Q: What should I wear to my session?
A:Its important that for couples, groups or families, everyone COORDINATE, not necessarily match. Pick a color scheme or a theme. Textures are amazing in photos! The more texture the better! Layers also help your overall image, and combining COLOR, LAYERS, and TEXTURES are very visually pleasing.
Please understand that outside, white does not typically photography well! Unless you are a BRIDE :-), try to stay away from white. Also, I don't recommend muted and/or pastel colors... as typically bold colors add more visual interest and edit better!
PERSONALLY!!! I like to break rules!
I love patterns, accessories and jewelery! Chunking pieces of jewelery on pregnany mamas are GREAT, especially necklaces as they draw attention to that darling bump! Also, don't be afraid to mix solids, stripes, plaids, polka dots, paisley's and other patterns (within reason) just try to stay within your coordinated colors (which could be anything you choose)
Also, work with the photographer when figuring out wardrobe, as your wardrobe and location can go hand in hand.
WARDROBE POINTER!!!!
I really recommend bring a bag or suitcase full of multiple outfit options for everyone in your photoshoot, along with accessories. I'll help you choose what will look best together, and individually, and sometimes add accessories of my own to the mix when I style you!!!!
(wardrobe is REALLY very important, so as much as I am layed back... that I am a stickler on!!!:-)
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Q:Why does custom photography cost more?
A:This is a frequently asked question! You may be amazed at the quality of portraits a friend or family member had taken by a QUALITY professional photographer, and then chagrined when you find out the price- then search at a "cheaper" photographer. Consumer beware!!! (haha- sounds menacing!) No really though!!! In all reality, you get what you pay for, so best advice I ever recieved on getting professional portraits done....
"Save up! Make a special annual or bi-annual experience!"
I wanted to make clients more aware of the costs involved when it comes to running a succesful digital photography business! I am only just beginning to see the full gamut of what this includes (and believe me, my husband got a HUGE reality check concerning the costs involved when I decided to delve in full force.)
Because of fabulous new technology and the readily available DSLR cameras, people seem to think that all you have to do is purchase a nice camera and then you're set! Oh, what a misconception. I didn't quite have that attitude, but close to it! I expected to have to practice to get good images of my children- but "practice" doesn't quite cover it!
This is the one project in my life- the ONE- that has SERIOUSLY driven me to the breaking point multiple times because of how HARD it is! There have been several days where I have just thought about giving up.
"Why should I try?""
"How can I possibly learn all of this?"
-but I continue to get past those thoughts and press forward everyday! (though maybe at a slower pace then some as I am determined that my photographic journey not DETRACT from my family life, but ENHANCE it!)
Before booking with me, or paying any photographer for a photosession for that matter, PLEASE read this post by the talented Professional Photographer Lavenda Memory.
ARTICLE LINK: {click HERE!}
Here is an excerpt:
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"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, etc"
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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 traveling an hour to your on location session.
Time break down:
session prep time (30 minutes-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
1 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 {or 5-10 depending on photographers
editing preferences}
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." - Lavenda Memory
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{might I add that weddings are going to be TRIPLE that amount of time-these are just the specs for a general session}
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COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
"Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.
Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc." - Lavenda Memory
Read on HERE!
