Welcome to issue III of Total Exposure!

In this edition, I shall be discussing Custom Photography, the winner of the ‘Title Competition’ will be announced and I shall also show you some options for framing your pictures so they make a statement!

 

But first, can you believe it’s Fall already?  Personally, I’m a Fall fanatic!  Seriously, the leaves changing color is something a photographer waits for all year round.  There are some GORGEOUS sights, and I can’t wait to take loads of photographs!  My favorite Fall quote is this one:

                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.”  ~Stanley Horowitz

Stanley my man, you nailed Fall EXACTLY with that quote! 

 

Recently, I read an article* about Custom Photography that I felt answered many questions I have been asked myself by clients and friends AND family.  I have permission to copy the article and here it is. 

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Digital technology is brilliant.  The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur.  With flexibility comes a price though.  Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory)  you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge so much for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

 TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session.  TIme break down:

• session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• one hour travel time TO session
• 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
• one hour travel time FROM session
• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
• 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service.  This is time dedicated only to your session.  When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains.  The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service.  According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation?  The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them.  Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10).  The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments.  Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions.  You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience.  Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

 

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part.  Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism.  A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography.  Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream?  They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch.  To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity.  The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability.  This is how reputations get built.  Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories.  The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Winner of the Title Competition.

This wasn’t a very hard competition AT ALL!  Just give the picture a title!  The winner of the free print is…………………. Drum roll……………………..  Jill F. from Fort Collins Colorado with the title 'Downtime'.  Simple but matches the image.  Jill has already asked that if she wins, she gets a copy of the “White Flower” print seen here.       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So congratulations Jill!

Framing – Creating a set to make a statement!

Many times, I know people will look at my gallery ~ and for that I thank you ~ and while they may like the prints, they don’t think of the different options available.  Say for example, this set of 3 prints here!

 

Now individually they are each a great photograph, but as a set of three, they also look great together and complement each other. 

Think of certain areas around your house, hallways, stairwells etc., that otherwise may be blank and could be transformed by a simple pairing, a simple collection of prints! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So when you look through my galleries, put your thinking caps on and think of places these prints could be hung and what impact they would give an otherwise plain wall.

 

Special Offers.............

I can't  believe I'm going to say this next sentence so please, take a deep breath and listen as I say it.

Christmas is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There.  I said it.  Now, sit down, relax and book me for your Christmas Photoshoot! You knew that was coming didn't you?  OK.  I have plenty of openings on my schedule for family photo opportunities but as the time draws nearer, they will be filling up fast so NOW is the time to book me!  If you have any special requests as far as locations etc., just drop me a line and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

The first 4 family bookings I get will receive a discount on their photographic package so HURRY!

 

So ends Issue III of Total Exposure.  I hope I gave information that was helpful and look forward to any questions you may have.  In the next edition I will be answering the ones I have received so far and also upcoming ones......

 

Have a safe and happy Fall Season!

 

*http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com

All prints pictured in this newsletter ARE available in my website galleries.