Bare Baby minis are some of my favorite mini sessions! I love the age that the babies are at, and how happy and curious they are!
Bare Baby mini sessions are made specifically for infants that are able to hold their heads up while on their tummies to one year old. We are aiming to show off all of the sweet, squishy little rolls and wrinkles that we all love!
Bare Baby minis will be held on February 7th in my studio in downtown Midland. These will be 20 minute sessions, include approximately 7 digital images with a print release (so you can share the cuteness with family!), all for only $120!
Please click the "buy now" button to book your Bare Baby mini session now! These will go VERY quickly, and I will only be shooting these for one day instead of two like I did last year. After you complete your session payment I will email you to finalized the details, including selecting a time for your session!
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Valentine's Day Mini Sessions- Baking Up Some Love!
It's already time to start thinking about Valentine's Day! I have an adorable setup this year! We are going to be baking up some love! To secure your spot in these, all you need to do is sign up through the PayPal link below and I will contact you after to set up a time!
These will be held on Sunday, January 25th at my studio in downtown Midland. Sessions will be 15 minutes, are $125 and will include approximately 5 digital images with a print release. These are best for one or two kids. The baking theme is best for children older than 3 years, however a set will be available for younger kiddos too! These are only for children! One boy and one girl hat/apron set are available for use.
These will be held on Sunday, January 25th at my studio in downtown Midland. Sessions will be 15 minutes, are $125 and will include approximately 5 digital images with a print release. These are best for one or two kids. The baking theme is best for children older than 3 years, however a set will be available for younger kiddos too! These are only for children! One boy and one girl hat/apron set are available for use.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Studio Family Mini Session Booking
You asked for it (okay, you begged and pleaded) and here you have it. MORE family mini sessions!
When & Where: These will be held only on Saturday, November 15th in my studio in downtown Midland. The address is 214 W Texas, suite 507.
How much: The session fee of $150 is due now to secure your spot. This fee is non refundable and non transferrable. You are more than welcome to purchase a spot for someone else though!
What do I get: You will receive a 15 minute session and a minimum of 5 digital files with a print release. That means you get to download the picture and print it yourself, make Christmas cards with it, share it on Facebook...whatever floats your boat!
These mini sessions are best for a group of up to 6 people. If you are wanting to do a big huge multi-generational session or just have a really big family, please book two sessions back-to-back. You will receive a minimum of 10 images this way and a 30 minute session. Pets ARE allowed as well!!
These will be on a simple set- gray seamless backdrop with a sofa or a chair, depending on how many people there are. Sample family images are coming soon, but this shot from my Nursing Minis is a perfect example of the set-up!
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Time slots are first paid, first served. Your session is not yours until payment has been confirmed.
Once you have taken care of that, please email me at mari@mariannelisephoto.com with your session time, contact information (phone, email, address) and a little bit of information about your family (names, ages, etc.).
I recommend wearing something neutral and casual like you see in the image above. Bright crazy patterns will be distracting. I will have more set information as the time gets closer!
All you need to do to book is click on the "buy now" button under your desired time! If you click on it and it says "sold out" please try another time. I will do my best to remove these times below as they are booked! There are only 20 so get yours NOW!
9:15am
9:30am
10:30am
11:15am
11:30am
11:45
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:15
2:45
When & Where: These will be held only on Saturday, November 15th in my studio in downtown Midland. The address is 214 W Texas, suite 507.
How much: The session fee of $150 is due now to secure your spot. This fee is non refundable and non transferrable. You are more than welcome to purchase a spot for someone else though!
What do I get: You will receive a 15 minute session and a minimum of 5 digital files with a print release. That means you get to download the picture and print it yourself, make Christmas cards with it, share it on Facebook...whatever floats your boat!
These mini sessions are best for a group of up to 6 people. If you are wanting to do a big huge multi-generational session or just have a really big family, please book two sessions back-to-back. You will receive a minimum of 10 images this way and a 30 minute session. Pets ARE allowed as well!!
These will be on a simple set- gray seamless backdrop with a sofa or a chair, depending on how many people there are. Sample family images are coming soon, but this shot from my Nursing Minis is a perfect example of the set-up!
Time slots are first paid, first served. Your session is not yours until payment has been confirmed.
Once you have taken care of that, please email me at mari@mariannelisephoto.com with your session time, contact information (phone, email, address) and a little bit of information about your family (names, ages, etc.).
I recommend wearing something neutral and casual like you see in the image above. Bright crazy patterns will be distracting. I will have more set information as the time gets closer!
All you need to do to book is click on the "buy now" button under your desired time! If you click on it and it says "sold out" please try another time. I will do my best to remove these times below as they are booked! There are only 20 so get yours NOW!
9:15am
9:30am
10:30am
11:15am
11:30am
11:45
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:15
2:45
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 :)
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