5.02.2012
5.01.2012
10.27.2011
Rock The Shot: Zoey and her leaf
I just love fall and all of it's beautiful colors! Everything about this shot just screamed fall to me! This little lady's gorgeous amber colored eyes and pretty red hair just glow in the late afternoon sun!
Check out the super awesome....
http://www.rocktheshotforum.com
To find out more about this and other contests!
10.24.2011
Why custom portraits cost so much (and why they are worth every penny!!)
Why does custom photography cost so much?!
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.
Article courtesy of Marianne Drenthe
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.
Article courtesy of Marianne Drenthe
9.26.2011
Not Me Monday: Moving Rendition
"Not Me Monday" was created by MckMama, a fellow photographer and extremely talented blogger (hop on over here to see what she wasn't up to this week:http://mycharmingkids.net/2011/09/not-me-monday-66/)
I just love the idea and had to tuck myself away for a few minutes to let you know what I haven't been up to this past week....
For starters I definitely did not first type "bloggist" instead of blogger just above only to realize "bloggist" is not exactly a word. If I had done this I definitely did not think to myself "hmmm perhaps bloggist sounds better anyway" I am definitely not incredibly sleep deprived from moving all week and would never have thought such a silly thought. Not me.
Oh yes in case you haven't heard I've been moving all week. This move definitely isn't making me never want to move again, and it's definitely not the never ending stuff that seems to keep popping up at our old house making me feel that way. There's absolutely no way I've been thinking to myself all week that we need to downsize in a BIG way, and I definitely haven't decided that the best way to do this would be to have a garage sale in the next two weeks. I would never be so crazy as to think on top of moving and my three jobs I'm currently trying to juggle that I would have the time to organize a garage sale! Nope, not me.
Thursday evening while taking the final load (of the night) to the new house my jeep and I did not find ourselves in quite the pickle when we came across some road construction and someone had moved some cones! It definitely didn't pop both of my drivers side tires. If it had I never would have called Josh crying making him think something was really wrong. It definitely did not end up being a $500 incident once all was said and done.
I definitely haven't had trouble finding any of my kitchen supplies since the move and when I came home tonight starving I definitely did not find a packet of instant mash potatoes and a box of stuffing. If I had there is absolutely no way I would have used my one and only pan I can find to cook them. And I'm definitely not sitting here eating them right now....nope. NOT ME!
What have you not been up to this week?
I just love the idea and had to tuck myself away for a few minutes to let you know what I haven't been up to this past week....
For starters I definitely did not first type "bloggist" instead of blogger just above only to realize "bloggist" is not exactly a word. If I had done this I definitely did not think to myself "hmmm perhaps bloggist sounds better anyway" I am definitely not incredibly sleep deprived from moving all week and would never have thought such a silly thought. Not me.
Oh yes in case you haven't heard I've been moving all week. This move definitely isn't making me never want to move again, and it's definitely not the never ending stuff that seems to keep popping up at our old house making me feel that way. There's absolutely no way I've been thinking to myself all week that we need to downsize in a BIG way, and I definitely haven't decided that the best way to do this would be to have a garage sale in the next two weeks. I would never be so crazy as to think on top of moving and my three jobs I'm currently trying to juggle that I would have the time to organize a garage sale! Nope, not me.
Thursday evening while taking the final load (of the night) to the new house my jeep and I did not find ourselves in quite the pickle when we came across some road construction and someone had moved some cones! It definitely didn't pop both of my drivers side tires. If it had I never would have called Josh crying making him think something was really wrong. It definitely did not end up being a $500 incident once all was said and done.
I definitely haven't had trouble finding any of my kitchen supplies since the move and when I came home tonight starving I definitely did not find a packet of instant mash potatoes and a box of stuffing. If I had there is absolutely no way I would have used my one and only pan I can find to cook them. And I'm definitely not sitting here eating them right now....nope. NOT ME!
What have you not been up to this week?
9.06.2011
Today...has been a difficult day. And I am thankful.
Today is a difficult day for me. And I am thankful.
There is a ton on my mind and a ton going on right now...
and frankly I'm overwhelmed.
I don't know what's up ahead, you know beyond that horizon,
And it's scary. I wonder if I'm making the right choices and decisions.
I wonder if it's supposed to feel this difficult.
I am so thankful for all that I have but on occasion the hustle and bustle and strife and stress just get me down.
Simplifying my life is key to this happening less and less.
So today, when it feels so difficult and I want so badly to let myself slump down in the dumps...
Instead, today I will appreciate it all that much more, and focus on simplifying and on the things that matter.
And be thankful.
9.01.2011
8.31.2011
8.30.2011
September already?!
Ok guys how the heck did that happen? I swear I blinked and six months were gone. I really owe everyone who has been patiently awaiting their photos an apology. I was overwhelmed by all of the love and business you all caused me this summer. It was a blur of beautiful babies and gorgeous brides, a few adorable pups sprinkled in here and there and all of a sudden summer is coming to a screeching halt! But I loved every minute of it! Through all of this an incredibly talented friend of mine was busily building me what (and OK I might be slightly biased) I think is just the coolest website of all time! If you haven't checked it out yet--you should! :)
www.rebekahsappfotos.com
A few photos for you all to enjoy....my summer in pictures...
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| I'm just so in love with this photo right now.... |
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| Here was Jack, six months and absolutely adorable in every way...... |
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| ...and his equally adorable cousin Cora! This family just has the cutest kids.... |
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| Here we have happy expectant parents Chris and Cassie.... |
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| and their gorgeous daughter Audrey at just three days old <3 |
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| Garth and Whitney's incredibly original 80's themed wedding....LOVE the pink chuck taylors! |
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| And glowing parents to be Royce and Tianna |
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| ....and their beautiful daughter Amira a few weeks later. |
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| These two are so in love....I cannot wait to meet baby Rilyn sometime this fall! |
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| Cari and Gabe's wedding brought tears to my eyes, so intimately them. |
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| Happy pup Potato was born to be in front of the camera- she was cheesin the whole time and I loved it! |
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| Meet Piggy, the newest and cutest addition to a good friend's family! |
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| Busy as I was...I did manage to sneak away to Vegas for the weekend....view of an amazing sunrise from our room :) |
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| You didn't think I'd let you go without showing off my handsome goofy guy did you? My little man is almost all grown up! |
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| and lastly here's me (and the man) extremely busy and extremely happy! |
4.05.2011
I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!
So many exciting things happening right now! Where do I start? I have a lot on my plate the next few months and some new endeavors that I'm pursuing at the moment. I cannot wait to reveal to you my new website! It is in the works and should be all ready to go in the next week or two! In addition my photos are now The Rok, at 7th and Willamette in downtown Eugene, they will be displayed all summer but Friday May 6th I will be there to answer questions, get to know people, hang out, drink good wine and.....one lucky guest of the evening will be taking home a print of their favorite image from my Signs of Spring collection! That's right I will be raffling off an 11x14 print of your choice! Here are a few sneak peaks from the collection!
3.16.2011
12.25.2010
Christmas.
Such a controversial word. What does it mean? Why does it mean that? Well if it means one thing to you and another to me does that make one of us wrong? What is Christmas really all about?
It's been a question that's been on my mind a lot lately. The cynics claim it is a commercialized holiday that has meaning no deeper then the glam and glitter of it all, I surely don't believe that to be true. But after a recent conversation I had I did find myself questioning certain things. I was not questioning if I believe Christmas to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I do. I was also not questioning my love of the holiday. I love Christmas because to be it is a time that is filled with love and hope and miracles. Do I buy into the glitter and glam of it all? I do. I love that for one month a year the world seems a little bit brighter, I love decorating my house and the cheer that comes along with those decorations. Does this make my belief less? Does the fact that I enjoy putting up twinkle lights and snow globes and a big tall tree make me naive to the sadness and loneliness that can also surround this holiday? No I don't think so.
I was lucky, I grew up in a home where Christmas was celebrated for all that was beautiful about it, I don't take that for granted for a second. I know that for so many this holiday is something to be dreaded, something where the positive memories I am so fond of just aren't there. And it makes me sad. Makes my heart hurt for those who don't know the joy I feel from this time of year. And as easy as it would be to buy into the cynicism I just can't, I still want to make people love it, see it as I do. A special time of year for telling and showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. The presents, the lights and the tree. Honestly it's not why I love it. The glitter and glam are like the salt and pepper. It's not why you are eating the food, but it makes it taste that much better so why not.
I had an amazing Christmas this year, filled with family and love and laughter. Merry Christmas to you and may your home be filled with love throughout this season!
It's been a question that's been on my mind a lot lately. The cynics claim it is a commercialized holiday that has meaning no deeper then the glam and glitter of it all, I surely don't believe that to be true. But after a recent conversation I had I did find myself questioning certain things. I was not questioning if I believe Christmas to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I do. I was also not questioning my love of the holiday. I love Christmas because to be it is a time that is filled with love and hope and miracles. Do I buy into the glitter and glam of it all? I do. I love that for one month a year the world seems a little bit brighter, I love decorating my house and the cheer that comes along with those decorations. Does this make my belief less? Does the fact that I enjoy putting up twinkle lights and snow globes and a big tall tree make me naive to the sadness and loneliness that can also surround this holiday? No I don't think so.
I was lucky, I grew up in a home where Christmas was celebrated for all that was beautiful about it, I don't take that for granted for a second. I know that for so many this holiday is something to be dreaded, something where the positive memories I am so fond of just aren't there. And it makes me sad. Makes my heart hurt for those who don't know the joy I feel from this time of year. And as easy as it would be to buy into the cynicism I just can't, I still want to make people love it, see it as I do. A special time of year for telling and showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. The presents, the lights and the tree. Honestly it's not why I love it. The glitter and glam are like the salt and pepper. It's not why you are eating the food, but it makes it taste that much better so why not.
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11.24.2010
It's beginning to look a lot like...
Christmas! I know it's not even quite Thanksgiving yet but we recently had a snowfall in our little nook of the valley...
As you can see it was a bit of a winterwonderland we found ourselves in! Absolutely gorgeous.
Jackson was a tired little boy after his day of playing, first time he's ever seen snow and he absolutely loved it...
I'm seriously like a kid when the snow comes. I wake up early...
Throw my boots on over my pj's...
And run out to play in the snow!
Jackson loves the snow so much too!
He played and played while I snapped away
The three of us had such a fun snow day, love my family so much!!
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