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".

Family Photos! What to wear? Or what not to wear...that is the question.

     One question that is posed often for family photos is..."What should we wear?"  Ultimately, the decision is yours, however, here are some suggestions that might help you make choices you'll be pleased with for years to come. 
     
    Creating memories that will last a lifetime is a special event and the key to a happy session starts with prepping the group early.  Begin by talking about colors in clothing, your look and style, and the "no-no's".  By allowing groups members a little bit of choice during an open discussion, you'll have greater buy-in,  they'll be happier during the shoot - and happiness comes across in the photos.

     Next, talk about special locations.  Whether you choose iconic Park City or a great grove of trees that can be "anywhere USA", we'll happily help you select that special place!

     The time of day is very important in a group shot as well.  Although we pack powerful strobes and shoot strobist style, no strobe can "beat" the harsh shadows cast by a noon day sun.  Choose early morning or evening 1.5 hour prior to sunset for best results. 

    For large groups, we'll begin with the full group portrait, then move to the families with the youngest - and antsiest -  children.

     
Clothing:
     Coordinating clothing and colors always looks the best.  That doesn't mean "matchy-matchy" if that's not your style.  It means giving your group a color "trio" to work with.  Plaid on one person makes that person stand out - especially if the rest of the group is wearing solids.  However, if this is "balanced" with one other person wearing a similar toned plaid, that one will not stand out as much.  Plaids can work - if color tones complement each other and the setting is right.  

    Bold patterns will take the eye from the faces in the photo to the clothing instead.  For this reason, I discourage big bold patterns.  

     Also be wary of items deemed very trendy.  If the portrait is to have a "life on the wall", you'll be happier without a trend that shouts the year.

     Be careful of bright colors!  The eye will go directly to the brightest spot in a photo AND those bright yellow, red, or orange pants.  And, if you have teenage boys, watch the shoes!  We are often asked if we can change the color of clothing items in post production.  (See how that red jumped out at you from the top of this page?) 

     Ladies: watch out for plunging necklines, large button holes, and too much jewelry.  Again, bold patterns and wild patterns are attention grabbers - so be wary of this, too.  (I LOVE leopard print!  But, I don't want to look like I'm on safari!  If you must, choose one item with something fun.)

     Be sure to check in with your group making sure EVERYONE is wearing SAME SEASON attire.  For example - everyone is dressed for winter except for cousin Ali - she's wearing her favorite summer sundress.  

RELAX!
    Finally, if you, the organizer of the shoot is feeling stressed, the rest of the group will feel stressed as well.   Talk up the session a few days before.  Tell your group that you are "excited" and that this will be "fun".  Get them thinking of a fun final photo of the family.  It will only take a minute more and give kids something to look forward to!


Sites with great outfit choices:
Pinterest!
Polyvore (individuals)


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