Thank you for considering A. J. Mills Photography. I feature a wonderful blend of photojournalistic and elegant traditional imaging, capturing the full emotion of your wedding day in black and white and vibrant color. We are a full time wedding photography studio with over 20 years of experience professionally photographing weddings which has grown mostly by word of mouth referrals from extremely satisfied brides and grooms. We form very strong relationships with our clients as we make their experience fun and enjoyable. Unlike some studios that use several different photographers, I photograph every wedding personally to ensure that you are getting the professional quality that you expect for that special day. Along with wedding photography, I also do all types of portrait photography, engagement photos, family portraits, children's portraits, high school seniors, and even the family pet.

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are popular destinations for weddings and with many miles of beautiful tropical beaches, and turquoise waters they are also an ideal location for a romantic beach wedding. Being on the west coast of Florida, we enjoy beautiful scenery and sunsets for wedding ceremonies and receptions on the Gulf of Mexico. There are many possible locations for a beach wedding on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Some of the most popular are the private exclusive resorts, but there are numerous idyllic locations throughout Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions about wedding photography and beach portraits on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island:

Q. How do we arrange a consultation?

A. We offer a no-obligation, personal consultation to all couples who are considering us for their wedding photography. Please call for availability, and we will set up a time for you to meet with us. Various time slots are available, including daytime, early evening, and also some weekend appointments.

During the consultation, you will be able to view samples with beginning to end coverage of recently photographed weddings, several assembled wedding albums, and a variety of framed portraits. We will spend some time discussing your specific wedding plans, go over our price list and package options. We will also answer any questions that you may have about Sanibel Island weddings.

We are confident that you will be pleased with our quality of work, our prices, and our personalities, and will give us strong consideration in your final decision.

Q. How many hours of wedding coverage will we receive on the wedding day?

A. A. J. Mills Photography does not charge by the hour. All of our wedding packages are full coverage. We start where the bride is getting ready, and are there until the last dance at the end of the reception. We have no restrictions on movement from one location to another.

Q. What type of equipment is used?

A. We use the latest in hi-tech digital Canon 1Ds- 11 megapixels, Canon 70-200 image stabilizer lens, Canon 16-35mm 2.8, and other lenses, filters and accessories made for professional use. Hasselblad medium format cameras with all Hasselblad lenses. Lumedyne professional lighting equipment, and plenty of backup.

Q. Does your company carry liability insurance?

A. Yes, we are covered by liability insurance.

Q. Do you charge for travel?

A. We do not charge for travel when shooting a wedding within a 100 mile radius of Sanibel Island, Captiva Island or Sarasota.

Q. When will I receive my wedding proofs?

A. All wedding proofs are ready for delivery within 2-3 weeks of the wedding date.

Q. Can your wedding proofs be viewed on the internet?

A. Yes, we offer internet viewing through Kodak Proshots, where all your photos can be viewed and purchased for an additional charge.

Q. How many proofs will I receive?

A. A. J. Mills Photography guarantees at least 200 proofs, but usually averages approximately 300-350 per wedding. We don't put a limit on the number of photos taken at the wedding.

Q. Is black and white photography extra?

A. There is no extra charge for black and white photography.

Q. Are your wedding proofs marked or stamped?

A. No. Wedding proofs are fine quality photographs with no markings on the front, however, they are numbered and copyrighted on the back.

Q. Is it possible to purchase and extra set of wedding proofs?

A. Yes, an extra set of wedding proofs are available for $350 per set.

Q. Who pays for shipping, and how is it shipped?

A. We provide free packaging and handling. The shipping is paid by the customer.

Q. How much time is required for the taking of formal pictures?

A. Formal pictures usually require approximately one hour, depending on the size of the wedding party, and the organization.

Q. Should I make a list of desired photos for the wedding photographer?

A. A. J. Mills Photography requests a list of photos of family combinations and bride and groom shots to ensure all photos to be taken. If any guest or relatives are coming from far away or out of town please put them on your list.

Q. Can I customize a wedding package?

A. Yes, we will customize any of our wedding packages to meet your individual needs. Your Wedding Day will be one of the most important days You will remember. We want Your Sanibel Island wedding Photography the way You would like it.

Q. How do I reserve my date?

A. To reserve your wedding date, a $500 deposit is required. Once we have received a deposit for that date, the date is no longer available. Due to the fact that we only book one wedding a day. We accept all major credit cards, personal check, or cash.

Q. Does the wedding photographer require a meal?

A. Yes, the photographer definitely works up an appetite photographing the events. A meal is greatly appreciated. We prefer to be included into the seating arrangement, to ensure that we are seated within the room of the reception. If not, we may miss important speeches and happenings.

Q. When is the final balance due?

A. A. J. Mills Photography requires that the final payment be made two weeks prior to the wedding date. Payment can be made by all major credit cards, check or cash.

Q. Can I see examples of your work?

A. Although you can view some photos on our website, they do not show the true quality of our work. We encourage you to take the time and meet with us in person and view our work first hand. We have many beach and wedding portraits, sample albums, and proof albums of Sanibel Island weddings.

Q. What is the best time for a beach portrait on Sanibel Island or Captiva Island

A. If the sky is clear, the best time to shoot a beach portrait is approximately one half hour before sunset. When the sun is low in the sky the light is great for photography. If the sky is cloudy, it is better to start the beach portrait earlier.

Q. What is the best place to have a sunset wedding on the beach?

A. Florida's west coast offers beautiful white sand beaches, with sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, and beautiful turquoise waters. Starting from Clearwater Florida, St. Pete beach, Anna Maria Island, heading south to Long Boat Key, Lido Beach, Siesta Key, Venice Beach, Palm Island, Boca Grande, Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral, Naples, and Marco Island. All offer a wide variety of accommodations and facilities for wedding receptions.

Q. What about the weather?

A. The west coast of Florida is almost always beautiful and sunny. Summertime occasionally brings afternoon thunder showers that usually last a brief amount of time. It is always a good idea to plan your wedding at a facility that can accommodate an inside ceremony, in case of inclement weather.

Q. What if the weather does not cooperate on the day of the beach portrait?

A. We always try to schedule our beach portraits at a time where a rain date is possible. If we are unable to shoot the portrait due to the weather, the deposit will be refunded in full. If you are coming down on vacation, you should try and book your beach portrait session towards the beginning of your stay, in order to have more time to reschedule in case of bad weather.