Boudoir
Children 
Family
Seniors
Posted on March 25, 2010
I have to be honest guys…..I really don’t have anything to blog about recently so I’ll fill you in on what’s been going on. *edit – That sounds horrible…I mean it as in “I dont have any new ideas to blog about. I have another session to blog but as in specific photography related materials”*
Pricing is still being worked on. New sessions will be:
Maternity – Standard session of $125.00, lasting from 1 to 1.5 hours.
Belly to Baby Program – $225.00. Includes a mini Maternity session, then bring your newborn in for a full length session within 2 weeks of their birth (newborn sessions are valued at $275!)
Baby’s First Year Program – $475 – Includes four hour long sessions of your child beginning from newborn, 3 months, 6 months, and one year. Each session will have some goodies for free!
Mommy & Me – $65 Mini Sessions will go live for Mothers Day starting one month before the holiday (April 10th) and will end on the holiday (May 10th). Mini Sessions will come with one 8×10 and two 5×7′s.
Daddy & Me – $65 Mini Sessions will go live for Fathers Day starting one month before the holiday (May 21st) and will end on the holiday (June 21st). Mini Sessions will come with one 8×10 and two 5×7′s.
Mini sessions will last 30 to 45 minutes.
Oh…and the Senior Sessions will be repriced as well…hmm..that’s all I can think of for now. On a side note my due date is November 25th…good ol Thanksgiving!!
Don’t forgot to check the boudoir tab for a new sneak peak!
Posted on March 23, 2010
I’m really trying to not neglect the blog!
I’ll explain a few things about the retainer (50% of session fee plus tax is due at the time of booking to retain your date). I have a feeling some of you may be wondering how to do that upfront. Actually it’s quite simple – Paypal
Say we’re talking about sessions and you and I decide on a date and time…you’re booked right? No….not until 50% of the session fee is paid which retains your date. So, all I need is a valid email address, I’ll send an invoice for the amount due through pay pal, and viola! Once it’s paid you’re booked. If it’s not paid within 48 hours your date is not secured. I will send an email reminder, but otherwise if someone else books the day, time and paid, then they are booked. If I’m still waiting on payment, then you’re not booked. If something happens and you are unable to make the date, then call within 48 hours of the session to reschedule, otherwise the retainer is non-refundable. Ugh…sorry, but I’m turning other clients away when your date is booked but then can’t make it.
Reasoning behind this is not because I’m trying to be bitter. There have been times in the past where appointments have been made and people have forgotten, or it’s no longer as important as it was a couple of weeks ago without telling me what’s going on. I book these times specifically for the customer who wants that time. I’ve tried to avoid retainers however I am turning other business down for that time/day because, as on my schedule, it’s taken. That’s not right to those customers being turned away and to leave me hanging too.
Reminder !!! Sundays starting April 4th are walk-in days from 11a-7p. The session is due in full (plus tax) at that time to try to something new. Custom photography generally is not associated with walk-ins…when is the last time someone has done this besides a local chain? I feel like I’m rambling….so I’ll leave it here..have a good night guys and I’ll try to keep the blog more updated. This first trimester is wiping me out!
Posted on March 17, 2010
For those who aren’t on my Facebook I would like to share the excitement. Things have been quiet around here for a little while and it’s for a very good reason! Another Heim may be entering the mix in 9 months. Lately I haven’t been feeling the best and thought I was getting the flu. After calling in to work sick and sleeping most of the day I noticed my “flu” symptoms weren’t getting worse, in face I was more tired than anything else. So, thanks to the wonderful hubbs he grabbed a pregnancy test and viola! The answer presented itself.
After the dreaded three minutes (as I was playing with my hair like always) I turned around to find a positive! My first thought was “Where’s the not?” I went to the hubbs shaking and crying. This is certainly the best belated birthday gift ever. We have been hoping for this for a long time now and I just can’t get over it. The first visit to the doctor will be Tuesday so I will keep you all informed!
Posted on March 15, 2010
Models will be needed this Spring for a local photography group in and around Sioux City in exchange for copies on a CD.
Potential location ideas are roller rinks, a ballroom, train area, etc. Details are still being figured out but this is a great way to earn some prints!
Models can be seniors, individuals, couples, and even couples willing to dress as a bride and groom! Comment below if you are interested!
Posted on March 14, 2010
I’ve learned in the last several weeks custom photography has a lack of….convenience. Customers have to make an appointment, then wait for the day to have their images. Here is my idea..
Walk-Ins accepted on Sundays from 11am-7pm in Studio starting April 4th. Session fees are full price, as they will be full sessions. 10% discount on print orders if done within 5 days of your gallery going live. Call, Text, or Email before heading over!
Posted on March 10, 2010
Introducing the Standout. The Standout is a wonderful option. Your print is mounted on the standout, ready to hang as soon as it arrives. It’s called the standout because it “stands” out from the wall 3/4 of an inch. I’m in love. Prices begin at $45 for an 8×10.
Posted on March 9, 2010
After being in business for a little over 6 months now I’ve learned the a la cart system does not fit as well as I hoped. In turn, I am restructuring my prices to make things less confusing.
Here’s the reasoning behind this.
My sessions before had three tiers based on the amount of time…well….quite honestly I’ve realized it’s too complicated. I’ve wanted to avoid print collections as I thought they were limiting but now I’m learning after speaking with people, it really isn’t.
Bad news first – The session free was raised.
Reasoning behind this is because the amount of time it takes for sessions always go over the base of 1 hour. The session fee has been raised to $125.00 and can be expected to last between 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Good news – A little bit of everything has been included in print collections! Prices range from $95 to $450. By structuring the collections with this much versatility almost everyone can get what they need. Reason behind this is because of the time spent editing and printing costs.
The a la carte purchasing will stay in the event you need some extra portraits.
To be honest everyone, if I continue the prices through the year at a lower rate, I won’t be able to stay in business. Failure is not going to be an option!
I will continue to work on pricing for other session types. I am thinking of ideas for sessions such as Mommy & Me, Daddy & Me, Baby’s First Year, and countless others for later in the year. Also, mini session’s will continue through the year so keep an eye on things!
Posted on March 7, 2010
Today was pretty chilly because of the clouds/mist. It was disappointing as Misty, Clay, Kyle and I had a session planned for a little while now. We tried outside shots but because of the wind and mist it was just not happening….after socks and shoes changes we came back to my place to shoot in studio. It was fun. Clay livens up in front of the camera.
After a standing shot (pictured below) I directed Clay to turn his shoulder away from the light towards the left. He, after being used to being in front of the camera by now, was looking in to the camera lens. The lens reflects the scene so Clay had an idea of what the shot was going to look like. Suddenly he said:
“I’m a stud”
I look at him for a second….he looks back to his mom and dad, “I’m a stud aren’t I?”
Misty looks at me, “What do you think Ashley?”
“I’m too old to answer that.”
I think after today I will begin a wall of quotes!!!
Posted on March 6, 2010
Kyle and Misty did the honors of showing me new places in Sioux City for shoots. This was a lot of fun. I have to admit, there were a few places I was lost in but hey..as long as Kyle knew where we were going it was fine. I had a few ideas to liven up the city but I probably won’t do them. (BYOS – Bring your own suitcase!) Anyway.
We toured the area for about 3 hours last night. In between spots we were able to do a mini session as well. Be on the look out for more images of Clay (aka Hat Model) tomorrow night.
Posted on March 3, 2010
Soapbox moment!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js7RzcdDcMs
I came across a video tonight hitting the photographer forums like wildfire. Normally I do not share what is across the boards however I feel this is too important not to share. This points out so many important key points relating to photographers and clients, even in general. This video is a case between a client suing her wedding photographer for unsatisfactory performance on the Judge Joe Brown show. I applaud Judge Joe and his rulings. The video is 11 minutes long.
In case you’d rather not view it the case goes as the client speaks of meeting her photographer at a bridal show. They later book their wedding and everything goes as planned. Then it turns sour. The client met the photographer in a Walmart parking lot to picks up her proofs…Walmart proofs. Not only did this photographer charge the plantif $1300 for wedding photography, she doesn’t give her client quality images, or quality products. This is just where it starts. Judge Joe Brown surprises the viewers by questioning the photographer with common questions and concerns…what camera, what lens are you using…of all things the photographer answers she admits she doesn’t know her lens speed. Hmmm….Even Judge Brown knows his lighting. After giving the photographer his piece of mind he awards the client not only the full amount, but almost double the amount she was seeking. It’s a great watch. I recommend everyone take a few minutes to view this.
This ties in to this months goal in a way. It’s important for the client to be prepared to ask the right questions to their photographer and request to see portfolios. Unfortunately yes, as photographers will only show our best work, however, is it consistent? If the images improve over time, even after years of experience that’s a positive thing. As a client it’s important to know what you’re looking for in your photographer. Not only what you would like for your session, prints or products, but also a photographer who understands lighting, lenses, speeds, techniques, etc..The list goes on.
Unfortunately clients every day are stripped of monies believing they are receiving a great product to later find out it’s not what they expected at all. As a photographer we do all start somewhere, and I appreciate those who have helped me gain the experience and knowledge needed. This is why I always ask “Are you happy with your images.” If you’re not, let’s make sure they are. Of course there is always a risk of getting sued, but let’s (as in photographers) do the right thing!
Soapbox put away. Have a great night.