Starting September 1st, 2011, I will be doing things a little bit differently than some of you (my previous clients) may be used to. After A LOT of thought about a conversation I had with a GREAT and long time friend of mine (who just also happens to be a professional photographer who manages her own well known portrait studio. We will call her "T" for purposes of this blog entry.) it became obvious to me that I needed to make a change and that maybe this needed change has been the source of my frustration lately.
She brought a few things to my attention after I told her how much I was charging for a 1 hour long custom session, ON location, with unlimited posing, 40+ images that I was giving my clients printing rights to when handing over a CD, 4-6 hours (or more) per session spent on editing, burning CD's, and shipping. Not to mention, my camera....ah yes...my professional 5DMarkII which takes amazing, crystal clear images and is capable of producing billboard size prints. If I tell you what an investment THAT was, especially on my budget, I would have to kill you. My husband has almost killed me over that one =) Shoot, I have almost sold the thing i can't tell you how many times. FRUSTRATING...especially since I LOVE that camera. Oh and does anyone realize how much editing software can rip you a new one?
Well, when "T" heard this nonsense, she had to tell me a thing or two about some professional photography. Some very good points she brought to my attention were A.) "You are too talented to be giving away your work like that." WOW, that was probably the best compliment ever. Its nice to hear you are good at something you love. I really thought my price was kind of high already, but I was wrong. B.) Most professional photographers in the Columbia area who do the kind of quality custom work you do charge up to $500.00 or more to meet a client at a location or their home for a session and give them printing rights. Wow "T" I really did not know that, but I sure am glad I do now. I must have called her a liar about 12 times during this conversation. C.) "Amy, really, you are EDUCATED in photography. You have a BACHELORS degree in FINE ARTS photography. You know what you are doing. You didn't just wake up one day and decide you wanted to take up photography because everyone else in the world is doing it." Hmmmm....good point "T", I never really thought of it that way. I really do know what I am doing and yeah, I was in school for 4 years perfecting this art. (4 years is a lie, it was more like 5....or 6....) And not only that, Photoshop is NOT an easy program to learn. I used up 18 college credits trying to perfect this art as well. And then, I was so out of practice by the time I got into professional photography, i had to buy a book at books a million to refresh my memory. It takes mad skills to edit a photo...I would say that takes way more mad skills that taking the actual pictures. (taking pictures only takes skills, not mad skills). And last but not least D.) giving printing rights away is probably NOT the best idea anyway. Here is why...Those .09 cent 4 by 6's that anyone can order online or purchase at the drug store, look like a dirty word for poop. The colors are not right, the paper quality is aweful, and last but not least, it makes my work look BAD. I don't want my work to be lookin all bad ya hear!? Not after all of the time and effort and LOVE I put into it! And plus, I wan't you the client, to be albe to display your children and your loved ones around your house with glorious pride...not with "these prints were SO cheap! OMG."
So, starting September 1st, 2011...you will have 2 options from which to choose. (these apply only to standard sessions, not weddings.)
Option #1: Standard 1 hour long session at location of your choice with printing rights release on CD album- $250.00.
Option#2: Standard 1 hour long session at location of your choice. Access to the Amy Cromer Photography password protected online gallery from which you can order prints. EXCELLENT, Quality prints of all sizes.
$165.00. This will include a free 5*7 matte finish print on fine linen paper. (Yes, I do have samples of my papers and prints if you would like to see!)
Returning clients will recieve a $25.00 discount on either package they choose.
Note to returning clients: I do realize that this change may really be a turn off to some of you. I do appreciate your business and YOU for helping me do what I love. I would have never had the opportunity to do this without you and I am forever grateful for all of you and how you have helped me perfect my art and love. I am very blessed. This is just a change that I have been needing to make for my own sake and sanity. I just can't do it the old way anymore. =( It took a good friend with some sense to knock some sense into me. Afterall, I was a photography major, not a business major.
Further note, no grudge will be heald against anyone who choses to try or go to another photographer. I know that I can not please everyone...thats just life and I will still love you all.
This change will NOT effect clients who have already booked sessions for the remainder of 2011. You know who you are =)
Please see the link on this blog titled "Why Custom Photography" for more information on Custom Photography.
Unique, Creative, Authentic and Fun Photography
