Showing posts with label details. Show all posts
Showing posts with label details. Show all posts
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
About Your Photographer and Your Session
About K Van D Photography
I love to watch families. I see something in the way they connect, hold hands, and look into each other’s eyes. There is a spark there. It is a spark I see in my children, my husband, my family. It is a spark I want to capture so I can relive it and cherish it and celebrate it whenever I want to.
This is what I want to do for you.
For the most part, I enjoy candid, natural photography. I want to capture your family being themselves, your children as they really are, you as you might not even be able to see yourself. I love to capture interaction and spirit, so although I do not use the kind of studio backgrounds found in posed portrait photography, I may want to capture your family bowling, hanging out at the library, washing the dog, or eating pancakes at IHOP. The ultimate goal is to have fun, to be yourself, to be captured naturally with each other. Relax. Enjoy each other and yourself.
Don’t stress out trying to get ready for this photo shoot. Wear what you look and feel good in. Wear your hair the way you always do. Don’t overdo the makeup. You are going to love what we get out of this, because relaxation and ease translate beautifully on camera.
I want you in your everyday mode. I want your kids in mismatched socks, you in your favorite jeans, your family as you are everyday – unique, natural and beautiful. Life isn’t perfect, and I have no interest in posing everybody for that “perfect family portrait”. I will never ask everybody to “look at the camera and smile”. When I am going through your session later, your “perfect family portrait” will not look like anyone else’s – ever. It will be amazing and beautiful and it will be quintessentially you.
Basic Information on Your Images
Many photographers won't sell you the digital files of your images or require a minimum print purchase before selling them. I have allowed for an incredibly liberal approach to image pricing for my clients. I offer digital negatives in my packages, which is a unique and very valuable thing.
This means that after our session, you have the option to choose a package that includes a disc of your images. I have packages that range from being strictly digital in nature to more traditional. If you purchase a package that includes digital negatives, you will be granted a Personal Use Copyright Release and will have the freedom to print and enlarge the photos from your session at your convenience, as well as own a digital copy for back-up purposes.
I realize that in this technological age, photos are just as likely to be displayed on screensavers, iPhones, Facebook accounts and digital frames as they are to be in a traditional frame on a desk or wall. So, the digital packages include digital images on DVD both in low-resolution versions for online sharing and high-resolution versions for making prints. The low-resolution image versions include my logo and website.
Your Session Includes…
A one to three hour shoot either at your home or at a location of our choosing. (Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)
Approximately 25-35 proofs for your personal viewing pleasure.
Session prices begin at $75.
But It Does Not Include…
Session fees do NOT include any images; on CD or otherwise. To obtain images, you have several collections to choose from.
Collections begin at $250. Prints may also be ordered ala carte, prints begin at $20 each.
For complete pricing information, please contact me.
Session Details
What to Expect
It is my ultimate goal to create a customized experience based on the unique qualities and characteristics of my subject matter. Before your session, we will discuss any ideas you may have as well as shot requests for your session. We will also discuss you may prepare and what you can expect once I arrive on location.
If the session is at your home, I will want a tour, first thing! I want to see where your family spends time, what you guys do, and I will be looking for great natural light in pockets of your home. Because I try to work exclusively with natural light, I may even want to rearrange a little bit, so that we can bring some of the things you love in your home in one central location that has the light I am looking for. We will also spend this time getting to know each other, and discussing any specific shot ideas that you may want to attempt.
At the session, I will work to put you at ease and capture the images you have requested. I collect shots I see on the internet all the time, thinking “I need that shot of my family/baby/self. I encourage you to do the same thing. I will bring my portfolio for you to get ideas from and if you have collected photos we can look through those and see what we may be able to accomplish. I believe photography is a collaboration between the photographer and the subject, so I encourage your input and ideas.
If we are doing a Maternity or Newborn shoot, I will certainly bring some backdrops and blankies and props like baskets. I want to capture you and your baby your natural and familiar surroundings, so get creative and let’s find a way to incorporate vintage outfits, family heirlooms, and special gifts that mean something to you. You have all sorts of things in your home that would be so much cuter with your baby in them – salad bowls, planters, hatboxes…so keep things like this in mind for your session.
The Location
All sessions are shot on location in an outdoor or indoor setting in the South Lake Tahoe area.
(Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)
The Images
After allowing time for processing and editing (generally 10-14 business days), you will receive PDF proofs of 20-25 images from your session. Your selection will include images in fine art color, and black and white. From these, you choose the images for your CD or may request additional retouching or special edits. (See below for rates).
Once your selection is finalized and final payment has been made, your CD will be mailed within 7-10 business days. Along with your CD, you will receive a Personal Use Copyright Release signed by the photographer and tips on making prints from your CD. The high resolution images on your CD will allow you to have prints made generally up to as big as 11” x 14.”
All images created by Karmen Van Derven or K Van D Photography may be used for her website, blog, portfolio, and promotional materials. All images are protected by copyright law.
Photo Retouching
All images receive basic retouching before the proofs are emailed/presented to you. Additional photo retouching is available at an hourly rate of $25/hour with a minimum charge of $15. Your photographer can give you a quote before you order extra retouching.
Payment
A non-refundable retainer of $50 is required to book your session. The retainer will be credited to your session/package price at your session.
Family is very important to me, and I am excited about meeting yours. It is also important for me to be with my own, so I book limited sessions per month. I am sometimes booked sevral months in advance, so call to make your appointment as soon as you know when you would like to get together.
Canceling or rescheduling 24 hours or less in advance of your session will result in the loss of the retainer. Exceptions due to sickness, emergency, or inclement weather will be at the discretion of the photographer.
The balance of the session price is due at the beginning of your session. For additional images, special edits, retouching, or other services not included in your package price, payment must be made before prints are ordered.
I accept:
Personal checks
Cash (Please do not mail cash.)
PayPal (add an additional $3 service charge per transaction.)
I love to watch families. I see something in the way they connect, hold hands, and look into each other’s eyes. There is a spark there. It is a spark I see in my children, my husband, my family. It is a spark I want to capture so I can relive it and cherish it and celebrate it whenever I want to.
This is what I want to do for you.
For the most part, I enjoy candid, natural photography. I want to capture your family being themselves, your children as they really are, you as you might not even be able to see yourself. I love to capture interaction and spirit, so although I do not use the kind of studio backgrounds found in posed portrait photography, I may want to capture your family bowling, hanging out at the library, washing the dog, or eating pancakes at IHOP. The ultimate goal is to have fun, to be yourself, to be captured naturally with each other. Relax. Enjoy each other and yourself.
Don’t stress out trying to get ready for this photo shoot. Wear what you look and feel good in. Wear your hair the way you always do. Don’t overdo the makeup. You are going to love what we get out of this, because relaxation and ease translate beautifully on camera.
I want you in your everyday mode. I want your kids in mismatched socks, you in your favorite jeans, your family as you are everyday – unique, natural and beautiful. Life isn’t perfect, and I have no interest in posing everybody for that “perfect family portrait”. I will never ask everybody to “look at the camera and smile”. When I am going through your session later, your “perfect family portrait” will not look like anyone else’s – ever. It will be amazing and beautiful and it will be quintessentially you.
Basic Information on Your Images
Many photographers won't sell you the digital files of your images or require a minimum print purchase before selling them. I have allowed for an incredibly liberal approach to image pricing for my clients. I offer digital negatives in my packages, which is a unique and very valuable thing.
This means that after our session, you have the option to choose a package that includes a disc of your images. I have packages that range from being strictly digital in nature to more traditional. If you purchase a package that includes digital negatives, you will be granted a Personal Use Copyright Release and will have the freedom to print and enlarge the photos from your session at your convenience, as well as own a digital copy for back-up purposes.
I realize that in this technological age, photos are just as likely to be displayed on screensavers, iPhones, Facebook accounts and digital frames as they are to be in a traditional frame on a desk or wall. So, the digital packages include digital images on DVD both in low-resolution versions for online sharing and high-resolution versions for making prints. The low-resolution image versions include my logo and website.
Your Session Includes…
A one to three hour shoot either at your home or at a location of our choosing. (Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)
Approximately 25-35 proofs for your personal viewing pleasure.
Session prices begin at $75.
But It Does Not Include…
Session fees do NOT include any images; on CD or otherwise. To obtain images, you have several collections to choose from.
Collections begin at $250. Prints may also be ordered ala carte, prints begin at $20 each.
For complete pricing information, please contact me.
********************************************************************************
Session Details
What to Expect
It is my ultimate goal to create a customized experience based on the unique qualities and characteristics of my subject matter. Before your session, we will discuss any ideas you may have as well as shot requests for your session. We will also discuss you may prepare and what you can expect once I arrive on location.
If the session is at your home, I will want a tour, first thing! I want to see where your family spends time, what you guys do, and I will be looking for great natural light in pockets of your home. Because I try to work exclusively with natural light, I may even want to rearrange a little bit, so that we can bring some of the things you love in your home in one central location that has the light I am looking for. We will also spend this time getting to know each other, and discussing any specific shot ideas that you may want to attempt.
At the session, I will work to put you at ease and capture the images you have requested. I collect shots I see on the internet all the time, thinking “I need that shot of my family/baby/self. I encourage you to do the same thing. I will bring my portfolio for you to get ideas from and if you have collected photos we can look through those and see what we may be able to accomplish. I believe photography is a collaboration between the photographer and the subject, so I encourage your input and ideas.
If we are doing a Maternity or Newborn shoot, I will certainly bring some backdrops and blankies and props like baskets. I want to capture you and your baby your natural and familiar surroundings, so get creative and let’s find a way to incorporate vintage outfits, family heirlooms, and special gifts that mean something to you. You have all sorts of things in your home that would be so much cuter with your baby in them – salad bowls, planters, hatboxes…so keep things like this in mind for your session.
The Location
All sessions are shot on location in an outdoor or indoor setting in the South Lake Tahoe area.
(Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)
The Images
After allowing time for processing and editing (generally 10-14 business days), you will receive PDF proofs of 20-25 images from your session. Your selection will include images in fine art color, and black and white. From these, you choose the images for your CD or may request additional retouching or special edits. (See below for rates).
Once your selection is finalized and final payment has been made, your CD will be mailed within 7-10 business days. Along with your CD, you will receive a Personal Use Copyright Release signed by the photographer and tips on making prints from your CD. The high resolution images on your CD will allow you to have prints made generally up to as big as 11” x 14.”
All images created by Karmen Van Derven or K Van D Photography may be used for her website, blog, portfolio, and promotional materials. All images are protected by copyright law.
Photo Retouching
All images receive basic retouching before the proofs are emailed/presented to you. Additional photo retouching is available at an hourly rate of $25/hour with a minimum charge of $15. Your photographer can give you a quote before you order extra retouching.
Payment
A non-refundable retainer of $50 is required to book your session. The retainer will be credited to your session/package price at your session.
Family is very important to me, and I am excited about meeting yours. It is also important for me to be with my own, so I book limited sessions per month. I am sometimes booked sevral months in advance, so call to make your appointment as soon as you know when you would like to get together.
Canceling or rescheduling 24 hours or less in advance of your session will result in the loss of the retainer. Exceptions due to sickness, emergency, or inclement weather will be at the discretion of the photographer.
The balance of the session price is due at the beginning of your session. For additional images, special edits, retouching, or other services not included in your package price, payment must be made before prints are ordered.
I accept:
Personal checks
Cash (Please do not mail cash.)
PayPal (add an additional $3 service charge per transaction.)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
February 27th, 2008 by Shawn Richter
Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.
Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:
“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”
The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. Time break down:
* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
* one hour travel time TO session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
* one hour travel time FROM session
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session.
When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.
COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.
Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.
APPLES to ORANGES:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ “professional” prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”.
Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.
REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:
Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..
Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.
I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.
Content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography.
February 27th, 2008 by Shawn Richter
Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.
Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:
“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”
The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. Time break down:
* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
* one hour travel time TO session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
* one hour travel time FROM session
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session.
When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.
COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.
Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.
APPLES to ORANGES:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ “professional” prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”.
Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.
REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:
Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..
Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.
I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.
Content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography.
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