As a CONSUMER what should I be looking for?
Photography, as with all forms of art is a very subjective medium. Technically there are certain ‘rules’ to follow (or sometimes break) but as a consumer there are a few things you can consider when choosing a photographer to create your memories....
What appeals to your taste?
When looking through photographers’ websites, blogs or facebook don’t just look at one or two images, take your time to look through a range of their work. All photographers – aspiring or professional – have a style. This might be something you can recognise easily or it might be more subtle but regardless, there is always a style, and that style needs to appeal to you. Your images are a valuable part of your history. You need to be proud to display them, whether it’s on your wall, in a portrait album, on your digital frame or even in your wallet. Remember FIRST ask yourself – Do I like this photographers’ style?
What is your house decor?
This may or may not be important to you but it is something you might like to give thought to. It can help you when choosing clothing for your session, or deciding what ‘look’ you would like out of your images. It can also help with your decision making at your ordering appointment, because you will also have an idea of what walls you will display your images in your home.
Who are you as a family?
This question goes a long way again towards the ‘look’ you want out of your images, and also helps your photographer gently direct your session to suit your personalities.
Are you an outgoing family? Are you adventurous and willing to go wherever your photographer requests and try anything they suggest (within reason of course) or is your family more reserved, more comfortable keeping your session low key, less ‘set up’, more natural?
Think about the IMPORTANCE of this question.....
How comfortable or uncomfortable would you feel if your session was in the middle of the city with people all around watching?
Communicate with your photographer; don’t be afraid to speak up. There is nothing more disappointing for you OR your photographer than creating images you are less than thrilled with.
Do we feel comfortable with this photographer?
Being comfortable with your photographer is a crucial component to consider before making any bookings. Why is it so important? Because if you don’t feel comfortable..... with your photographer, your surrounds, what you’re wearing then this is going to show in your images and the last thing you want to do is look back with any regret.
You need to feel relaxed with the person who is helping to create your memories with you, you will probably be nervous enough being in front of the camera. You need to hire someone you feel CONFIDENT will be able to get the ‘best’ out of you and your family.
Value for money vs. cheap....
The investment you outlay for your images is obviously something that must be factored in to your decision making when choosing a photographer. However it is very easy to get caught in the ‘trap’ of saving a ‘few bucks’.
I am not here to say that you absolutely MUST spend more to receive more but there ARE a few points to consider before making up your mind.....
Are you choosing a photographer based on price alone? If you are, that’s ok but based on price alone do you get to ‘tick’ all of your other boxes?
- Can this photographer deliver the quality of service and product that my family deserves?
- Will my images be what I want for my family?
- Can this photographer capture the style of image I am looking for?
- Is this photographer willing to travel to a location I want?
- Am I getting VALUE for my money?
- Can I relate to this photographer?
- Does this photographer have the knowledge and experience to get the best images of us?
- Does this photographer have the necessary skills to create our portrait art or am I hiring someone to take nice snapshots of my family?
- How important are these images to me?
Whether you are looking for a photographer for the first time or are looking for someone new to capture your family memories, I hope this information helps you to sort through the many many choices out there, and hopefully you will find a photographer to meet all your needs and who you will entrust your memories to time and time again.
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! Photography 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Why invest in custom photography?
Why invest in custom photography? Because as the age old saying goes...’you get what you pay for’. This seems especially true in the world of photography.
With digital technology so readily available, everywhere you turn these days you will find a ‘photographer’ or someone aspiring to be, but this does not guarantee quality in either imagery or product.
Many ‘photographers’ are using inferior equipment, offering inferior product, shoot in mass production style or quite frankly even if they have ‘all the gadgets’, have no photographic training but own a DSLR so they must be’ professional.’
A reputable custom photographer will offer you superior quality both in imagery and product. The experience is not only more personal, but the quality is evident from the equipment being used at its intended capability, to the experience and skill of the photographer and MOST IMPORTANTLY – your final product, your precious memories.
You will find that nearly all custom photographers work for themselves or in small carefully and creatively formed partnerships, so they will take extra care to ensure you walk away with pleasant memories of your dealings with them as they rely fondly on your word of mouth referrals and care deeply about their reputability. You won’t be dealing with a ‘hired’ photographer. You will be dealing directly with them. (in some communications with their carefully appointed assistants.)
I am a very proud member of the A.C.O.C.P. (Australian community of child photographers) www.acocp.org.au The ACOCP is a not for profit organisation of professional photographers who donate their time, services and products to families of stillborns, sick or deceased babies and ill children. This has humbled me greatly and taught me to truly value the importance of not only living life to the full but the SIGNIFICANCE of creating your memories with care.
Even if you only do it once, honour your memories and use a reputable photographer. DON’T do your memories an injustice by using a chain store/ mass production photographer.
Your images are not something you grow out of as your children and family grow. Your images become MORE precious, MORE valuable as the years pass, not only taking you back to those wonderful moments in your life but becoming an invaluable part of your story, your history to pass on to the next generations.
Doesn’t your family deserve quality?
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010
With digital technology so readily available, everywhere you turn these days you will find a ‘photographer’ or someone aspiring to be, but this does not guarantee quality in either imagery or product.
Many ‘photographers’ are using inferior equipment, offering inferior product, shoot in mass production style or quite frankly even if they have ‘all the gadgets’, have no photographic training but own a DSLR so they must be’ professional.’
A reputable custom photographer will offer you superior quality both in imagery and product. The experience is not only more personal, but the quality is evident from the equipment being used at its intended capability, to the experience and skill of the photographer and MOST IMPORTANTLY – your final product, your precious memories.
You will find that nearly all custom photographers work for themselves or in small carefully and creatively formed partnerships, so they will take extra care to ensure you walk away with pleasant memories of your dealings with them as they rely fondly on your word of mouth referrals and care deeply about their reputability. You won’t be dealing with a ‘hired’ photographer. You will be dealing directly with them. (in some communications with their carefully appointed assistants.)
I am a very proud member of the A.C.O.C.P. (Australian community of child photographers) www.acocp.org.au The ACOCP is a not for profit organisation of professional photographers who donate their time, services and products to families of stillborns, sick or deceased babies and ill children. This has humbled me greatly and taught me to truly value the importance of not only living life to the full but the SIGNIFICANCE of creating your memories with care.
Even if you only do it once, honour your memories and use a reputable photographer. DON’T do your memories an injustice by using a chain store/ mass production photographer.
Your images are not something you grow out of as your children and family grow. Your images become MORE precious, MORE valuable as the years pass, not only taking you back to those wonderful moments in your life but becoming an invaluable part of your story, your history to pass on to the next generations.
Doesn’t your family deserve quality?
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
What is professional custom photography?
What is professional custom photography?
True professional custom photography is exactly that........customised photography in a fun, relaxed session focused solely on YOU, YOUR family, YOUR personalities & natural interactions, NOT cheesy forced poses and smiles.
There is no mass production format to be followed, no franchise rules to be obeyed, and no rushing through your session to get to the ‘next’ in line.
Custom photography is not about using the same props, or even settings for each client, it isn’t taking a ‘nice photo’. It is about creating beautiful imagery unique to YOU.
True professional custom photographers understand their craft; have experience, and thrive on working WITH you to create YOUR personalised work of portrait art.
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010
The following excerpts are published with permission from Marianne Drenthe – www.professionalchildphotographer.com
“There is a great deal of time and care involved in creating high end custom photography. The artists’ time invested at the session is only a small portion of time involved in the custom process.”
“Custom photography is about an experienced photographer devoted to your family, your memories, giving you 1:1 undivided attention.”
“Custom photography is the ‘Lexus’ of the photography world. It is where the intangibles make the experience truly wonderful and the images themselves make the investment of money and time truly worthwhile.”
“Clients who enjoy a more active role in the creation of their families’ memories have the desire to have portrait art that is truly personalised.”
True professional custom photography is exactly that........customised photography in a fun, relaxed session focused solely on YOU, YOUR family, YOUR personalities & natural interactions, NOT cheesy forced poses and smiles.
There is no mass production format to be followed, no franchise rules to be obeyed, and no rushing through your session to get to the ‘next’ in line.
Custom photography is not about using the same props, or even settings for each client, it isn’t taking a ‘nice photo’. It is about creating beautiful imagery unique to YOU.
True professional custom photographers understand their craft; have experience, and thrive on working WITH you to create YOUR personalised work of portrait art.
copyright Jodie Towell bounce! photography 2010
The following excerpts are published with permission from Marianne Drenthe – www.professionalchildphotographer.com
“There is a great deal of time and care involved in creating high end custom photography. The artists’ time invested at the session is only a small portion of time involved in the custom process.”
“Custom photography is about an experienced photographer devoted to your family, your memories, giving you 1:1 undivided attention.”
“Custom photography is the ‘Lexus’ of the photography world. It is where the intangibles make the experience truly wonderful and the images themselves make the investment of money and time truly worthwhile.”
“Clients who enjoy a more active role in the creation of their families’ memories have the desire to have portrait art that is truly personalised.”
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