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James Bitz Photography bio picture

Put your feet up and stay awhile

I want this page to not only tell you about my photography, but to let you know more about me and what I’M about.
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Up until I started dating my wife (who is from Exeter, NE), I had no idea where any other cities than Lincoln or Omaha were. I’ve since learned of and visited some great places all over the state from Central City to Wayne to Nebraska City, etc. I was really surprised to learn all the cool scenery Nebraska has to offer.
I am a graduate of Lincoln High School. I graduated back in ’99. I’m almost positive that I was the coolest person alive at the time.
Aside from photography I also teach high school at Lincoln North Star. I love teaching and being in the classroom. I’m technically a “shop” teacher, but I don’t work around power tools. I teach engineering and architectural drafting courses, so I’m in a stuffy computer lab all day that has no windows. It’s actually not that bad, considering I have one of the largest rooms in the school, and I don’t have to share it with anyone else.
Growing up in the Midwest has taught me a lot about the value of getting to know people. I’ve never had a hard time finding nice people in this part of the country. There’s always someone around to help you change a tire.


Though my mom is from South Dakota, and my dad is from New Mexico, I’ve learned to embrace both cultural backgrounds. People often confuse my ethnicity as Italian or Greek. Nope, half-German, half-Mexican. It makes a nice combination, don’t you think?
I love to write and play music… though play might be a strong word. I can diddle around on the keyboard, and I’m actually not bad at playing the duduk. *crickets chirping* The duduk is an Armenian double reed instrument. I know you’ve heard it in movie soundtracks, you probably just never knew what it was.
Back to music though… I always have music around me. In the car, in my MP3 player, on my computer, etc. It’s what gets me going and sets my moods. I’m particularly fond of Baroque, Celtic, and Electronic music. I’m not a big country fan, so I hope you’ll forgive me for that. (I promise I won’t make a funny face at the DJ when I shoot your wedding reception.)
I’ve been married to a wonderful woman for over three years and have a daughter that runs amok throughout our house. She has recently learned how to say, “No!” Isn’t that pleasant?

-What I Do-
Okay, enough with my personal life. Let’s talk about photography.
My favorite part of photography is capturing unique moments. Anyone can pull out a pocket camera and snap a picture of your first kiss as husband and wife. You’re probably not going to find a lot of people however, that are willing to crawl on the floor, lay down in the dewy grass, or crouch down in a creek with their good shoes on just to get that perfect shot. (Yes, you heard it right, you’re more important than my shoes)
While I have my own style of shooting, I want to work with you to get your ideas onto your walls, mantles, or albums.
I can’t guarantee that my style will match what you’re looking for, but I can try to take your ideas and adapt them to the way that I work.

-Professional Involvement-
As a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), I strive to provide professional quality and service!
NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep)

Pricing

2010 Wedding Pricing

For Senior Portrait information, click HERE.

I’m more than happy to discuss any special ideas you may have that aren’t in packages I currently offer.

I typically don’t modify the packages themselves however, as I’ve spent a great deal of time getting them just right.

Platinum Wedding – $3200 (+ tax)

- Eight hours of photography coverage
- Custom Flushmount Album (30 page, 12×12 album included)
- Two leather-bound press-print parent albums (8×8 size with identical layout to your album)
- High resolution DVD of all your images, including your engagement session, along with a low resolution disc with internet ready pictures
- Proof Book
- Engagement session
- Coffee Table sign in book for your wedding and reception
- 200 custom designed press-print invitations with envelopes
- 16×20 Canvas Wrap
- Private, online proofing gallery

Gold Wedding – $2600 (+ tax)

- Eight hours of photography coverage
- Custom Flushmount Album (30 page, 10×10 album included)
- Two leather-bound press-print parent albums (5×5 size with identical layout to your album)
- High resolution DVD of all your images, including your engagement session, along with a low resolution disc with internet ready pictures
- Proof Book
- Engagement session
- Coffee Table sign in book for your wedding and reception
- Private, online proofing gallery

Silver Wedding – $2200 (+ tax)

- Eight hours of photography coverage
- Custom Flushmount Album (30 page, 8×8 album included)
- High resolution DVD of all your images, along with a low resolution disc with internet ready pictures
- Proof Book
- Engagement session
- Coffee Table sign in book for your wedding and reception
- Private, online proofing gallery

Standard Coverage – $225 per hour (+ tax)

- High resolution DVD of all your images, along with a low resolution disc with internet ready pictures
- Proof Book
- Engagement session
- Coffee Table sign in book for your wedding and reception
- Private, online proofing gallery
(Note: Minimum of six hours of photography coverage required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All other days require a minimum of four hours photography coverage.)

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-FAQs (frequently asked questions)-

Question) Will you be the one shooting my wedding.

Answer) Yes! I don’t “farm out” weddings to others. I’m the one you interview with, and I’m the one that shoots your wedding.

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Q) I found a photographer on Craigslist that will do my entire wedding and reception for $500. Why should I hire you instead when you’re so expensive.

A) Actually, if you look at professional photographers around the area, you’ll find that my prices are very reasonable. More than likely, the cheap photographers you’ve seen don’t provide even close to the quality or service that I do.

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Some things to look out for with those budget photographers:

  • Do they have backup equipment in case of failure (cameras, lenses, lights, etc.)?
  • Do they edit the images they give you on your high resolution DVD or do they give you the images straight out of the camera?
  • Do they belong to a professional organization that promotes bettering yourself through training, instruction and conferences?
  • Do they have liability insurance in case someone trips over their gear and hurts themselves?
  • Do they provide high quality albums made by professional printers?

In short, I am neither the cheapest, nor the most expensive option. What you can count on though, is that I will devote my full time, attention, and ability to your special day.
Keep in mind that if someone is doing the same amount of work that I’m doing, with the same amount of gear that I bring, providing the same quality of work that I provide, for only $500, then they are losing money, and they will not be in business very long.