Time to Shoot the Family
(Photographically Speaking, of course)
Family Pictures Should be FUN!!
Family pictures have garnered a rough reputation over the years. Most people don't like them (especially the guys in the family), usually showing up with the same kind of enthusiasm as they would have if heading in for a double root-canal. It doesn't have to be that way.
Digital Photography has not helped that any. because a large percentage of what passes for photographers today, treat their camera like a big iPhone. Unfortunately, they are less familiar with their camera than they are their phone. They spend more time "Chimping" (looking at the images on the back of the camera) than they do actually shooting the pictures. They are not prepared when they get on site, so the client(s) have to wait until they are ready to go. Of course, this discourages the photographer from bring any extra equipment (because they would have to know how to use it and have it set up) other than maybe an extra lens or a reflector of some kind. I usually scout the location (especially during unpredictable weather) a few days in advance and prefer arriving early for the shoot to check the site once more and get my lighting ready as well as start thinking about how I want to use the background and how to help my subjects look their best.
I prefer to work quickly and from a stance of preparedness that gives the client(s) confidence that I might actually know what I am doing. Much of it becomes second nature and the drawback to that is that if I make it look too easy, then people start getting the idea that my job is simple. Making great images is never easy, and anyone who tells you it is needs to put down the crack pipe.
Digital Photography has not helped that any. because a large percentage of what passes for photographers today, treat their camera like a big iPhone. Unfortunately, they are less familiar with their camera than they are their phone. They spend more time "Chimping" (looking at the images on the back of the camera) than they do actually shooting the pictures. They are not prepared when they get on site, so the client(s) have to wait until they are ready to go. Of course, this discourages the photographer from bring any extra equipment (because they would have to know how to use it and have it set up) other than maybe an extra lens or a reflector of some kind. I usually scout the location (especially during unpredictable weather) a few days in advance and prefer arriving early for the shoot to check the site once more and get my lighting ready as well as start thinking about how I want to use the background and how to help my subjects look their best.
I prefer to work quickly and from a stance of preparedness that gives the client(s) confidence that I might actually know what I am doing. Much of it becomes second nature and the drawback to that is that if I make it look too easy, then people start getting the idea that my job is simple. Making great images is never easy, and anyone who tells you it is needs to put down the crack pipe.
Weddings, Bridals and other Emotionally Charged Events
Before you read any further, there are a few things you need to know up-front about me as a Wedding Photographer and how I work.
1. First and foremost, I DO NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER PEOPLE TO TAKE PHOTOS WHILE I AM WORKING.
You have paid me to make photographs of your wedding day, your bridals, your engagement shots, your family pictures, etc., not to set up a shot so a third party can step in and take a picture. Not only is it very poor Manners, it also makes work for me that is not needed in that now I have several people in the group NOT INTO MY CAMERA. For these reasons, if a camera comes out (even one in a cell phone), other than the ones I am using, our agreement is voided. I will have the option of Packing up and leaving. This is part of ALL my written agreements and contracts. All deposits will be forfeited and I will be under no obligation to turn over ANY images I might have made before the violation of the written agreement.
THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
2. Before I shoot a single frame, a non-refundable deposit is required. It will vary depending on how much work or which package you decide on but it is usually half of the total. Certain aspects of the wedding contract can remain 'liquid', meaning that they can be added to or subtracted from, BUT THIS COVERS SHOT SELECTIONS AND OTHER DECISIONS SURROUNDING WHAT IS TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED AND/OR SHOTS TO BE ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CHECKLIST.
Once a date has been reserved, I, as the Photographer, am obligated to fulfill the terms and requirements of our written agreement which means I will be where I am supposed to be at the time specified to make the photographs requested on the check list and any others I deem appropriate.
You will also be obligated to fulfill the terms and requirements of our written agreement which is to be at the appointed places at the appointed time and ready to help me get the shots you want. ONLY IN THE MOST EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THIS AGREEMENT BE VOIDED OR CHANGED. IT WILL ALSO REQUIRE EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY DEPOSITS TO BE REFUNDED.
I know that this all sounds pretty harsh, and I have not been hired by some because of these conditions. This does not concern me. Unlike many around here, I am not desperate to have people think I am this 'totally in demand photographer'; I AM in demand as a Professional Photographer. I do not do this work to impress people so they will tell me what a Great Photographer I am so can feel validated. I don't need to tell people how busy I am, nor is it about prestige or 'getting rich'. I leave that to other people who lack the confidence to just 'be' a Photographer without all the peripheral baggage and 'look-at-me-I'm-a-photographer' neediness. I am a Professional Photographer and I don't hide my abilities with false modesty or try to down-play my abilities for the same reason I do not send my images in to KSL. I don't require validation to prove I'm something I have always been...A Photographer.
I am not expensive because I CAN BE, I charge a Reasonable Fee that is determined by many factors, INCLUDING My years of Experience AND my knowledge and correct use of the correct equipment to make Professional Grade Photographic Prints. Being a Photographer is an expensive undertaking both in time and equipment. There are lots of "Instant Photographers" out there who have one camera body, and one or two consumer grade lenses and THAT is the extent of their equipment. They figure they will wash the images through Photoshop a couple of times and make them "good enough".
For me, "good enough" is what other people do.
Here's a Question to Ponder, "What will your "Inexpensive Photographer" do if their camera stops working in the middle of your wedding? Use their camera-phone?"
I AM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER who has invested years of my own time and money in perfecting my art; not some 'Instant Photographer' who bought an 'expensive' camera (or had it given to them), found a bootleg copy of Photoshop, a smart phone ap for Pinterest and now thinks they are somehow qualified to shoot your wedding. Most of the money I make is plowed back in to my business to upgrade equipment (a constant for any true PROFESSIONAL in this business) and keep up on new techniques so I can continue to improve my art. I am always trying to improve my skills because "Photography is a Passion that I share with Others".
Once booked as the Photographer for your wedding, Bridal Shots or other session, I begin planning what equipment I will need to produce Spectacular, Memory-Making Images of it. YOU WILL NEVER SEE ME SHOOTING A WEDDING USING THAT TINY, CRAPPY FLASH THAT POPS OUT OF THE TOP OF THE CAMERA. EVER. That flash was designed for emergencies ONLY, and for those too lazy or incompetent to figure out how to use a Speedlite or Strobe; they are not to be relied upon as a primary source of light by any TRUE Professional Photographer. I am not a lazy photographer, nor do I possess the inadequate camera skills that would make me reliant on such a small source of light.
People who hire me tend to be more discerning; they can see the quality and value of the images I produce. They are the kind of people who will look at the photographs I have made in the years to come and be SO GLAD they didn't settle for some Photoshopped attempt at "ART" or that they hired their 'photographer' because they were friends or family members 'who really wanted' to be a photographer. They will also get their images in a timely manner which means days or a week but never Months.
If you have read this far and still wish to hire me, then by all means feel free to contact me using the "Contact Photographer" button below. If you would like to "price me out first", there is a short list of Prices and Services below. I am amenable to some negotiation but if you are looking for the cheapest photographer you can find, I would rather just suggest someone to you because there are plenty to choose from.
1. First and foremost, I DO NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER PEOPLE TO TAKE PHOTOS WHILE I AM WORKING.
You have paid me to make photographs of your wedding day, your bridals, your engagement shots, your family pictures, etc., not to set up a shot so a third party can step in and take a picture. Not only is it very poor Manners, it also makes work for me that is not needed in that now I have several people in the group NOT INTO MY CAMERA. For these reasons, if a camera comes out (even one in a cell phone), other than the ones I am using, our agreement is voided. I will have the option of Packing up and leaving. This is part of ALL my written agreements and contracts. All deposits will be forfeited and I will be under no obligation to turn over ANY images I might have made before the violation of the written agreement.
THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
2. Before I shoot a single frame, a non-refundable deposit is required. It will vary depending on how much work or which package you decide on but it is usually half of the total. Certain aspects of the wedding contract can remain 'liquid', meaning that they can be added to or subtracted from, BUT THIS COVERS SHOT SELECTIONS AND OTHER DECISIONS SURROUNDING WHAT IS TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED AND/OR SHOTS TO BE ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CHECKLIST.
Once a date has been reserved, I, as the Photographer, am obligated to fulfill the terms and requirements of our written agreement which means I will be where I am supposed to be at the time specified to make the photographs requested on the check list and any others I deem appropriate.
You will also be obligated to fulfill the terms and requirements of our written agreement which is to be at the appointed places at the appointed time and ready to help me get the shots you want. ONLY IN THE MOST EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THIS AGREEMENT BE VOIDED OR CHANGED. IT WILL ALSO REQUIRE EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY DEPOSITS TO BE REFUNDED.
I know that this all sounds pretty harsh, and I have not been hired by some because of these conditions. This does not concern me. Unlike many around here, I am not desperate to have people think I am this 'totally in demand photographer'; I AM in demand as a Professional Photographer. I do not do this work to impress people so they will tell me what a Great Photographer I am so can feel validated. I don't need to tell people how busy I am, nor is it about prestige or 'getting rich'. I leave that to other people who lack the confidence to just 'be' a Photographer without all the peripheral baggage and 'look-at-me-I'm-a-photographer' neediness. I am a Professional Photographer and I don't hide my abilities with false modesty or try to down-play my abilities for the same reason I do not send my images in to KSL. I don't require validation to prove I'm something I have always been...A Photographer.
I am not expensive because I CAN BE, I charge a Reasonable Fee that is determined by many factors, INCLUDING My years of Experience AND my knowledge and correct use of the correct equipment to make Professional Grade Photographic Prints. Being a Photographer is an expensive undertaking both in time and equipment. There are lots of "Instant Photographers" out there who have one camera body, and one or two consumer grade lenses and THAT is the extent of their equipment. They figure they will wash the images through Photoshop a couple of times and make them "good enough".
For me, "good enough" is what other people do.
Here's a Question to Ponder, "What will your "Inexpensive Photographer" do if their camera stops working in the middle of your wedding? Use their camera-phone?"
I AM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER who has invested years of my own time and money in perfecting my art; not some 'Instant Photographer' who bought an 'expensive' camera (or had it given to them), found a bootleg copy of Photoshop, a smart phone ap for Pinterest and now thinks they are somehow qualified to shoot your wedding. Most of the money I make is plowed back in to my business to upgrade equipment (a constant for any true PROFESSIONAL in this business) and keep up on new techniques so I can continue to improve my art. I am always trying to improve my skills because "Photography is a Passion that I share with Others".
Once booked as the Photographer for your wedding, Bridal Shots or other session, I begin planning what equipment I will need to produce Spectacular, Memory-Making Images of it. YOU WILL NEVER SEE ME SHOOTING A WEDDING USING THAT TINY, CRAPPY FLASH THAT POPS OUT OF THE TOP OF THE CAMERA. EVER. That flash was designed for emergencies ONLY, and for those too lazy or incompetent to figure out how to use a Speedlite or Strobe; they are not to be relied upon as a primary source of light by any TRUE Professional Photographer. I am not a lazy photographer, nor do I possess the inadequate camera skills that would make me reliant on such a small source of light.
People who hire me tend to be more discerning; they can see the quality and value of the images I produce. They are the kind of people who will look at the photographs I have made in the years to come and be SO GLAD they didn't settle for some Photoshopped attempt at "ART" or that they hired their 'photographer' because they were friends or family members 'who really wanted' to be a photographer. They will also get their images in a timely manner which means days or a week but never Months.
If you have read this far and still wish to hire me, then by all means feel free to contact me using the "Contact Photographer" button below. If you would like to "price me out first", there is a short list of Prices and Services below. I am amenable to some negotiation but if you are looking for the cheapest photographer you can find, I would rather just suggest someone to you because there are plenty to choose from.
Prices and Services
A note about working in Beaver County (which is to say, Beaver, Minersville & Milford): Normally, I do not charge a travel fee for weddings in the Beaver County Area. However, if I am required to shoot at more than one location that is more than 5 miles distant( as the car drives, not as the crow flies) from the first site then there may be a relocation surcharge. This will be handled on a case by case basis. However, for family picture sessions, engagement ONLY sittings and other singular kinds of work, there will be a Fuel Surcharge for anything more than 10 miles from my home.
Family and Personal Portrait Sessions
The sitting fee includes travel to an outdoor site within 10 miles of my home or transport of my studio equipment to a place large enough to shoot these shots and 1 hour of photographic work (don't worry, an hour is longer than it seems) for a family or group of up to 10 people.. Larger groups will need to contact me about specific needs and pricing.
A note about difficult children: I will do everything I can as the Photographer, to get good shots of your little ones. However, if there is just no getting them to behave for the shots there is nothing I can do. If the hour you paid for is up, I won't stay another twenty minutes trying to get the perfect shot of a restless or angry child. I CAN DO THE PHOTOSHOP MIX AND MATCH TO SOME EXTENT BUT I CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL BE POSSIBLE.
IF it is possible and/or you are insistent that this be done, IT WILL COST EXTRA. It is an EXTREMELY TIME-INTENSIVE process to do this and I WILL NOT DO IT FOR FREE, just like I WILL NOT GUARANTEE that it will work.
All computer work outside the Standard Processing that I do costs $45 per hour, 1 Hour Minimum, 1 Hour increments.
Wedding Packages
The Econo
This a Beaver County Package ONLY.
Includes announcement shots (not less than 15 images and not more than 30 to choose from) but no printed announcements.
Includes General Wedding Coverage ONLY.
The Econo Plus
Travel to a destination OUTSIDE Beaver County is NOT INCLUDED but can be added.
Includes Announcement shots at any location within 10 miles (not less than 15 and not more than 30 images to choose from) but NO Announcements.
Includes $25 in prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes all agreed-upon events concerning the wedding and reception (up to 150 images).
Includes a choice of Pre OR Post Wedding Portraits.
The Elite
Travel to a destination OUTSIDE Beaver County is NOT included but can be added.
Includes Announcements Shots at any 2 locations within 10 miles (not less than 20 and no more than 50 images to choose from) & 50 Announcements or Announcement Prints.
Includes $50 in Prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes coverage of all Agreed-Upon Events concerning the Wedding & Reception (up to 200 Images).
Includes Pre & Post Wedding Shots (not less than 20 and not more than 50 images to choose from).
Includes DVD for playing at reception (as long as there is sufficient time between wedding and reception to make one)
Includes 4 mounted 11 X 14 glossy Prints from the engagements shoot for display at the reception.
The DreamWeaver Classic
Includes travel to Special Location Weddings within the State of Utah from St. George to Salt Lake City. Greater distances will be negotiated on a case by case basis.
Includes Bridal Shots and Groomie (A Personal Portrait Session for the Groom) Shots.
Includes Announcement Shots at any 2 Locations within 15 miles plus 50 announcements (not less than 20 and no more than 40 images).
Includes $100 in prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes 4 Mounted 16 X 24 Prints for display at the Reception.
Includes coverage of all agreed upon events concerning the wedding & reception (up to 250 shots)
Includes Pre and Post wedding shots of bride and groom.
I am fully skilled at many styles of Photography and my be hired to produce those as well.
Family and Personal Portrait Sessions
The sitting fee includes travel to an outdoor site within 10 miles of my home or transport of my studio equipment to a place large enough to shoot these shots and 1 hour of photographic work (don't worry, an hour is longer than it seems) for a family or group of up to 10 people.. Larger groups will need to contact me about specific needs and pricing.
A note about difficult children: I will do everything I can as the Photographer, to get good shots of your little ones. However, if there is just no getting them to behave for the shots there is nothing I can do. If the hour you paid for is up, I won't stay another twenty minutes trying to get the perfect shot of a restless or angry child. I CAN DO THE PHOTOSHOP MIX AND MATCH TO SOME EXTENT BUT I CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL BE POSSIBLE.
IF it is possible and/or you are insistent that this be done, IT WILL COST EXTRA. It is an EXTREMELY TIME-INTENSIVE process to do this and I WILL NOT DO IT FOR FREE, just like I WILL NOT GUARANTEE that it will work.
All computer work outside the Standard Processing that I do costs $45 per hour, 1 Hour Minimum, 1 Hour increments.
Wedding Packages
The Econo
This a Beaver County Package ONLY.
Includes announcement shots (not less than 15 images and not more than 30 to choose from) but no printed announcements.
Includes General Wedding Coverage ONLY.
The Econo Plus
Travel to a destination OUTSIDE Beaver County is NOT INCLUDED but can be added.
Includes Announcement shots at any location within 10 miles (not less than 15 and not more than 30 images to choose from) but NO Announcements.
Includes $25 in prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes all agreed-upon events concerning the wedding and reception (up to 150 images).
Includes a choice of Pre OR Post Wedding Portraits.
The Elite
Travel to a destination OUTSIDE Beaver County is NOT included but can be added.
Includes Announcements Shots at any 2 locations within 10 miles (not less than 20 and no more than 50 images to choose from) & 50 Announcements or Announcement Prints.
Includes $50 in Prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes coverage of all Agreed-Upon Events concerning the Wedding & Reception (up to 200 Images).
Includes Pre & Post Wedding Shots (not less than 20 and not more than 50 images to choose from).
Includes DVD for playing at reception (as long as there is sufficient time between wedding and reception to make one)
Includes 4 mounted 11 X 14 glossy Prints from the engagements shoot for display at the reception.
The DreamWeaver Classic
Includes travel to Special Location Weddings within the State of Utah from St. George to Salt Lake City. Greater distances will be negotiated on a case by case basis.
Includes Bridal Shots and Groomie (A Personal Portrait Session for the Groom) Shots.
Includes Announcement Shots at any 2 Locations within 15 miles plus 50 announcements (not less than 20 and no more than 40 images).
Includes $100 in prints from my Pro Lab.
Includes 4 Mounted 16 X 24 Prints for display at the Reception.
Includes coverage of all agreed upon events concerning the wedding & reception (up to 250 shots)
Includes Pre and Post wedding shots of bride and groom.
I am fully skilled at many styles of Photography and my be hired to produce those as well.
