Here are a few pics....starting with sunflare! I love it!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I'm a sunflare junkie!
Clarissa and David were such a cute couple. Her spunky personality shinned and David had a great smile...even though he tried to be grumpy! It was fun to spend the morning together and I can't wait for their wedding!
Here are a few pics....starting with sunflare! I love it!
Here are a few pics....starting with sunflare! I love it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
a quick trip to the bluebonnets.....
In spite of a little resistance....we had fun in the flowers. This family is a blast!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bluebonnets and Beautiful Girls
Kirsten really wanted to find a patch of bluebonnets to capture pictures of the two newest additions to her family....Fortunately, I was able to find this perfect patch just days before our shoot.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Rainy Day Family.....
I love when I have the chance to spend time with a family that is so full of love. Dad was home on leave from Iraq and his family was obviously thrilled to be able to spend time with him. There was so much love and joy in their home! It's a good thing too, with the dreary, raining morning, it could have been a miserable day....but they were so fun and happy! We even decided to ignore the weather and stomp in puddles for a fantastic shoot!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sneak peek for a wondeful family!
This was a wonderful family that just adopted 2 adorable, energetic girls! It was so much fun to spend some time with them and see the whole family together!Keep watching for some new pictures!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Oh Happy Day!
One of the greatest things about being a photographer is being part of special moments. I love sharing in the joy of a couple in love, the quiet moment with a precious baby, and the laughter of a happy family.
It's hard to decide what my favorite shoot is. I love each session for a different reason, but today was one of my favorites.
I've had the chance to be part of two reunions this week as families welcomed husbands home from Iraq. Both families have been apart for over 10 months and are only having a short visit before their beloved soldiers have to return to Iraq. This is a very special moment for them, full of emotion and joy.
The first family has struggled through difficult deployments, supporting friends and family alike. N. is a wonderful mother and military wife. I've seen her help numerous people through challenging times, myself included! So it was a joy to spend some time with her and her amazing boys at the airport. As I waited through the delays, I could see how excited they were to finally have their family together again. It made my day to see how happy they were. (I'm getting teary eyed again just thinking about it!)
I'll cut to the chase and show you two of my faves.
Can't you feel the excitement? Isn't it wonderful?
As wonderful as that reunion was, each and every reunion has a special moment. Today's was especially touching because I was in the same situation a few years ago. B's youngest daughter really doesn't remember her dad other than conversations on the phone and pictures. She is very shy with strangers. So it wasn't unexpected to see her cling tightly to her mom when she was introduced to her dad.
The other kids were excited and jumping everywhere. She may have been a bit overwhelmed. Mom and Dad were patient and gave her a minute to adjust. The other kids started begging Dad to check out the "woods" in the backyard. When he went with the two oldest, A. suddenly started to chase after him.... in her tiny little voice, she clearly started calling him "Daddy! Daddy!" She remembered him and wanted him to come back. (Okay, now I'm really getting weepy.)
I can't help it. There is something wonderful about seeing a family that is so happy and so excited just to be together again. Family portraits are fun and I love them, but I don't think many things can top the joy of a reunion. I have a few more in the works and I'm counting down to mine! Every one makes me so happy!
It's hard to decide what my favorite shoot is. I love each session for a different reason, but today was one of my favorites.
I've had the chance to be part of two reunions this week as families welcomed husbands home from Iraq. Both families have been apart for over 10 months and are only having a short visit before their beloved soldiers have to return to Iraq. This is a very special moment for them, full of emotion and joy.
The first family has struggled through difficult deployments, supporting friends and family alike. N. is a wonderful mother and military wife. I've seen her help numerous people through challenging times, myself included! So it was a joy to spend some time with her and her amazing boys at the airport. As I waited through the delays, I could see how excited they were to finally have their family together again. It made my day to see how happy they were. (I'm getting teary eyed again just thinking about it!)
I'll cut to the chase and show you two of my faves.
Can't you feel the excitement? Isn't it wonderful?
As wonderful as that reunion was, each and every reunion has a special moment. Today's was especially touching because I was in the same situation a few years ago. B's youngest daughter really doesn't remember her dad other than conversations on the phone and pictures. She is very shy with strangers. So it wasn't unexpected to see her cling tightly to her mom when she was introduced to her dad.
The other kids were excited and jumping everywhere. She may have been a bit overwhelmed. Mom and Dad were patient and gave her a minute to adjust. The other kids started begging Dad to check out the "woods" in the backyard. When he went with the two oldest, A. suddenly started to chase after him.... in her tiny little voice, she clearly started calling him "Daddy! Daddy!" She remembered him and wanted him to come back. (Okay, now I'm really getting weepy.)
I can't help it. There is something wonderful about seeing a family that is so happy and so excited just to be together again. Family portraits are fun and I love them, but I don't think many things can top the joy of a reunion. I have a few more in the works and I'm counting down to mine! Every one makes me so happy!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Originally Written by Marianne Drenthe Her Site can be found at Professional Child Photographer.
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 $60 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.
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.
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.
Thanks again to www.professionalchildphotographer.com and author Marianne Drenthe.
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 $60 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.
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.
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.
Thanks again to www.professionalchildphotographer.com and author Marianne Drenthe.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Picture Philisophy
Speaking of that....here are some shots of my kids from today.
Maddie was a princess all day long...modeling her new Cinderella dress. (I got this at the same time as the shoes...GREAT deal on that too!)
But boy was much less cooperative. I guess I shouldn't feel so bad about the lack of pictures of him. It's his own darn fault.
*Note* I showed my son the pictures of him and explained that I just wanted ONE nice picture and could he please cooperate. He eyeballed me and deadpanned..."Mom, bad pictures will just build your character."
Punk.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Congrats to John! Senior 2009
John and his mom were a blast to shoot! Our shoot ran REALLY long, but we were having so much fun that I didn't notice how late it was till we were on the way home!
Congrats on your senior year John!
Don't forget that if you have 25 friends and family leave a comment or follow this blog and you will get a FREE 8x10 print!
Congrats on your senior year John!
Don't forget that if you have 25 friends and family leave a comment or follow this blog and you will get a FREE 8x10 print!
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