Choosing the right photographer

There are many reason why it is important to choose the right photographer. When having your pictures taken your photographer has only once chance to get it right and there are several factors to keep in mind which include: Portfolio, personality of photographer, and of course price.

First area I would like to touch on is portfolio. With many photographers offering disk I always suggest to check out the coloring of the photos. Do they have a tint to them? Do they look natural? When printing pictures from a CD, chain stores will NOT color correct the pictures and often times there printers are not color calibrated often. Another thing I suggest those looking for a photographer is to browse though several different galleries, many time photographers will use different styles and this will give you a good idea on what type of service you will be receiving.

Second area to look into would be personality of the photographer. Here is a scenario for you, you book a shoot with a photographer, you show up and say you hellos. Once the shoot starts the photographer seems to be in a rush and rather rude. At this point, the last thing you want to do is smile and chances are good that your personality will not be captured. To prevent this I suggest meeting your photographer face to face and possibly see what reviews your photographer has; even if the shoot is for a family portrait, you want to make sure that your photographer is easy going and will give you want you want and need!

Lastly is price. The economy is rough, many are cutting out photography from their budget and chain stores can suck you in with the same boring package with the same boring portrait. Do your research on the average prices of professional photography, look at their work. I have found often times you will get what you pay for. Granite the price may be lower, but the quality we be less than exceptional!


I hope you have found these tips helpful and if you ever have any questions feel free to contact me at info@jlynnprophoto.com.

You can view my work at: www.jlynnprophoto.com
And Like me on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JB.Photography.Bethalto

The Secret in Print Prices!

One of the questions I ask myself, is why do Professional Photographers charge so much for their prints!
The average photographer charges $30 for an 8x10 and often times the same for a 5x7!! But the question is why??
The answer is for profit! Granite, it is our business and our way of living, but at the same time how can people afford this? Don't get me wrong, even as a photographer and a business women I strive to gain profit, but the margin of profit isn't as big!
One of the things most Pro Photographer's will say is that "We use a pro printing company and that cost more!" Well, the secret is it only cost pennies more than what you can get at most chain stores!!
So, then you may ask, "why are you telling me this, aren't you a professional photographer?" Well, in fact I am, but even as a professional photographer I truly find it hard to believe that charging $30 for one picture is worth it, to both myself or the client. I, just like the other photographers out there use the professional printing companies and yes I look to gain a profit from my prints, but the margin of profit isn't nearly has much as others.
With this said, I am not saying to not use professional photographers!! By all means I encourage everyone to hire them! But, What i do suggest to everyone is to not only look at there work, but consider there print prices!!!



FYI: My prints run $12.99 for an 8x10. From what I am told this is even cheaper than Sears or Walmart!

Pricing

Sitting Fee is based on: Location, Number of Photos, and Number of People in the shoot.
Starts at $25.

Print prices are as followed:

Wallets: 7.00 (set of 4) For each additional set of wallets at $1.00
4x6: $3.99
5x7: $6.99
8x10: $12.99
10x13: $15.99
10x20: $30.99
20x30: $70.99