Wants, Needs, and Desires...

Recently,  I visited a fellow photographer's studio and prominently displayed upon the wall was a disc, presumably of wedding images, with the words,"Do your wedding photos look like this?"

The point was well taken.  Too often I'm asked, "Can we get the disc?"  And when I inquire as to why this is desired, I learn, "So we can make our own prints."  

Great!  Fabulous! You want to save money (which is most likely the bottom line).

So, you get the disc and...where is it now?  Yup.  In a drawer.  Or, hmmm, you can't remember.  Maybe, you've uploaded the images to the computer - and sent the disc to mom.  But, the computer died and you had no backup, so you asked mom to send the disc back.  But, she inadvertently had an accident with it and it is in the trash.-and she didn't print any images either.  So, you call the photographer and ask for ANOTHER disc.  

So, let's begin with what you really WANT.

AMAZING images to grace your mantle, show to your friends, share with family, and to future generations.  Got it.  You NEED prints or a book.  Why?  How fast does technology change?  We've gone from the floppy disc to a cd to thumb drives.  Try to find a floppy disc reading computer today.  Obsolete.  And many new desktops and laptops no longer come with a disc drive.  Obsolete.  And the thumb drive? Going the way of the cloud.  Think, too: when you went to visit mom and dad - or grandma and grandpa - did you see images displayed? Yup.  And each time you visit, you look at that image, in awe, of "how young they were".  Or your marvel at the genetics on display, "I have grandma's eyes!" The better to see prints with, my dear. 

Why do photographers charge so much for prints?

Our computers are calibrated to the print house (or our very expensive printer). 

We retouch images that are ordered (If it is 8x10 or larger, I'm retouching it to perfection).

We don't order from the local, "we have everything under the sun including a 16 year old working our almost fully automated photo lab".

We use good photographic paper.

We depend upon print sales to supplement our income.  We may not have charged you a lot upfront for a "sitting fee", so we depend upon print and canvas sales.

Will you GIVE me the RAW files?

This is like walking into a restaurant and saying, "Hey Chef!  I absolutely love your Tuscan Chicken Pomodoro!  Can you give me the RAW ingredients?"   He would give you a bag of imported Italian wheat flour, eggs, a raw chicken, spices...

You don't want the RAW files.  You really don't.  In fact, my RAW files are so big, you probably couldn't open them on your computer.  I have special software and years of training to create your image from RAW files,  just like that chef had years of training to make that amazing dish.

Can I have the copyright? 

No.  My guess is what you really want is the RIGHT TO COPY.   This is much different than a copyright.  I own the images as the artist who took them.   I can give you the right to copy - this is called a "print release".   I will burn this to a soon to be obsolete disc in a size in which you can print 8x10 images (gift print size).  If you print them, this is all you will most likely need.  After all, you'll share images on social media.  And if you do make prints, they'll be this size - or smaller.

Order prints.  Order a canvas.  Have us frame it for you - go on, make your life easier.

Order a book.  

Or, display your disc on the wall and entitle it, "Our Wedding Photos".

See the Difference! Hire a pro!

PPA (Professional Photographers of America) has a list of TEN things to consider BEFORE you hire a senior portrait photographer.  Check it out:

1. Shop Around  - Check out the work of several photographers.  You must LIKE their style or you'll never love the images!  I urge you to see my work!  In fact, I generally ask, "Have you looked at my work? Have you seen my style?" 

2.  Ask to See It All - If you only see the best three from a full session, you won't get the feel of the photographer's work.  You can see LOTS of images from all of my shoots on my website, not just the "best". 

3.  Look to Connect - You've got to like who you hire!  You need to feel comfortable with your photographer. If you don't,  it will show in the photos. 

4. Seek Out Service - Will your photographer bring needed items? Hairspray, props, etc?  What if you are "sick"? Can you reschedule? I've brought books, flowers, hats, and clothing to make a shoot special. I've rescheduled because of rain, final exams, and just a "no good, horrible, very bad day", and a "break up with a boyfriend". 

5. Take a Survey - If your photographer is asking about your likes and dislikes, it is in order to better plan your session.  What is special to you?  Sometimes, I design a shoot.  I even worked with the fire department to get images of seniors in an ambulance!  (They were first responders.) 

6. Get the Parentals Involved - Make sure you get an image that THEY will love, too!  After all, they are footing the bill!  And girls, mom knows that the crazy hair style and wild clothes she wore in her senior photos are a bit embarrassing now.  She doesn't want you to make the same mistake!  Grab some for mom!  And think of dad!  He wants to show off his "baby girl".  

7. Be Outfit-Savvy - Layers and looks, scarves and hats...Outfit changes with the swap of a jacket.  Read my blog posts and view my Polyvore advice, here, in my blog pages!  I used to model and also pull fashion shows together for a big mall.  I'm quite a "fashionista" and will help you look your best!

8. Pay Attention to the Details  - Fingernails, etc., are all going to show!  Hair, spray tans...think twice before you sit out in the sun for a day immediately before the shoot. 

9. Think About the End Result - What will you want photos for? Announcements? A wall portrait? If I know your end result, I can better capture images with that end in mind.

10. Compromise Smartly - If you can't afford a "full session", ask your photographer can they do a "mini" or half.  It's better to get  results you'll love to live with than images taken by an amateur that are tucked away in the bottom of a drawer.  

As a member of PPA, I want you and your parents to be completely satisfied and in awe of the images from your shoot.  Professionalism shows and is worth it.