What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing for my photography work is indicative of the quality and care I put into the images and experience that I create for the people with whom I work. If someone is interested in working with me, but budget considerations may be an issue, I am willing to have a discussion about creating a package that balances an individual's, couple's, or family's photographic needs, with a fee that is appropriate for my time, effort, and the quality of work and customer service that I provide.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My processes are dependent on the type of project. For example, preparing for wedding day photography would involve much more planning and correspondence with a couple, then a family portrait session. However, my overall approach and process with a new customer usually involves gathering information about his or her photography needs, to ensure that we are a good fit. Assuming we are, I then make any necessary recommendations based on my experiences (e.g. best time of day for photography, event scheduling and timeline to optimize time allocated to photography, as well as location and wardrobe suggestions). Prior to the event or session, I make sure we are on the same page in regards to scheduling and what to expect for the day. After the event or session, I let the client know next steps for viewing proofs, making final selections, and delivery of photography products.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a self-taught photographer and creative professional. However, my background includes doctoral training in Human Development and Family studies, as well as past professional experiences that focused us on working with children and families. As a result, I bring a very unique perspective to observing people and human interactions, and capturing special moments between people with my camera.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Photography really started as a hobby for me. I always enjoyed taking pictures, and have been told that I had a good "eye" for it. However, I never had a good camera. I'm lucky enough to have one of those older brothers who loves to upgrade his technology, and hand down his "older" stuff. He gave me his first dSLR after one of these upgrades. In my previous professional life, I used my child development PhD to run preschool education programs, which focus on helping at-risk preschoolers become ready for kindergarten. Through this work, I began capturing the many moments that occurred between the adults and young children working together. The parents, teachers, and students who were involved with my programs really responded to the stories that were being told through the photographs. Soon, I had people asking if I could take family photos, senior photos, event photos.
What types of customers have you worked with?
The majority of my photography focuses on children and families, but my work has been really varied -- weddings, dedication events for University of Wisconsin-Madison Housing, a couple glamour photo shoots, rock band, even a dress rehearsal for a small theater group. I would define my style as playful and dynamic, candid, photojournalistic storytelling. Because of this, I can really adapt to any type of setting.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently photographed the wedding of a really good friend in Green Bay, WI in early January. Luckily, the wedding day occurred on the "warmest" day of the weekend (i.e. mid-20s). The "after wedding" photos involved roaming around Green Bay looking for interesting places outdoors. My crew and I - well let's just say we "powered through" the day. Actually, we had A LOT of fun shooting that day. AND I wasn't the one who had to walk around outside (often through snow) in a wedding dress.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When looking through any photographer's portfolio, pay attention to your own reactions to his or her images. Do you just see a nice picture, or do you experience something more dynamic? If you find yourself reacting to a picture, rather than just looking at it, then that photographer's approach to capturing images likely is a good fit for your own vision of what you'd like from a professional photographer.
