A "Fair" Price for Your Photographer | Hampton Roads Business Owner

Hi!

The other day an old friend (he'll be upset I called him "old" but I really just mean someone I've know for a while now- so settle down, Jon!) asked me "what is a fair price for wedding photography."

Ok. This is a HUGE question and one I need a LOT more information to go on before I even begin to formulate an actual answer. And I told him so, too.

But it got me thinking: From experience I have gained the knowledge to better understand the little (and BIG) pieces that go in to developing package prices for photographers- but others (aka the non-togs) don't have that luxury. As you know I do not shoot weddings but this topic goes well beyond wedding photography; so I thought I might write a little somethin-somethin about it.

 

 

Things to consider when choosing the photographer for you:

 

1. First things first: did you notice I said "choosing the photographer for YOU?"

 

I can't express how important {I believe} it is to choose a photographer that speaks to you. Is it someone you've been following for a long time? Or someone you just recently happened to stumble upon in your search for your wedding photographer? No matter how long you've followed this person it's SUPER important they have a style that you like. Sure, price is a factor for almost everyone (and I'll get to that later), but believe it or not you actually have a preferred STYLE that you are drawn to (you just may not know it)- bright colors, high contrast, a matte look, film versus digital, black and white only, photojournalistic, etc.

There are tons of styles out there and photographers don't always know what their own personal style is for a while- but as consumers we have it a little easier: we either enjoy looking at an individual's work or we don't.

Take time to really find someone you LIKE and enjoy viewing their work. FORGET ABOUT PRICE WHEN YOU LOOK. Seriously! If you don't immediately know "this is the photographer I HAVE to work with" then come up with a list of 3 or 4 you like before EVER looking at price. It is far more important to be excited about and thrilled with your images than to invest in someone only to be unhappy with the results.

 

You need to be happy with your pictures- and choosing any ol' person to capture your memories will, in the long run, not make you happy- trust me.

 

 

2. Investment and End Goals

 

That's exactly what portraits are, right? An investment. We are investing our time, our money, and entrusting our memories with someone else and their skills behind the camera. Having portraits taken is an investment on so many levels so make sure you choose someone who can offer what you're looking for. Just like having a "style" preference we all have "end goal" preferences.

 

Is your end goal to have a big canvas above your fire place? Do you want to be able to send a 4x6 of your favorite image to all your relatives? Maybe you're really interested in a personalized wood keepsake box. Perhaps all you really want is access to the digital files with a print release so eventually you can decide how you want to decorate your new living room once it's finished being remodeled.

Every photographer offers something different- so decide (again, before looking at PRICE)- what your end goal is for pictures.


3. Price

 

Ok, yes, now you can go ahead and look at price- but be prepared to take the following in to consideration when deciding if it is something you can afford:

i. Are you looking at the photographer from step 1 who you MUST WORK WITH?! (in that case ignore anything else and book them! Lots of photographers offer payment plan options so don't be afraid to ask. If it's your dream photographer don't let price get in the way. Book far in advance and save save save!)

ii. Shoot time: this is time the photographer invests in working with you and ultimately time away from his/her family to work- just like you may go to work 9-5 your photographer leaves their family to come work with you.

iii. Edit time: all those hours spent with you shooting? More or less triple that for amount of edit time they will spend after leaving you to perfect your images to match that style you're so drawn to about them ;) This is also more time spent on the business and working and not with family (a choice we small business owners make, yes, but just showing you how much time goes in to each session.)

iv. Prep: Don't forget you're hiring a professional so they have spent time prepping for your session. This could include researching locations, finding poses that fit you and your vision, brainstorming unique ideas to give you a personalized experience, prepping gear, location scouting, oh! and don't forget they've probably been chatting with you a whole bunch to  answer your questions and make sure they know you well enough to give you the perfect experience!

 

v. Education and Gear: A professional is constantly looking for ways to better themselves and perfect their skills. I can tell you that I personally budget for classes and mentoring sessions every year in my annual "what it will cost me to run my business" budget.

The same goes for gear: most folks budget for better gear each year to give their clients the best possible images. From camera gear to editing software to new and fun ways to deliver your images- all of this costs money for your photographer.

vi. Insurance: Yep, it's true- photographers and business owners have to have insurance just like your job. In lots of cases certain locations require proof of insurance up to $1,000,000 (yes that says 1 million) in order to shoot there- this is something that has to be maintained and therefore a cost your photographer is paying.

 

There are lots of things that go in to a business model and in to the price of your package; and there is no right way to do it- each photographer has spent time calculating what their cost of business is and also done market research to determine what their clients want most: digitals vs. products vs. hair and makeup vs. amount of shoot time etc.

 

So in short, when figuring out what a "fair price" for your photographer is the answer is simple: if you've first done steps 1 and 2 and determined that the 2 or 3 or 4 photographers on your list are the ones you'd be thrilled to work with, then just book your top one- you'll be happy with your choice, I promise :) And if you're not sure about it because of their price: remind yourself of step 1 and 2 and then take in to consideration step 3.

You're choosing YOUR photographer, not "A photographer."

Best,
Sarah

 

Part-Time Tog | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Earlier this week I was asked by a fellow photographer, brand aficionado, and friend, about choosing to be a "part time" tog and my reasons behind it. It was asked to the general population (not just to me) but since I do choose to be a "part time" tog and because I like this person very much I thought I'd give her my answer (she's doing a bit of market research so why not help a gal out, ya know?).

Before I share it with you I want to explain what she (and I) mean by "part time" versus "full time" photographer; because let me tell you: whether you do this and 10 other things or are a photographer every waking moment of every day, running a business of any sorts is definitely a FULL TIME gig. So what I mean when I say "part time" photographer is that it's not my only source of income and I spend 40 hours a week doing something else on top of being a photographer. In this case my additional 40 hours per week is spent working as a Victim Advocate for the Army's Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention program (SHARP).

So now my answer to her question on why I choose to be a "part time" photographer: I choose to be part time because, simply put: I CAN'T CHOOSE!

 

I originally went to college for photojournalism (a form of photography that can be defined in many ways but for a short answer it's aim is to capture life as it is and as it's going on- lots of images of war on the news and stories in National Geographic are shot by photojournalists. In fact, a number of my professors had been featured in NatGeo at one time or another!) But as I continued in my schooling I realized I wasn't a fan of being outside of what was going on and having to shoot it and instead wanted to live it- not capture it on film. I didn't like having to shoot assignments or on someone else's time frame. Plus, to be completely honest I struggled a lot with the technical aspect of things and I get frustrated pretty easily when things don't just CLICK for me immediately (pun intended hehe ).

 

So I switched over to psychology.

 

I LOVED IT. I even went on to Graduate School and became a licensed counselor in the state of Ohio-- that's how much I loved listening to others and helping them see what perhaps they were too deeply involved with the situation to see-- and in some cases, be able to help them change their lives.

 

Flash forward to moving to Virginia when, after having our anniversary pictures taken, I realized how much I wanted to be the woman taking our pictures. I wanted to do that! So, I had my dad (who had all of my equipment) send me my camera and lenses. One thing led to another and voila! Sarah Elle Photography was born (again).

This box was so big you seriously could have fit a person inside! (I love all the "fragile" stickers on it. It makes it look really important!)

 

 

 

But then I found myself in a position to work in the SHARP program and well, I simply couldn't choose. So I chose not to choose. And yes, at times doing both  is tiring and time consuming, but I'm happy.
SO very happy.

So yes, I do choose to be a part time photographer with a full time business and a full time Victim Advocate position with the Army, and a full time puppy mom, and a full time wife. And until a day comes where I'm forced to choose (due to monetary issues, stress levels, or because I want to focus energies one way or the other), I simply decide to remain happy and choose not to choose.

Best,
Sarah

Rebekah T. | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

I am THRILLED to introduce you to Rebekah, Grafton class of 2014!

You want to talk about a confident, independent High School Senior? This is your gal! She plays Lacrosse, is part of a military family (which means she helps out an extra bunch when dad is gone), is super focused on her studies, and loves to try out unique (what I like to call: "before it's cool") styles. She's also just one of the sweetest, most caring people you'll ever meet.

So, when Bek booked the Red Carpet package for her session I was stoked for her to be able to have some pampering and be treated to professional hair and makeup. And when she told me she wanted to mix it up with a relaxed loose curl coupled with a heavy dramatic eye? I was in heaven!

I couldn't decide which I loved more about Bek's session: her goofy personality, those gorgeous eyes, her awesome combat inspired ankle boots, or her beautiful nod to her family and love for photography (bonus points!) by incorporating her grandfather's vintage camera in to the session.

I think I love it all!

The cherry on top of this awesome sundae? Bek's parents booked a family session to follow her shoot! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I'm in love with the fact they feel High School graduation is a big deal for the whole family- so much so they wanted to document it with family photos! I was so inspired by their shoot together that I am now OFFICIALLY offering a mini-session option for the families of my Seniors to add on to the end of the Senior session! :)

Best,
Sarah