reBrand: Marketing and Photography

My pricing is transparent and straightforward. For both photography and videography services, I charge $150 per hour with a modest travel fee of $20 to cover transportation expenses. To secure your booking, I request a 20% deposit. This upfront payment secures the date and time specifically for you and your event. This pricing reflects not only the time spent during the event, but also the expertise and high-quality equipment used to capture and edit your memories. I am committed to delivering premium services that reflect the value of your investment. Please note that while I strive to accommodate a variety of budgets, the cost reflects the dedication, skills, and quality you'll receive.

When working with a new customer, I begin with a consultation session to understand their specific needs, preferences, and expectations for the event. This could be a phone call, email exchange, or even a face-to-face meeting. I find this step essential to ensure we are on the same page and to establish a comfortable rapport. After the consultation, I follow up with a detailed proposal outlining the services that will be provided, including an estimate of the costs based on our discussion. This will include the breakdown for the hours of coverage, travel fee, and the required 20% deposit to secure the booking. Upon agreement with the proposal, we move to the contract phase where all terms are stated explicitly to protect both parties. On the day of the event, I'll arrive early to scout the venue, set up, and prepare for the shooting. After the event, I'll work on editing and post-processing the images or footage. The turnaround time for delivering the final product will be discussed and agreed upon in advance. Throughout the entire process, I maintain open lines of communication to address any queries or concerns the client may have promptly. Customer satisfaction is my ultimate goal, and I'm committed to delivering high-quality photography and videography that meets, and hopefully exceeds, client expectations.

I hold a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University (MSU), where I cultivated a passion for visual storytelling. This passion led me to work on various PBS documentaries, an experience that provided me with a wealth of knowledge in framing, sequencing, and editing to create compelling narratives through images and videos. Currently, I work in communications and marketing at MSU. This role has allowed me to expand my skill set further, especially in the areas of strategic content planning and targeted audience engagement. I've also had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, enhancing my versatility in both photography and videography styles. Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving field of photography and videography. Hence, I regularly participate in workshops, webinars, and industry conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. My educational background and professional experience in journalism, documentary making, and marketing have equipped me with a unique blend of skills that enable me to capture moments with authenticity and creativity, while also understanding how to align these visuals with larger communication strategies.

My journey into the world of photography and videography began during my time at Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts and Sciences. As a journalism major, I was drawn towards the visual storytelling aspect of the field. I began experimenting with photography and videography for college assignments and immediately fell in love with the process. I enjoyed the creativity involved and the ability to capture and share unique perspectives and stories. One of my defining moments was when I had the opportunity to work on a PBS documentary. It was a transformative experience that confirmed my passion for visual storytelling. The entire process, from capturing footage to editing and finally seeing the story come together, was exhilarating. From there, my interest in photography and videography grew. I started seeking out more opportunities to hone my skills - shooting events around campus, working on various projects in my communications and marketing role at the university, and eventually taking on freelance work. My love for this work has only grown stronger over time. I am continually inspired by the stories I can tell and the moments I can capture. I look forward to bringing this passion to each new project and client I work with.

I've had the privilege of working with a wide array of clients throughout my career in photography and videography. On the more personal side, I've worked with families, capturing cherished moments like family gatherings, children's milestones, and anniversary celebrations. I've shot senior photos for high school graduates, documented beautiful moments at weddings, and captured the joy of engagements. In the professional realm, I've partnered with several marketing agencies, providing high-quality visual content to bolster their campaigns. I've collaborated with various brands, from start-ups to well-established companies, to produce visuals that encapsulate their brand stories. This broad range of experiences has equipped me with a diverse skill set and an adaptive approach, allowing me to tailor my services to each client's unique needs and preferences.

A recent project that I hold dear was a wedding I shot at the beautiful Marygrove Conservancy. The couple, Mary and Jason, were absolutely delightful, and their joy was palpable throughout the day. The venue's stunning natural landscape served as the perfect backdrop to capture their love story. I started with pre-ceremony shots at the Westin Hotel in Southfield, MI, where the couple and their bridal party were getting ready. The excitement in the air was infectious, and I loved capturing these intimate moments. Then, the ceremony and reception at the Marygrove Conservancy were nothing short of magical. I was able to capture beautiful candid moments, as well as the carefully planned details that made their wedding uniquely theirs. The project took a full day of shooting, but I also spent several weeks on post-production, meticulously editing and curating the photos to ensure that each image reflected the beauty of the day. This wedding was a reminder of why I love doing this work: having the opportunity to immortalize people's most joyous occasions is truly a privilege.

When looking to hire a provider in the photography and videography field, here's my advice: Identify your needs: Be clear about what you're seeking - wedding photography, event coverage, graduation shots, brand content etc. Different photographers have various areas of expertise. Examine the Portfolio: Always look at a provider's previous work. This will give you an idea of their style, skill, and how they could capture your vision. Budget Appropriately: Quality photography and videography are an investment. While pricing varies greatly, remember that higher rates often come with better equipment, more experience, and superior end results. Meet or Chat with Them: You should feel comfortable with your photographer or videographer, as they will be present at important moments. See if your personalities mesh well during an initial consultation or phone call. Ask About Post-Production: The work isn't over after the photos or videos are taken. Ask about the editing process and what the final deliverables will be. Communicate Your Vision: Be open and clear about your expectations. The more a provider understands your vision, the better they can deliver results that match it. Read Reviews or Get Referrals: If possible, try to read reviews or speak with past clients to get a sense of their experience working with the provider. Remember, the key is to find someone who matches your style, understands your vision, and can reliably capture it in their work.

Before engaging with professionals about their photography or videography project, customers should consider the following: Vision for the Project: What is the specific outcome you desire from the project? Do you want a documentary-style capture, or something more artistic? Budget: How much are you willing to invest in the project? Keep in mind that pricing for professionals can vary widely, so having a budget in mind can help narrow your choices. Timeline: When do you need the final deliverables? Is there a specific event date or a deadline you're working towards? Style: What is your preferred style for the images or video? Are there specific photographers or videographers whose work you admire? Deliverables: What specific deliverables do you expect? This can include digital files, prints, a wedding album, a highlight reel, etc. Usage: How and where will the photos or videos be used? Is it for personal keepsake, corporate branding, social media content, or publication in media outlets? Location and Logistics: Where will the shoot take place? Are there any specific challenges or requirements related to the location? Post-Production: What are your expectations in terms of editing? Do you want heavy post-processing, or a more natural look? Rights: Do you need full rights to the photos or video, or is shared usage acceptable? Backup Plan: What's the backup plan if the weather changes for an outdoor shoot, or if there are unexpected issues on the day of the shoot? Thinking through these questions beforehand will help you clearly communicate your needs and expectations, enabling the professional to provide you with the most accurate quote and service.