Out of the Office

I will be out of the office until 8-2-09. I will be returning all phone calls, and emails at that time!
Thank you!

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen’s and pay a $1.99 for a print - as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. 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 x store?”

The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

The cost of TIME

Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a 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

In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours - dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.

APPLES to ORANGES to BANANAS:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” 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. In February 2007 leased photography retail space by 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 services 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 “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.

(taken from the consumer guide to custom photography)

REMINDER: SENIOR MODELS WANTED!

Do you...

Graduate in 2010?

• Would you like to be a model/spokesperson?
• Have lots of friends?
• Want to be featured in my 2010 senior picture marketing on facebook, myspace, blogspot, and my website?

• Want an exclusive VIP shoot for your own senior pictures?

-----------------------------------------------
I need 2010 seniors from your high school!
I normally only accept 3 seniors PER HIGH SCHOOL to be models. Not everyone who applies will be accepted.
You do get a few perks (like HUGE DISCOUNTS) for participating AND you have the chance to earn some FREE senior pictures.
If you want to apply, you need to email me ASAP. missjphotography@gmail.com AND/OR leave me a message Here!

FOR MORE DETAILS EMAIL ME ASAP AND YOU CAN ALSO SEE A PREVIOUS POST BELOW!

OFFER ENDS SOON!! THESE POSITIONS WILL FILL UP FAST!!

Class of 2010 Senior Spokesmodel, Sierra

MEET SIERRA!!! She is one of Miss J Photography's VIP Senior Reps!

Name: Sierra Noel
School: Ashland High School, Kentucky/colors: Maroon & white/mascot: Tomcat
Graduating Class Size: around 240
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Walter, she is kind & pushed me to succeed
Favorite class: Any math class because it's my favorite subject
College/Major: Morehead or Cincinnati University/ Engineering (chemical)


5 activities in high school:
1. Varsity volleyball
2. Varsity track
3. National Honor Society
4. Student Council President
5. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) president

Favorites...
Store: Hallmark
Food: Frisch's
Hang out: the park
Sports Team: USA's beach volleyball with Kerri Walsh and Misty Mae Treanor
Song: Betty Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
Guilty Pleasure: eating & cutting my toenails
Movie: Titanic
Celeb crush: Gerard Butler
Album: anything of Pat Benatar


Pet Peeves:
1. Feet
2. Bug bites
3. Clowns


Talent: Doing people's eyeshadow
Dream Job: Big time famous beautician
Dream Car: New Jeep Wrangler
Dream Vacation: Ireland or Paris b/c they are beautiful and I'd like to travel the world some before I settle down


Can't live without:
1. Car
2. iPod
3. Cell Phone
4. Best Friend, Hannah
5. My Family

Sierra, I had such a great time during our session yesterday! You are such a natural in front of the camera! (always have been)
It's hard for me to believe you are a senior already! When we first met 6 years ago, you weren't even a teenager! And now, you're a b-e-a-utiful young lady! Best wishes in all that you do ;)
~ Momma Sheila, Congrats on this young lady! You've raised a great one! (I luv them all, but this is suppose to be about her so ya know, gotta show the love here lol) I know you must be so proud of her!

Update:

NEWS: The official website is not yet complete, but will be VERY soon! I am super excited about it's launch! I'll keep you updated as to when that is going to happen! In the meantime, you can still check me out at www.myspace.com/missjphotography You do not have to have an account to view the page or pictures. Hey and if you do drop by, leave me a message. I love fan mail!

For now...CHOW!

Tennessee Wedding

This weekend I had the rare opportunity to travel to Tennessee for a beautiful wedding! My husband went with me and we stayed an extra day to play for my birthday! We were blessed with wonderful weather and had just the greatest time ever!
Here's a real quick peek at the newly wedded happy couple:

Happy Birthday...

TO ME :) IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! I'm looking forward to a nice dinner out this evening with family and friends and an upcoming weekend get away in Tennessee!
Today I will reflect on my life and all that I have been blessed with! Today, I will take a break from work... yea right!