I’ve been a full time professional photographer for over 12 years now, and when I look back over my body of work in those past years, I can see how far I have come from the days when I left a session hoping I had some good images! Experience DOES matter of course, and I can easily see how I have improved over the years. HOWEVER, it is also easy to get lazy or into a rut. I vow not to let that happen.
One of my friends and mentor is a retired Master Photographer (Donald Jack, for those of you who have been around any length of time) who recently reminded me of some basic rules in photography that he sees so many of the new photographers totally ignoring. My first instinct was to say that the “old rules” don’t matter anymore… clients don’t want a “posed” portrait. But then I looked at Donald’s past work, and I looked at how he so carefully created these timeless images that took my breath away, and I realized that a GREAT photograph CAN still be timeless and well crafted without looking staged or stiff. It was a reminder to me to NOT get careless or complacent with my images.
So just what makes a photograph a great photograph? As a professional photographer I learned all about “the rule of thirds” for composition, using the right aperture to create a focal point, using the right lens for the look I wanted, how to “see” the light hitting the subject, and manipulate the light to make it work… all these tools are important and should be learned.
But in ADDITION to these rules and tools, I personally think that images need to evoke a feeling and tell a story. It needs to draw the viewer in, and make them want to stay for a while and visit. I want my clients to smile, laugh, or feel a tug at the heart when they look at the images we create together. But I also vow to make sure that the basic rules of my craft are not ignored in the process of creating these captured moments.
I will continue to work with my clients from the conception of the portraits (what locations will be best, what colors should be worn, what story is to be told…) to the best display of the final images (wall portraits, coffee table book, canvas gallery wraps…) to create a GREAT portrait that will be cherished over the years. That is my promise to all my clients (and my challenge to all photographers).
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family photography
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portrait photography
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professional photographer
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scottsdale
I realize that this is a difficult subject, but one that I do wish to bring some attention to. I volunteer my photography services to an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), and earlier today a call came from a local hospital who had a young couple whose baby girl was being taken off life support, and they wanted professional portraits taken to honor her legacy. These sessions are always heart-wrenching, but to be able to provide the free gift of professional portraits for these parents suffering the loss of a baby is something I am proud and honored to do on behalf of the NILMDTS organization. I am usually amazed at the strength of these grieving parents as they say good bye to their child, and am hopeful that the images I create for them may in some way help them with the healing process. I hold up well during the session (usually), but ALWAYS cry in private after I leave the room and again while preparing the images for the parents. These parents came to the hospital to have a baby, but are leaving empty handed and with a heavy heart. The least I can do is give them some nice images to hold onto. If you have experienced this type of loss, or know someone who might benefit from the support of an organization like this, please check them out.
To learn more please go to the website http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/
There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.
Thank you for letting me share...
Meet sweet little Madeline... how cute is she! I just LOVE those chunky legs and those big bright eyes...
So I got an email yesterday from a potential client who came across my website and sent me this message to inquire about the costs:
"I LOVE your photographs, but I'm afraid of the costs..."
I'm so glad she loved my images, and reassured her that the costs should NOT be something to be "afraid" of. That said, I've decided to devote just a little time today to the issue of cost versus value when looking to hire a professional photographer. There are SO many new photographers out there now in this age of digital cameras, and some of them are pretty great (and some I just cringe when I look at their work), and prices vary greatly. There are some photographers who do this as a way to make a little extra income. For many of us this is not only our passion, but it is our full time business as well - it is how we pay our bills. My prices are based on production costs (the costs of the actual print, the folio it goes into, the time to touch up the images, the time spent photographing and editing images...), the cost of being in business (the phones, website, computers, cameras, lights...), and my experience and education (and continuing education to remain certified by PPA). Obviously you expect to pay for the expertise of the photographer and the expenses incurred in the creation of your final images, so the cost is more than the price of the paper the image is printed on.
So what is the VALUE of these images to you? Value is a subjective thing, and I know that some people value these family memories more than others. A good value to one person may be too expensive for someone else. I get that, and I know not everyone can afford to hire me. But to miss out on the important milestones of growing up, or to hire the inexpensive photographer to photograph the family reunion and end up with poor quality images is certainly not a good value. My portraits should provide you with a LIFETIME of value... a great investment if you ask me. And THAT is nothing to be afraid of.
Welcome to the first blog for our revised web-site! I plan to use this space to keep you informed of any specials, post helpful hints, and share some of the fun images we capture during our portrait sessions. I hope you will check back often to get ideas, share your thoughts, and stay informed. I welcome feedback on what you want to see in these blogs, and look forward to sharing them with you.
I know the weather is just now starting to cool off, and we haven't even gotten through Halloween yet, but now is the time to start planning for your holiday family portrait sessions with Spicer Photography. Prime portrait times fill up fast this time of year, so call soon to get on the books.
So what ideas do you have this year for showcasing your children's unique personalities? Whether it's jumping on the bed in their PJ's, or hiking in the desert with the family... let me capture these images for you to cherish and share. I'll post some of the images from upcoming sessions soon!
Until then, let me know what ideas you have, and what you want to see in future blogs...
Rhonda Sims commented on October 22nd, 2009
What a wonderful thing to do for someone who's lost a child...you're a special person, Pam.