Why Your Photographer is Charging That Price
What you’re paying for when you hire a professional photographer.
When you start shopping around for a professional photographer the prices can sometimes seem quite daunting. What very few consumers realize though is that there is a lot more to photographing your event than just clicking a button at the right time.
So what are you paying for when hiring a professional photographer?
Time is money. Just like any other professional, a photographer needs to put in the hours to get the job done. This includes consultation, traveling to and from the location, shooting the photos, and editing, and processing the orders. You’d be surprised at how long it takes to get the end result that is finally delivered to you. Once they shoot the photos, it’s not as simple as downloading the images and delivering them to you. They have to process the files, convert them to the correct file type as well as make sizing and color adjustments to make each image pop. If your photographer is also creating a book or album for you, they need to spend time designing it too.
Equipment is expensive. Even though this is a very small part of why photographers charge the prices they do, it’s important to remember that quality equipment plays an important role in being able to produce the photos that they do. Professional equipment not only allows for the production of high-quality images, but it also gives photographers the ability to work in areas with less than favorable lighting conditions or at venues where using a flash is prohibited.
They have spent years acquiring a very specific skill. Photography, like any other profession, requires experience and specific skills. From knowing what lighting and camera settings to use, knowing how to pose people and help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Great
photographers don’t rush the editing process either, it takes time to produce the desired result and turn your photo into a work of art that you’ll proudly want to display in your home.
It’s still a business. A professional photographer is still running a business, which means they will more than likely have overhead costs such as rental fees for their studio and the upkeep of equipment. Photographers also need to budget for professional association fees, equipment and liability insurance, and fees for courses that will allow them to stay ahead by continuously honing their craft.
A professional photographer who is dedicated to their art and willing to go the extra mile for their clients is always well worth the price.
Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Family Photo Session
Location ideas for your next family photoshoot.
Family photos are timeless and if you are looking to update your family portraits or take some for the first time, you might be wondering about what location to use for them.
Here are some things to consider before choosing a location:
Comfort
A family photoshoot is where you get to smile, laugh and be yourselves. If some of your family members are shy then you might not want to choose a very public spot.
Personalities
What makes your family unique? Choose a location that fits in with who you are as a family. Do you enjoy spending time in your garden or on a couch reading books? Perhaps you spend lots of time outdoors and on camping trips? Your location should speak to your personalities.
Convenience
Take each member of your family into consideration. What are their ages and needs? If you have two toddlers that might need to use a bathroom at any time, then a remote spot is probably not the best idea.
Family Photoshoot Location Ideas
Below are some ideas of where you could arrange your photo session.
At Home
Sometimes the best shots can be taken right at home. Get your family outside in the garden or setup your living room for a classic look and feel.
In the City
For a more modern feel to your photos you could get out in the city and take a few photos next to an interesting building or in a funky alley way.
In Nature
If you’re looking for a calm, natural setting then choose an outdoor location. Parks and forests make for beautiful backdrops.
In Studio
If you’re looking for a more private setting where you can use props and backdrops, then a studio setting might be more for you. Studio photos will also give you the option to take more posed, structured photos.
Quick Tips for Photographing Your Kids
How to take great photos of your children.
Parents can never take enough photos of their children but sometimes it can be difficult to get a really great shot. Below are a few quick tips that you can apply the next time you take your camera out to capture a moment with your kids.
Try and stay away from asking your kids to pose. Instead, be around to capture the emotions they display in a moment. If you’re patient enough and simply enjoy the time with your children, you’ll find it much easier to capture the essence of it.
Get down to their level. If you’re photographing very small children try and get down to their level to photograph them. This angle gives you a more interesting background too.
Have a conversation with them. Having a conversation with your child about their favorite superhero or their best friend at school will make for lovely facial expressions. You could even have them sing along to their favorite songs for extra fun photos.
Your smartphone is the perfect tool for capturing candid moments. Your children are probably
very used to seeing you with your smartphone so won’t think anything of you keeping it close by. Have it ready when you’re out and about with them. You never know when they might give you the perfect shot.
Use unique locations to your advantage. If you have planned a walk in the woods or a day at the beach, take advantage of your unique surroundings to capture some great pictures.
Avoid midday sunlight. Lighting makes a big difference in photos so aim for early morning or evening light for outdoor shots and open windows and doors for indoor shots
Creative Family Photoshoot Ideas You’ll Want to Try
If family photos are one of your annual traditions or if you’re just looking to change up the photos that are currently hanging in your home, there are so many unique photoshoot ideas that you can use that go beyond the usually posed portraits.
Below is some inspiration as you plan your next family photoshoot.
Silhouettes
If you have a beautiful location in mind, taking family photos at dusk or even at night with the stars as your backdrop, will allow you to capture your silhouettes and give you a unique family portrait to hang in your home.
Reflections
Have your family stand in front of a still body of water so that you can capture your reflections instead.
Footprints
If you still have young children in the house, use your feet to create a special image that you can frame or print on canvas. The photo could be of your feet intertwined at the foot of the bed or of your feet in the sand at the beach.
Perspective
If you’re looking for something a little more creative, why not line your family members up and take a shot from the side so that you see your faces from a different angle?
Kisses
This is another great option if you have a new baby or a toddler in the house. Have each parent plant a kiss on the baby’s face. This photo allows you
to capture the sweet innocence of your child at that age and the love you have as a family.
Dress Up
The best family photos are those that capture a genuine moment between loved ones. Have your husband and son get dressed in their Sunday best to get a shot of them fastening their ties or bowties in the mirror. Play dress up with your little girl by placing curlers in your hair and hers and get a shot of the two of you looking in the mirror.
Don’t be afraid to get creative at your next shoot. Ask us for advice or ideas if you need some extra help.