Professional Photography
“Why choose Professional photography?”
Historically, photographs were always custom-made. The photos we look at of our ancestors have survived the test of time because they were made with quality. This custom quality is why so many heirloom photos are still in existence for us to enjoy today. Many digital prints made at local chain stores do not use the same premium materials that will ensure they last beyond our own lifetimes.
Today’s custom photography, however, provides you with those quality photos that will last a lifetime and beyond. Think about what you’re after. Is it a small picture you can carry in your wallet or pocketbook, or is it a 30×40 canvas on your wall at which you will be looking every day? Custom photography can provide you with both and everything in between. Your pictures will look great in your wallet or “brag book” and like high-class art as a canvas on your wall.
“What does Professional photography involve?”
A great deal of time is involved in creating high end custom photography for a client. You get the luxury of great service, better choices, and a superb end product. The results of all this are heirloom quality images—memories which are frozen in time and images which will last for generations. Since we don’t have the opportunity of time travel (yet) you can never get back these precious moments.
In addition, there are far more choices for those who opt to have a custom photographer. Photos will be taken to fit you and your ideals. Unlike the local chain store, it won’t be about simply selecting a backdrop. You can choose from having your photos taken on location, in a studio, or a mix of the two. The beauty of custom photography is in the choices and the luxury of those options.
“So why is Professional photography such a great investment?”
The time invested at the photo shoot is only a small portion of the time involved in your session. While every photographer works differently, I have broken it down below to help you understand what I do for each of my clients. Each session for a client consists of approximately 40 to 60 hours of work.
* 30 minutes to 1 hour – When making contact with a photographer, booking forms need to be completed and diaries planned. When a session is booked, time is also spent talking to the client about their photo shoot. What are the objectives of the photo shoot? What exactly does the client want? How many people are involved? Is there a specific theme? We also spend time discussing possible locations and props and what the client may need to bring with them (clothing changes, etc).
* 30 minutes to 1 hour – Cameras, flashes, vehicles, and all back up equipment have to be inspected to ensure that no time is wasted.
* 1 hour – Time to set up the studio or drive to the agreed location.
* 15-30 minutes – Preparation time at the start of the session where all the creases are ironed out regarding what is going to happen and when.
* 2 to 4 hours - Depending on the type of photo shoot, this is the actual photo session. A normal shoot will take about two hours; however, a newborn session is likely to take nearer to four.
* 1 hour – Travel time back from the location or the time it takes to clean the studio.
* 30-45 minutes – Uploading the photos from the camera to a computer.
* 30-45 minutes – All images need to be backed up before any work can be done to them. This is necessary in case something were to go wrong.
* 20+ hours – Yes, you did read that right – 20 plus hours is spent editing a diverse gallery of images to present to the customer.
* 1 hour – Resizing and uploading the gallery online for the client to view.
* 1 hour – Sorting through the order from the client and converting the chosen images to versions which are suitable for printing. Also included is uploading them all for printing.
* 1 hour – Checking the final photos and sorting through them to ensure that everything is perfect.
* 30 minutes to 1 hour – Arranging to ship the order or hand deliver it.
* There may be additional phone time or time needed for add-on ordering, shipment issues, and quality issues.
Taking everything into consideration, yes, of course you could pay a lot less by going to one of those chain stores; however, by choosing a custom photographer, you are choosing a way of preserving the present for your future and future generations. Wouldn’t it be great to know that one day your great-, great-grandchildren could be looking at a photo of you?
