When this sweet Mom contacted me last fall she wanted to capture the beautiful season at it's peak. The day before our session, it was a seriously beautiful fall day. I had high hopes for the following day. Well mother nature had something else in mind and I think the day turned out the be the coldest, most rainy day ever! This brave Mom wanted to give it a try anyways just to see if we could get a few shots.. It was short lived for sure. We rescheduled and I'm sure glad that we did! I had such a great time meeting this family. Their sweet little Savannah had the most perfect and bright blue eyes any photographer would die over!
Patterson Family | Richmond Family Photography
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 At 2:00 PM
There is nothing more exciting to me than getting an email from a new client who is interested in my work. It makes my day. I feel rebooted and the ideas start to flood my mind of things that I want to try and places that I want to go. This family was so fun to work with and as you can see totally beautiful. Thanks again Patterson Family. Hope to see you soon.
Why Choose Custom Photography?
Friday, March 23, 2012 At 2:18 PM
This article seems to be popping up on many of the web sites that I frequent lately and I decided that I would share because I think it's that good. I hope that other photographers would pass this along as well. This is something that has been on my mind lately as I have taken a step back to look at where I am as a Photographer and decide where I want to go.
I am one who started photography because I loved pictures. I always have. I love capturing the moment and keeping it forever with a photograph. I have always had an interest in photography and with the help of my sister she gave me the confidence that I needed to fly. Now, I have taken small baby steps to where I want to be as a photographer and I will admit that I have a lot to learn and a lot further that I want to take my work, but it comes with time and a lot of money. Two things that are not bulging out of my pocket at the moment. It seems like everyone has a nice camera these days and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, however it can smash the confidence of a photographer every now and then when people think that's all you need. I heard a quote at a workshop I attended a while back;
Anyone can take pictures; but a Photographer can visulize the picture before it is actually taken-and make it happen.
I am not one who charges a lot of money for a session. The biggest reason being, is not because I am not confident in my work, it is because being a stay at home Mom and having a husband who is hard at work in Dental School, means that I am in a situation right now where I cannot pay triple the amount of money others could. I am photographing people who are in the same situation as I am, so why should I or how could I charge that for someone else to have photos taken. However, I have had so many people comment on how cheap I am and sometimes it makes me wonder if that is reflecting upon my work. I know that I am not the cheapest photographer, and on the flip side I know I am defiantly not the most expensive; especially here in Virginia, but I don't want to schedule sessions because I am cheap. I want to schedule sessions because people admire my work. I put a lot of thought into every photograph that I take and every single session that I get to do and I want people to see that.
I am posting this article because it explains why the established and talented photographers charge what they do for their work. I did not write this, I don't know the person who did, but I do think that this article is awesome! So read on...
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Article from www.professionalchildphotographer.com
The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and ability to control various factors during the image taking and making process. Photographers, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur all benefit from this ability to manipulate pixels. However, with flexibility comes a price. Digital 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 creating a work of photographic art. We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen's and pay a $1.99 for a print – as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. Photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:
"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at x store?"
The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business. The cost of TIME Approaching it from a time standpoint, let's imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a time break down:
- booking time: 30 minutes to one hour (client contact time + paperwork)
- pre-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
In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours – dependent on the photographer's level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.
The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
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 from $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 their professional lab is an integral part of their success. These labs often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for the discerning client.
Discussion on other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we'll skip many of the intricate details. An overview: the 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.
APPLES to ORANGES to BANANAS: Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 "sheet" 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. In February 2007 a company who has leased photography retail space in a rather well known discount retailer closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation. The reason it happened 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 vs. many custom photographers (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10).
A little history – the whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait services 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 "loss leader". Your portraits that are meant to symbolize a once-in-a-lifetime stage in your child's life are part of what a store considers a way to get you in there door to spend more money on goods that you might not really want or need but because you're there "anyway" you buy.
Also keep in mind that when you go 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 as well as the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience.
REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER: There is an old story about a ship that cost a company millions of dollars. Something went wrong in the engine room and the ship was stuck in dock. They called various "experts" who spent weeks trying to fix the issue to no avail and at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars. Finally a older gentleman was called in who simply brought in his small tool bag and a hammer. He set about pinging on various parts of the vast engine with his hammer, finally settling on one area. He spent a few minutes pinging in that area, took out a few tools and fixed whatever what was wrong. After a few moments the man straightened up, looked at the captain and instructed him to "start her up." The captain disbelievingly went to get the engines started while the man sat in the engine room listening as the engine roared to life. The man tipped his hat as he exited the ship to the staff who sat dumbfounded because they had seen all the experts come on board for days with their expensive equipment only to have the ship not fixed. This man did it in a few minutes with a few pings of his hammer!
A few days passed and the man sent the shipping company a bill for $10,000. The accounting department contacted him immediately. Why all the rumors mentioned that this man had only spent "a few minutes" fixing the ship "with his hammer and a few other random tools". When questioned about why his bill was for $10,000 – did he accidentally leave an extra zero on the bill? The man confidently responded: "In fact the time was worth the $1,000. The other $9,000 was for the years of experience and the ability to discern the issue as quickly as possible for the company."
Now I'm not saying that photographers fix large ships but being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer's part (years of practice, study, experience, etc). A photographer's 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? These photographers often undervalue what they do because they have the realization that they do not have experience or expertise but are very adept at pushing the shutter on the camera. Many times these casual "professionals" neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc.. When you hire a photographer of sound reputation, you are hiring an expert, one that knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work a photographer possesses not only sound knowledge in the technical and creative aspects of photography but also good, reliable equipment and back up equipment.
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.
content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences and outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography
Goodfellow Family | Northern Virginia Family Photographer
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 At 12:29 PM
I had so much fun photographing this family. They drove down to see Jessie and Dustin that you might remember from this post and also to have their family photographs taken. It poured rain ALL day long and I was so nervous that they drove all the way down and we were going to have to reschedule. When I left my house, it was still raining but luckily once I got to Belle Isle where we had decided on for location it had cleared up a bit and we were able to have a great time together.
Thanks G Family!
Baby Jackson | Richmond Newborn Photographer
Friday, March 9, 2012 At 4:18 PM
There is nothing sweeter than a newborn. I miss my newborn. My baby is growing so fast, so it makes me grateful that I get to snuggle newborns for work.
Jackson wanted to hang with the big kids during the beginning of this session, and then finally gave in to sleep towards the end and I think we ended up with some good shots.
Disner Family | Northern Virginia Family Photographer
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 At 5:08 PM
This family came down from Northern Virginia for their photo session and I'm so glad that I was able to photograph them because seriously...LOOK AT THEM! Can you say GORGEOUS!? I think so.. like a million times over and over. Momma didn't miss a detail about their outfits, The kids only had one melt down and it was towards the end of the session and the weather was beautiful. We met up in the morning at Crump Park and I couldn't have been more excited to get my fall sessions underway with this family.
Are these not the two cutest little boys that you've ever seen? I was seirously drowling over them the WHOLE time.
We had a great time and I think even the kids enjoyed my company... Well maybe until I got the "bird" hahaha
Thanks again for coming all the way down for your session D Family. It was so great meeting you and working with you. Hope to see you all very soon!
New Year, New Goals
Thursday, January 19, 2012 At 9:38 PM
My #1 goal is being better at posting all the beautiful families that I have been blessed to be able to photograph! Has everyone given up on me or do people still look at this blog? Please say you do! Show me some love if so!
Obviously I am very behind on blogging, but I will not be leaving anyone out so I am starting to blog from way back when, starting with this beautiful family.
Meet Andrew, Katie and Sweet Charlie! Beautiful right? Right!
Benson | Richmond Virginia Child Photographer
Saturday, October 22, 2011 At 1:41 PM
Meet Benson! He is going to be a heartbreaker one day... Just look at those eyes! Yup, Heartbreaker! He was a busy one year old at the time of this session and I had lots of fun chasing him around. He wasn't always so fond of me, but with the the help of Mom and Elmo, we managed to get some great shots and smiles!
i love "lucy" | richmond child photographer
Thursday, October 20, 2011 At 11:04 PM
Lucy turns one!! You might remember this little angel from her newborn session here. I cannot believe that she is one!! It is crazy how times flies. Her Mom is another best friend of mine and was throwing an "I love Lucy" birthday bash, so we needed some pictures to spread across the yummy refreshment table. I LOVE how they all turned out. Not only is she adorable, but her Mom put together the best outfits for her to model in. Couldn't love this girl more if she was my own. Enjoy!!
quinn | richmond newborn photographer
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 At 11:35 PM
Sweet Little Quinn. She is now 8 months old but she is adorable and deserved to make the blog. During this session she didn't want to sleep much but was sweet as can be. Her Mom is a good friend so it was fun to spend some time together during this session.
Miss Harper | Richmond Baby and Child Photographer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 At 11:39 PM
Woah! It's been a loooong time since I have blogged. SO much has been going on.... Bed rest, delivering, baby born, 6 weeks early, NICU, PCN, Baby Home, Baby surgery!! See.. Lots. I've been busy loving on my little guy and adjusting to being a new Mom and I'm loving it.. most days. I haven't stopped to blog about the families and kids that I have been able to photograph and I promise that I'll be better in the coming months.
This is Little Miss Harper! What a doll she is...Literally, doesn't she look just like a doll. So perfect. She was so much fun to photograph and what a happy little baby she is. Never fussed even though it was cold outside and we kept changing her outfit. This Mom came prepared and I love the ways these photograpsh turned out!
ashley & chelsea | richmond family & portrait photographer
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 At 10:30 PM
This session left me feeling very giddy!! I was so excited about this session. These beautiful sisters were surprising their Mom with new photographs of the two of them and redesigning her photo wall in her home for a gift. What more could a Mom ask for?? When these two showed up with killer outfits and looking gorgeous beyond words, I knew I was in for a real treat. We had so much fun and the weather and lighting could have not been more in my favor! Thanks again girls! I had so much fun with the two of you!
Suter Family | Richmond Family Photographer
Friday, July 1, 2011 At 10:10 PM
This was such a great family to photograph. They were so layed back and that makes taking pictures so easy. They all have such a great relationship with eachother and that is also very refreashing. Enjoy!
Redesigning and Revamping
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 At 10:36 PM
I am in the process of redesigning and revamping my website, so please bare with me as it goes through some changes over the next few weeks!
Updates coming very soon!
Hatch Family | Richmond Family Photographer
Sunday, May 22, 2011 At 7:36 PM
Remember once upon a time when I did a couple portrait give-a-way?? Well this family was the first to respond and we decided to turn it into a family session instead. I adore this family and they are about to embark on a new journey in Arizona. They have graduated Medical School here in Virginia and Dad will be specializing in Emergency Medicine. They have been our neighbors for 2 years since we got here and I have become very close with Mom and have watched their little one grow. I have a hard time imagining them gone and it makes me very sad. Thank goodness for portraits and blogs!
Good Luck Hatch family! You will be very missed!!
Shafer Family | Richmond, Virginia Family Photographer
Friday, May 20, 2011 At 9:37 PM
I am so lucky to have an amazingly talented sister who is a photographer in Idaho. I take the chance to have her take photographs of Brian and I whenever we are home, and our new addition and family very soon... but outfits are something that I stress myself out about every single time. You would think that being a photographer and knowing what looks good together and what photographs well it would come easy, but it doesn't. Outfits can make or break photographs, so when this family showed up for their session I about died!! They looked fantastic. I love when people aren't afraid of COLOR!!! I also love when everything doesn't match but just goes together like a puzzle. This family NAILED IT and we had so much fun!!!
Gibbons Family | Richmond, Virginia Family Photographer
Friday, May 20, 2011 At 9:03 PM
I am still playing catch up from last fall, but I have a lot of great sessions that I don't want people to miss out on. I had such a great time photographing this family. Such beautiful people and great kids as well. They are good friends and like I mentioned last post, it just makes things easy and fun!
Fox Family | Richmond, Virginia Family Photographer
Saturday, April 16, 2011 At 3:45 PM
When you are photographing best friends, it just take all the 'heavy stuff' out of taking pictures and everything is just FUN! Even when their little one is nearly afraid of you and wont smile even with ALL of my tricks out of the hat. It doesn't hurt that this family is beautiful inside and out. This photo session was done on the river and I was very excited about using this location. I always know that I have had a great time when the sun starts to go done and I nearly want to cry because the camera LOVES them! Take a look for yourself!
Thank you Fox Family! You guys are beautiful and I can't wait to see your family grow!
Brityn and Rich | Richmond, Virginia Couple Photographer
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 At 5:16 PM
When Brityn emailed me about booking a session with her husband, I knew that I was in for a real treat. I was so so excited. She has such class, but with a little spunk as well and so I knew that she wouldn't disappoint. Of course when they showed up to the session, I wanted to scream. Not only was it the perfect combination of colors for the season, but when she pulled out the RED LIPSTICK I wanted to die. There are few people who can pull off red lipstick and Brityn is one of them. Can you say B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l!! Maybe I was slightly jealous because her hair is fabulous and I could never pull off the red lips. AHH!!
Brityn and Rich were such a fun session for me. A fresh breath of air and fun. Take a look, you'll see what I mean. Enjoy!
Growing up, it was a rare occurance that we got family photographs taken. In fact, I think the last family photograph that we had done was when I was about between 12-14 years old and it is still the current photograph that hangs above a beautiful staircase at my parents house. Our family has changed a lot since then. 4 son/brother in laws, 3 nephews/grandsons and 2 on the way, 3 nieces/grand daughters, and one more boy or girl on the way. See... a lot has changed since I was that age. I know that is why I enjoy doing photography so much. To be able to look back at a photograph and remember a certain time in life makes me happy and my poor husband has had pictures done every year since we got married. One day he will thank me and that it what I say to all the couples that I have to opportunity to photograph.
I love so much having a couple session. A lot of times I hear, "I feel like we're getting engagement pictures." My reply to that is, "It SHOULD feel that way."It should feel that way after however many years of marriage that you're still in love like you were when you were getting your engagement pictures.
That is the one thing that should never change.
Olson Family | Richmond Family Photographer
Sunday, March 20, 2011 At 9:06 PM
I always love being able to photograph friends. They seem to be a little more comfortable in front of the camera and in front of me and my photographing crazyness. I usually tell the parents, just stay where you are, keep smiling and I'll tell you if I need you to move. I do this because then I can focus on getting the kids to look at me and if I'm lucky to smile. Well... little Benson, was just not havin' it. None of my tricks were working with him. I mostly got a blank stare and it's a good thing that he is such a little stud and his straight face looks very handsome. Towards the end, I got a few smiles which I was very happy about, even if it was all because of Mom and Dad!
Sharp Family | Richmond, Virginia Family Photographer
Friday, March 4, 2011 At 3:47 PM
This family is GORGEOUS inside and out. They just seem like they have everything put together and Miss Momma inspires me in many ways! I had a lot of fun photographing this family and their adorable kids.
I mean, SERIOUSLY!! Look at these kids. Totally darling.
Baylor | Ashland Virginia Photographer
Friday, March 4, 2011 At 3:19 PM
This fine young man has worked very hard and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. If you're not aware, the rank of Eagle is the highest award that a young man in the Boy Scouting program can earn. It takes many many hours to pass off all the requirements to earn this prestigious award, and Baylor was able to do it at a very young age.
Congratulations Baylor!! You're awesome!
Little...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 At 11:37 AM
Little Hats, Little shoes, Little Baby and a very little sneak peek.
I have just recently had my website fixed (finally) so that I can start posting again. For some reason or another, it was not letting me upload photographs or access the 'create a post' page. So... now that I have it up and running again, I really need to get to work on updating this website. I have had so many beautiful and fun clients that are worthy of a post! This was one of my more recent posts, before it started to tease us with warm weather, and this mom has been so patient for her little sneak peek! Enjoy!
Tonight's shoot...
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 At 6:34 PM
Tonight was splendid! I am so so GIDDY and couldn't wait to break into these!!
Brynley is 1 year old | Richmond, Virginia Child Photographer
Friday, November 12, 2010 At 2:28 PM
Miss Brynley turned one a little bit ago (okay... so a few months, I'm behind... but look at me posting everyday lately) Anyways.. back to Bryn. I love when Mom's arent afraid to change outfits on their little one. It can be exhausting, but the turn out is always great! Bryn's little outfits I wanted them all in my size. They are to DIE FOR! We had so much fun and little Bryn was a blast. She has such spunk and a little spit fire personality but yet so timid! If that makes sense at all!
Just take a look and you'll see what I mean...
This is her blowing kisses... How sweet!!
Happy One Year Brynley!
Andrew & Carly | Richmond, Virginia Family Photographer
Thursday, November 11, 2010 At 10:10 PM
I love kids. I miss my nieces and nephews so much it's crazy! I love watching kids interact and learn and grow. I also love photographing kids. It is such blast. Although most of the time it is challenge, it is so entertaining. You never know what you are going to get. It's a total guessing game.
The day of Andrew and Carly's session, it was so so hot and what troopers they were. We headed to the U of R campus and for those of you that have been there, you know that it is near heaven for kids. You can water, and a bridge and "ducks"....which are really geese, but who cares about the difference when you are a kid.
We had so much fun. I get so exciting when I am able to connect with the kids that I am photographing. Andrew and I bonded that day. We held hands, sang a song and we even planned a dinner and ice cream date. Who would have thought picture day could be so fun! Thanks again B family!
{L} family | virginia family photographer
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 At 10:14 PM
I grew up in Idaho. I am a farmers daughter, and I wouldn't have it any other way. At the time, of course I was not so excited about getting up early on a Saturday and heading to the farm with my sisters to pick rocks, cut thistles or herd cows; however today.. I look back at those times and some of the best memories I have with my family. I love the serene-ness and simplicity of Idaho. I love HUGE wide open fields with one tree or a barn that is in complete shambles, Add a sunset and you have the most captivating and beautiful photograph.
You can imagine my dismay when I moved to Virginia and all I could see for miles and miles were trees! Trees lining every street and every possible view of field. I have searched high and low for the perfect field here in Virginia and you can bet that one day I will find it. I have heard that there is a country here so when I do find it, you all will be the first to know.
When I contacted this family about locations, Mom said to me, "What I really want is a field and a barn." I felt like giving her a big ol' hug over the phone and then very shortly after, we both agreed that it isn't the easiest thing to find here in Virginia. So we settled for the next best thing. We headed to Crump Park and I am happy with the outcome. Hope you enjoy!
Baby Jensen | Virginia Newborn Photographer
Monday, July 5, 2010 At 11:25 AM
I cannot get over this little ones head of hair! It is perfect and I hope that it doesn't ever fall out, like most newborns hair does! You know what they say... Like Father, Like Son! Sweet Jensen was over a month old for his session, so I was a little nervous about what I was going to be able to do, but he did a great job and once he discovered the fuzzy blanket, he was out in a flash! This sweet family has finished schooling and is on to the final adventure in their life... a real job in Logan, Utah! I am actually very jealous just because we LOVE Logan and miss it so much. I wish them the best of luck and we all miss you guys!!
{J} Kiddos | Virginia Children Photographer
Sunday, July 4, 2010 At 3:22 PM
So, I am very behind on my posting, but this family was done about a month ago. I love photographing kids. They don't always like to be in front of the camera, but they sure do have fun running around outside. I love watching kids get so excited about the ducks in the water, or just water for that matter. Oh to see the world as an adult in a children's eye...what a marvelous thing that would be!
These sweet kids have grown up so much since I photographed them last year. It was much much warmer which equals much happier smiles! See for yourself...
Burke Family Sneak Peek | Virginia Family Photographer
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 At 6:19 PM
I'm speechless over this family! Really...I mean it! ENJOY!!
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