Poll

On what type of portrait session would you most like to see a deal this summer?

Model Shoot {Sara & Emma} 3.11.13

Sara contacted me via Thumbtack wanting to expand her modeling portfolio. We talked back and forth for a few weeks while deciding on details and finally settled on a date and place. We both thought Downtown Denver has some really interesting locations for a gritty-type of shoot, which is what she wanted. Sara ended up adding her friend Emma and they wanted some pictures of them individually as well as together. I ended up taking around 700 pictures and it went really quickly and easily. They were such beautiful girls and they were really fun to work with. Here are a few of my favorites so far in the editing process.

Trey

Trey’s parents and I decided to do this shoot about 2 hours before it happened. Little Trey is about 8 months old and hadn’t really had any pictures done yet so we thought it was about time to change that! When we first met up, I could instantly see how happy this little boy was going to be. He was just staring at me and grinning ear-to-ear. There was no fear of strangers in this little man! Luckily he stayed pretty still and cooperated really well so we got some super cute shots of him! Enjoy!

Another Quote I Enjoy

“Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper. The photographer begins with the finished product.”
Edward Steichen

I personally like this one because I have taken many art classes. I have found it very difficult to start a painting or a drawing because I find myself just staring at the blank canvas and feeling lost. When I have a camera in my hands, there is no end to the things that I want to capture. Sometimes I wish that it was easier for me to start (or finish) a drawing, but usually I am very happy with starting with the finished product instead!

Thoughts

“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams

I read this quote today and I would definitely have to agree. In my opinion, and I’m probably not the only one, there is a huge difference between a snapshot and a photograph. Anyone with a camera can take a snapshot. It is quite easy to just point-and-shoot and come up with some decent (and some not-so-decent) pictures. But to truly be a photographer you have to MAKE an image. You have to know all of the factors that go into making a photograph. It takes more thought and insight than just “pointing and shooting.” A photographer ideally knows what they are doing, so they create a photograph, while a snap-shooter (I just made that up!) just takes pictures.

Why pricing for portrait photography is the way it is

Many people think that portrait photography is way overpriced, and sometimes it really is, but most don’t understand exactly what goes into the pricing.

While most clients believe they are only being charged for the session where they are actually in front of the camera, many other things are actually included. This is why a lot of people may think that portrait photography is so pricey.

But keep in mind that since I don’t have my own studio there is drive-time included. Wherever the client decides they would like to have their session done I am willing to go for them, but it does cost me gas and time to get there.

The actual session involves an hour or more of my time, where there is posing and interacting with the client. This is my favorite part, and it usually goes pretty easily but it does also take time.

After the session there is the editing. There is usually a minimum of 100 images to sort through. I then pick the best ones and edit them. This is usually a minimum of three more hours.

Depending on the session, there could also be extra equipment needed, a backup photographer/editor needed, extra drive-time, extra retouching, extra time standing on my feet without time for food and/or water, or many other extras.

All of these circumstances depend on the portrait session (weddings involve MUCH more time and energy), but it is typically a MINIMUM of 5 hours worth of work for portrait session.

I just raised my prices slightly for this year, and they are now at $150-$200/hour for the session and then prints, cd’s and products are priced separately. Please understand that this is basically means, all things included, that I am not actually making much profit from an individual session.

Please remember that photographers have to support themselves, feed themselves, maybe support a family, and they have to pay taxes just like you do! The next time you think you’re being overcharged, you MIGHT be, but keep these things in mind. Most of the time, it’s pretty fair!

Top Five for the New Year!

Top Five Reasons to Hire Molly:

1. I am very personable-I can get along with anyone. I have met so many people with so many different personalities and I have yet to have a problem with any of them!

2. I truly enjoy what I am doing. On days that I don’t have a photo shoot, I get out my camera and practice. I would truly love doing photography every single day of my life!

3. I know what I’m doing. Because of schooling and lots of practice/experience, I can figure out what to do in most situations. Many photographers can’t say that, some just have high-tech equipment and go out and shoot on their camera’s default settings.

4. I love people! Babies, seniors and everyone in between!

5. I love being able to create memories for my clients in their special events. Photographers are usually hired for big moments in their client’s life and it is so amazing to capture the pure emotion they’re experiencing so they can hold onto it forever.