FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Say you're on facebook or some other social networking site. Some band/actor/comedian/artist wants you to check out their page and "like" it. You have a minute to kill so you take a gander. If the images of the artist are amazing - whether it be their work or themselves - I tend to think higher of them. I know that's super shallow sounding - but that's what society has trained me to do. For me personally - if they are not so great images - I feel the urge to show up to one of their gigs and take pictures so they have at least something awesome to reflect on. REGARDLESS - how people/bands/etc portray themselves has a lot to do with how we will judge them. I consider my rates complicated because I interact a lot with those in the entertainment industry. When a family gets family portraits done - i assume they are not going to use those photos to advertise/draw in ''customers''. The rate for family photos is much different than those that are in a band or entertainment industry. If someone is using the image to get them more attention - then that rate is obviously going to be higher. Because if you draw in more attention/gigs/etc because of the way you portray yourself/band on social networking - then ultimately that was mostly up to me. If you disagree- then you wouldn't have hired me to begin with. That's why I tend to run a little less than others when it comes to family/weddings/personal use photos. I feel like these occasions are rare & shouldn't be limited to a certain number of images. Concerts/parties/get togethers - these all vary in rate because they could happen more than once - and I might set a limit to a number. BUT i'm pretty easy to work with. I like making people smile and look amazing and capture the moment. And I can. So talk to me - I can make something happen.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I love googling & reading newsletters that are sent to my email via numerous websites/camera stores that I really dig. I have never taken a photography class in college or high school - so I guess I'm what some consider "a natural''. I feel VERY fortunate that I'm so "lucky" & try really hard to stay humble, because while I am aware that my images turn out pretty darn awesome, I do know that art is one of those things in which not everyone is going to agree upon. That's why I prefer to spend minimal on advertising and let customers choose me or find me via word of mouth. Thumbtack is a very new concept to me and forces me to work outside of my shell a little, but I like new challenges. :)
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have no idea. I have a bachelors degree in Social science with a focus on criminal justice. I graduated top honors and know my state and federal laws very well....yet enough people keep calling me back to take pictures. This seems like a dandy way to pass the time and earn income until my son is old enough to be okay with the amount of time law school will take. ;)