We’ve had the chance to work with this adorable family several times now and we seem to fall in love with them more and more every time! Sometimes, family sessions go off with perfect smiles in almost every frame, but sometimes, if you’re really lucky, real life happens and you find yourself lost in the silly faces and goofy grins that really tell the story of each child. I love those real moments, in fact, I live for them…
xoxo,
lk
Every session is a new chance for artists like myself to flex those creative muscles in our minds, hearts, and souls. Typically, when I shoot, I tend to know right away as an image is created in camera, the direction I will then take it in photoshop. It’s an exciting process, let me tell you! After a session, I take all the images back to my computer and carefully pick and choose the finest images that the session had to offer, and then I begin the post processing, also known as photoshop work.
Sometimes, I think photography and post processing is much like cooking. Let’s say we’re making lasagna. All of the ingredients are carefully measured, with just a teaspoon of this, and a tablespoon of that. The right amount of cheese, not too much so as to make it a cheesy disaster, but enough to be delicious. The right measure of sauce, enough to add flavor, not so much that it would be soupy. With the right recipe, all of the ingredients come together and before you know it, you created a master piece of which you are beyond proud. Now, let’s say you set that lasagna in front of your family at the dinner table, their eyes big with excitement, their mouths watering, just waiting to dig those forks in. Everything is going smoothly, until someone, some master of destruction, whips out the pepper and the tabasco sauce and defaces that meal that you poured your heart and soul into! The NERVE, The OUTRAGE, The DISREGARD (this is where we put our fists in the air and shake them like an old man) for *YOUR* art, your creation, your delicious, tasty, perfect lasagna. You sit down and sigh, what’s done is done.
Your custom created images are the same as that amazing lasagna. With all the right ingredients, it’s turned into a work of art. A art piece that was given just the right pinch of this and sprinkle of that. Your photograhper creates each image as they would like it to be seen, and then they present it to you, the client. Your artist has a style, brand, and vibe to their imagery and it is how they present themselves to the world and what you probably loved that made you become their client. That being said, after you purchase your digital files from your artist, what exactly are you allowed to do? Are you allowed to add to the recipe to flavor it to your desire? Well, the answer is simple, no.
Yesterday, I had a lovely new client ask if I could crop a few images to an 8×10 format for her from the digital files that came with her session. I so much appreciated her asking because most people are very unclear, even with a release in their hands, as to what they are allowed to do. Before I go further, I will tell you, the one thing that I DO allow, and I don’t know who else does or does not so this only applies to the clients of LKMP, is crop. You absolutely may crop your images, or if you rather, I can do that for you. By cropping, in my opinion, you are not changing my recipe; you are simply adjusting it to meet the size need of your frame. Editing, however, is something altogether different.
With your print release, you are given the rights to print the images that you have, but legally, that is all, unless your print release states otherwise. LKMP clients are allowed to use their images for print related products and web use (e-mail, personal blogs, social media, etc.). What is NOT limited to LKMP, but includes all photographers, is What is NOT limited to LKMP, but includes all photographers, is the fact that the person who creates the image in camera (the photographer) is also the only person who legally owns the image (known as the copyright holder/owner) and is, in turn, the only person who can alter the image, i.e., retouch/edit it. A print release gives you no more permission to alter an image than you have to go into an art gallery and spray paint a historic painting. Sounds crazy, right? It’s true. When you pay $xx to purchase individual digital files, what you are paying for is the right to reprint them, you are not purchasing the copyright of the image. Now, some photographers DO sell a co-copyright, if your photographer has given you a written letter of co-copyright ownership, or full copyright ownership, then you would need to be clear with the artist on exactly what that means.
The purpose of this post isn’t to sound as if I believe that my editing style is the best, or only way to go, but it IS my style, a style which I am hired for and a style that I intend to keep. When you alter an image that I have put time and effort in, you are (of Couse, without intention) sending a message to others (you know, the ones who ask you where you got those awesome portraits) that THIS is what I can and will do for them, when it is not. Mostly, where I’ve come across altered images, has been the Facebook. I want to say, for the record, that the images I am going to post are EXAMPLES THAT I HAVE PERSONALLY CREATED, not images that any client has done, but they are the kind of things I see, not the exact images.
Example One, Scary Contrast and Selective Color:
This "Bad Edits" image was created by ME, just for an example of the style I tend to see.
Notice with this image how yellow and dark the skin is, and how sloppy the selective color region is. I’m sad to say, this is probably the most popular alteration I see done to my creations. Of couse, Black & White Conversions are pretty popular too.
When creating a B&W image, there is not one click application that will work on every image to maximize the detail. B&W images are created much in the same way that color images are created, with a special recipe. When you go to the drug store and use their machine to change your color image to Black and White, you will NOT get the best possible coversion of the image. Here is a sample of a custom BW vs. a Drug Store BW:
This image was NOT created by a client. It was created by ME for the purpose of an example.
So after reading all of this, what is the moral of the story, you ask? The moral is simple, you may not legally alter any photograph unless you are the person who created it in your camera. You may not add text, color fx, or anything else UNLESS you have written permission to do so. If you have written permission to add text to your photos, that means exactly what it says, not any other atleration. I am writing this post on behalf of myself and countless other photographers who create art from the heART only to see them changed into something that does not flow with their brand. This post is not about one client or one specific incident as I’ve seen it done several times, but it is to inform clients of thier rights.
Should you decide that you would like an image altered, contact the artist, I’m sure they would be happy to fulfill your request so that it can be done in a way that stays cohesive with their brand.
Happy Thursday,
Lindsay
Anyone who knows me, or knows my work, can tell you that I am huge fan of retouching to get rid of all the little “flaws” that bother my clients. I so often hear such nice feedback about the final images that I produce, that sometimes I feel like I get caught up in the illusion of it all.
Today I had the pleasure of shooting a beautiful, 50 year old woman. Her bright eyes were accomponied by the little tiny lines that come with years of child-rearing and wisdom, and her smile was encolosed with lines of laughter. Each of the “flaws” I saw held some kind of memory in them. Each line told a story of a day gone by and a time that brought her great joy or much sorrow. Today I realized that the things we so often call flaws are much bigger than that, they are stories, memories, moments, and battle scars. As I looked at her face, I thought about what each line must represent; were the lines in her forehead from the stress of having three teenagers and a newborn all under the same roof? Was each line a representation of the fear and hope she held for each of said children? The crows feet, were they formed when she lost her daughter and even more indented when she lost her son? The laugh lines, were they from all the years of laughing with my father? Were they created with each accomplishment that I have made, or my sister or brothers have made?
I began thinking of all of the things that have shaped my mother into the woman she is and I started to feel ashamed for photoshopping all of the memories from her face. Each line, each “flaw” each wrinkle and scar are from the moments that have made us who we are. Each laugh is remembered at the corners of our mouths, each line growing from the corners of our eyes is a symbol of something that has made us smile, cry, or contourt our beautiful faces. What I saw today on my beautiful mother was 50 years of expierence, 50 years of laughter, and 50 years of life, to that I raise my glass.
After much thought, I realized that the photos I’ve now retouched of my mom are perfectly beautiful, with or without the “flaws.” I will continue to retouch the “flaws” away as requested, but from now forward, I will also remember why I love what I do, I will remember that documentation though photograph is a beautiful thing, especially when you do it with honesty. That said, I love retouching, and I love the way my clients feel about themselves when they receive thier picture perfect images, but make no mistake, I will alway find more beauty in your truth than I will in all the photoshop in the world, I love you just the way you are…. xoxo
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I don’t know that I’ve ever actually posted on this blog about anything other than business, but I just HAVE to share this. I am so sad at they way that people not only JUDGE today, but think that there is nothing wrong with passing on that judgment publically. I found this article via a friend on FB and could not resist the temptation to share MY thoughts with this writer.
Friends, remember, at the end of the day, *I* believe that YOU are beautiful. No matter who you are, what you look like, or what choices you make for yourself, there is beauty within your soul and I hope you embrace it.
xoxo~
lk
Find the article HERE, or simply read below.
“I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.
Ladies, I know you’re at least at the legal age of making your own decisions, but before you decide to get a tattoo, allow me to let you in on a little secret. A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.
Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.
But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well. So what’s more attractive than a girl with a nice body? I’ll tell you what: a girl with class. Looks may not last, but class does. And so do tattoos.
An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.
But marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary.
I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.
Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably. If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.
But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.
Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.
God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.
Email: lisa.khoury@ubspectrum.com
And my reply…
Dear Lisa,
I applaud the confidence and wisdom it must have taken to write your article on tattoos and today’s woman. Your points are clear, concise, and heard. As women, the beauty of the world DOES live within us, but it is not in a $30 manicure, $60 stilettos, or the way we turn a man’s head, although, being a college student, and presumably in your young twenties, I can see where you may think that based on the media and general consensus of your generation.
You see, Lisa, the TRUE beauty of a woman, the beauty that GOD bestowed upon us is only 1% physical. The beauty, class, and elegance that you speak of go far greater than dressing your beauty/body in trendy clothes and going to the shopping mall with girlfriends. True beauty is not vain, it is self-less, true beauty is buying a neighbor an extra bag of groceries when they’re going through hard times, instead of having that set of nails done for yourself. True beauty is volunteering for a non-profit that is close to your heart knowing that the only payment you’ll have in return is the help and relief that you will bring to someone else’s life. True beauty is loving people for who they are and accepting them for who they are not without judgment. True beauty is smiling at someone who is “different” than you instead of mocking or criticizing. True beauty is knowing that who YOU are is BEAUTIFUL and understanding that beauty is rooted in everyone, and each person has a RIGHT to display their beauty how they choose without being ridiculed.
Elegance? Let me define that for you as well, elegance is walking into a room and turning heads, not because you have the most beautiful face or finest clothes, but because you are a true joy to those around you and others see genuine qualities in you that are kind and gracious.
Last but not least, we have the taboo topic of Class, and this one is what really gets me… Class is not defined by what kind of car you drive, how big your home is, where you went to school, how fluffy your hair is, how sparkly your diamond is, where you shop, how much money is in your wallet, or really anything other than how you carry yourself. A “classy” woman is thoughtful of others, giving and loyal, always displays manners, and above all, does not judge the beauty of the world around her, but embraces it.
As you step further into adulthood, may you be blessed with true wisdom and an abundance of confidence, but may you also recognize when you’re judging others who you assume are trying to be “cutting edge” and “cool”, that at the end of the day YOU are simply trying to prove YOUR point and judgment just isn’t classy, posh, cool, or trendy, it’s just wrong.
One last thing, as I read your article, I couldn’t help but notice your photo. I am going to guess that you have some slight curl to your hair by the way your hair is flipping in the bottom of the photo. Did you use a flat iron or round brush and blow dryer to specifically alter your hair the day that photo was taken? Is that not altering the beauty that God blessed you with? Was your temple not supposed to have hair with a little extra wave? Did GOD make a mistake in creating your temple or is it only ok for to alter your temple how you see fit but I’m not “classy” if I alter mine? Shame on both of us I suppose for thinking we know better than our maker…
I am Lindsay King, a woman, a Christian, a mother, a wife, a community activist and volunteer, a business owner, a friend, a shoulder to lean on.
I have tattoos.
A letter to my clients,
This letter serves as a purpose to review 2011 and tell you about the upcoming changes in 2012, thank you for taking the time to read this as what I’m about to say is so very dear to my heart…
A few weeks ago I decided to put together a slide show of some of the highlights of 2011. With the Holidays upon us and everything else going on in life in general, I put the project on hold. When I finally sat down and started to gather images, I was overcome with unexpected emotions. I began to weep as I reviewed so many folders of the year behind us. The tears flowed for so many more reasons than I can even begin to explain but I’m going to do my very best.
As few of you know, in January of 2011, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She didn’t start at stage one and progress, it was stage 4 from the get go. My heart broke as I watched her undergo treatments, surgeries, and physical and emotional torment. I stood by and felt helpless and I’m ashamed to admit it, especially as a Christian, but even hopeless at rare times as well. The thought of loosing someone you care about is torture and coupled with my own father’s rare disease, sometimes I just didn’t know how I would make it through the day without loosing it completely.
Going through the folders on my hard drive was like a light-bulb moment as they say, something so very profound occurred to me;
It was the moments with the amazing families and couples that let me into their lives that more than likely helped to keep the balance, sanity, and hope in my everyday routine. It was the kindness and gratitude that meet me at each session, wedding, and event. It was the joy that I experienced seeing beautiful young women take a hopeful walk down the aisle. It was dancing at your receptions, having dinner alongside your families, being welcomed into your homes, that pulled me through. It was being force-fed sandwiches and snacks by Grandma’s on wedding days, it was the great joy of watching two families unite as one. It was running through the Botanical Gardens, chasing your children and blowing bubbles, it was watching Amy act like a monkey to get your children to give us that million dollar smile, the real one, not the fake one. It was the hug you gave me when you received your prints to show your gratitude, it was the friendly smile and warm hello at our first meeting, my friends, it was so many things that helped keep me together, and for this I am eternally grateful.
2011 was a year of ups and downs, but somehow, I made it though. It really made me realize that I only have ONE chance to get this life right and I really started to think about what exactly I want to do with this business and where I want it to go. I am inspired to make changes that will bring joy to my soul as opposed to money to my household. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a business after all, but going into business seven years ago was a way for me to do what I wanted to do and not be ruled by anyone or anything, especially not a dollar. We will cover these changes in a minute, but first a few more things… Last year was by far, the busiest year I’ve had yet in this business and for that I am so very, very, very indebted to each one of you who made the choice to spend the money you work so very hard for with me. I understand that these days photographers are a dime a dozen, and almost always, you can find someone “cheaper,” but I thank you, thank you, thank you for finding a value and quality in the work that I produce and continuing to come back time after time. I value the work I do and pledge to always put the same amount of integrity into every event and relationship that I always have. Again, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your unwavering and continued support.
I am beginning this year on a positive note. Kay, (my m-i-l) is working hard to kick the cancer’s ass, pardon my French, but I am in awe of her spirit and fight. I believe that she WILL overcome this and one day we will joyfully close this chapter of hardship that has been placed upon her. With all this being said, I have decided to make important changes in my business, changes that will no doubt make for a more refreshed, more energized me. As we went through the last year, I, subconsciously, completely lost myself in my work. I found myself working may weeks, May-November, at a rate of 90-96 hours, and that simply must change. When you too much to one area, you must take away from another, and shamefully, I believe that the time taken away has been from my husband and children. It wasn’t the amount of sessions or events that were booked that was the issue, it was the urgency that I felt to get everything retouched and turned back around to my clients. This year, I am sticking to all deadlines, meaning that if your session images are due back to you in two weeks, but you’ve cut it really close to a deadline and need them back in two days, there will absolutely be a retouch rush fee applied in order to get your images back in the two-day frame in which you need them. I understand how exciting it is to get your images back, or to see a preview on Facebook, but it will be done according to the standard time line that I’ll be enforcing with every session and event. This applies to new clients, current clients, and friends and family. Sticking to my policy will ensure more time reading stories to my children and couch cuddling with my husband, thank you for understanding that at the end of the day, I am a wife and mother before all else.
Friends and family, oh, how I thank you for your constant support and pats on the back. You’ve stood by me from the start and your support is a treasured gift. Some of you have said before that you don’t like coming to me because you’re afraid that I will not charge you the “right” amount. Be assured, that whether you’re my sister or my friend, or someone I’ve known since childhood, you will be treated with the same respect, admiration, and appreciation that is given to a new client whom I’ve never met. I will put the same amount of planning, time, and love into your session, and for that reason, I will continue to assess the same fees to you that I do my “clients.” The thing is this, after each session, I feel like I’ve made new friends, and if I’m continuing to charge my new friends the “regular” prices, then it is only fair to them, you, and myself, for me to charge you the same. While I think that most of you will be happy with this, I know that there will be several of you who choose to go elsewhere for your portrait needs, and while that makes me sad that I know some will choose price over value, it is truly ok and there are no hard feelings, really.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2012 is bringing me much happiness and hopefulness. The things you expect out of your sessions and events will remain mostly the same, but there will be some changes that Amy & I both believe will be beneficial to not only ourselves, but to you as well. One big announcement that I am so excited to make (and a little sad at the same time), is that Amy will be taking over ALL newborn portrait sessions. As I shot my first live birth this year, I realized that what I love so much about family photography and wedding photography is that moment in between the pose, the candid laugh, the stolen kiss, the moment that is unpredicted. It has been an ABSOLUTE blessing to be welcomed into your homes, year after year, to snuggle, feed, and photograph you new baby. The images I find myself most drawn to though, are the moments in between the poses and props, the moments of feeding, changing, and snuggling you little one are the exact moments my heart skips a beat. I’ve come to realize that newborn posing and standard portraiture are not where my heart is, it is in the moments of real, candid, openness that I best found in the delivery room. I will, from here forward, when it comes to new arrivals, only be shooting Birth Stories (at the hospital), as it is where I feel most inspired. Amy, on the other hand, will be shooting all newborn standard portrait sessions, in addition to Birth Stories as well. Amy’s experience with newborn photography started well before she began working with me, and the patience, love, and creativity she finds with each special baby is inspiring.
In 2012, I will be mainly focusing on Weddings, Seniors/Models, and Boudoir. I will be taking limited family sessions so if you would like to book your family session with me, please get it in my book as soon as possible. As many of you know, Amy and I tend to shoot families together, and while we love the results that team shooting tends to bring, we will no longer be able to promise that we will both be at each session. We have never charged an additional fee for this service but because we turned away almost as many families as we shot in 2011 due to a lack of available days because we team shot so often, we will now only be doing team shooting by request and there will be an additional fee applied to your session. 2012 will be Amy’s debut year, so to speak. Amy will be shooting solo family, children, and newborn sessions. When you book your session, you may request Amy or myself, or team shooting, but due to my limited availability with family sessions, I may not always be available. You will be notified when booking your session who your photographer will be and will also be given a list of alternate dates should you decided to specifically be shot by one of us. In seven years of business ownership, I have had four assistants, none of which ever were given the opportunity to shoot solo under my name. Why Amy, why now? Amy has been shooting with me for just under two years. She has learned my “style” while developing her own as well. We tend to shoot very similarly while still maintaining a sense of uniqueness. Each image that is created under the LKMP umbrella will undergo the same processing, retoching, and look that you are accustomed to. I have full confidence in Amy that she will bring to the table the same quality and creativity that you have come to expect.
Ok, dear reader/client/friend/supporter, there will more to come, but for now this is all. Thank you again, so much for helping me, supporting me, and helping me navigate through 2011, I look forward to all of the memories that 2012 will bring….
xoxo,
lindsay
Let me start off by saying that this won’t be the normal happy-go-lucky blog post. As a matter of fact, there is no doubt in my mind that I’m going to offend a small handful of people who read this, there is also no doubt that those that are offended may very well be guilty.
I like to think of myself, personally and professionally, as a fair and generous person. More times than I can count I’ve given deals to clients who have waited until my schedule opened up, even if it meant 2 months. I do this because 1. I can, and 2. I want to, but most certainly not because I am obligated or feel obligated. I have also given away a fair share of free sessions, products, and even two weddings over the years, again, because I can and because in most cases, I wanted to. It is such a great feeling to know that I made someone feel special or perked up their day with a little freebie or bonus. Nine times out of ten, I get a big thank you back, which is not necessary at all but always appreciated. I appreciate those who appreciate me and my time that I am spending with them.
I have been very lenient regarding payments. My mistake. It just boils my blood that I would even have to write this, but due to situations that have occurred this year, I must. It has always been my standard practice that payment for your session is due on the day of your session. Not after. If we have made a special arrangement for you to pay after, it has also been my practice not to retouch your images until your payment has been made. Please, Please, Please do not contact me to tell me you “stuck the check in the mail” this morning and could I please “start retouching” your images because you’re excited to see them, when you actually did nothing of the sort. I will not be lied to or taken advantage of so please don’t give me the run around for months saying that you’re sending the overdue payment “today” when you are not. Now, I absolutely understand that mistakes happen and people forget their cash at home or whatever, that is totally fine, I’m human and I totally get it. What I am addressing here are those who have no problem wasting my time with back and forth e-mails for several months saying that they’ve sent me their payment time after time after time, when they really have not. From this point forward, if you have an outstanding balance with LKMP, you will not be able to book another session until you’ve paid the balance from your last one, if at all. And if we do decide to book a session for you, it will be with 100% payment upfront, no less than 1 week ahead of time. Thank you for understanding.
Before I go any further, I want to stress how thankful I am for those of you who have encouraged me to grow and develop as a photographer over the years, and to those of you who have popped in somewhere along the way. I have been very, very lucky to have amazing clients who I now call friends come to me for their photography needs. I am overwhelmed at the rate that my business has grown over the last few years alone and I look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve. I am grateful to those who go to my website, check out the prices, and know what they’ll be paying before contacting me, or contacting me and asking where they can find the prices for my service. That tells me that whether you a brand new client who found me in a web search, a referral, a returning client, or someone who knows me personally, that you understand I am running a business. I absolutely love what I do but that doesn’t mean I can afford to do it for free, nor will I.
Each time I see a new name appear in my inbox, be it Facebook or E-mail, I still get all kinds of excited! I open the messages and carefully read. Usually, I reply right away, anxious to get something set up, but sometimes, I get so frustrated that I cannot even reply until I’ve cooled down. Here is an example of the kind of e-mail/message that really gets my goat:
Hi Lindsay!
I am a friend of XXXXXXXXX. She told me that you’ve been doing her pictures for a long time and she really likes what you do so she told me to check you out. She also said that you’re really cheap because you always give her a special deal. Can you tell me what the deal is so that I can budget for my photo shoot? I’m really excited to hear back from you!
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXX
Here is what I would like to say, you know, in a dream world where there are no consequences to my actions…..:
Dear XXXXXXX,
Thank you for inquiring. Your friend, XXXXXXX, is actually my sister, she must have failed to mention that, weird with the two of you being so close and all. The deal that I offer her is special because, again, she is my sister. I also highly doubt she used the word “cheap” because she values my work and would never refer to it as such. If you’re looking for cheap, you may also be interested in it’s friends, tacky, low quality, and mediocre. I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction because I have the pleasure of selecting who I spend my time on, and sadly, it won’t be you.
Thank YOU,
Lindsay King
Am I snarky? Well yes, I guess my dream reply is a little snarky and rude, but no more rude than coming to a business and expecting to pay less than everyone else. Why is it that people think they are entitled? Really, I just don’t get it. Just because you’re a friend of a friend, or even a friend of mine does not entitle you to anything. Am I hitting a nerve yet? If so, keep reading…. The only people who are entitled to my time for free are my husband, children, and parents. I know, it seems like I’m going crazy over nothing, right? Here is a break down to show you how much a free or discounted session costs me:
Session Consultation & Planning 2-3 hours (this includes all communication and brainstorming) billed at a rate of $15 per hour.
Babysitter Time $15-$20
Travel Time and Gas Expenses $15-$20
Equipment Depreciation $10 per 1 hour session (roughly)
Retouching Billed at $15 per hour $60 (Includes basic retouching, not HER retouching which is skin correction, digital make-up, etc)
HER Retouching $30 per hour $120
Disc Packaging $5
Disc Delivery $2.50 if mailed $10- $15 if hand delivered, sometimes more
Now, what a client sees is the time shooting the photos and the two weeks they have to wait to get their images back. There is so much more that goes into it, not just time, but actual money.
When you book your session, please be clear on what you would like to book ahead of time. Indoor, Outdoor, or Both, only your two children, or your two children plus your sisters three. These factors will help me determine 1. How much your session fee will be, and 2. How much time your session will involve. When you show up at the time of your session and let me know that we will no longer be doing what we had planned but will now be going to a different location and, oh by the way you brought your 4 nephews, it kind of puts a kink in my planning and I may not be able to accommodate your needs. If you are the last session of the day, that doesn’t mean that I have unlimited time, I have a “clock out” time just like anyone else who has a job. Please do not come for your one hour session with 25 outfits and tell me that you need to be shot in AT LEAST 15 of them, well, not unless you’re willing to pay the overtime session rate of $35 per 15 minutes.
The time that I spend away from my children and husband needs to be justified. That being said, I’m not saying I’ll never do another free or discounted session again, but if and when I do one, it will be for someone who I feel like values and appreciates my time and would never press me or expect me to give them one. If I gave my friends and family freebies all the time, I would be out of business and divorced. Please respect my time and my craft.
On one last note, my business hours are typically the following, except on days where I have sessions. If you contact me, I will do my best to return a reply with in 24 business hours:
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:15am-3:30pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9:15am-6pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 9:15am-3:30pm
Saturday Sessions by appointment only, all communications sent over the weekend will be answered on Monday.
Thank you for reading this till the end. It is just time that I draw a line in the sand regarding my time. I am so appreciative to my clients who NEVER ask for or expect a deal, those are the ones I want to give the best deal to because I know they would hire me regardless of saving a few bucks or not.
Last week was a good week, but a very long week. It was one of those, on-the-go-no-time-to-stop-and-smell-the-roses-phone-ringing-off-the-hook-crazy-busy-weeks. Sometimes, by the end of a week like that, all I want to do is jump in my bed and hide under a blanket for a day or two, and by the end of those weeks, my brain and my creative spirit are just plain tired. Well, to my surprise, I had a sudden boost of inspiration as soon as I got out of my car and laid my eyes on Kasia & Jared. Have you ever just looked at someone and immediately felt more calm and relaxed? Weird, but that happens to me every now and then and last Friday was one of those days. I got out of my car and immediately felt welcomed by their sweet smiles and tender spirits. We went on our way and the entire session just flowed, they were amazing to shoot because they’re just amazing people who really love each other. While I was photographing, I kept thinking to myself that they must have been such a joy for their wedding photographer to photograph because they are always smiling and laughing and they are so crazy in love that they would be any photographers dream!!
Anyway, I had a wonderful time getting to know these two and I am wishing them all the blessings in the world when their new baby arrives <3
Hello lovely reader, thank you for joining me for another long over-due insight into my thought process on all things wedding. Now, I’ll tell you up front, what I really wanted to call this blog post was “What the Bride Wants You to Know so that You Don’t Ruin/Mock/Overshadow/ What is Supposed to be Her Most Amazing Day that She and her Parents Have Spent Thousands of Precious, Hard-Earned Dollars On,” but that just seemed to long… Anyway, I digress.
If you find yourself invited to a fall wedding (or any wedding for that matter,) try to remember these tips to ensure a wonderful experience that you will provide the Bride & Groom on their wedding day.
It Ain’t All About You, Sister. My mom always told me not to say “ain’t,” but sometimes it just seems like the right kind of country word to get my point across. Now, I know you’re super excited to wear that new dress and sparkly new pumps that make your legs look a mile long, but seriously, this isn’t your day and you’re not the center of attention so don’t try to be. This is a day that the bride (who has graciously invited you might I add) gets to shine, so being loud or dressing like a hootchie so that everyone knows you’re there is just tacky. I’ve heard it 50 times if I’ve heard it once from a bride, “Did you see my first cousin? She’s dressed like a total jezebel!” Seriously, you do NOT want to be THAT girl. Or, maybe you’re dressed fine but you’re dancing like a jezebel with every single groom’s men, that’s not cool either, not only do you look bad but you make the couple look bad by association. Think about it.
Drink in Moderation. Really, please do. Not only will the couple be happy that you weren’t sloppy drunk, but I personally will be happy. I’ve had a few too many run in’s with beer being spilled on me and/or my equipment, and let me tell you that if you spill beer on my camera before I’m able to back up the pictures of the Bride & Groom from their first dance then it won’t just be me you’ll be dealing with, it’ll be the bride too and I don’t think she’ll be too stoked. If the Bride & Groom are offering an open bar, please remember two things: Drink responsibly and TIP YOUR BAR TENDERS!
Don’t Wear White. I don’t care how good you look in that little white ensemble, DON’T DO IT! It’s just ruuuuude!
Respect The Invitation. When that little white envelope came in the mail addressed only you and your spouse then the Bride and Groom probably decided for a variety of reasons that they didn’t want the company of your children at their wedding, only you. Something I often hear is that there just isn’t enough seating for everyone the bride & groom want to invite. Often a B&G will have an adult only reception to give themselves more room for other friends they’d like to invite instead of having children. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that this is THEIR day and this is they are inviting (and paying for) who they really want to share it with. Bringing your children to an adults only reception also puts the bride & groom in an awkward position to have to explain to other guests why your children could come but theirs could not… So remember, before you get offended that your children were not invited (and this includes your adult children too), someone else may have been cut so that YOU could be invited, don’t be those people that RSVPs the invited two but then shows up with five…
Respect the Invitation: PART TWO, She’s just not that into you. I have the distinct pleasure to arrive with the B&G to the wedding reception. I take their photographs as they enter the hall to the cheering and screaming of their friends and family, and then I typically make my way over to the head table as they are situating themselves and finding their seats. During these quick moments, I’ve several times heard, “There’s so-in-so, I thought we didn’t invite him?!” Turns out that Mr. So-in-So heard about the wedding from another friend and decided to come along anyway. This my friend is called a wedding crasher, and unlike the movie, there is nothing funny about it. Sometimes the person is there at the encouraging of an invited guest who says, “You can just squeeze in at our table,” OR, and this is pretty common, “My wife isn’t coming so you can take her place.” Can I tell you that while most brides and grooms are going to smile and welcome you, secretly they are NOT happy about you being there?! This is not my opinion; this is my EXPIERENCE from behind the scenes talking! Sometimes a bride and groom don’t invite someone NOT because there isn’t enough room but simply because they don’t know them well enough, or, and no, I’m NOT making this up, they just don’t like the person! If you are the invited person to a wedding, don’t show up with someone who you know that the bride and groom know but didn’t invite, it’s awkward for the couple and just plain tacky. Now, if your invite said, Mr. You and Guest, then it’s ok to bring a guest, but please, avoid the awkwardness and respect exactly what the invitation says.
Be on Time! Picture this… Beautiful bride on the arm of her adoring father, walking down the aisle in a moment she has envisioned her entire life…. And there you are, in the background of her picture, walking in not only late, but right behind her. If you’re going to be late, let the bride get down the aisle before you come struttin’ in and ruining her moment.
If You RSVP, Show Up, If You Can’t, Let The Couple Know. True story. Things happen, and sometimes long after you’ve RSVP’d you realize you can’t make it. If this happens to you just call the Bride & Groom and let them know, most Brides & Grooms have a list of “backups” (Hey, I don’t make the rules, I just report them…) that they can invite last minute. Don’t not show, and don’t give your invitation to someone that wasn’t invited as the Bride & Groom hand selected you and may have someone in mind to take your place if you cannot make it.
Don’t Monopolize the Couple’s Time at The Reception. You’ve traveled a long way, brought a gift, and didn’t wear white, that deserves something, right?! Your reward will be being remembered by the couple as a wedding guest with wonderful wedding manners. Go ahead, take a few minutes to mingle with the newlyweds, tell her how gorgeous she looks and tell him what a lucky guy he is, but keep it simple. If the couple has 200 guests at the wedding and they spend just five minutes with each person that equals the average length of FOUR WEDDING RECEPTIONS! Oy! Remember that the couple needs to enjoy their reception as much as anyone else but most couples average no more than two dances together because they want to have face time with everyone who has been kind enough to give up their Saturday night to come celebrate!
Shake That Money Maker! Yeah, that’s right, I said it, when you hear Sir-Mix-A lot, get out on that floor and shake that booty baby! The bride and groom what to see their guests having a spectacular time so get out there and dance the night away! DJ’s average (in our area) around $700 per reception so don’t leave that dance floor empty, go make the DJ earn his money!
Photography isn’t cheap. Well, depending on the experience of the photographer it can be, but that is a different post altogether. Anyway, as the photographer I am there to document the day of the couple, including but not limited to the details, the families, the decorations and details. What I’m not there to do try to work around people who have a need to be in every photo. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE you party animals out there, you ALWAYS make for AWESOME pictures that I get to give back to the bride and groom, but keep it real man! Case in point: I was once shooting a couple during their first dance when out of no-where another couple who were guests, come waltzing up on the dance floor. Now, the B&G hardly even noticed, but I, the one with the camera totally noticed! There I was, trying to capture something I had been paid a lot of money to photograph and here’s this crazy couple dancing in my view! I re-positioned myself to get shots of just the b&g when again, out of nowhere, this couple is not only in my view but literally blocking my view of the couple all together! After moving one last time I realized that this couple was following me, trying to get their picture taken! The lady kept throwing her head back laughing with her husband as if she wanted me to capture a beautiful “candid” moment of the two of them. I just couldn’t believe that they would be so inconsiderate to not only dance during the couple’s first dance, but try to monopolize the camera time when it was clearly a special part of the day that I was hired to document! At almost every wedding I have someone following me around trying to get in as many pictures as possible and (maybe I’m crazy but) I have no problem with that at all! That person is there because they are special to the couple so I don’t mind a bit. What I do mind are guests who try to take my attention away from the happy couple when they’re having a special moment. Photography isn’t cheap and I only get one shot at it…
Father Said What?! Have you ever wondered why photographers rarely use flash during the ceremony? Aside from most of us preferring not to unless we absolutely have to, many churches ban it all together. If you’re planning on photographing the ceremony please respect the rules of the church, and for Pete’s sake, don’t step out in the isle for great “close up” for the bride when she’s walking down with her dad, that’s what she paid her photographer for and you may end up ruining her professional shots!
This Isn’t Your Party, When It Is, You Can Request All the I.C.P You Want!
Really people, Insane Clown Posse isn’t appropriate for most weddings so please don’t request the entire I.C.P catalog to the DJ. Not only that but typically speaking, the reception play list has been planned out for weeks so you’re requesting 40 of your favorite songs probably isn’t realistic.
Don’t Show Up Empty Handed. Really, I know, bad economy, you’re broke, you had to spend a million dollars in gas to get here, your new outfit cost you your whole paycheck, yada yada yada. Now, just because a B&G shells out $50 for you to eat at their reception doesn’t mean that you should skip paying your gas bill in the dead of winter in order to buy them a gift, but it does mean that at the very least you should bring a heartfelt card, even if it’s empty. A bride would much rather know that you took five minutes to think of her then to go through her cards and realize that you were too cheap to spend $3 to say “Congrats!” Just do it, don’t be “that guy.”
Last But Certainly Not Least: Don’t take the centerpieces unless they’re offered, and seriously, don’t ask for one. Many brides actually rent their centerpieces from halls or decorators, so when you take one off the table they end up having to pay for it. Other brides pre-plan who they will be giving the centerpieces to as parting gifts. Many brides that give them away select parents, grandparents, siblings, and bridal party attendants to receive the centerpieces as a “
thank you.” Just keep that in mind when you’re eyeing that amazing vase of peacock feathers and rhinestones that you just KNOW would look amazing in your boudoir!
Well folks, that’s it, all the things the bride wants you to know but is too polite to tell you. I hope you weren’t offended, but if you were just remember that these are words direct from the mouths of my brides over the years so take this as a lesson on how to be a fantastic guest!
Xoxo
Lindsay
Yesterday morning was like many others, I woke up, realized I was alive, and thanked Jesus for the breath in my chest and one more day with my family and friends. As I dressed and got ready for my day, I started to think about the word “sacrifice,” and how many of us use it so often but really haven’t the slightest clue what it really means.
Sacrafice:sac·ri·fice
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A quick blog post today to celebrate the wedding, but more importantly, the marriage, of Mr. & Mrs. Aaron (& Ashley) Swick. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, not that Amy or I expected anything less than perfection! From the gorgeous rose petals that lined the aisle runner to the amazing decorations at the reception, this wedding was one of the most beautiful events that Amy & I have ever had the chance to photograph. (Yes, I’m speaking for Amy too, I know she agrees 
)
The lovely bride and the handsome groom were full of excitement, anticipation, and A LOT of heart-felt emotion. I’m going to take this opportunity to give props to both A&A for the thoughtful gifts that were exchanged… Aaron seemed pleased with his and I know that Ashley was overjoyed with hers. The best part for me about Ashley opening her gift was that it really didn’t matter what was in the box, he already melted her heart with a love letter. I am pleased to say that this clearly is a couple who is not only in love for today, but for tomorrow, and forever. All the best to you both, it has been my joy to get to know you and share this time with you!
xo,
Lindsay
I love the "thumbs up"
