Why hire a professional when considering investing in your memories?

Why hire a Professional Photographer?

Allie Miller - Photographer

AMillerFoto | PHOTOGRAPHY

While reading my daily usual fare of articles - I cannot help, but to emphasize on the incredible importance of various points while considering hiring a 'photographer" for a special day such as a wedding venue or a session such as your child's birthday or family pictures....

Susan Wilson, is one amazing woman and photographer and in her writings- she really reveals the love for what she is inspired for.  An amazing writer - here are a few excerpts and my thoughts combined!

Enjoy!

Why hire a Professional Photographer?

Because you're a professional in your field as well, you probably want to get the best images possible--which are almost never the cheapest images possible. As we all know, the advent of digital photography has led to a whole slew of folks thinking they're photographers (and charging clients lower prices than serious pros). It's true that the DELETE button on their digital cameras allows them to throw out out-of-focus, awkwardly framed, or badly exposed images--and that messes can be cleaned up in CS - Photoshop.

It's also true that the newest digital cameras are really, really smart. But a smart digital camera does not an accomplished artist make.  So yes, there are more people calling themselves "photographers" and putting up quick, slick photography websites than ever before!

(In the business, this is now being called the "EVERYBODY'S a photographer" phenomena.)

When you hire a pro, you're not just hiring a person with a more expensive camera than your Uncle Fred. You're hiring someone who knows how to make you (or whatever the subject is) look awesome, using an artistic eye, an ability to put the subject at ease, and the technical skill to give you a riveting image that everyone will notice. You're hiring someone who can take your vision of yourself (or of the subject you want shot), and mold it into something eye-catching, truthful, and new.

If those things don't matter to you, phone Uncle Fred immediately

What am I paying a professional for?

When you pay a professional photographer to shoot for you, you are generally paying for the following things:

A creation fee, which involves their creativity and expertise;an agreed upon number of hours or days to do your shoot and deliver a final product;expenses incurred in creating those images (film, processing, post-production time in digital work, etc.);a reproduction rights fee on individual photos you wish to reproduce and use for professional purposes. This fee is variable and will depend on the use. Personal, editorial, and educational usages for example, are generally less expensive than commercial and advertising.

Who owns the negatives and the rights to the images?

According to U.S. Copyright Law, the photographer owns the copyright, negatives, or digital files on all images shot. In paying them to shoot, you are purchasing their professional services. When you buy "reproduction rights," you lease the right to USE one or more photos for a specific purpose, and are probably purchasing a COPY of the image as well--generally in print, slide, or digital scan form. Incidentally, this is the same copyright law that protects all artists and people who create--whether they be composers, authors, water-colorists, photographers...you get the drift

Why is it that the same image can cost me $50 or $500 to use?

You might be buying an image just for personal use--to put in your wallet or place on your desk at work. But when you buy an image for professional purposes--whether it be for newsletter or newspaper stories about you, or as the cover of your next CD or book--the price is significantly higher. In addition, editorial and educational usages are much less expensive than commercial and advertising. For example, an image you want to use once for an in-house newsletter or your own website will cost far, far less than one running with ads for a commercial product you endorse, and which are published in nationally-distributed magazines or printed on billboards. Also, covers--be it book, magazine, or CD--always are priced higher than interiors of that same product.

What's important is that when you buy a photo with reprodusciton rights, you do not own the copyright--meaning, you do not have the right to use it for anything at all and for as long as you like. Hence, you need to ascertain exactly what rights you have bought, and for how long. It's common, by the way, for someone to buy the rights to a picture for one use, then contact the photographer sometime down the road and purchase another type of usage for the same photo

What's included in a photo package deal?

Photo packages that offer a single price for the creation, hours, expenses and final images you need are often a far better deal financially than a la carte billing. Find out the price for the package, and make sure you know exactly what's included--how many hours you get, how many poses, how many final shots (and in what format) and what you're allowed to use the photos for professionally. If it fits, you're golden!

Does the package cover everything I need?

Maybe, maybe not. Look carefully at what's included in your package, then talk to your photographer about additional items or replacement items and their costs. For example, you may want to do a "Tuesday Quickie," but have your final image in both color and black and white. Or you may want to do a CD cover shoot, but go out on location for four hours instead of two, to get all the poses and settings you want. Typical additions to basic packages are often items like hiring a professional makeup artist, doing extra digital retouching on final images, or adding time, final images, or additional photo uses to some standard package. (i.e. you might want to buy an image for PR as well as for a CD cover). All are easily doable, but make sure you're clear on your needs and the additional costs of these items before you get in over your head.

Isn't digital photography cheaper?

ANSWER: The emergence of digital photography over the past decade has revolutionized photography. And though we miss the days of film--particularly gorgeous black and white--digital shooting has numerous advantages. Among the perks of digital is the ability for the photographer and client to catch mistakes and make changes early in the shoot by checking the monitor, as well as faster turnaround time, easier image modification and retouching, increased ability to shoot in low-light situations, and the ability to create dynamite color and black and white images from the same shot. But here comes the confusing part: for amateurs, digital is often cheaper; but for professionals, it's not. In fact, according to stats published in the past few years, doing a professional shoot digitally costs as much as one-third more than traditional methods. 

Why, you ask?

(1) CONSTANTLY CHANGING HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE:

In the old days--from eight to one hundred and fifty years ago--photographers expected their cameras, darkroom equipment, and all they needed to shoot and create an original image for you to last between five and twenty-five years, if not more. Today, digital equipment--cameras, computers, hardware, and software--is often obsolete in a few months, and rarely makes it to two or three years. Constant upgrading ain't cheap!

(2) THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S TIME:

When a photographer shoots digitally, the post-production work required after the shoot--including downloading, naming files, color corrections, various batch actions, backing up on multiple external hard drives, retouching, burning CDs or DVDs, etc. etc.-- is infinitely more time consuming for the photographer, and sometimes takes longer than the shoot itself. In the old days, this was often a simple lab drop and pickup that was billed to the client. Today, it is the photographer who is working at the computer perfecting and presenting your images, which is reflected in your bill.

(3) FASTER TURNAROUND EXPECTATIONS:

Because clients know how quickly digital turnarounds can happen, they often expect the photographer to process and deliver much, much faster than with film. The marketplace has upped the ante on deadlines as well. So these added pressures also push up the costs.

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I hope this helps you make a wise decision about your investment - Everyone works hard for their pennies and we realize that... This is the reason why we believe that it is important to make your investment decision based on your options.  Sometimes, because it may look like a great deal - is not sometimes so - Cheap isn't always better.

Allie Miller
AMillerFoto | PHOTOGRAPHY
Southern Utah Photographer 

When choosing your Wedding Photographer - Cheaper is NOT always BETTER -

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 

No flash Photography was allowed.... - Still was illuminated!

Your Wedding Day.. Ahhh – You have waited for this moment almost all of your life… And now, here comes the planning… And along with all preparations, it is a good time to start shopping for a photographer – after all you do not want to trust those images to some hobbyist who “loves to take pictures” or someone in your party with a point-n-shoot {usually a good hear-ted friend}, right?

If you are reading this blog, you have probably landed here and the title has caught your eye –  I am so glad you’ve decided to check out this article, because finding a wedding photographer can be a bit overwhelming.  I know, prices range from almost nothing (friends with cameras, the hobbyist) to prices as high as $30-50,000 dollars!! And no! this figure is not a typo.

I can let you in a little secret, since you got this far – Good wedding photography is not cheap, but it is the most important investment you will make on your special day..  It is not an expense {key word} you are investing a lot into your big day.   In easier terms, when your wedding venue is over, the food will be eaten, the transportation will be returned, tuxes taken back and the dress and decorations packed away (possibly will never worn or used again – my gown is pretty in a box).  Now, your photos, Ah {Smile} – these are usually the only remaining evidence of all the hard work you put into your wedding day.

What we are saying is, that If you are hiring a wedding photographer, just make sure you hire a photographer that you are comfortable with and feel like you can actually trust to take on your day personally.  Even if it is not our booked wedding, just make sure you are truly confident they can handle the work load, the day, the guest, the lighting {that their gear can handle most lighting situations?} etc and treat you and your party with respect.

Professional photographers, we come in all shapes and sizes. We all have various levels of experience and education.  So to say not all wedding photographers are created equal.

We can say that we are not the low end cheap, but we are not the most expensive either.  We  do shot many weddings, and have multiple PRO camera bodies, PRO lenses and flashes, and we are ready for anything, for example if one of our cameras break down, you can trust we have backups, again not missing a moment. And this is exactly what you want when you are hiring a photographer.  Also, do not forget planning for the worst, is your photographer affiliated? Do they have insurance? What is the contract read? Are they professional? When you first met – Were they dressed appropriately to your interview?

With my wedding packages, there are always two of us taking photos.  I’ve used other photographers before, but the second photographer is USUALLY my husband.

We love what we do and we have fun shooting weddings.  Honestly, we are so grateful to work with so many couples who truly understand the value behind our craft. And we have created some pretty sweet relationships as well as with many clients that we have photographed.

Sometimes in conversations with friends and colleagues, we are always amazed at some of the horror stories we hear about their wedding photographers and the stuff we come across in social media.

There are of course lots of  talented photographers too, but, the way of handling your day’s captures are different.  So, it is important to meet and survey the professional photographers you are considering for your special day.  Not everyone is a good fit ( whether be for you {client} OR the photographer).
Your overall experience is an important factor for all those involved, when you have a great rapport.  For some reason if you are  not comfortable with their style.  Do not settle.  Find someone that you will  be comfortable with, remember they will be on your every moment on your day.

Keep in mind that  good professional photographers get booked  real FAST!

Make sure they are not double booking on your day or taking other sessions during your day.   A story last year we had to turn away 5 brides requesting wedding dates in September and November. We simply could not shoot them because we were already booked – our attention is solely to you, and if hiring someone – expect nothing less!

If you find someone you really like, make sure you get in touch with them as soon as possible. If for example, our style suits your taste – send a message – even if not in the area… {hint}

Perhaps, you are just researching – give us a ring- or Skype with us and feels like you would would just like to come by and visit.  We would be glad to let you look more closely the work we do, and our process and see if you like what I offer.

Never imagined I could really write this long blog, but I know it has gotten longer than intended.

Final words – When hiring a professional wedding photographer just make sure you like them as a person/people and you can tell a lot by first impressions.
So, If you are a fit {like peas in a pod} you will likely click with them during your  day and it will reflect in the outcome of your photos.

Also, make sure they have good gear and backups to handle your wedding and most lighting situations.  (Plus, make sure they actually know how to use it!) If you’re not having an outdoor wedding with a nice cloud cover and a brightly lit reception, you might run into issues. Saying that also, make sure you like their past work and this perhaps will be the best predictor of the outcome.

So, even if their price might be right, but their style might be wrong.  Cheaper is NOT  always better.  Sometimes cheaper is just CHEAP and the product will be shown and discussed for times to come among friends and family…. True story!

Now, there is a lot of work ahead… Let’s plan this day!

Allie Miller
Owner/Photographer – Eastern NC

AVOIDING DEBT on YOUR NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

AVOIDING DEBT 
YOUR NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

Time for a new blog in perspectives,  and while reviewing some of PPA/Benchmark PDFs - This is one was so  worth re-reading, due to the reason many new self started business fail... they are in debt before they produce profits. So, I felt it was a relevant topic for my blog this week! 

New as well as aspiring photographers often are seduced by that old saying : "you have to spend money to make money.    In my experience Don’t spend it unless you can afford to spend it."

I am a believer, that in this world of evolving technology and new photographers in the field, we must all come together and share our experiences, and this why I enjoy writing  these topics so that others appreciate what some of us have gone through ...  

In the PPA/Benchmark article, Ann Monteith gives some great suggestions that I have followed , and proven to have work so far. Here are my thoughts:

• Don’t go full time until you have developed a following among your target market (which means gaining client referrals) and developed consistent cash flow from your part-time business and an efficient workflow that assures on-time product delivery. It takes time to build a new business (usually between two and five years), and most experts agree that a photographer should be grossing between $50,000 and $100,000 annually before it is wise to consider a full-time home-based business, or $150,000 to $200,000 annually before considering a  full-time retail-location business.

          Although, my NOW full time job is my PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS... Like a lot of us, I did work over 120hrs a week between photography and a regular full time job for over a year, until I realized that my business was not only bringing in more income than the FT job I had in healthcare, but I was beginning to turn away photo-clients due to my assigned shifts at work.  
A time for a decision had arrived and I was not totally ready mentally, because I have always had a job while photography had been my enjoyment on time off and never thought of as a business... I am two years in and also I have relocated, it took a lot of work to get established where I lived in the East Coast {Wilmington, NC}, but this new relocation to Southern Utah, has brought on a whole new business revamping plan on all levels and I am really happy for this change, I feel like I have started again and not fearful of failure, but happy for the new opportunities that have opened in the West Coast and the growth.  Although, this year I will be traveling for assignments, these are opportunities that  had no open, would I have not taken a leap to leave that job.

THE BENCHMARK: Guard your cash. Too many photographers manage their businesses by checkbook balance: If there is money in the checkbook, they spend it; if not, they start to worry. A business plan that includes a cash-flow forecast will help you know when to expect lulls in your business that will require funding.Understanding normal business cycles will help you to conserve cash to cover those lean times.

• Budget your start-up expenses (cameras, lights, computers, software, props, furnishings, etc.) very carefully. Even if you have the cash to purchase an item, make sure it is money you can afford to lose, as no small business is a sure thing.

         This is reality guys. Nothing in my business is financed. Everything has been paid for and all the work I have placed in the business, its profits went to acquire everything that feeds my business, and this has been... Education, lighting equipment, props, equipment {cameras, batt-packs, lenses} memberships and associations, insurance, hardware, software etc. and more lately, conventions and travel and higher end marketing. In my other blog that speaks about having that Homes-Studio... That has helped tremendously, I am always looking for ways to avoid debt.  

THE BENCHMARK: Budget your capital investments carefully. 

Too much debt is a business killer.

• If you must borrow to make these purchases, create a prioritized budget for equipment essentials, as well as a few key marketing pieces, professional association membership, and professional education. &• If you decide to borrow for your start-up items, investigate lending options. Avoid using high-interest credit cards. Cap your borrowing budget at a level that you can pay back within 24 months using personal resources, in case you do not have enough positive cash flow from the business.
  
  

          I have avoided this step, unless it becomes a necessary, I stay away from borrowing to make any purchases - Once you have the essentials, a good rule of thumb is to purchase only those extras that you can pay for within 12 months.

THE BENCHMARK:  Start a reinvestment fund. Set aside a portion of each sales dollar in a reinvestment fund   for new capital expenditures.

Some resources have been used for this blog - provided by PPA.COM/BENCHMARK -  and the reviews have been provided by Allie Miller |AMillerFoto - PHOTOGRAPHY - Southern Utah Photographer

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