Christina - Senior 2010
This is the latest Senior video created especially for Christina!
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Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Hello followers!
This latest post is something I found while researching information on the Professional Photographers of America forum. It is a beatifully written article by Marianne Drenthe and her website is: www.professionalchildphotography.com
Thank you Marianne for your article, and thank you for giving your fellow photographers the permission to share your articles.
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
February 27th, 2008
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:
- 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 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 many of 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 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 leased photography retail space by 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 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”.
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.
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
Claire SENIOR 2009
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Keeping Busy! It's a good thing!
What a great Portrait Special! Now through November, I am offering a free upgrade to a Masters Canvas on all wall portraits 20" and above. Book and pre-pay your session fee by November 2009 for Fall 2009 or Spring Portraits 2010 and you only pay ½ session fee! Pre-pay by the end of November for 24" and above wall portrait and get 20% off! What a deal and potential Gift to give Mom for the Holidays! Call today for more information 281.660.5532.
What a busy fall! Realizing that I haven’t posted anything to my blog since August and it’s almost November, I knew I was way overdue to update my followers.
September was pretty busy here at PICHE photography. I am happy to announce I now offer custom framing! Something I’ve been working on for a few months.
I also kept busy the past two months with a few Pregnancy sessions, several high school seniors, Eagle Scout Portraits, and a few baby and newborn sessions. Throw in some volunteer work for Taylor High School Choral Department and the Taylor High School Band Department - two months flew right by. Here are just a few sessions that kept me busy.
9 month sweet Olivia
6 days new - sweet baby girl Alyssa
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6 days new!
Here is a poster that I photographed and designed for THS Expressions. They are a show choral group and their performance was awesome! What a great group of kids to work with.
That's all for now. I'm working on a new project and joint marketing program for a comercial client that has me really excited. If all goes well, I'll post that info later! Enjoy this beautiful weather!
Vacation Adventures
Wow, I can't believe we actually took a month long vacation. That is the first time ever we had the guts to take that much time off. We headed out on our wonderful adventure July 14th and finally returned home on August 15th. Over 4800 miles were logged on our 1996 Ford 250 Van.
Our first destination was to head to the mountains to find some cooler air. We ended up at Queen Wilhelmina State park in Mena Arkansas. It is the second highest mountain in AR and it was great to escape the blistering summer heat. The next night, we camped about 1 hour away from Memphis. It was hot and we were blasted by hungry mosquitoes as we set up camp. After putting on the trusty "Off", we were serenaded by our daughter Melanie as she played her guitar. Great night sleep in our air conditioned tent. Only one night there then off to our next destination "Graceland" in TN.
I was young when Elvis died and thought at the time he was old. It struck me to learn that he was only 42 when he died. We toured the mansion as we listened to all the facts and information given to us via recorded headsets. My favorite room was the Racquetball room that had all of Elvis’s awards, gold records, guitars, and costumes. Truly amazing how this one man gained so much popularity in a day and age where there was only three main TV networks and there was no such thing as the internet. He accomplished so much only to leave the earth at such a young age.
From Memphis, our next destination was Nashville. We had every intention to hit some touristy sites but with the long drive and after visiting Graceland we decided we’d save that for the next time we’re in the area. We found a private campground on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. This camp was really awesome. A cold front came through and lucky for us as there was no electricity for our air conditioner. The camp site was right on the water and it was so beautiful. We felt like we were there all by ourselves albeit the campground was quite full. Best campsite so far. Melanie was so inspired by this location she composed a new song about camping in Nashville. Again, only one night there and off to some real mountains – The Smoky Mountains.
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What an adventure…trying to get to the Smoky Mountains was hilarious. Driving through Pigeon Forge was something else. Guy referred to it as Penguin run. I think we hit every red light. Seemed like it took forever. Gatlinburg was almost the same. I never thought this would be so touristy. Every other street corner was a restaurant with "Pancakes" signs. Melanie made the comment that people must eat a lot of pancakes in Gatlinburg. Finally we plowed forward and ended up at Smokemont National campground. All sites full, except for the handicap site we had reserved for the following night. Sweet, we were in! It was so much cooler, about 68 degrees from the normal 80’s. We actually were a bit chilly! We explored a bit of Gatlinburg on day 2 but couldn’t wait to get back into the mountains and visited some of the overlooks in the park. We totally were relaxed now but also were looking forward to spending time on the beach. Off to Topsail, NC.
A long drive from the Smoky’s to Topsail, but so worth it. Meeting up with family in this great rental home with a beautiful view of the Atlantic ocean. So beautiful! We took one day out and went to some local wineries. Muscadine wines. I now know I do not favor Muscadine wines. In Topsail I also had the opportunity to photograph my niece Kelly for her high school senior portraits. She also was with her best friend Molly so we did a few "friends" shots. Sweet girls and we had so much fun! Here are a few shots from that session.
We left Topsail on a Saturday and headed to Yorktown, VA to visit with more of Guy’s family. We visited Colonial Williamsburg and old Yorktown. So much history all around that area. Again, we took one day and went to some wineries in Charlottesville, VA. My favorite one was Jefferson. Loved how they had the wines displayed and they had an awesome Chardonnay. Beautiful area and great wines!
Not letting any dust settle under our feet, we were off again headed to Northern Virginia, Fairfax Station once again to meet up with family. We celebrated Guy’s birthday at the local watering hole "Fat Tuesday’s". It reminded me of "Cheers". All the locals come gather to share a cold one or two. We were welcomed there like we were family. Really nice people and a great hangout. We also made a few day trips to our Nations Capitol and Annapolis, MD.
On a Sunday morning we packed all our gear and headed to another family vacation home on Smith Mountain lake. This was an absolute blast as Guy and his three brothers were all together on vacation. The first time in many years. The home has about one hundred steps from the house down to the lake but the guy’s carefully brought Guy down so we could all go on the boat. Guy took the captain’s seat and off we were for a seven hour tour of the lake. It was awesome to see Guy really relax driving the boat and smoking a cigar.
Three days on Smith Mountain lake and our journey back to Houston has now begun. We really wanted to spend two more nights in the Smoky’s so we chose a camp that was really out of the way. Cataloochee National campground. Driving through 12 miles of curvy dirt roads and white knuckles later, we arrived about 3pm to find only three of the 24 sites open. Within hours of arriving, the site was full. This was on a Wednesday too. A lot of the locals like to come camp at this site because not many tourists go there. The people were so friendly offering us dry wood for our fire. We stayed for two nights and explored the area and saw beautiful Elk and even a baby black bear. The park ranger told us all about the Elk community and how successful introducing Elk to the Smoky’s has been. Beautiful animal.
As we said our goodbyes to the Mountains, we were off once again on a twelve hour trip headed to Baton Rouge - LSU. Brianna found a ride back home so we had the opportunity to visit with Justin and get him set up in his new apartment. We arrived back home Saturday night and were greeted by Brianna’s smiling face. She and I turned around on Sunday and headed back to LSU to get her set up and settled in her apartment. Boy that was exhausting.
In reflecting back on our trip, we had so much fun camping and visiting with family. We now wish we took more time out when the kids were little to camp. We realized how inexpensive it can be when you have the right gear. We are already thinking about our next adventure. Definitely we’ll pick the mountains again. Perhaps it’ll be Yellowstone.
Hidden Treasure...
This past week was a really hot one here in
One of our favorite places we visited in the Hill Country was Singing Water Vineyards, www.singingwatervineyards.com located in the Comfort area. Lucky to know the family who owns this vinery, we were treated to a personal wine tasting and tour of the vineyard with our friends Tom and Ann Matula. This is a must visit for you wine lovers if you are in the area. Make sure you program in the exact GPS coordinates so you don’t get lost.
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Ann & Tom Matula
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Entrance to Wine Tasting Rooms
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View from the back seating area
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Beautiful and peaceful back seating area
Inquiring minds want to know....
Thank you for coming back!
Since the launch of my website, I’ve had many inquiring minds want to know a little bit more about me. So, here I am ready to share.
Please forgive me, the next blog info will cover the next “key age” for photography.
My passion for photography came at an early age, eagerly grabbing the family camera to “snap” the happenings of the day. I couldn’t wait for the film to return from the local drug store only to be disappointed that it didn’t really capture what I saw or remembered. It wasn’t until I purchased my first manual SLR film camera in high school that I could really capture what I envisioned. Over the years I have continued to nurture my passion for photography by photographing anything and anyone I could.
After the birth of our youngest child, we wanted to have our family portrait taken. We went to our local studio and had a wonderful family portrait taken. It was this point in my life that I realized that this was what I wanted to do when “I grew up”.
Over my fourteen years in the industry, I have had the opportunity to study photography with the “best of the best”. I believe that continuing education in my field is key be the best I can be for you. I am a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Texas Professional Photographers of America (TPPA), and the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston (PPGH). My National and Local Awards are:
PPA National Merit Awards: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
PPGH Awards: 2006 Best Electronic Imaging,
2006 Best Portrait of a Child
2008 Best Portrait of a Group
My passion for photography starts with the “blossoming of life”. I love pregnancy! I loved being pregnant, albeit sick for most of it, and knowing life is blossoming! What a wonderful time to document a wonderful occasion.
I look forward to meeting you and creating special memories for you. Thank you again for coming back!
- Sherry
