What a Photographer Does!

What goes into a picture? You just point and shoot right? Then place it on the computer and show your clients?

In a perfect world photography would be this simple, but unfortunately this isn't a perfect world and some things are just not that simple.

There is a lot that goes into your photographs and today I would like to put a little insight into what that is.

Number one is equipment. You can't expect a surgeon to do surgery without his tools, and a photographer can't do their job without theirs. My typical camera bag consist of two DSLR cameras, various sizes lens, white balance meters, two flashes, lens filters and extra batteries. Now of course this all cost money, but you can have an $8,000 camera and not know how to use it! I have spent countless hours learning my camera inside out. I shoot in manual mode, which means I have  complete control over my photos. It takes a lot of time and practice and if you don't know what you are doing then the outcome will not be nice.

Number two is actually taking the pictures. There is a lot more to taking a picture than just aim and shoot. A photographer must know about lighting, posing, composition of a photo and countless other factors that can affect the client and the photographer.

Number three is editing of the pictures. Even though the digital age of photography has been a wonderful thing. We as photographers still have to edit and retouch photos, but instead of a darkroom we do the edits on our computer. Here is an example: The 1st one has no edits, the 2nd one has basic edits.

So imagine, your photographer takes 100 photos, that means that your photographer will have to open, edit and convert the file to jpeg (many photographers shoot in Raw, which is an uncompressed file) even if the photo comes out perfect the photographer must still convert your photos to a jpeg for viewing online and printing.

Now I know there are a lot of points that have been missed, cost is a major factor, especially when it comes to equipment. A lot of time is spent trying to reach clients and we are constantly having to fine tune our business to go with the times. Just remember, just like your local grocery store, clothing stores, and fast food restaurant, we run a business and even though it may not seem like a lot of work, it is! But I love every minute of it!

A reason for being me!

"Daddy what did you look like as a baby?" my daughter asked my husband, his response? "I am not sure, we never had pictures taken!" As a parent I know how precious baby pictures can be and knowing that my husband, someone I love very much, doesn't have baby pictures breaks my heart.

This story is not only true, but also the reason why I offer promotions and give aways several times a year!

My family is not very typical, my husband is a college student, currently studying at SIUE. My first full-time job is being a stay at home mom, but my passion in life is my photography. My husband and I struggle everyday, like many Americans are, just to pay bills and buy gas for our car. But, we know there are many out there who are struggling worse than we are, and we count our blessings every day!

With that being said, we are always trying to find ways to give back to others. And one way is though my business as a photographer. I truly love what I do, and I take what I do very serious. But as I have said several times since starting JB Photography, I am not out to make millions of dollars but to capture those beautiful moments in life that should be captured. With that being said, I do have to charge, as it hard work. But, I strive to give the best price possible and will work with my clients on a payment plan and custom packages.

This is why I encourage everyone to participate in my give aways and promotions that I do throughout the year. And I encourage anyone who is unable to afford photography to contact me!

Everyone deserves beautiful pictures, regardless of income!

Facebook and Pinterest

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and pinterest!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/JB.Photography.Bethalto

http://pinterest.com/jlynnprophoto/

Don't forget Your Dads

Father's day is just around the corner!! JB Photography can offer you quality photos at an affordable price. Mention this posting and receive an extra 10% off your session fee!

Life on a budget is not easy!

In today's day and age it is so hard to take the time or the money to get family pictures done. Times are so tough right now and many are choosing to go to the retail stores, take their own photos, or opt out on pictures all together!

This makes me extremely sad, not only as a photographer, but as wife and mother. Many people wonder why and how do I work with those on a budget, well today I would like to tell you!!

First of all the why; in August of 2007 my family and I relocated to the area so my husband can pursue his education. At this time the economy was still strong and jobs were still out there. At the time of the move he did not have a job and our income consisted of the GI Bill which at the time was $1,126 a month. We are a family of four and as you can imagine this was not a very easy budget to live on. After graduation in 2009 we found that the economy had hit this area very hard, and after countless of interviews he was having no luck in finding a job. So in Jan 2010 my husband decided to go back to school. In 2010 he was unable to find a job, and no with the lack of trying. Thankfully 2011 is starting to look up for us, but the uncertainty of tomorrow we never know what could happen.

Now for the how. My business only gives you what you need. We won't sell you anything you don't want nor try to sell you anything extra. We also offer payment plans and many different options to receive your photos (disks, prints, by the photo and so on). So each session is customized to what you need. The key is to negotiate, if you don't think a price is fair just ask!!

I hope you find this post useful!
Best
Johnna

Great Homemade Photo Gift

With the Holiday season upon us many of us are looking for inexpensive Holiday gifts.
So far my most favorite photo gift idea is Photo Coasters.
I have looked online and found several variations and this is what worked for me!

Materials:
4x6 pictures or 5x7
old Cd's
Card Stock
Spray adhesive (I used Elmer's Craft Bond)
Clear Glaze (I used Krylon Triple-thick Crystal Clear glaze)

Now the process!!!
On a piece of of paper lay your CD with the writing face down
spray on the adhesive and quickly place photo.
Do this for all coasters

Go Back and trim the picture to fit around the CD

Next take your stock paper and do the same process.

Last you take your glaze spray one side and let dry for an hour or more
flip and repeat.
You can add as many coats as you want.

Tips:
-If you prefer you can use laminating paper instead of glaze
-take your time and make sure glue and glaze dry before your next step.
-If it comes apart don't be afraid to spray more glue to attach it.
-Follow all directions on glue and spray's.

A lucky couple could earn Free Photography For Their Wedding!

With 2010 here I am yet again offering one lucky couple a chance for free photography for their wedding.
The package will include:
Full days of service
Fully edited pictures with High Resolution pictures on a disk
Several consultations with your photographer
all at no cost to you

To qualify you must be:
18 or older
Be getting married in 2010
Location of wedding and reception must be in the Metro East St. Louis area
write a short essay, the topic: "How has the economy affected your wedding plans"
must answer a few basic questions:
1. Wedding Location?
2. Wedding Date?
3. Do you have another photographer lined up? (see below)


Terms: If another wedding photographer is lined up please do not apply for the contest. This contest is for those who do not have a wedding photographer. One entry per couple. For more information email: Johnna Bowker info@jlynnprophoto.com