Viewtopia Pictures

Serves Birmingham, AL

35244

Hired 13 times

1 employee

20 years in business

$400

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Credit card.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mon 6:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tues 6:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wed 6:00 am - 11:59 pm

Thurs 6:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fri 6:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sat 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Christine Prichard
Completed on 3/30/2021

Introduction

Hi there! My name is Christine Prichard and I create visually-compelling portraits, branding, and event photography for businesses of all sizes. Communication and collaboration throughout the process helps me create on-brand images about you, your your services, and products. Successful images increase trust in and growth of your brand. Feel short on visual ideas? No problem! Our initial consult will help prime the pump and get the creative juices flowing. Let's do this! Because of my training and experience as a photojournalist, I am particularly skilled at capturing authentic moments and emotions. Plus I love to have FUN with clients! For real estate shoots, I bring my expertise as a photographer, real estate agent and investor, so I know what helps sell a property and have a keen eye for showing properties in their best light. Quick turnaround too!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

The prices listed on Thumbtack are base or "starting at" prices. I build out my services and prices from these base prices and generally provide custom quotes once I get more details. Feel free to contact me with inquiries. Quoted prices do not include sales tax. Please ask about my discount for non profit organizations.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Many of my clients reach out through email, Thumbtack, or a phone call. I generally get an idea of the services they are looking for and then make sure that I'm available on a date that works for them. If so, and depending on the service, we generally connect for a phone call that lasts no more than 15 minutes and usually closer to 5 minutes. Again, depending on the scope of the project I might meet with the client in person to plan a shoot or visit a location to understand what lighting needs there may be. Once we agree on a shot list and other terms, I put the client and their date/time on my calendar and contact them a week in advance to finalize any details. If the shoot is on location, I generally show up around 30 minutes before the shoot. Then its showtime!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have an MA degree in photojournalism and worked full time as a photojournalist for 10 years before becoming a freelancer who serves businesses. Because of this training and experience, I am particularly skilled at capturing authentic moments and emotions. Additionally, I am constantly learning new techniques and following industry trends to keep my photography relevant for my business clients. The goal is to increase my clients' visibility and authenticity in order to help them grow their business. For real estate shoots, I bring my expertise as both a photographer and real estate investor, so I know how to present a property in its best light. Quick turnaround too!

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My first job as a photojournalist was at a small paper in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire. I loved covering downhill and back country skiing, hiking, and other outdoorsy stories in addition to traditional small-town news stories with camera in hand.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I've worked with many different types of clients ranging from international brands such as Mercedes Benz U.S. International to local restaurants such as Tre Luna, tech companies like GoDaddy, nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, real estate agents like Amanda Tartt, and a wide variety of sole proprietors.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I'm truly fond of everyone I work with, but many of my favorite involve working with small businesses. One recent memorable shoot was a branding session for a business that sells truck tires. The staff was hesitant at first to be photographed, but as the shoot went on they worked really hard just doing their jobs and we got some fantastic images showing real people doing what they do best. The bay doors on the garage created fantastic light and there was just enough grit--dirt on the shoes, stacks of tires with amazing treads, the American flag hanging in the reception area, that helped show what makes this business unique. By the end of the shoot the staff and manager and I were high fiving, laughing and having a great time. I'm not kidding when I say that shoot really made my day.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Make sure you are comfortable with who you are working with. If you don't click, it's going to be hard to relax and be yourself in front of the camera. Communication is key. If a photographer seems unwilling to hear your story and your ideas, run! Similarly, if they take their time responding to emails or seem hesitant to answer any questions you might have, that's a sign to look elsewhere.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Know yourself, your business and your brand. Know what you want to use your photographs for and communicate this with your photographer. For instance, if you plan to use type on your photographs, let your them know so they can shoot appropriately. Let your photographer know any layout needs (for instance, you need a a portrait to use as a hero image on your website) so they can create photos that will work for your needs. Finally share ideas that you have, even if they seem silly. Some of the best photo ideas come from my clients!