. I meticulously sift through these, removing duplicates and keeping the most expressive shots. Even subtle changes in expression can transform a photo, and I ensure those unique moments are preserved. Ultimately, the final gallery typically includes about 2,000 carefully chosen images.

Refined Editing Techniques

Each photo is attentively cropped, color-corrected, balanced, and blemish-removed. Some images reveal their true potential in black and white, and I make this artistic decision during the editing process. The result? A gallery of polished images, each one capturing a moment of your special day, ready for printing.

Easy Access and Sharing via Our Online Gallery

We upload your complete gallery to an online website, allowing you to easily order high-quality prints at reasonable prices. This platform is not just for ordering prints; it's a convenient way to share your memories with friends and family. Simply share the gallery link, and your loved ones can view and download full-resolution images or order their own prints directly. This service saves you time and effort – no need to distribute photos individually. Just a click, and your beautiful memories are shared.

At Mark Thomas Photography, we believe in delivering not just photographs, but memories crafted with care and professionalism. Our editing process ensures that every image you receive is a testament to our commitment to excellence in capturing your special day.

A Journey from Solo to Symphony

Mark Thomas Photography began its journey 20+ years ago as a solo venture. What started with just myself and the occasional helping hand from a friend has now blossomed into a team of exceptionally talented photographers and videographers. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such gifted individuals on board.

United by a Passion for Storytelling

The cornerstone of our team is a shared passion for storytelling through photography and videography. Every member who joins our ranks is not only talented but also deeply committed to this narrative art. I personally work with each new recruit to ensure our visions and techniques are perfectly aligned. Our team operates as a collective, constantly analyzing and learning from each project to enhance our skills and services.

Diverse Expertise, Expanding Horizons

This unity in diversity has enabled us to expand our capabilities, venturing into varied realms like studio photography, advertising, and even mini-documentaries. We are all excited about the endless possibilities that the future holds for us.

Collaboration and Reliability

Besides our core team, I have established a network of professional photographers and videographers who collaborate with us regularly. This network ensures that, in the rare event I am personally unable to attend an event due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, a trusted and highly skilled professional from my network can step in. This guarantees that the quality and integrity of our work remain consistent, and your special moments are always in capable hands.

At Mark Thomas Photography, we are more than a team – we are a family of storytellers, dedicated to capturing and preserving your precious memories with the utmost care and professionalism.

Mastering the Art of Light

At the core of photography lies the art of capturing light. It's about understanding and harnessing this elemental force to create images that not only reflect reality but also convey emotions and stories. In my years of experience, I've honed my skills in reading and manipulating light to achieve the desired artistic effect.

Navigating the Challenges of Wedding Photography

Wedding photography presents unique challenges, primarily due to the ever-changing lighting conditions. From the soft glow of morning light to the dynamic shades of an evening reception, each moment demands a different approach. This variability requires a photographer to instinctively understand and adapt to the lighting, a skill developed over years of experience.

Beyond Automatic: A Deep Understanding of Light

While camera technology has advanced significantly, relying solely on a camera's automatic settings is often insufficient for interpreting complex lighting scenarios. My extensive experience in the field has equipped me with an in-depth understanding of light, allowing me to excel in any lighting situation, be it natural or artificial.

Equipped for Every Scenario

While we have a preference for the beauty of natural light, we are fully equipped with a range of professional lighting solutions. This arsenal ensures that even in settings where natural light is scarce or inadequate, we can still produce stunning, well-lit photographs. Our goal is always to create a natural, flattering look, regardless of the lighting conditions.

At Mark Thomas Photography, our understanding and mastery of light are fundamental to our work. We ensure that every photograph we take is a testament to our ability to skillfully capture and craft light, bringing your precious moments to life.

Do you book more than one wedding a day?

Dedicated to Your Day

At Mark Thomas Photography, we believe in giving each wedding the undivided attention it deserves. This dedication is why I, Mark Thomas, personally cannot book more than one wedding per day. Telling your story completely and beautifully means devoting the entire day to capturing every moment of your special occasion.

First Come, First Served

We operate on a straightforward, first-come, first-served basis. If your preferred date is available, you can secure it with a deposit. Once booked, I commit exclusively to your wedding, ensuring that all my energy and creativity are focused solely on your day.

A Talented Team for Overflow Bookings

In instances where I am already committed to a wedding, fear not. Mark Thomas Photography boasts a talented team of professional photographers who share my passion for storytelling and quality. This team is more than capable of covering any additional events, ensuring that even if I'm personally unavailable, you will still receive exceptional photographic services.

Our commitment at Mark Thomas Photography is to provide unparalleled dedication and quality, regardless of the circumstances. Every couple deserves to have their story told with care, attention, and expertise.

Our Approach to Equipment at Your Wedding

Balancing Quality with Discretion

At Mark Thomas Photography, we understand that the right equipment is essential to capturing your special day perfectly. However, we also believe in the importance of maintaining the beauty and intimacy of your wedding. Our approach is to balance the need for high-quality photographic equipment with the discretion required to keep your event feeling personal and unobstructed.

Thoughtful Equipment Selection

When preparing for a wedding, I bring along all the necessary tools to ensure no moment is missed. This includes a range of cameras, lights, flashes, and other essentials. However, I'm very conscious about what equipment is brought into the venue. The goal is to have everything I might need without allowing the equipment to become a distraction or an obstruction.

Keeping the Focus on You

I take great care to ensure that my equipment does not intrude on your event. If a piece of equipment like a tripod isn't in use, it's stored away neatly. My aim is to blend into the background as much as possible, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the event without feeling overwhelmed by the presence of cameras and gear.

Invisible Yet Present

While it's impossible to be completely invisible, through conscious effort and professional expertise, we make sure our equipment never overwhelms your event. The focus should always be on the celebration, the decor, and most importantly, on you and your loved ones.

At Mark Thomas Photography, we're committed to capturing your wedding beautifully, without ever letting the tools of our trade become a distraction. We're there to document your joy, not detract from it.

Tailored Packages for Your Special Day

At Mark Thomas Photography, we have carefully crafted a range of packages to suit the diverse needs and preferences of our clients. For detailed information on what each package includes, please visit our Price page.

Commitment to Full-Day Coverage

We do not offer hourly packages. Our dedication to storytelling through photography means we're committed to capturing the full narrative of your special day. We believe that to tell your story completely, we need to be there for more than just a few hours.

Unlimited Wedding Day Coverage

Each of our packages includes unlimited coverage of your wedding day. This begins two hours before the ceremony, allowing us to capture the anticipation and preparation, and extends to the end of the reception, ensuring every precious moment is caught on camera. This comprehensive approach is essential for us to create a complete and beautiful story of your day.

Fueling Our Creativity

At Mark Thomas Photography, we understand the dynamics of a wedding day and the importance of staying energized throughout. While we do not require a meal to be provided, we deeply appreciate the generosity of our clients who have offered this courtesy in the past.

A Day of Endless Moments

Our commitment to capturing every detail of your special day often means we are present longer than any other vendor. A meal helps us maintain our energy and focus, ensuring that we can continue to deliver the high-quality, creative photography you expect from us.

Your Consideration, Our Appreciation

We are always grateful for the consideration of our needs, as it allows us to perform our best in capturing the memorable moments of your wedding. However, our primary focus remains on providing you with an exceptional photographic experience from start to finish.

Local Weddings

For weddings within a 60-mile radius of San Antonio, I am pleased to offer travel at no additional charge. This policy is part of our commitment to provide accessible and straightforward services to our local clients.

Beyond Local Borders

For events located beyond the 60-mile radius, a travel fee will apply. This fee is solely to cover the basic expenses of fuel and lodging. Our goal is to keep these charges as minimal and transparent as possible, ensuring that you receive the best value without any hidden costs.

Customized Quotes for Distance Travel

Each wedding is unique, and so are its travel requirements. For weddings that require significant travel, I provide customized quotes to ensure you only pay what's necessary for fuel and accommodation. This approach ensures fairness and clarity in our pricing.

At Mark Thomas Photography, our aim is to make exceptional wedding photography accessible, no matter where your special day takes place. We strive to keep travel costs reasonable and transparent, allowing you to focus on your big day without worrying about hidden fees or excessive charges.

How soon after the wedding are the photos ready?

Swift and Quality Editing

We share in your excitement to relive the moments of your wedding day. In most cases, we can have your photos meticulously edited and ready within a week. However, during busier periods or when handling multiple weddings, the editing process may extend to 2-3 weeks.

Quality Over Speed

Our commitment to quality is paramount. Should your photo editing require extra time to ensure the highest standard, we will keep you informed every step of the way. Rest assured, our focus is on delivering beautifully edited, high-resolution images that capture the essence of your special day.

Easy Access to Your Memories

Once your images are ready, they will be uploaded to an online gallery. This user-friendly platform allows you to download any or all images in full resolution. It's also where you can conveniently order professional prints, priced reasonably to ensure you receive the best value.

Exquisite Professional Albums

In addition to digital images, we offer bespoke professional albums. Our flush mount albums are handcrafted, 10"x13" photo albums, available in a range of 40-80 pages. These albums lay flat for a seamless spread, making them a perfect keepsake.

The design and delivery of these albums are a meticulous process, usually completed within 2-3 months. We take great care in their creation, ensuring each album is a beautiful representation of your wedding day.

At Mark Thomas Photography, we understand the importance of these memories. We strive to deliver your photos and albums with a perfect balance of speed and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every image is a treasure to cherish.

Tailored to Your Needs

The number of cameras we use for video coverage depends on the package you select. Our experience has shown that using multiple cameras can significantly enhance the quality and dynamics of your wedding film.

The Art of Video Production

Unlike photography, video captures the essence of a moment through movement and composition. In videography, it's crucial to compose a shot and maintain it for an extended period, which isn't always possible if the camera is constantly moving. Excessive movement can result in shaky footage, which can be disorienting for the viewer.

Strategic Camera Placement

To overcome these challenges, we utilize multiple cameras. This approach allows one camera to remain stationary, capturing a steady, composed shot, while another moves to a new angle or location. This strategy ensures continuous, stable coverage of your event from various perspectives.

Shooting with the Edit in Mind

When filming with multiple cameras, we always do so with the final edit in mind. This means each camera is capturing footage that is essential for telling a comprehensive and engaging story of your wedding day. The result is a seamless, professional film that beautifully encapsulates the essence of your special moments.

At Mark Thomas Films, we are committed to providing a cinematic experience that truly reflects the emotion and beauty of your wedding. Our use of multiple cameras is just one of the many ways we ensure your wedding film is as captivating and memorable as the day itself.

Selecting the Perfect Camera for Every Moment

Understanding that not all cameras are created equal, we at Mark Thomas Films utilize a diverse range of professional-grade cameras to ensure every aspect of your wedding is captured flawlessly. Our selection process is meticulous: some cameras excel in outdoor lighting, while others are specially designed for low-light environments. For those magical slow-motion shots, we use cameras that are specifically engineered for that purpose.

The Right Tool for Every Scene

Our philosophy is simple yet effective: use the right tool for the job. We are committed to staying at the forefront of videography technology, which means our equipment is continually evolving. Currently, all our cameras are capable of capturing up to 4K resolution, and as technology advances, so will our capabilities.

Unobtrusive Yet Powerful Equipment

While we prioritize technical excellence, we also understand the importance of discretion. Our equipment is selected not only for its superior quality but also for its ability to blend into the background of your event. We invest in cameras that are both high-performing and compact, ensuring they capture the quality we demand without being obtrusive or distracting during your special moments.

At Mark Thomas Films, we blend technological sophistication with a mindful approach to our presence at your event. Our goal is to provide stunning, high-resolution video while maintaining the intimate, unspoiled atmosphere of your wedding day.

Crafting Cinematic Elegance

At Mark Thomas Films, we are dedicated to capturing your wedding with a smooth, cinematic quality that elevates your memories to the level of art. This signature look is achieved through the use of specialized stabilizers and filmmaking tools, carefully chosen to enhance the fluidity and grace of each shot.

Utilizing Advanced Stabilizers

Our commitment to cinematic excellence involves utilizing a range of stabilizers. These advanced tools are essential in ensuring that every frame of your film is smooth and free from unintentional shakes or jitters. The result is a seamless, professional quality that mirrors the high production values of cinematic films.

Discreet Filmmaking Approach

While we employ these sophisticated tools to achieve the desired cinematic effect, we are equally mindful of their presence at your event. Our team is trained to be discreet, ensuring that our equipment is only visible when necessary. Any equipment not in use is promptly stored away, maintaining the aesthetic and elegance of your wedding environment.

At Mark Thomas Films, our goal is to capture the magic of your day with the utmost respect for its beauty and sanctity. We blend advanced filmmaking techniques with a considerate approach to your event, ensuring that every moment is captured in a style that is both breathtakingly cinematic and deeply respectful of your special day.

The Power of a Team

For a truly cinematic film that captures every aspect of your wedding day, we recommend having at least two videographers. This approach is essential to ensure comprehensive coverage and to create a video that tells your story in the most compelling way possible.

Maximizing Coverage and Quality

With a single videographer, capturing all the necessary details, B-roll footage, and candid moments can be challenging, as they can only be in one place at a time. However, with two videographers, our capabilities are significantly expanded . One can focus on capturing those vital establishing shots, intricate details, and dynamic B-roll footage, while the other concentrates on documentary-style shots, interviews, and capturing the essence of your ceremony and reception. This division of labor allows for a richer, more nuanced film.

Enhancing Audio and Visuals

Moreover, having a second videographer enables us to set up and manage our audio equipment more efficiently, ensuring that one videographer can continue filming uninterrupted. Good audio quality is as crucial as visuals in creating a truly cinematic experience. With two videographers, we ensure that both elements are given the attention they deserve.

At Mark Thomas Films, we believe in delivering a product that reflects the grandeur and emotion of your special day. Recommending at least two videographers is part of our commitment to capturing your wedding in all its beauty and complexity. This approach allows us to produce a film that is not just a record of the day, but a beautifully crafted story you'll cherish forever.

What if we only get one videographer?

Understanding the Limitations

At Mark Thomas Films, we pride ourselves on the skill and expertise of our videographers. However, it's important to understand the inherent limitations when choosing to have only one videographer for your wedding.

The Impact on Coverage

A single videographer can produce a beautiful highlight reel of your wedding day, capturing key moments and the essence of your celebration. However, due to the time required to set up and capture different types of shots, some aspects of your wedding may not be filmed in detail. With only one camera in operation, it's a challenge to cover everything simultaneously, and some moments might be missed.

Considerations for Audio Quality

Audio quality is another aspect that can be impacted with a single videographer setup. Setting up and managing high-quality audio requires time and attention, which can be challenging for one person to handle while also focusing on filming. As a result, the audio component of your wedding film might not reach its full potential.

Resulting Style of Film

When we cover a wedding with one videographer, the final product is often edited as a music highlight reel. While this still results in a stunning video, it differs from the comprehensive storytelling approach we prefer. The film will capture the highlights of your day set to music, creating a beautiful, albeit more condensed, representation of your event.

At Mark Thomas Films, our goal is to capture your wedding day as completely and beautifully as possible. While a single videographer can create a lovely summary of your day, we recommend considering multiple videographers to fully realize the cinematic storytelling potential of your wedding film.

Collaborating with Other Professionals

Teamwork with Photographers

At Mark Thomas Films, we understand the value and importance of your wedding photography. As experienced photographers ourselves, we are deeply committed to collaborating seamlessly with other photography professionals. Our goal is to complement, not compete with, the work of your photographer.

Conscious and Cooperative Filming

We make a concerted effort to be mindful of the photographer's space and perspectives at all times. This awareness helps us avoid any unintentional appearance in your wedding photos. We strive to work in harmony with photographers, ensuring that both your wedding film and photos are captured without interference.

Building Professional Relationships

Our experience in the industry has allowed us to develop excellent working relationships with a variety of photographers. We pride ourselves on our ability to cooperate with other professionals, fostering a positive and productive environment. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of our work but also contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable experience for you on your wedding day.

Shared Focus on Your Special Day

Working alongside your photographer, we aim to ensure that every moment is captured beautifully, from multiple angles and perspectives. Our collaborative approach means that both your wedding film and photographs will be complementary, each telling the story of your day in its own unique way.

At Mark Thomas Films, we believe in the power of teamwork. We are dedicated to working in tandem with your photographer to create a comprehensive and beautiful narrative of your wedding day.

High-Quality 4K Films

Every film we create is shot in stunning 4K resolution, ensuring that your wedding memories are captured with the highest level of detail and clarity.

Two Distinct Film Versions

Upon completion, we provide you with two versions of your wedding film: a full-length film and a short film, both delivered as digital downloads.

The Short Film

The short film (typically 10-20 min) is a condensed version of your day, capturing the essence and highlights. This version is also uploaded to our online video gallery, making it easy for you to share these beautiful moments with friends and family.

The Full-Length Artistic Documentary

The full-length film is a comprehensive, artistically edited documentary of your wedding, running approximately 1.5 hours. Our editing approach focuses on maintaining a dynamic pace, ensuring the film is engaging throughout. We meticulously edit to include the complete story of your day, balancing the need to be comprehensive without overwhelming length. The goal is to create a film that you will enjoy watching repeatedly, reliving each moment with the same joy and emotion as the day itself.

A Glimpse into Our Style

The editing style of the full-length film is very similar to the short films featured on our website. This gives you a clear idea of what to expect in terms of quality and narrative flow.

At Mark Thomas Films, we pride ourselves on delivering a final product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Our films are more than just a record of your wedding day; they are a cinematic experience, a timeless keepsake that you will cherish for years to come.

Navigating Music Licensing

Choosing music for your wedding film can be complex due to licensing requirements. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the enforcement of music licensing laws, making it crucial to use only licensed music in our films. Licensing a song can cost between $200-$300, which is an important consideration for your budget.

Our Curated Music Library

To simplify this process, we have curated a collection of beautiful, license-safe music that can be used in your wedding film without any additional cost. This library is carefully selected to complement our storytelling style and enhance the narrative of your film.

Story-Driven Editing Approach

Our editing philosophy focuses more on the narrative of your wedding day rather than the music. We believe that the real power of your film lies in the story it tells, the emotions it captures, and the memories it preserves.

Personal Music Choices

If you have a specific song in mind for your wedding film, it is possible to license it for use. However, this needs to be arranged prior to your wedding day to ensure we can plan our shooting to align with your chosen soundtrack. We're happy to guide you through this process if you decide to go this route.

At Mark Thomas Films, we are committed to creating a wedding film that not only captures the essence of your day but also adheres to all legal requirements. Whether you choose from our music library or license a specific song, we ensure your wedding film is both beautiful and compliant.