Sage Arts Studio - Photography

Serves , WI

35244

Hired 60 times

1 employee

29 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, PayPal, and Square cash app.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mon 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tues 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Wed 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thurs 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Fri 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sat 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Anthony Sell
Completed on 2/11/2018

Introduction

Note: With regards to the Coronavirus situation, I will be taking on In-Studio Photography work during the crisis, so long as the State allows us to remain open. I want you to know that I go to great lengths to sanitize my studio after each client's visit, and throughout the entire process it is very easy to maintain a safe distance during portrait or headshot sessions. I can even set up payment online, so we do not have to exchange cash or a card. - Anthony With a background in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design, Illustration, and Photography, not only do I see things differently, but I bring a unique set of skills to every project, including solutions that a normal photographer might not have thought of. As a business owner, I know how valuable it is to have marketable images to promote your business. I have a great deal of experience working with individuals and business owners to do get the perfect look. The look on peoples' faces when they see the final product of our time in studio means the world to me. *** Please Note: Lately Thumbtack has been referring customers for areas in which I do not specialize. Please keep in mind, I do not shoot weddings, engagements, newborns, or maternity photos. These are all wonderful areas of photography, but they are not my thing. What I do specialize in are headshot, portrait, sports and commercial photography. While I shoot senior photos, I do rarely work with younger kids. If you have questions, feel free to contact me directly.

Q&A

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

Please think carefully before choosing your photographer. Thumbtack is awash with amateurs who like to undercut professionals with greatly discounted rates. Just remember, there's nothing more expensive than having to have your photos retaken, or having to settle for mediocre work. I charge an average of $70/hour for most of the work I do. I do this because the level of insight, equipment, education, and experience that I bring to each shoot is worth that. You won't be disappointed. Depending on the nature of the job, I may offer a flat rate for the project rather than an hourly rate. I may also offer a discounted rate if the project is particularly interesting. * Be sure to ask about availability, while I am generally open 8am - 5pm daily, I do have some evenings available, particularly on the weekends.

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

After an initial discussion about the nature of their project (typically by phone or email), I will quote them an estimate for the cost of the job, and we will set a date to shoot. At that point, I give them some advice for the shoot, what to wear, and any other preparations that may be necessary, so they can come into the shoot ready to go. On the day of the shoot we will go over the plan for the session, and any last minute details before we begin. We'll move swiftly through our shot list and get the images we need and more for variety. After the session, I go through all of the images we shot, selecting the best of these to present in a preview gallery online. I forward this link to the client and we discuss their choice of photos. Once payment is taken care of, I will provide a thumbdrive, CD, or DVD with the photos, or a link from which they can be downloaded. To give you an idea of the turnaround, a typical Headshot session that requires 5-6 final photos, we'll end up shooting 100 or more, from which I will select the best 30-40 for the preview gallery. Depending on the amount of retouching necessary, the final images should be ready in a few days, or sooner if urgently needed.

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

My father introduced me to Photography as a teenager, I learned to shoot on a film camera that was older than I am (which I still have). Later, during my time at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, I received a more formal studio education including fundamentals of photography, film development, and lighting. Since then I have spent a extensive amount of time on continuing education to develop my understanding of digital photography, studio lighting, retouching, photo manipulation, and direction to get the most out of my clients. I have also had a great deal of learning on the job throughout a variety of types of photography (portraits, headshots, commercial, product, real estate, event, editorial, sports, landscape, etc.). Learning in this field is never ending. I currently have a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from MIAD. I am also a member of the Professional Photographers of America.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My father had an interest in photography, and to my great luck, had invested in some equipment while he was stationed in Japan during the Viet Nam War. This gave me a head start on this path.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Over the years I have been involved in a wide range of projects, including: Portraits and Headshots for professionals for social media. Commercial Photography for a variety of small businesses. Product Photography for Industrial and Commercial Sellers. Real Estate Photography for small and large businesses, real estate brokers, home owners, and out of state property owners. Corporate Event photography. Promotional Event photography for major brands. Promotional Event photography for Charity events. Sports Photography all over the Wisconsin-Illinois area. Automotive Photography. Past clients have included BMO Harris Bank, Holiday Inn Express, Renewal by Andersen, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Cherry Home Realty, Davians Food & Beverage, Wudeward Urban Forest Products, Materion, Meltric, Astral Tequila, Captain Morgan, Hampton Inn & Suites, Farris Lee Investments, SRS Realty, and many others. For a complete list of my past experience, visit the "Past Clientele" link in the About tab of my website.

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

The last big job I shot was a Product Shoot for Jefferson Electric, involving a dozen large electrical boxes for industrial use. The largest of these was bigger than a refrigerator and weighed over 200 lbs. This project required that I rent a studio with a loading dock, forklift and hire two assistants for the shoot. Because of the advanced planning and staging that I did, we were able to shoot the needed individual and grouped product shots in the space of 6 hours. It took me over a week to get things in place for the shoot in time for the arrival of the products which were shipped across country.

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

Be up front about what you want and what you can afford. Most professionals are flexible in their rates. Definitely have an idea. Once the project is complete, please make payment in a timely manner, and don't forget to leave some kind words in a review.

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

The most important thing that you can bring to our meeting is a solid idea of what you want. If you have samples of the type of look or lighting you are going for, this is also sometimes useful. Be sure to communicate how you intend to use the photos, as that may affect the shooting requirements. A wall-sized printed image, for example, will require certain considerations when shooting.