FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I actually don't have complicated pricing. My portraits are all $200 for one hour, and $350 for two hours, which includes digital images, an online gallery and a print credit. My weddings are offered in a series of packages, all of which have the same inclusions. The price for those is based on the amount of time at the wedding and the number of photographers (one or two) and the print credit increases as the time at the wedding gets longer. Wedding packages are completely customizable, though. I just like to have a really straightforward starting point. My per-hour commission rate for advertising work is a flat rate based on the commission in question. I try to keep as little pricing information on my site as possible because I want to sit down and talk with my clients. I also think that consumers frequently think that price is always an indicator of quality. With photography that is generally true, but most photographers (myself included) are more than willing to discuss your budget and do what they can to work with you.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I absolutely do continuing education to stay current in my field. Photography changes all the time. I am a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and take advantage of their excellent continuing education program. I follow the CreativeLive site and have access to all their amazing master classes. I routinely have my images critiqued in professional forums and attend seminars such as WPPI in Las Vegas.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
When I was in grade school, my father put a camera in my hands and said that he would teach me how to take pictures. He was a very, very good amateur photographer with his own darkroom and he knew I was obsessed with National Geographic because of the images. I was convinced all the way through school and university that I was supposed to do other things, but I returned to photography as an undergraduate while studying journalism. My professor said to me "You have to do this for a living. Promise me that." I wasn't able to right away, but as soon as I could, I did. I bring my journalism training to everything I do and I've never regretted being a professional photographer.