FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I tend to stay below market price because I think all people deserve quality images of the special events in their lives without going broke. It breaks my heart when parents can't afford professional portraits of their children or couples don't have a wedding photographer due to financial restraints. These are moments that occur only once; they should be captured. I keep my prices down by not running and maintaining a studio--the world is my studio. A backdrop/stool I keep in the trunk of my car and natural light are all I need to create a professional head-shot, a nature preserve/park is all a bridal party needs, and families love to snuggle up on a blanket in front of a rustic barn for a family portrait.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For weddings especially, I meet in person with the couple to discuss their ideas and wants/desires for the day. At this initial meeting, we set-up the engagement appointment and pick poses using Pinterest or magazines. We also look at my sample wedding albums to be sure I can meet the needs of the couple.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
For family/children/senior portraits, typically I offer samples of my work to check for a good fit. I offer suggestions on wardrobe and locations. We also discuss poses. I took several photography course hours while earning my BA. For many years, I was a passionate photography hobbyist, mostly using my own family as models. I started branching off when I worked at a low-income school where my students couldn't afford senior pictures. A student saw a picture of my daughter, and said, "I wish I could afford pictures like that." I offered to take them for free; later that day, the requests came flooding in. To prepare for these complimentary sessions, I started online coursework. I completed courses with Shultz Photo School and as many Creative Live course my teaching salary could afford each month! These sessions essentially became my blooming portfolio and real-world classroom; now those high school seniors are graduating from college and getting married; it's such an honor capturing their weddings. In addition, I have taken Adobe classes (both in the physical classroom as well as online) to beef-up my editing skills.