Budget Photography by Don Estes

Serves Lawrence, MA

35244

Hired 12 times

1 employee

33 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

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Hours

Sun 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mon Closed

Tues Closed

Wed 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Thurs 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Fri 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Sat 12:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Donald Estes
Completed on 12/4/2024

Introduction

Budget photography: I am semi-retired, but I need to keep working and creating to maintain my health. At the same time, I don't have to earn a living with photography. I work by the hour with a low per hourly rate and you will own the images. I don't charge by the number of prints, though I will help you craft an album if you want any assistance. We can work out a plan for your shoot that will fit every budget. Originally trained as a portrait photographer, I soon branched out into weddings and other events, creative portraiture, and commercial photography, often with a creative edge, which helped me pay my way through college and graduate school. While at MIT, I was privileged to study under Harold Edgerton, who invented electronic flash photography, and to be mentored in artistic photography by Minor White, one of the top 10 photographers of the 20th century. All in all, I've been in business over 50 years. When I started as a portrait photographer in a studio setting, I learned that I had a knack for engaging children in both formal and informal settings. Standout children's photos are rarely posed - you have to join with them in their activities and be ready when you sense that a photograph is going to happen. Portraits of teenagers and adults are a little different - I learned to help people relax and feel comfortable, but adults are also more likely to want creative portraits which can become very interesting. Every subject is an opportunity to create something new and unique just for them. This is what I love about this business - I get to meet really great people while we create art together.

Q&A

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

I work by the hour, $100/hour, door to door, with no additional fees except for additional work such as editing photos or constructing an album. I will adjust the planned photo shoot to fit your budget.

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

For small assignments, I start with a phone interview and planning session focused on what they want as a final product. For larger projects, I will request a face to face planning session. Post production work could involve a video call where very detailed editing or album construction is desired.

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

I went through formal portrait training before graduating from high school with one to one mentoring from the head of the commercial studio and 30 hours/week working in the studio. While in college, I took classes and worked one on one with Minor White, a noted 20th century artistic photographer, and with Harold Edgerton who invented the electronic flash.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Portrait photography was my high school job, 8-1pm at school and work from 2-6pm at various studio locations around my home town in Texas, plus all day Saturday. I acquired a bit of a reputation for my work, and when customers inquired about outside work, which the company did not do, they were referred to me. I learned to really love the wedding photography, which were many of the referrals.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I've worked with individuals and families who wanted specific types of portraits or event photography, commercial photography such as advertising, real estate and architectural photography, university graduation, as well as couples planning their wedding. I've had requests for creative portraits, one time a composite of many small photos but I spent an entire afternoon with the subject in various locations. I must have shot 200 photos to get the 10 that comprised the final image.

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

Focus on imagining the end product and planning how you would work together to create that result. Ensure that you have enough time to get what you want without hurry but also without wasting time. Particularly for portraits, think carefully about the quality of the light that will be used, and how comfortable you feel with the photographer as the interpersonal connection is critical to getting standout results.

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

For the best portraits of children, the environment and engagement with the photographer is critical. A playroom with their toys can work very well, but note that time may also be required. For young children, after nap and a snack is usually the best time. For individual or couple portraits, find some examples that show what attracts you back to the photo over and over again. If possible include a photo that you DON'T like and share the portfolio with the photographer. I can't over emphasize that your comfort working with the photographer can make a great difference in the result. For events, especially weddings, think through all the logistics. How many people in the wedding party, at the rehearsal dinner, attending the ceremony, and the reception/party afterwards. Will there be time in the schedule for photos at each part? The more people involved the more time will be required, and you don't want to be rushed. Are you planning a large group photo? These can be tricky depending on the facility and planning is important. Sometimes, especially during the social part of the event, you might want to consider setting up a photo booth where small groups can be posed separately. Candid photos in a dinner and especially a party can be very hit or miss, and the photo booth ensures we have good shots of everyone.