Martika Photography, LLC

Credentials

FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
  My pricing varies from type of job and depends on the number of final files required or the length of the shoot. I will probably not be the cheapest photographer in the group. I use Canon professional camera and lenses and top quality Profoto professional studio lighting. These are not inexpensive pieces of equipment. I am not a hobbyist. I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in my professional training and education. Additionally I have a backup camera in case of damage, theft or malfunction. I am also insured and I have a good online reputation. Sometimes in life you do get what you pay for.
• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
  We chat by phone or if needed in person to discuss the job, agree on the scope of the shoot and pricing, verify it in writing and go from there!
• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
  I have been shooting single lens reflex cameras since about 1979. I was on the yearbook staff in junior high, high school and in college. I shot for my university. Although I am largely self taught, I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the American Photographic Artists Associations. These are professioanl societies for photographers. i have attended their conference. I also attended Shutterfest each year and I have attenden courses at Calumet Photographic and Progear and Procam. I do online education as well. This year I have been studying with renown LA Photographer Kevin Michael Schmidt in Chicago and in LA and I have invested $8,000-$10,000 in education this year and I am continuing with Kevin as my mentor in the next year as well. I am one of his top students. In January and February, I spent a week in California meeting with Kevin several times. He presented my portfolio at a Canon event in Coasta Mesa in front of a group of 70 photographers. At this point I have invested more in my photographic education than I did for my legal education.