Looking for an affordable _________ (fill-in-the-blank)
You fill in the blank. Looking for an affordable plumber, electrician, landscaper, hair stylist....Or, looking for a photographer, accountant, lawyer that doesn't charge an arm and a leg. I see this a lot on social media pages and it got me thinking. What does it mean to be affordable? How much is "an arm and a leg?"
I think there are people who shop for quality and are willing to pay whatever that price is. On the flip side, I think there are people who only price shop and are willing to sacrifice quality for price. Maybe it comes down to what they value. If you value pampering, having your hair washed, cut & styled in a nice salon, you don't mind paying a bit more. If you value someone who has been in business for years and knows their craft, maybe you're willing to pay a bit more.
As a photographer, I set my prices so that I'm profitable and continue to be in business for years to come. I have equipment, insurance, licenses, taxes and lots of other expenses I have to pay for. Am I affordable? Yes! Am I cheap? No. But you get what you pay for. I love that my clients value printed products like wall prints and albums. They also get digital images to share online, but more importantly, they have heirloom pieces that will last a lifetime.
How to choose a senior portrait photographer
Choosing a senior portrait photographer can be a daunting task especially if this is your first time. These photos will capture a milestone moment in your child's life so it's important to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you choose the right photographer:
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Look at their website: Take a look at the photographer's previous work to get an idea of her style and to see if it aligns with your vision for your senior's portraits.
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Check reviews and recommendations: Look for reviews and recommendations from previous clients. You can also ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations.
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Consider their experience: Look for a photographer with experience in senior portrait photography. Make sure they understand how to use light and pose the senior. They will know how to make your son or daughter feel comfortable in front of the camera and bring out their best.
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Check their availability: Make sure the photographer is available on the date you want your son or daughter's portraits taken. In WI, senior portraits are typically taken the summer after their junior year. Summer is a busy time, with sports and vacations, so book your photographer as soon as possible to ensure availability. If your son or daughter is a fall athlete, be sure to schedule their session in June or July so it doesn't interfere with practice starting in August.
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Meet with the photographer: Schedule a consultation with the photographer to discuss your vision for senior portraits, ask any questions you may have, and get to know them. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for you. When you meet with the photographer, they can show you samples of prints and products and explain if they offer digital files as well. By considering these 5 things, you can find a senior portrait photographer that will capture the essence of who your senior is and create lasting memories, and heirloom prints, that you will cherish for years to come.
How can I help you?
Are you struggling when it comes to finding a senior portrait photographer for your son or daughter? If your oldest is now a senior, it can be daunting to know what to look for. What is the best month to book the session? What kind of clothes should they wear? Prints vs digitals? How do you decide????
I understand that feeling, since I had it with my oldest son! I can help guide you through all your questions, and all you have to do is give me a call! 920-475-5933
Am I YOUR photographer?
Am I the photographer for you? Senior portraits are a big milestone, and probably the last time you'll have pictures professionally taken until your wedding! It's a big deal. Do you value the same things as your photographer? It's important that your ideas mesh.
I value the power of prints. Our world is constantly changing, but some things are simply timeless — like the power of printed photos. Yes, print your stuff! In the age of cellphones and social media platforms like IG, Snapchat, TikTok, and FB where pictures last a few minutes to a few months, it's important to have prints that will last a lifetime. I have a photo of my great grandparents' wedding, a baby picture of my grandma, graduation picture of my mom, and many photo albums filled with pictures of my kids growing up. Teenagers take more photos than any other generation, but will have very few to show years from now. They're stored on your phone or in the cloud or on an external drive. All of those can fail, and probably will. Prints last more than a lifetime. You'll have pictures to show your grandchildren and your mom can slowly look through your album once you've gone off to college.
Are you one of those seniors who doesn't even want to think about having senior pictures done? I hear I'm not pretty or handsome enough, I need to lose a few pounds, my hair is horrible, I have acne, I'm not smart, or funny, or athletic or... or....or.... Let me tell you, you are perfect, as you! Once you get in front of my camera, your confidence and personality shines through. YOU ARE ENOUGH!
Am I the photographer for everyone? No, but if you value having me with you every step of the way; if you value heirloom prints, if you value having your personality & confidence shine through, then I AM the photographer for you! Let's schedule a consultation.
My Story
Many people don't know how I got started in photography. Let me just say, that everything truly happens for a reason. After my divorce, I found a full-time teaching job in a private school, but like many private schools, the enrollment started to drop and my job percentage was cut to 80%. I needed something to bring in more money, and a friend suggested I do something with my photography.
At the time, I was doing mostly landscape photography and some sports photography for my kids' teams. While in Door County, I got up the nerve to ask if a gallery I was in would be willing to carry my work. After seeing what I did, they were thrilled and I walked out with an exclusive contract!
Fast forward to sports season. I was taking pictures of the soccer team Austin was on and made a collage for one of the players who brought Austin to & from school and practice everyday. Soon, other parents were asking if I would design one for their athlete and I was in business! When I would take them to be printed the owner of the shop would always ask me if I was shooting seniors and I would explain that I wasn't a portrait photographer. Well, after getting tired of him asking all the time, I decided to take 3 girls out and do a session. Guess what???? I loved it!!!
So, my job getting cut was actually a blessing in disguise, because it allowed me to do something I was passionate about. I have met so many amazing families throughout the last 10 years and I love every one of the seniors I have the privilege of shooting.
I've photographed a few weddings, but they're just not my thing. I feel most at ease with seniors and sports photography. By doing that, I often have the families come to me for a family portrait before their son or daughter leaves for college.
Today, I work with many high school teams around the Fox Valley designing posters, banners and trading cards to promote their team. I also photograph around 25 seniors each summer/fall and some of their families. I have the best of both worlds. I get to teach physical education AND be a photographer!! I've also done quite a few business portraits, some newborn and maternity sessions, but my passion is my seniors.
I still have my landscape work at the George Burr Gallery, in Ephraim. Getting out into nature is my way to de-stress and relax. Mother Nature is amazing!!
Kathy
