Creative Custom Photographer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Mostly, I do families, kids, weddings, and corporate shoots. But I also do infants, births, parties, and so much more!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Choose wisely. The cheapest may not be the best. And the best will not be cheap. Be prepared to pay for what it is you are wanting.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The biggest secret: BE YOURSELF. When you are getting pictures done, the biggest thing you can do is be yourself, and be comfortable. When you aren't happy about what is going on, or you are trying to "put on a smile", it shows.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Clients should have an idea on what type of portraits they are wanting. Such as a theme like: White Button Downs & Jeans, or Fishing Gear. Also, know what type of products. Prints, Wall Art, Cards, Albums, etc. We will go over all of this at your consultation.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I am a custom photographer meaning that I don't do posey, sit here photography. I am more of a jump in the air, roll in the grass type photographer. If you are looking for something different, I'm your girl!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Since I was a kid, I have always had an interest in photography. Being able to do what I love to make a living is such a blessing. When people ask me what I do, I say, "I get to play all day." The best job in the world. Photography is my passion, not just a means to a living. I'm out to make a living, not a killing.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The most common question I am asked is, "How much?". My prices are fairly simple. Weekday Sessions are $75, Weekend Sessions are $100, and I have a $100 minimum product order. Travel is dependant on each particular shoot.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I don't have a particular story, but my favorite part of a shoot is when the child will say, "Let me see, Let me see" while I am looking through the photos on my camera. Children are facinated that I put them in my camera.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Clients should understand that Custom Photography is not like going to a department store and getting some portraits done. It is more expensive. Why? Because there is more overhead. Even though a Custom Photographer will charge a couple hundred dollars, they only pocket about 20% of that due to the amount of overhead. And you are paying for a totally different experience. It is more "custom" to who you are as a person, couple, or family. It shows who you are the instant someone sees this photo.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I got into my line of work because I LOVE it. It's a passion, and a blessing. I couldn't be happier doing anything else.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. To be honest, I am particularly proud of all my shoots. I take pride in all the work I do and do each job at the 100% best. I can't think of any particular shoot that I wouldn't want to show off.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I am constantly buying books, and researching online to find out what is new in the industry and how I measure up. (I think I drive my husband crazy :] )

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. For photography, the digital revolution was a major hit. I think that as technology grows, so will the ability to create new and exciting things for my clients.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. Last night, I had a shoot with two beautiful, blue eyed, blonde haired, angels, ages 11 months & 2 years. They were so much fun, I forgot I was actually working. We went to the playpark and played in the sand. The girls were such great subjects. The total that the client paid $225 ($75 for the session and $150 for a proof CD) The shoot lasted about an hour, and it took me approximately 2 hours to edit. I posted the photos to my facebook before I went to bed, the same day. In the end there were approximately 34 finished photos.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Practice, Practice, Practice. It's all you can do. No degree in the world can prepare you for what you are getting yourself into. (Though it does help.)

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. When can I book? Right Now! :)