Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Christmas Mini-Sessions
Christmas themed!
When: Sunday, October 23rd
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Mari Annelise Photography Studio
1030 Andrews Highway, ste. 111
(Directly across from Westlake Hardware)
Price: $150
15-20 minute session
5-7 fully edited images in an online print gallery
Includes your choice:
1-8x10
1-5x7
2-4x6
8 Wallets
or
1-8x10
2-5x7
8 Wallets
30% discount on additional prints
$100 for high resolution disk of your edited images.
$150 sitting fee due at time of booking. First paid, first served.
Only 20 slots available!!
Email me at mari@mariannelisephoto.com to book your slot!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Holiday Scheduling
Hello friends!
This Friday marks the first official day of Fall, and I couldn't be more excited! This is my favorite time of year! The days get cooler, the sun shines a little softer, the days are shorter, and I get to break out my favorite hoodies. All of that wonderful pumpkin-pie-spice scented goodness brings challenges for my business, however. As I said, days are shorter, so my opportunities for outdoor sessions are limited. The last two years, some of the "holy" has been taken out of my holiday season by the mountain of editing I was doing. My laptop would literally go with me on family vacations so I could try to visit while editing at the same time. This year, I will be doing this a bit differently. I am going to significantly limit my scheduling availability in an attempt to find some balance in what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, instead of my most stressful!
The great thing about this season is that I have a studio available for your sessions. So here is how things will work:
As you can see, things are already filling up quickly, and session opportunities are limited! Book as soon as you can to ensure you can get your session in on time!
This Friday marks the first official day of Fall, and I couldn't be more excited! This is my favorite time of year! The days get cooler, the sun shines a little softer, the days are shorter, and I get to break out my favorite hoodies. All of that wonderful pumpkin-pie-spice scented goodness brings challenges for my business, however. As I said, days are shorter, so my opportunities for outdoor sessions are limited. The last two years, some of the "holy" has been taken out of my holiday season by the mountain of editing I was doing. My laptop would literally go with me on family vacations so I could try to visit while editing at the same time. This year, I will be doing this a bit differently. I am going to significantly limit my scheduling availability in an attempt to find some balance in what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, instead of my most stressful!
The great thing about this season is that I have a studio available for your sessions. So here is how things will work:
- Weekday evening outdoor sessions will only be available through October 15th.
- Anyone wishing for a studio based session will be able to schedule that session on weekday evenings. Sessions may be scheduled after 6:00pm.
- Weekend sessions are already extremely limited, as these book up months in advance. Usually, I do not offer Sunday sessions, but will offer some this holiday season. The only catch with Sunday sessions is that the $150 sitting fee must be paid at the time of booking.
- I will limit myself to only TWO Saturday sessions. Anyone wishing to secure a weekend session will need to pay the $150 sitting fee in advance.
- Sitting fees will NOT be refundable or transferable.
- Those who have already scheduled sessions before me will retain their session times and dates.
- Cutoff date to have photos ready for Christmas gifts or cards will be November 10th.
As you can see, things are already filling up quickly, and session opportunities are limited! Book as soon as you can to ensure you can get your session in on time!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Photography Bucket List
1. Twirling ballerina on stage and in studio
2. Time lapse photography of a flower blooming.
3. Newborn puppies and kittens
4. Northern lights.
5. See my work published.
6. Surfer on a big blue wave.
7. Volcano erupting.
8. A proposal.
9. Old men playing chess in Central Park.
10. Food photography for a magazine.
11. Tower of London
12. A 100 year old couple on their wedding anniversary
13. First steps.
14. Master the "hands under the chin" newborn pose.
15. A gay wedding.
16. Someone getting their first (meaningful) tattoo.
17. Aerial photography
18. Destination Wedding-Outside of the Continental United States
19. A 100+ year old person on their death bed, happy and surrounded by their loved ones.
20. Adult baptism.
21. Burning building.
22. My children.
23. My grandchildren.
24. Long exposure night-time photography
25. Long exposure of a Ferris Wheel spinning.
26. Fashion photography for a well known magazine.
27. Underwater photography
To be continued...
2. Time lapse photography of a flower blooming.
3. Newborn puppies and kittens
4. Northern lights.
5. See my work published.
6. Surfer on a big blue wave.
7. Volcano erupting.
8. A proposal.
9. Old men playing chess in Central Park.
10. Food photography for a magazine.
11. Tower of London
12. A 100 year old couple on their wedding anniversary
13. First steps.
14. Master the "hands under the chin" newborn pose.
15. A gay wedding.
16. Someone getting their first (meaningful) tattoo.
17. Aerial photography
18. Destination Wedding-Outside of the Continental United States
19. A 100+ year old person on their death bed, happy and surrounded by their loved ones.
20. Adult baptism.
21. Burning building.
22. My children.
23. My grandchildren.
24. Long exposure night-time photography
25. Long exposure of a Ferris Wheel spinning.
26. Fashion photography for a well known magazine.
27. Underwater photography
To be continued...
Monday, August 1, 2011
This may be confidence suicide,
but I'm going to do it anyways.
I get great feedback from my friends and family about my work, and it's always positive. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't function without that constant support and praise! There's no way I could keep going without it! However, growing up the way I did, I've grown accustomed to constructive criticism. I took ballet, art lessons, piano lessons, and I spent 8 years playing the violin. Of course my mom and dad had nothing but wonderful things to say about my playing (parents think everything their children do is wonderful). But my teachers and private lesson instructor knew the difference. It was their responsibility to point out my mistakes so I could learn from them and improve from there, instead of continuing to play that one note flat over and over and over...etc.
I encounter the same issue with my work in photography. Of course my mom is going to tell me it's wonderful. So will my friends. If someone doesn't like it, 99.9% of the time, they wont say a word. I admire the few people out there that have had the guts to tell me when something isn't right, or when I've made a major blunder.
I've definitely made my share of mistakes. I'm talking plagiarism. (Yeah, yikes.) I had a client that wanted to replicate another photographers work, and I was naive enough to agree. I was young in my business, and ignorant to the ramifications, but I still should have known better. Of course, I had to answer to many people. I know that photographer was more hurt by my mistake than they let on, but their grace was such a valuable lesson. and thankfully they were kind, gracious, understanding, and helpful in making me understand what could happen to someone who makes that mistake.
That mistake changed the way I work. I almost never look at the work of local photographers now. It's not because I don't like what they do, because their work is always beautiful. It's because I don't want to have anything but my own creativity influencing my work. I don't read their blogs. I don't check their facebook pages or websites. It makes me confident that I'm sticking with what I know and doing my own thing.
I want your constructive criticism. I'm not fishing for compliments. If you've got 'em, I appreciate them. Leave them on the photo you like on my facebook page. Right now, I want that kind of criticism that will help me improve in my art and business. I don't mind if you want to be anonymous about it.
I need those people that are going to point out that flat note so I can adjust my hand position and play the song the way it was written.
I get great feedback from my friends and family about my work, and it's always positive. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't function without that constant support and praise! There's no way I could keep going without it! However, growing up the way I did, I've grown accustomed to constructive criticism. I took ballet, art lessons, piano lessons, and I spent 8 years playing the violin. Of course my mom and dad had nothing but wonderful things to say about my playing (parents think everything their children do is wonderful). But my teachers and private lesson instructor knew the difference. It was their responsibility to point out my mistakes so I could learn from them and improve from there, instead of continuing to play that one note flat over and over and over...etc.
I encounter the same issue with my work in photography. Of course my mom is going to tell me it's wonderful. So will my friends. If someone doesn't like it, 99.9% of the time, they wont say a word. I admire the few people out there that have had the guts to tell me when something isn't right, or when I've made a major blunder.
I've definitely made my share of mistakes. I'm talking plagiarism. (Yeah, yikes.) I had a client that wanted to replicate another photographers work, and I was naive enough to agree. I was young in my business, and ignorant to the ramifications, but I still should have known better. Of course, I had to answer to many people. I know that photographer was more hurt by my mistake than they let on, but their grace was such a valuable lesson. and thankfully they were kind, gracious, understanding, and helpful in making me understand what could happen to someone who makes that mistake.
That mistake changed the way I work. I almost never look at the work of local photographers now. It's not because I don't like what they do, because their work is always beautiful. It's because I don't want to have anything but my own creativity influencing my work. I don't read their blogs. I don't check their facebook pages or websites. It makes me confident that I'm sticking with what I know and doing my own thing.
I want your constructive criticism. I'm not fishing for compliments. If you've got 'em, I appreciate them. Leave them on the photo you like on my facebook page. Right now, I want that kind of criticism that will help me improve in my art and business. I don't mind if you want to be anonymous about it.
I need those people that are going to point out that flat note so I can adjust my hand position and play the song the way it was written.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Studio
I sign the lease on my studio tomorrow.
This is a huge step for me in my business, and in my faith. When you take on another lease, it's stressful. Nate and I weren't so sure we could handle the financial burden of it at first. We analyzed our budget, discussed if it was going to be worth the expense, and tried to figure out if we would be able to break even every month. After way too much stressing and worrying, I finally told Nate "If this is where God is leading my business, then He is going to make it happen. We have to trust Him to provide."
And provide He did. Literally the next day, we started to see everything fall into place.
So here I go! The next couple of weeks I'll be working on making the space my own. I'm moving stuff in that has been crammed into my little house for entirely too long, painting, decorating, and organizing!
This is a huge step for me in my business, and in my faith. When you take on another lease, it's stressful. Nate and I weren't so sure we could handle the financial burden of it at first. We analyzed our budget, discussed if it was going to be worth the expense, and tried to figure out if we would be able to break even every month. After way too much stressing and worrying, I finally told Nate "If this is where God is leading my business, then He is going to make it happen. We have to trust Him to provide."
And provide He did. Literally the next day, we started to see everything fall into place.
So here I go! The next couple of weeks I'll be working on making the space my own. I'm moving stuff in that has been crammed into my little house for entirely too long, painting, decorating, and organizing!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Get Busy Booking!
Hello Monday morning :)
Mondays are always my productive day. Yes, I know to have Monday=productive seems like an oxymoron.
Anyways...
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on scheduling. It seems crazy to be talking about Christmas photos in the middle of the summer, but this is the time you all need to start thinking about them!
As you can see, I have already blocked off dates for family and vacation time, and many of my weekends are already booked up. My last day to take photos for Christmas cards and gifts will be November 10th. After that, I will still be taking appointments for other sessions, but if you expect to get your proofs back before Christmas, make sure you book a session early enough!
Mondays are always my productive day. Yes, I know to have Monday=productive seems like an oxymoron.
Anyways...
I wanted to give everyone a heads up on scheduling. It seems crazy to be talking about Christmas photos in the middle of the summer, but this is the time you all need to start thinking about them!
As you can see, I have already blocked off dates for family and vacation time, and many of my weekends are already booked up. My last day to take photos for Christmas cards and gifts will be November 10th. After that, I will still be taking appointments for other sessions, but if you expect to get your proofs back before Christmas, make sure you book a session early enough!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Why Does Wedding Photography Cost So Much?!
I have a hard time determining how much to charge for wedding photography. It's a tough thing to do, and even harder to justify to those who don't know just how much goes into it. It's kind of like how people ask why wedding cakes cost so much. It's just flour and sugar after all, right? Wrong.
I understand that there are plenty of newbies out there that are willing to charge you next to nothing for your wedding photography, and if you are up for the uncertainty in quality, then go with them! I got my first wedding jobs just like that! There were those brave people that had enough faith in my blossoming talent to trust me with their weddings! In my mind I thought they were nuts, but hey, that 500 bucks they were willing to pay little old me was worth the experience!
Now that I'm older, wiser, more experienced, and have MUCH better equipment, I feel it's only fair that I am paid more. You wouldn't want to work at the same job for 6 years for the same minimum wage, would you? I worked for LESS than minimum wage.
So let me break it down for ya. I'll outline all of the little costs that are associated with wedding photography, the amount of time I have to put into each wedding, and how much I actually make.
The time I put into your wedding isn't just the 8 or so hours I spend with you on the day of. It starts the second you send me that email, or give me a call. So here's a time breakdown:
Now, I see that if you divide the base wedding fee ($2500.00) by the number of hours I spend, it still seems like I'm charging out the wazoo!! But there are other factors you must take into consideration as well!
MY expenses:
Replaced about every 5 years
Now, what I have done is divided all of these costs per wedding, assuming I have two weddings per month. I took the cost of equipment every five years and divided it by 120, which is the average number of weddings I will shoot in that five year period. I went down the list and did the same (adjusting the time of course).
Then I have to factor in my actual living expenses, which are none of your bees-wax :) But you all know how high the cost of living is right now so you get the picture!
I think these numbers speak for themselves, so I'll just leave it at that :)
For another photographer's point of view, and a great explanation of the talent side of the equation, please visit Brian Powell's blog on the subject.
I understand that there are plenty of newbies out there that are willing to charge you next to nothing for your wedding photography, and if you are up for the uncertainty in quality, then go with them! I got my first wedding jobs just like that! There were those brave people that had enough faith in my blossoming talent to trust me with their weddings! In my mind I thought they were nuts, but hey, that 500 bucks they were willing to pay little old me was worth the experience!
Now that I'm older, wiser, more experienced, and have MUCH better equipment, I feel it's only fair that I am paid more. You wouldn't want to work at the same job for 6 years for the same minimum wage, would you? I worked for LESS than minimum wage.
So let me break it down for ya. I'll outline all of the little costs that are associated with wedding photography, the amount of time I have to put into each wedding, and how much I actually make.
If you want to skip the outline, scroll on down to the bottom where the text is yellow.
_____________________________________________The time I put into your wedding isn't just the 8 or so hours I spend with you on the day of. It starts the second you send me that email, or give me a call. So here's a time breakdown:
- Initial emails, phone calls, and consultations to discuss details and book the date: 2-3 hours
- Engagement Session, including booking, shooting, editing, creating online gallery, fulfilling prints and disk orders: 6 Hours.
- Add that same engagement time for any additional shoots, such as Bridals, Boudoir sessions and "We Did" sessions. That can come out to an additional 18 hours.
- Communication before the wedding to solidify details, confirm times, and set up schedule for the day of the wedding: 2 hours
- Preparing the night before the wedding (charging batteries, testing equipment, gathering materials, confirming details with assistant): 2-3 hours
- Wedding Day Coverage: 8-10 hours
- Downloading, sorting and editing of all images: 12 hours. Keep in mind, the time required for this step is not all in one sitting! It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete this, as I always have other sessions to work on simultaneously!
- Uploading all images to online gallery for viewing and purchasing: 1 hour
- Creating albums and books: 5 hours
- Follow up, order fulfillment: 2 hours
- Total travel time: Varies, usually about 1 hour in town, longer for out of town (obviously)
Now, I see that if you divide the base wedding fee ($2500.00) by the number of hours I spend, it still seems like I'm charging out the wazoo!! But there are other factors you must take into consideration as well!
MY expenses:
Replaced about every 5 years
- Tripod: $150
- Camera bags: $200
- Two Speedlight Flashes: $900
- Lighting Sets: $800
- Ladder, extension cords: $75
- Vehicle+maintenance: We all know how much that costs!
- Cameras and Lenses: $3500 minimum, and new lenses are always being added.Wireless Triggers and Receivers: $80
- Laptop: $2000
- Back-up hardrive: $250
- Desktop Computer: $1500
- Printer/scanner/copier: $150 Software: $800
- 4 Camera Batteries plus chargers: $400
- Memory Cards:$300
- UV Filters for all lenses: $80
- Smart Phone to stay in constant contact: $150
- Insurance for equipment, vehicle, and business
- Taxes!
- Bulbs for Lighting Kits: Replaced as needed
- Website Hosting: $50 per month
- Business Cards: $50 per 100 cards
- Studio Rent
- Miscelaneous office supplies (paper, ink): $40 per wedding
- Lithium batteries for speedlight flashes: $40 per wedding
- Gas: Varies, but usually about $100 including travel time to meetings and gathering supplies.
- Cell phone bill: $50 a month for business related calls and emails
- Assistant costs: $300 per wedding
- Base price for all prints, disks and albums: $500 (varies)
Now, what I have done is divided all of these costs per wedding, assuming I have two weddings per month. I took the cost of equipment every five years and divided it by 120, which is the average number of weddings I will shoot in that five year period. I went down the list and did the same (adjusting the time of course).
So you don't have to sit and do the math, I've done it for you. On average, I will spend about $1800 for each wedding I shoot. That is a LOT of money!
That leaves a measly $700. Divide that by the number of hours I spend on your wedding, and I'm averaging about 10 bucks an hour. That's not much more than minimum wage these days.
Then I have to factor in my actual living expenses, which are none of your bees-wax :) But you all know how high the cost of living is right now so you get the picture!
I think these numbers speak for themselves, so I'll just leave it at that :)
For another photographer's point of view, and a great explanation of the talent side of the equation, please visit Brian Powell's blog on the subject.
Put Some Clothes on, Girl!
Boudoir sessions don't have to be revealing to be beautiful, or...dare I say it? Sexy.
I did a session with my very best friend, Amanda, yesterday. I asked her if she would be willing to work with me on her outfits so that I could have some to use on my website, just to freshen it up! She isn't necessarily a "modest" person, however she is deeply involved in her church and wants to continuously set a good example to the young girls in her church and community. She brought a few outfits that were going to show off her gorgeous shoulders, yet still be appropriate.
I've got to say, I'm beyond pleased with the results.
Many women worry that they have to bare it all to be sexy for photos. Obviously, you don't! So quit worrying, find that little black dress and your favorite heels, and give me a call! You will be glad you did :)
I did a session with my very best friend, Amanda, yesterday. I asked her if she would be willing to work with me on her outfits so that I could have some to use on my website, just to freshen it up! She isn't necessarily a "modest" person, however she is deeply involved in her church and wants to continuously set a good example to the young girls in her church and community. She brought a few outfits that were going to show off her gorgeous shoulders, yet still be appropriate.
I've got to say, I'm beyond pleased with the results.
Many women worry that they have to bare it all to be sexy for photos. Obviously, you don't! So quit worrying, find that little black dress and your favorite heels, and give me a call! You will be glad you did :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Renewed, Restored and Refreshed!
I thought being without my camera for a few weeks was going to be the end of the world. I was at the end of my summer boudoir special when suddenly my camera started to fight me. I would take a few shots, then suddenly I would get an error message and it would freeze up until I took out the battery and turned it back on. After quite a bit of back and forth, I completed my last session (thankfully she was a good family friend and was very patient with me!) and then my camera totally STOPPED. "Fabulous", I thought. I'm going to have to send this stinking thing to Cannon. I checked my schedule, and by some miracle I only have a few sessions the next couple of weeks. I went ahead and canceled those, which I hated to do, because I almost never cancel shoots. The only times I have canceled on a client was when I was so sick I couldn't get out of bed without fainting, and when my Mimi and Papa were in the hospital and passed away at the beginning of this year. Needless to say, I felt terrible.
I spent my "free time" working on editing several sessions, visiting family, and going back to some very neglected projects that needed finishing! I also got around to having some t-shirts designed. If you haven't seen the fantastic design that Jennifer Johnson of Century Graphics in Midland (which happens to be where my hubby works), let this tickle your optical taste buds:
I spent my "free time" working on editing several sessions, visiting family, and going back to some very neglected projects that needed finishing! I also got around to having some t-shirts designed. If you haven't seen the fantastic design that Jennifer Johnson of Century Graphics in Midland (which happens to be where my hubby works), let this tickle your optical taste buds:
Yeah, that's me :) I'm a sailor girl! Cute, huh? Jen even put my tattoo on my foot for me! You can order your very own Mari Annelise Photography shirt here! This is your only chance to choose your color of shirt, by the way. After July 20th, I'm placing the shirt order, so after that you are out of luck! And you should seriously think about getting one. Have you ever heard of Taylor Swift? Yeah, I'm sure you have. Well, along with doing my design, Jen did the graphic art for her TOUR BUS.
Um, hello. If that's not awesome, I don't know what is.
So yes, you should get a shirt.
I think the break from shooting was really good for me. I don't know why, but I'm always surprised by how God knows just what I need. He knew I wasn't going to take the break on my own, so He forced me to! I'm so thankful He takes care of me. I was getting burned out, frustrated, and overworked. Now I have a renewed passion and desire for photography!
My NEW camera is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I have my fingers and toes crossed that it gets here on time because I'm ready to get after it again!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Click!
I love all of my clients, and I always have fun with them, but my shoot last night was on of those that makes me love what I do even more.
We just clicked.
(no cheesy photography pun intended)
I immediately knew this shoot was going to be a great one when Matt, (yes the MALE half of this dynamic duo), called me to set up their engagement session! Seriously, that never happens. Usually, the guys are the ones being dragged to a session unwillingly by their lovely bride-to-be. And usually, at my sessions, I have to do a bit of prying to get information out of people at the beginning, because I'm nosy and I like to know more about people than their phone number and what their checks look like. I got to hear their love story from the beginning, and we didn't stop talking until Amy and I hugged and we climbed into our separate cars covered in a fine layer of West Texas dirt, exhausted, promising a coffee date soon.
I have been feeling a bit bored with my current locations, so, as I do occasionally, I loaded up Hickson and Brylee (the little ones I babysit on a daily basis) in the car yesterday and started driving aimlessly to find some new locations for this awesome couple.
So, before I bore you with all of my writing, I'll tickle your optical taste buds with this larger than normal peek into our session!
This is as "formal" as we got. I told Amy that I don't like doing the formal, stiff, posed look, and she let out a sigh of relief! It's great being in sync like that with people!
I haven't been doing as many bling shots lately, so, starting now, I'm going to do my best to rectify that. Check out the rock on this girl!!
I hope you all have a happy Friday, and an even happier weekend!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Pricing Adjustments
Hello friends! I've been battling with myself as to how I should adjust my session fees, and I have finally settled on a decision. I hate to switch things up on you all, but it is something I need to do to further my business, provide for my family, and protect my art. So here it is you all! Not much has changed, but the biggest thing is that I will no longer be including a disk with your session. You will be able to purchase one, or you can purchase individual prints.
Session Fees:
All sessions are $150, and the session fee covers the shoot, the editing, and an online print gallery so you can purchase prints. I don't limit my sessions, so you can change outfits as many times as you want, we can change locations as many times as you want, and we can take as much time as you need!
High Resolution Disk with all of your images: $200.00
Print Pricing
Basic Prints:
4x6 $5.00
5x7 $8.00
8x10 $12.00
11x14 $16.00
Mounted Prints
Matboards:
(A heavyweight, dry mount board)
4x6 $8.00
5x7 $11.00
8x10 $15.00
11x14 $18.00
Styrene board:
(Plastic mounting board 2mm thick. More sturdy than Matboards, and will not warp.)
5x7 $13.00
8x10 $17.00
11x14 $20.00
16x20 $25.00
20x24 $30.00
Gallery Wraps:
8x10 $70.00
11x14 $90.00
16x20 $130.00
20x24 $150.00
Additional sizes are available. Please contact me for details and pricing.
Greeting Cards:
Photographic Greeting Cards are photographic prints with envelopes. Photo Greeting Cards are not double sided or folded cards. They are ordered in increments of 25.
Photo Greeting Cards:
4x6 $25.00 for a package of 25.
5x7 $35.00 for a package of 25.
Press Printed Cards;
All sides of all cards are fully customizable with full color, and include envelopes. Press printed cards are perfect for baby announcements, wedding invitations, thank you cards, and holiday greeting cards.
4x5.5 Folded: $40.00 for a package of 25.
5x7 Folded: $50.00 for a package of 25.
4x5.5 Flat (double sided): $30.00 for a package of 25
5x7 Flat (double sided): $40.00 for a package of 25
Wedding Pricing:
1. $800.00
4 hours coverage, $50.00 print credit, with a high resolution CD.
2. $1200.00
4 hours coverage, photo guest book, $50.00 Print Credit, High resolution CD
3. $1600.00
6 hours coverage, photo guest book with a printed album, Pick One: Engagement, Bridal or "We Did" sessions, $75.00 print credit, High Resolution CD
4. $2200.00
6 hours coverage, Photo Guest Book with printed album, Pick two: Engagement, Bridal or "We Did", $150.00 Print credit, High Resolution CD
5. $3000.00
Full Coverage, Photo Guest Book with printed album, all three Engagement, Bridal and "We Did" sessions, $250.00 print credit, high resolution Cd.
Wedding packages 2-5 include 2 photographers. Photo guest books are a really neat way to remember all of the people that are at your wedding. We coordinate a backdrop to match your decor, and we will take a picture of each and every person in attendance. All of these pictures will be included on your high resolution cd, and packages 3, 4 and 5 include a printed album with those photo guest book images.
So there it is my friends! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at mari@mariannelisephoto.com.
(Anyone who has booked a session with me will keep the quoted rate you received at the time of booking!)
Session Fees:
All sessions are $150, and the session fee covers the shoot, the editing, and an online print gallery so you can purchase prints. I don't limit my sessions, so you can change outfits as many times as you want, we can change locations as many times as you want, and we can take as much time as you need!
High Resolution Disk with all of your images: $200.00
Print Pricing
Basic Prints:
4x6 $5.00
5x7 $8.00
8x10 $12.00
11x14 $16.00
Mounted Prints
Matboards:
(A heavyweight, dry mount board)
4x6 $8.00
5x7 $11.00
8x10 $15.00
11x14 $18.00
Styrene board:
(Plastic mounting board 2mm thick. More sturdy than Matboards, and will not warp.)
5x7 $13.00
8x10 $17.00
11x14 $20.00
16x20 $25.00
20x24 $30.00
Gallery Wraps:
8x10 $70.00
11x14 $90.00
16x20 $130.00
20x24 $150.00
Additional sizes are available. Please contact me for details and pricing.
Greeting Cards:
Photographic Greeting Cards are photographic prints with envelopes. Photo Greeting Cards are not double sided or folded cards. They are ordered in increments of 25.
Photo Greeting Cards:
4x6 $25.00 for a package of 25.
5x7 $35.00 for a package of 25.
Press Printed Cards;
All sides of all cards are fully customizable with full color, and include envelopes. Press printed cards are perfect for baby announcements, wedding invitations, thank you cards, and holiday greeting cards.
4x5.5 Folded: $40.00 for a package of 25.
5x7 Folded: $50.00 for a package of 25.
4x5.5 Flat (double sided): $30.00 for a package of 25
5x7 Flat (double sided): $40.00 for a package of 25
Wedding Pricing:
1. $800.00
4 hours coverage, $50.00 print credit, with a high resolution CD.
2. $1200.00
4 hours coverage, photo guest book, $50.00 Print Credit, High resolution CD
3. $1600.00
6 hours coverage, photo guest book with a printed album, Pick One: Engagement, Bridal or "We Did" sessions, $75.00 print credit, High Resolution CD
4. $2200.00
6 hours coverage, Photo Guest Book with printed album, Pick two: Engagement, Bridal or "We Did", $150.00 Print credit, High Resolution CD
5. $3000.00
Full Coverage, Photo Guest Book with printed album, all three Engagement, Bridal and "We Did" sessions, $250.00 print credit, high resolution Cd.
Wedding packages 2-5 include 2 photographers. Photo guest books are a really neat way to remember all of the people that are at your wedding. We coordinate a backdrop to match your decor, and we will take a picture of each and every person in attendance. All of these pictures will be included on your high resolution cd, and packages 3, 4 and 5 include a printed album with those photo guest book images.
So there it is my friends! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at mari@mariannelisephoto.com.
(Anyone who has booked a session with me will keep the quoted rate you received at the time of booking!)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New Session Fees
I have prayed about it, talked to my husband about it, and taken all of your advice into consideration, and I have decided that I will simply adjust the session fee.
All sessions are $250, and the session fee covers the shoot, the editing, and a high resolution disk with all of the images on it so you can print them wherever you like. I don't limit my sessions, so you can change outfits as many times as you want, we can change locations as many times as you want, and we can take as much time as you need!
I don't like changing things on you all, but it's just something I have to do to provide for my little family!
All sessions are $250, and the session fee covers the shoot, the editing, and a high resolution disk with all of the images on it so you can print them wherever you like. I don't limit my sessions, so you can change outfits as many times as you want, we can change locations as many times as you want, and we can take as much time as you need!
I don't like changing things on you all, but it's just something I have to do to provide for my little family!
Session Fee Adjustment
I don't like doing it, but taxes are done, the results are in, and I am going to have to adjust my pricing. I can't decide how I want to do it, and you all are the people I am here to please, so please help me! I can do this one of two ways: I can leave session fees where they are and stop including a high resolution disk. Then I can offer that disk, plus prints at an additional fee. Option number two is I just raise the session fee and still include the high resolution disk. Vote below to tell me your preference!
Here is pricing for option one: $250.00
Option Two: $150 session fee
High Resolution Disk: $100.00
Print Pricing:
Poll: Pricing Adjustment Preference
Results:
Als create a poll? Click here
Here is pricing for option one: $250.00
Option Two: $150 session fee
High Resolution Disk: $100.00
Print Pricing:
Poll: Pricing Adjustment Preference
Results:
Als create a poll? Click here
Monday, February 28, 2011
Awake.
It's just now rounding 5am. I've been up since three with a growling stomach and an itchy nose. I have dental work at 9, and I'm not allowed to eat because they are knocking me out, and I suppose food interferes with my unconsciousness. Naturally, I'm starving, and the only thing I can think about is how my stomach is growling and I wish I could sleep. Sometimes (like now) I just have to give up on sleep and enjoy a quiet morning alone.
I don't make time for quiet time anymore. I used to have quiet time almost every day, parked at a dead end street to watch the sun go down, listed to crickets and cicadas, and slap at the mosquitos that tried to eat me alive. I call it my "alone time", but it was more like "alone with Him" time. Since getting married, life has just taken over. My mind is a "pay the bills, put away the too-high piles of laundry, finally clean that sticky spilled root beer out of the bottom of the fridge, sort photos, deliver disks, get my 30 minutes of exercise, do I really need that cookie" mess. I get so consumed with the daily grind that I forget why I do it all. I get so caught up in just getting things done that I don't even pause long enough to enjoy any of it.
I think God decided I needed time with Him instead of my bed this morning. I finally dragged my butt out of bed and planted it on the couch under my quilt. I looked for the remote for a few minutes, planning on watching shake weight infomercials, but it was nowhere to be found, and for that I am now grateful. The only thing I hear right now is the sound of jeans in the dryer (which probably wont get put up for at least two days), the ticking clock on the wall, and the hum of my refrigerator, which desperately needs to be purged of it's two-week-old pot roast leftovers, and that dang can of root beer that left a sticky mess that I have yet to clean. But I can take care of that later.
So now, I just sit.
I love sitting in quiet. And I love leaving the doors and windows open in the evening. Lately, I have been opening my patio door wide when I crawl in bed at night so I can smell the air and just listen. Sure, I hear cars drive by, kids whining, and car alarms honking, (ah, the joys of apartment living), but I hear other things too. I hear the wind blowing through the pine tree outside my window (wind through pine needles has a sound all of it's own). I hear the critters finally making their little noises as they come out of their winter hiding.
I remember when I was a kid, I hated going to bed before the sun went down. But there were those occasions where the sun stayed up way past my bed time, and I (like tonight) had to fight to fall asleep. I would open my bedroom window that faced the street and watch for my mom to come home from her evening walk with her best friend. I would listen to the crickets in the bushes outside my window, watch the neighbors water their lawns, and soak in the smell of the damp earth that resulted. It is just as soothing now as it was back then.
God has been calling me to stop and be still lately. I know I need more time with Him. I need more time to enjoy the things He has given me instead of worrying about them. I talk to Him, and I listen to Him. I enjoy the things He has given me. I thank Him, and cry to Him and always manage to be selfish and ask Him for something more. I have such a gracious God. Such a patient God. Sometimes I feel so "grown-up", but most of the time I still feel like that kid with my nose pressed to the window screen. I'm just soaking it all up and enjoying the air.
Spring is near, and it's definitely going to be a season for all that is new.
I don't make time for quiet time anymore. I used to have quiet time almost every day, parked at a dead end street to watch the sun go down, listed to crickets and cicadas, and slap at the mosquitos that tried to eat me alive. I call it my "alone time", but it was more like "alone with Him" time. Since getting married, life has just taken over. My mind is a "pay the bills, put away the too-high piles of laundry, finally clean that sticky spilled root beer out of the bottom of the fridge, sort photos, deliver disks, get my 30 minutes of exercise, do I really need that cookie" mess. I get so consumed with the daily grind that I forget why I do it all. I get so caught up in just getting things done that I don't even pause long enough to enjoy any of it.
I think God decided I needed time with Him instead of my bed this morning. I finally dragged my butt out of bed and planted it on the couch under my quilt. I looked for the remote for a few minutes, planning on watching shake weight infomercials, but it was nowhere to be found, and for that I am now grateful. The only thing I hear right now is the sound of jeans in the dryer (which probably wont get put up for at least two days), the ticking clock on the wall, and the hum of my refrigerator, which desperately needs to be purged of it's two-week-old pot roast leftovers, and that dang can of root beer that left a sticky mess that I have yet to clean. But I can take care of that later.
So now, I just sit.
I love sitting in quiet. And I love leaving the doors and windows open in the evening. Lately, I have been opening my patio door wide when I crawl in bed at night so I can smell the air and just listen. Sure, I hear cars drive by, kids whining, and car alarms honking, (ah, the joys of apartment living), but I hear other things too. I hear the wind blowing through the pine tree outside my window (wind through pine needles has a sound all of it's own). I hear the critters finally making their little noises as they come out of their winter hiding.
I remember when I was a kid, I hated going to bed before the sun went down. But there were those occasions where the sun stayed up way past my bed time, and I (like tonight) had to fight to fall asleep. I would open my bedroom window that faced the street and watch for my mom to come home from her evening walk with her best friend. I would listen to the crickets in the bushes outside my window, watch the neighbors water their lawns, and soak in the smell of the damp earth that resulted. It is just as soothing now as it was back then.
God has been calling me to stop and be still lately. I know I need more time with Him. I need more time to enjoy the things He has given me instead of worrying about them. I talk to Him, and I listen to Him. I enjoy the things He has given me. I thank Him, and cry to Him and always manage to be selfish and ask Him for something more. I have such a gracious God. Such a patient God. Sometimes I feel so "grown-up", but most of the time I still feel like that kid with my nose pressed to the window screen. I'm just soaking it all up and enjoying the air.
Spring is near, and it's definitely going to be a season for all that is new.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Another Loss
My heart is aching. I lost both of my grandparents in less than a month. As much as I rejoice that they are together again, and starting their beautiful eternity with their Lord, I can't help but be selfish and want them both back here with me. Those two were the cornerstone of our family. If everyone got together, it was at their house. Every Thanksgiving was spent with them, no questions asked. Those two were so important to this community. They were both involved with the Boy Scouts and the Gem and Mineral Society. Those two were a wealth of knowledge, and full of crap at the same time :) I've never seen two people love each other and their family so much either. Even through so many people divorcing, I could see that it was possible to stay in love with someone for a lifetime.
I was at the point last night that every time my phone rang, I would cringe, and every time the name "Dad" popped up, I held my breath. Last night when he called, it was the news I'd been waiting for and dreading. My big strong, hard headed, tough skinned Papa had passed. Thankfully, I was surrounded by people I love, and people that he loved.
I didn't fall asleep until about 5:00 this morning. I did the same exact thing I did after my Meme died. I re-played everything that has happened in the past few weeks, days, and especially hours. And the dreams I have been having are keeping me up as well. I can't even remember them. They are just so realistic and random, and I can't make out what is real or a dream anymore. I hate that I have absolutley no motivation to get any work done. I sit at my laptop and just stare at photoshop, then close it again.
Little art projects have been my escape lately. I made a few bibs to give to my "little brother" and his wife for their baby shower. Then I tried my hand at making felt flowers. I have an idea of what I would like to do with them, but knowing me and my track record, I'll probably make half that I need, then move on to something else.
I just hope I can perk up this week, get back in the swing of things, and move on with life. Because that's what death is...a part of life.
I was at the point last night that every time my phone rang, I would cringe, and every time the name "Dad" popped up, I held my breath. Last night when he called, it was the news I'd been waiting for and dreading. My big strong, hard headed, tough skinned Papa had passed. Thankfully, I was surrounded by people I love, and people that he loved.
I didn't fall asleep until about 5:00 this morning. I did the same exact thing I did after my Meme died. I re-played everything that has happened in the past few weeks, days, and especially hours. And the dreams I have been having are keeping me up as well. I can't even remember them. They are just so realistic and random, and I can't make out what is real or a dream anymore. I hate that I have absolutley no motivation to get any work done. I sit at my laptop and just stare at photoshop, then close it again.
Little art projects have been my escape lately. I made a few bibs to give to my "little brother" and his wife for their baby shower. Then I tried my hand at making felt flowers. I have an idea of what I would like to do with them, but knowing me and my track record, I'll probably make half that I need, then move on to something else.
I just hope I can perk up this week, get back in the swing of things, and move on with life. Because that's what death is...a part of life.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Inspiration
I'm finding that I'm spending entirely too much time on the internet. I've paid attention lately, and a great chunk of my time is spent looking at other people's photos. Especially other photographer's photos. Now, that's not nescisarilly a bad thing, unless you, like me, are a photographer who is striving to carve out my own niche in this industry and continually trying to develop my own style.
We all draw inspiration from each other. That's just what we do! Some people are upset by it and accuse others of being big fat copy cats. It's hard to know where that fine line is between flat out copying, and drawing inspiration (which, by the way, I had to learn the HARD way). About a year ago, I had a client that liked something a photographer did, so I recreated it for her, and I got all kinds of crazy negative feed back from all kinds of people! These kinds of things have been part of my learning this business. I definitely learned from that mistake, and I wont let it happen again! Especially now. I've decided to completely STOP viewing other photographer's blogs, dA pages, facebook fan pages, personal facebook pages, etc., and turn to my Lord for my inspiration and ideas. After all, I do this to glorify Him! I haven't spent enough alone time with my Father, and I need that to change. I am ashamed to admit it, but I can not remember the last time I cracked open my bible. I can't tell you the last time I went to my favorite spot to watch a sunset and pray. I'm so caught up in my little internet world that I forget about that big huge world out there! I wish I could say I could take a total internet hiatus, but that would likely be the demise of my entire business! I do 95% of my work through my computer and through the internet. It's a fabulous tool, but that's all it should be...a tool.
So, it's going to be hard not to blog stalk, but I think I can do it!
We all draw inspiration from each other. That's just what we do! Some people are upset by it and accuse others of being big fat copy cats. It's hard to know where that fine line is between flat out copying, and drawing inspiration (which, by the way, I had to learn the HARD way). About a year ago, I had a client that liked something a photographer did, so I recreated it for her, and I got all kinds of crazy negative feed back from all kinds of people! These kinds of things have been part of my learning this business. I definitely learned from that mistake, and I wont let it happen again! Especially now. I've decided to completely STOP viewing other photographer's blogs, dA pages, facebook fan pages, personal facebook pages, etc., and turn to my Lord for my inspiration and ideas. After all, I do this to glorify Him! I haven't spent enough alone time with my Father, and I need that to change. I am ashamed to admit it, but I can not remember the last time I cracked open my bible. I can't tell you the last time I went to my favorite spot to watch a sunset and pray. I'm so caught up in my little internet world that I forget about that big huge world out there! I wish I could say I could take a total internet hiatus, but that would likely be the demise of my entire business! I do 95% of my work through my computer and through the internet. It's a fabulous tool, but that's all it should be...a tool.
So, it's going to be hard not to blog stalk, but I think I can do it!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Love, Loss, and Family
I don't know how many of you really know what has been happening with me in my personal life over the past couple of months and weeks. All of this mess started in October when my grandpa slipped and fell while he was doing some restoration work on an historic house here in Midland. He thought something in his bowels had ruptured, so my dad took him to the emergency room. The doctors discovered that he had a large tumor in his colon. On October 15 (which also happened to be my grandmother's 79th birthday) he had surgery to remove the tumor. After his surgery the doctor came out and told us the tumor they removed was about the size of a coke can, and the cancer had spread to his liver. The doctor also told us the cancer was inoperable because it was already so large. Needless to say, we were all stunned. We had to accept the fact that this would be what took my sweet grandpa from this world. It was a hard thing to handle and process, but we did it.
Then, in late November, my grandmother became sick. The doctors found that she had a deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in her legs) which had ultimately caused a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in her lungs). Our biggest worry was that one of those clots would go to her brain and cause a stroke. She was quickly put on blood thinners, and they did their job! She was moved to a rehabilitation center to get her strength back up so she could go home. But a few days after Christmas, she was sent back to the hospital with pneumonia. The dr's had a tough time treating her, and she eventually began having seizures which were likely cause by strokes.
Me and my cousin Christy spent the next couple of days sitting by her bed, hoping for a coherent response for her, but mentally, she was already gone. We tried to get her to eat, but she wouldn't, or couldn't. Every once in a while she would talk about "bears in the creek" and she cracked us up by yelling something about "hell fire!". I did manage to get a couple of smiles out of her, which are forever going to be a huge comfort to me. On some level, I think she knew we were there with her. She was finally moved to hospice on Saturday the 15th. Her nurse was so wonderful to us. By the time we got her moved, me, my cousin and my aunt were the only three with her. All of the men had a really difficult time watching her, so they stayed with my grandfather.
We left her in her room, comfortable and finally sleeping (thanks to some much needed morphine), and went home for the night. The next morning, Sunday the 16th, I went to visit my grandpa with Christy. After we wore him out we headed to the hospital to visit Meme. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator and saw her door, I knew something was wrong. The door was wide open, but the lights were off. When I walked in, I saw her nurse with the stethoscope to Meme's chest. I think I caught her off guard because she had a difficult time talking to me. I kept staring at my Meme, and I knew right away that she was gone. All of the shaking and labored breathing was gone. She was so still, and so quiet. The nurse told me "I am so sorry Mari, but I am going to have to pronounce her now."
Christy was just a few minutes behind me, and came bouncing into the room when I was just sitting next to my Meme, telling my sister over the phone that she was gone. I think we were all a little stunned that she went so quickly. Not ten minutes before I got there, my aunt had come by and Meme was still with us. I felt so guilty for not being with her when she passed, but my dad made a good point. She was such a private person, and she waited to be alone.
I remember thinking, when we were watching her slip away that it's ironic that it's always the women in the hospital rooms. I've spent countless hours, sitting in hospital rooms waiting for new life to come into this world. It was very surreal doing the same thing as a precious life left this world.
And now, we're playing another waiting game. We just found out that my grandpa's cancer has spread to his bones. We have all been prepared for this, but honestly we thought he had more time. He is now going to have radiation on the tumors on his spine, not to try to get rid of the cancer, but to try to reduce the size of those tumors to relieve some of his pain.
I figured he wouldn't be far behind my Meme. These two have been married 61 years (62 this June). I don't know if I can say I have ever seen two people so in love and so devoted to each other. It's not an in your face kind of love. It never has been. But when I watched the two of them interact with each other, it was obvious. That kind of love can't be broken by death. It's such a strong bond, that I have always had faith it would keep them together.
So please, please be patient with me. I will do my very best to keep up with my work, but I will, in a heartbeat, drop everything to be with my family.
June 2: The day my Meme and Papa got married :)
Then, in late November, my grandmother became sick. The doctors found that she had a deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in her legs) which had ultimately caused a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in her lungs). Our biggest worry was that one of those clots would go to her brain and cause a stroke. She was quickly put on blood thinners, and they did their job! She was moved to a rehabilitation center to get her strength back up so she could go home. But a few days after Christmas, she was sent back to the hospital with pneumonia. The dr's had a tough time treating her, and she eventually began having seizures which were likely cause by strokes.
Me and my cousin Christy spent the next couple of days sitting by her bed, hoping for a coherent response for her, but mentally, she was already gone. We tried to get her to eat, but she wouldn't, or couldn't. Every once in a while she would talk about "bears in the creek" and she cracked us up by yelling something about "hell fire!". I did manage to get a couple of smiles out of her, which are forever going to be a huge comfort to me. On some level, I think she knew we were there with her. She was finally moved to hospice on Saturday the 15th. Her nurse was so wonderful to us. By the time we got her moved, me, my cousin and my aunt were the only three with her. All of the men had a really difficult time watching her, so they stayed with my grandfather.
We left her in her room, comfortable and finally sleeping (thanks to some much needed morphine), and went home for the night. The next morning, Sunday the 16th, I went to visit my grandpa with Christy. After we wore him out we headed to the hospital to visit Meme. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator and saw her door, I knew something was wrong. The door was wide open, but the lights were off. When I walked in, I saw her nurse with the stethoscope to Meme's chest. I think I caught her off guard because she had a difficult time talking to me. I kept staring at my Meme, and I knew right away that she was gone. All of the shaking and labored breathing was gone. She was so still, and so quiet. The nurse told me "I am so sorry Mari, but I am going to have to pronounce her now."
Christy was just a few minutes behind me, and came bouncing into the room when I was just sitting next to my Meme, telling my sister over the phone that she was gone. I think we were all a little stunned that she went so quickly. Not ten minutes before I got there, my aunt had come by and Meme was still with us. I felt so guilty for not being with her when she passed, but my dad made a good point. She was such a private person, and she waited to be alone.
I remember thinking, when we were watching her slip away that it's ironic that it's always the women in the hospital rooms. I've spent countless hours, sitting in hospital rooms waiting for new life to come into this world. It was very surreal doing the same thing as a precious life left this world.
And now, we're playing another waiting game. We just found out that my grandpa's cancer has spread to his bones. We have all been prepared for this, but honestly we thought he had more time. He is now going to have radiation on the tumors on his spine, not to try to get rid of the cancer, but to try to reduce the size of those tumors to relieve some of his pain.
I figured he wouldn't be far behind my Meme. These two have been married 61 years (62 this June). I don't know if I can say I have ever seen two people so in love and so devoted to each other. It's not an in your face kind of love. It never has been. But when I watched the two of them interact with each other, it was obvious. That kind of love can't be broken by death. It's such a strong bond, that I have always had faith it would keep them together.
So please, please be patient with me. I will do my very best to keep up with my work, but I will, in a heartbeat, drop everything to be with my family.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
This Business
I am blessed beyond measure that God has chosen to provide for me and my family in the way that He has. When I was growing up, I always thought I would be a teacher. I would line my baby dolls up in the hallway, sitting on anything that could be considered a chair (including my baby sister's potty training chair), and would play school for hours. Then, I got to high school and did some student aide work and thought "what the HECK and I doing?!" So that idea was nixed. I finally made it to college and figured, hey, how about business? Of course, that was just a general degree. I figured I could do just about anything with that. Once I was sick to death of it, I considered cosmetology, and finally settled on psychology. I thought I could make a pretty decent counselor, but that one didn't last long either.
In the meantime, I had been playing with photography. And believe me, I thought it was just a fun hobby that wouldn't get me anywhere. I didn't think I was anything special. I bugged friends to let me take pictures of them, just for fun. I started out with film, my dad's old 35mm Pentax that he used to take pictures of ME when I was a baby, and had a blast. I am very thankful that I started with film, because it gave me the foundation in photography that everyone using something more than a point an shoot Kodak EasyShare camera should have. My dad taught me all of those fun words like aperture and f-stop. He taught me all about timed exposures and I got some fabulous lightning shots. He gave me dozens of filters...not the filters you click on in Photoshop...real ones. Cokin filters. The kind that you needed a square adapter for. I played and practiced, and spent tons of money on wasted prints just to get one good picture.
Finally, I wore out that poor Pentax and decided to go digital. My wonderful Uncle Rip(Richard Ira Polley) took me out shopping and bought me my first digital SLR. I was amazed that someone had so much faith in me that they would spend that much money on me! Right after that, I was asked to do my first wedding. I was terrified, and naturally the pictures weren't fabulous, but it got me out of my comfort zone. Ever since then, people have asked me to take their pictures. After I finally surrendered to this calling, I've been so extremely blessed with consistent business. I don't pursue it. I just accept it. I love that this is the way I am making a living. I'm by no means a professional photographer. I didn't go to school for it. I don't have any fancy training, certificates or great credentials. I just have what God has given me.
With all of this being said, I have to vent a little about this "business" God has placed me in the middle of. I am simply amazed at the cut-throat-ness (yes, I'm making up words) of it! I have never seen so many people be so flat out rude and mean to each other. I think a lot of photographers think that if they share knowledge with someone else they are giving away their secrets or that they will lose clients. You know what though? I have never been at a loss for business. And I don't think that is due to my ability to push a button on a camera. It's all because God has a bigger plan than me just making money to take care of my family. I would be naive to think it was all about me. I may not be a pro, and my work may not be perfect, but I do everything to my best ability.
I can't stand that there are so many photographers, just here in this area, that are so quick to judge other photographers work. Some will accuse others of "stealing" ideas, poses, locations, clients, etc. But I figure that if there are so many people in this area looking for photographers there is more than enough business to go around. We've all got our own styles and way of doing things. I figure that if the Lord wants me to meet a certain person, it's going to happen.
In the meantime, I had been playing with photography. And believe me, I thought it was just a fun hobby that wouldn't get me anywhere. I didn't think I was anything special. I bugged friends to let me take pictures of them, just for fun. I started out with film, my dad's old 35mm Pentax that he used to take pictures of ME when I was a baby, and had a blast. I am very thankful that I started with film, because it gave me the foundation in photography that everyone using something more than a point an shoot Kodak EasyShare camera should have. My dad taught me all of those fun words like aperture and f-stop. He taught me all about timed exposures and I got some fabulous lightning shots. He gave me dozens of filters...not the filters you click on in Photoshop...real ones. Cokin filters. The kind that you needed a square adapter for. I played and practiced, and spent tons of money on wasted prints just to get one good picture.
Finally, I wore out that poor Pentax and decided to go digital. My wonderful Uncle Rip(Richard Ira Polley) took me out shopping and bought me my first digital SLR. I was amazed that someone had so much faith in me that they would spend that much money on me! Right after that, I was asked to do my first wedding. I was terrified, and naturally the pictures weren't fabulous, but it got me out of my comfort zone. Ever since then, people have asked me to take their pictures. After I finally surrendered to this calling, I've been so extremely blessed with consistent business. I don't pursue it. I just accept it. I love that this is the way I am making a living. I'm by no means a professional photographer. I didn't go to school for it. I don't have any fancy training, certificates or great credentials. I just have what God has given me.
With all of this being said, I have to vent a little about this "business" God has placed me in the middle of. I am simply amazed at the cut-throat-ness (yes, I'm making up words) of it! I have never seen so many people be so flat out rude and mean to each other. I think a lot of photographers think that if they share knowledge with someone else they are giving away their secrets or that they will lose clients. You know what though? I have never been at a loss for business. And I don't think that is due to my ability to push a button on a camera. It's all because God has a bigger plan than me just making money to take care of my family. I would be naive to think it was all about me. I may not be a pro, and my work may not be perfect, but I do everything to my best ability.
I can't stand that there are so many photographers, just here in this area, that are so quick to judge other photographers work. Some will accuse others of "stealing" ideas, poses, locations, clients, etc. But I figure that if there are so many people in this area looking for photographers there is more than enough business to go around. We've all got our own styles and way of doing things. I figure that if the Lord wants me to meet a certain person, it's going to happen.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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