What is the difference in photographers?

Many times I have been asked what the difference in photographers are. "Why is there such a vast difference in pricing?" "Why are the prices of prints so varied?"
I'm going to try to answer all of your questions in hopes that this will help you when you are in search of a photographer.

Let's start with comparing "chain store photographers" versus professional photographers~

When you go to a chain store to have your pictures taken you are getting "cookie cutter" style images. You are hurried in and hurried out without having much input in the matter. You are limited to your backgrounds and the amount of time they will spend with you. Your images are posed and quite often you will see the not so pretty "cheesy" smile on your faces. These companies offer packages to get you to come into their store but when you want to add to your package - the extra prints are considerably higher than you imagined.

Now let's compare photographers in general~

There are a wide range of photographers. There are photographers who have a lot of time and money invested into their equipment and art and then there are some who have limited equipment and time invested. Some have the best software programs where others do not. The software programs are what help to produce the color treatments and Fine Art prints that you see. It takes years of knowledge and practice to be able to master this type of work. Some photographers continue to take classes and seminars to keep up with the trends while others do not.
Always look for a photographer who is willing to give you personal service. Look for a photographer who will take the time to discuss with you what you are looking for. Good photographers are willing to go on location and capture the "real" you and your family. If you live on a farm and love your home they will come to you and will take your heirloom pictures in the surroundings that you and your family are comfortable in. The same goes if your family loves the beach or if there is another location that you love. Children enjoy themselves and are at ease where they are comfortable and able to explore. If you have the photographer come to your home the children are among their favorite things and will continue to play. The photographer will be able to capture those quiet moments of play and the awe and wonder of your little ones. Before long they won't even know that they are being photographed. These are the images that look the best adorning your walls.

If it is your family that you desire to have photographed, then you are realizing that before long they will be grown and have moved on before you know it. You want to have treasured keepsakes to last a life time that will help stop that special moment in time. You want to be assured that you are getting the best quality of images.

Brides and Grooms want to have the best photographer to capture their magical day in a story telling type of way. So many times I have heard them say that they wish they had spent the extra money to hire someone who really knew what they were doing. They learn quickly that even though Uncle Jed might have a new expensive digital camera, that a "camera does not a photographer make". A Fine Art Photographer has the eye and the knowledge to capture images that others do not. Not only will they capture the traditional style of shots, they go over and far beyond that. They know what to look for that will make beautiful works of art that will forever be treasured. They will use their knowledge to turn a beautiful picture into a spectacular work of art.

Maternity is another form of photography that is growing in popularity. Woman are realizing that they would love to have their pregnancy captured. They realize that there is a small window of time that they have to have this wonderful experience captured for all time. They also know that this isn't something they want to have done at a department store. They want it done professionally and beautifully. They want it done in their soon-to-be babies room, at their home or beach or in the privacy of the photographers studio. They want and expect the knowledge of the photographer to help turn this magical moment in time into a work of art.

Newborn and infant images can be the most beautiful of things if done professionally. Being a mother myself I know that the last thing you want to do with a new baby is to take him or her to a department store. There you have to wait in line for your turn to have their picture taken in front of a make believe outdoor setting. You have to put them on a table an walk away and hope they don't start to cry. It can be very frustrating for all who are involved. Then you have to wait to view and pay for the pictures that you want all the while trying to keep your children happy. Why not spend the extra money to have someone come to you in a relaxed environment? Where your children will be the most comfortable and at a time that works around the schedule of your children.

Trust me when I tell you that your Seniors do not want to have their pictures taken at school or at the department store. They are individuals with their own unique style. They want pictures that they will be proud of and will be able to look back on. They want to be able to look at the pictures years from now and remember how their life was and what their interests were. If you hire a photographer to shoot your senior on location they will love you for it. I am always being told how much fun they have and they always ask if they can do it again. I take the time to learn what means the most to them. I find out what they love and incorporate it into their photographs.

I admit that the cost of hiring a professional photographer seems like a lot of money, but you need to take some things into consideration~

So after all of my rambling (and if you're still reading - I commend you) this is the point that I'm trying to drive home:

Hire the best photographer you can afford. By hiring a Professional Photographer you are guaranteed to end up with images that you will love and treasure for a life time. They have the equipment and the knowledge to produce. They have taken the time to learn their craft and have the "eye" of an artist. They will take the time with you to learn about your needs and will help you capture the moment in time that you desire. Look over their website and see if they have the style that you are looking for. Look closely and compare their work with others.

The break down~

EQUIPMENT- back up cameras, lenses, lighting, computer, software and ongoing classes and seminars

PREP TIME- Approximately 30 minutes to load everything up and do a vehicle check

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE- mileage and gas to and from the shoot

DRIVING TIME - depends on location

PREP TIME AT LOCATION- 15 - 30 minutes unloading and setting up equipment

SHOOTING TIME- from 1 hour on up depending on the type of shoot

BREAK DOWN ON LOCATION- approx. 15 minutes

UNLOADING WHEN BACK AT OFFICE- approx. 15 to 30 minutes

UPLOADING IMAGES- 30 min. to 1 hour

WORKING ON YOUR IMAGES- figure at least 15 - 30 minutes per image

UPLOADING IMAGES TO WEBSITE FOR ONLINE VIEWING- 60 minutes

PROOFING ORDERS BEFORE PRINTING- 30 minutes

Why do print prices vary so?

Why does it cost "x" amount of dollars for a print from the photographer when I can go to the local drug store and have it printed for so little? I could tell you that you get what you pay for, but I'll go a little more in depth for you . When a photographer is offering a print for a certain amount of money you can rest assured that the print will be of the highest quality. They have done their homework and order only from reputable printers who use the highest quality papers and inks. They know that they will be able to get a wide variety of finishes that will work great specifically for the type of image that they have.

I hope that I have been able to help you with your quest for the perfect photographer. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. : )