FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was previously (and still am) an artist - specifically an arcade game artist, making environments for video games. But deep down, I knew I wasn't connected with the end result. I've always had a passion for photography, for the process of capturing a moment and preserving it for current and future generations to behold. My grandmother has had Alzheimer's for quite some time - the same grandma that taught me to paint and hike in the mountains of Colorado, but last year, when my grandfather on the other side of the family was diagnosed with Alzheimer's as well, I knew it was time for me to do something meaningful with my life. For me, there is nothing more meaningful than creating images that call attention to what is beautiful and worth cherishing in our lives - and being able to preserve those memories forever.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
The biggest consideration you need to make is whether or not the images in a photographer's portfolio are in alignment with the images you want. What you see is really what you get, and it is important to think about style, variety, and age range within a photographer's portfolio. From there, look into personality. Ideally, you want to find a photographer that you can relate to, who is professional, and who will treat you with respect. Look at the provider's services. Do they offer what you're looking for? Can they provide you with prints and digital copies? How long does it take them to provide your images? Lastly, consider your budget. And remember - many photographers offer payment plans - you simply need to ask.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
The making of your images goes beyond the hour or so that you spend with your photographer. When you visit a photographer's site and are surprised by their rates, please keep in mind that you are paying for their gear, their lighting, their expertise. You are paying for the time they spend photographing you, planning your session, scouting locations, up keeping a studio, and editing photographs. Photographers, generally speaking, are not trying to price gouge - what may seem high is really just a reflection of what it takes to survive as a photographer. So be kind, and respect the prices your photographer sets.