Here’s Why You Don’t Want a Cheap Photographer
Ok, I get it - we’re all on some sort of budget, yet we know we need to commemorate our family’s recent accomplishments or stepping stones. However, there have been a few things that have come to light in my many years about why a cheap photographer isn’t always the best option, no matter how much money it saves you…
Aside from the technical differences in these photos, there are other things to consider when trying to cut down the cost of professional photography:
1) Contracts and Deposits
Many times, a photographer who is actually an amateur is not insured against liability, does not have contracts in place to protect them and you (the client), and there’s no guarantee than any deposits will be there if they disappear…. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had parents frantically call me for a last-minute session because their photographer “ghosted” them or just fell off the face of the Earth.
2)Reprints, Digital Storage
True professionals will have your digital images backed up to the best of their ability for as long as possible after your session. Technology always fails at some point, things get lost or corrupted, and then where are you left? You should be confident that you can always go back to your photographer and request additional copies or prints in the future.
In addition, our images are calibrated to look as they should from our professional labs, so colors are correct and reprints will never look gray, have odd skin tones or other colors out of whack.
3)Your Comfort
Seasoned professionals are experts at making the client feel comfortable at all times, no matter their feelings about being on camera. We can help you place your arms, feet, tilt your head and even make the right expression to make sure your personality is what’s featured in your photos.
4)Customer Service
Lemme ask you a question: Would you rather go to the store that caters to a few customers a month, or hundreds? Which one do you think is going to have the time and resources to cater to your preferences and find exactly what you’re looking for? High-volume studios might be more budget-friendly, but you’ll end up with pictures that look like everyone else’s, and the experience will be nothing to write home about.
5)Reality of Cost
I hear of people thinking they can’t afford my services all the time, but when we get down to it, it’s really what’s prioritized in the budget. Fancy coffee a few times a week or one dinner out a week will pay for an annual session and print package with me. This is why sessions are booked in advance, so there’s plenty of time to budget for the actual print package chosen when it’s time.
6)Ability to Plan
There are far too many things going on in all of our lives to wait until the last minute for anything and make it happen like it should. Cheap photographers will have pop-up sessions that don’t bother to take personal style or final product into consideration, whereas professionals will be able to help you decide on wardrobe, hairstyles, locations and even props you might use to help you create the ultimate session for you to remember!
7)Quality of Prints & Product
A large percentage of my time is spent developing relationships with labs that are able to create heirloom-quality prints and products for my clients that will stand the test of time. In 20-40-more years, this investment will pay off! These aren’t your regular drugstore prints, folks. They are timeless and built to last, withstand wear & tear and even made to repel moisture!
Hope these helped…I’ll probably update as I think of other things here, but feel free to shoot me any questions!