“What is your pricing, and what is included in that?”
All current pricing can be found on the booking site link. When you see “session price”, that includes the session itself and the editing time thereafter. Each session has what is included as far as products, prints, or digitals outlined in each session description. All photographers have their own cost of doing business that is unique to their business operating costs. When comparing prices, please understand that not all photographers are created equal! There are many talented photographers who are running small businesses the honorable way - there are many who do not, which undermines our industry. Think of it like going to your friend who fixes cars on the side to help you with your brakes vs. going to a brake shop - yes, you may save money, but you do not have guarantees on products - you do not have the legal assurances and protections - you do not have any recourse if your product is never delivered. . . yada yada yada…etc.
ABOUT THIS PHOTOGRAPHER:
I am a local small business owner;
The money you spend stays in the local community - when you spend money at my local business, I, in turn, spend money at other local small businesses in our town;
I contribute to local charities;
I sponsor local sports teams and the school district;
I donate my services throughout the year for high school seniors who cannot afford photography;
My business supports my family;
I invest thousands of dollars each year back into my business for professional equipment, continuing education, props, and more to provide clients with a great experience - I do not simply “own a camera”;
I pay self-employment taxes;
I maintain proper insurance;
I am a legal photography business.
I do not charge the same amount for products as what a mass-producing, low quality company will do because, frankly, my products are better. You get what you pay for, and what you are paying for with me is attention to detail, a casual and relaxed session, a quick turnaround time for your gallery, and access to amazing professional photography labs that are not available to the general public. I will not offer anything to my clients that I would not purchase for myself.
“why don’t you give 30-40 digitals like other photographers?”
Glad you asked! The reason I provide fewer final images is two-fold. First, what are you going to do with 30-40 photos? Most likely, you will look at them, love them, then put them away on a hard drive somewhere and forget about them. That isn’t what I want for my clients. I do not simply put a one-size-fits-all preset filter on my images. I edit each photo individually, which includes removing all blemishes and distracting background elements. For group photos, it includes providing a select 1-3 final images where EVERYONE looks their best because I will composite many photos together into one final image to ensure that your entire family looks amazing in the final product - have you ever received a gallery full of images just to have one photo where maybe everyone looks great except one person is looking away, or one child isn’t smiling, or something is off? That isn’t the case with me. I want you to have quality over quantity. My business model is based on the client experience and photographic art for you and your family.
I equate photographers who give you 50-100+ images to one of those gigantic sundaes where if you can actually finish the whole thing, then you get it for free - - - no one needs that many pictures from one event unless it is A) Your wedding; 2) An extended family event with 10+ families involved; III) You have 80 kids, and that’s what’s up.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
“what should we wear?”
Check out this blog post for advice: What to Wear
“Do you photograph weddings?”
I do not. I am a children’s photographer, specializing in sports & seniors. If you are looking for a reputable wedding photographer, I recommend using the Find a Photographer site offered from Professional Photographers of America.
“Can I just get digital files?”
I strongly recommend ordering products directly from me, as those products are guaranteed. I do not guarantee any prints or products ordered from outside labs. Some of those big name companies that send you coupons all the time - - uhh - - no. Just no. They discolor images - they churn out thousands of pieces of that junk - the quality is just atrocious. I can’t. Please order products from your photographer! If your photographer doesn’t offer products, ask yourself why. There is no reason you should have to do that work yourself - let us do that for you! It is our job, after all. :)
“Can I have the raw files?”
No. I only provide images that meet my artistic standards. No exceptions.
“do I have to have my photos posted online?”
Absolutely not! By default, your contract includes a release for me to use the images for business use; however, if you are not comfortable having your images published online, that is 100% your choice, and I will not post images if you do not want me to do so. I also can hang on to images and post later, for example, if the photographs are a gift for someone.
“Any other questions?”
Fill out my contact form with any questions that are not answered by the available information on my website.