Lisa Pflaum Photography

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

2008-09-04T18:05:00.004-04:00

A friend just sent me this article about custom photography. This article says it way better than I ever could. I work hard to make sure you love our precious portraits. I want you to treasure these heirlooms forever. Here is the article written by Marianne Drenthe. Thank you, Marianne!

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
one hour travel time TO session
15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
one hour travel time FROM session
30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
1 hour sorting through and checking order
30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography

The importance of a photograph

2008-09-02T12:44:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I made a trip up to Michigan to see family. The whole weekend felt different to me than the other trips I've made over the years. Mark and I drove around Trenton where my mom grew up and where my grandparents lived. We drove past my grandma's house - about three times lol. I kept asking him to drive past again and he patiently obliged. We drove downtown where my grandmother used to walk and do errands and where my dad used to take us kids to the magazine store. The store is gone and is now a daycare, but you can see right where the store used to be. We drove over the big bridge that always told us kids we were nearly to grandma's house. It was all such a comforting and somewhat sad feeling.

I spent a lovely day with my aunt - something we rarely get to do since we both have children. She showed me a slideshow she made for my great aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. I was determined to be strong and not cry. I knew it would exhaust me if I showed too much emotion. Then this photo came across my computer screen. I cried. I held it in. A little, but it just really got to me. This one little image means the world to me. My grandfather adored me and this photo really shows me that. I love how I'm looking up at him and he is probably telling me something about his garden. This was the summer of 1973...I was nearly four. He died the following April. I have a few memories of him, but I have many precious photos of us together. He didn't smile in many photographs, but he sure smiled at ME in the ones of us together.

So, I just wanted to share my "moment" with you.

That spark in her eyes!

2008-08-27T15:33:00.002-04:00

Miss A definitely has the little spark...she is totally ornery, but cute as can be! She and her sisters are all over my business cards as I've been photographing them forever! I keep telling their mom she needs to have more since they make such pretty babies. ;-)

Meet Miss J!

2008-08-26T14:56:00.002-04:00

Isn't she a cutie?!! She kept posing for me and it was sooo funny watching her "model." J's eyes are so bright and blue I swear I could go swimming in them....so dreamy!

Baby B again...

2008-08-25T15:17:00.005-04:00

Isn't she adorable?! I have photographed her before and just LOVE when she comes here with her sisters. The first one especially makes my heart just melt.

2 of my favorite little girls

2008-08-24T22:45:00.003-04:00

I should say THREE of my favorite girls since MY girl is in there too lol. These are from a session awhile ago and I realized I haven't shown the images yet. We went outside for a quick little session in their adorable green costumes! Madison took the time to read them a story too. So sweet!

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-23T15:01:00.004-04:00

To ME! Yes, today is my birthday and I woke up to a yummy breakfast prepared by my girls. They made me pancakes and cut up some strawberries and gave me a little cup of soy milk to wash it down. They also made me a special birthday crown and cleaned up after! In the bag was a frame I wanted and some of my favorite snacks - I love that they pay attention! They also gave me a gift card for a book I've been wanting to buy.

Shelby even got out her camera so I could post some of the pics on my blog. A girl after my own heart!

First Day of School!!

2008-08-21T19:10:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of school for my kids! I think they all had mixed feelings about going back. Clay started high school! Am I really old enough to have a child in high school?? (Yeah, I am lol) It was so strange for me to open the door and just let him walk out to the bus stop. I've driven him to school for the past 3 years and drove him to the bus stop in elementary school. It just felt so weird to let him go out into the world alone like that.

Shelby entered 7th grade so that wasn't anything different since 6th grade is middle school here. I know all of her teachers since Clay had them in 7th. I reassured them that she won't give them the pains Clay did LOL!

Madison is in 4th grade now! Wow, I can't believe after this year she will have just one more year of elementary school. Her teacher seems super nice and I've heard good things about her.

Here are some quick snaps to remember the day. It took some coaxing to get Clay to stand there for 15 seconds, but he humored me.

Sisters

2008-08-21T16:47:00.007-04:00

I have been photographing this family for a long time and I just love when they come in to see me! Each girl is so stunning and my camera loves them, as you can see! You might recognize them from past blog posts or from my business cards - I use them all over the place lol.

IKEA Trip!

2008-08-21T11:32:00.002-04:00

We visited IKEA last month in MI and I have come to realize that I have an addiction to shopping bags and glass jars. Is this weird? I think it's rather fun lol.

Mark had never been to IKEA before and I think he has seen the light...he now knows what he has been missing all these years. OK, maybe not, but it was still fun!

Yeah, I had to take photos of him walking into the store and some of my new purchases. I want to fill the jars with some colorful stuff, but I'm not sure. I'd love some suggestions!

Lauren

2008-08-20T13:27:00.003-04:00

Lauren came to me from Connecticut for her senior pictures last week. I was thrilled when her mom called me about doing the portraits for her and even more thrilled when I showed up to find this gorgeous girl and the property her grandparents live on! Lauren really has a unique look and *I* think she could be a Ralph Lauren model...mom told me to stop saying that LOL.

Sweet new baby

2008-08-17T17:31:00.004-04:00

One of my dearest friends just became a great aunt...wow, that is hard to believe! She is a young great aunt, though. :-) Kim came up from SC to visit her new niece so my girls and I made the short trip out to visit with everyone. I think baby P was about 7 days old here. Isn't she precious?! She was a perfect angel the whole time we were there.

My Shelby is in one of these images having a cuddle.

We had a baby....

2008-08-15T13:14:00.007-04:00

come visit us recently. I adore baby C as if she were my own. I was there when she was born and have just loved watching her grow. Her mom, http://www.orencrew.blogspot.com/, and I have been friends for about 13 years! When C first arrived to visit us she was very sad and missed her mom. She would only go to Shelby and of course she totally ate that up! C reminds me of Shelby at that age...dark hair, olive skin, a total mama's girl and very petite. I love it! You can see she was just fine after a little bit of time with us. We get to spend the day with her and big brother, G, next week on my birthday!

Meet Tyler

2008-08-13T22:22:00.004-04:00

Tyler is a 6 year old boy who was diagnosed with a Brainstem Ganglioglioma at the age of 3. He has completed one 52 week protocol of chemotherapy.

This is the sweetest family you could ever meet. No little boy should ever, ever have to endure something like Tyler is...and no parent should ever have to watch their little boy fight such a horrific disease. Brain cancer has hit my life more than once so I am quite familiar with the symptoms and the heartache.

The first image is my favorite. I love how mom is leaning into her son and how dad has his arm wrapped tightly around Tyler's body and he is leaning in so relaxed. There is so much in Tyler's eyes and so much hope, pain and love in mom and dad's.

Please visit Tyler's page the first chance you get: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerhibinger

I know the family loves reading the guestbook so go ahead and sign it for them to read! Tyler loves the messages and I know big brother, Nate, does too. I'm sure he could use a little attention from old and new friends.

Cool Meez

2008-08-13T15:54:00.002-04:00

It seems everyone has a meez lately so I needed one to be cool! Aren't they fun?! I always shoot in a sun dress and stilettos haha. And, yes, that is me in Italy...Mark. ;-)

The Divine Miss M!

2008-08-10T21:11:00.002-04:00

Little M is so adorable!! Just look at those cute cheeks - I love 'em! She has been coming here since she was a baby and I was amazed at how big she had gotten since her last visit.

I love three year olds! When they aren't mine. haha. I can't wait for you to see the rest of M's images, Kristie!

My Girls

2008-08-09T21:21:00.006-04:00

I have been blessed with the sweetest, prettiest little girls. Well, Shelby isn't so little anymore, but I am trying to keep her that way for as long as I can!

It's fun to break out the camera and just shoot for ME and for the fun of it. They don't always it, but bribery usually works. Now I just need to think of a really good bribe to get Clay in here!

My baby brother got married

2008-08-07T12:11:00.009-04:00

My little brother just got married to the love of his life. David with his 2 boys and Tiffany with her 2 girls make up one adorable family now.

Will's First Birthday!

2008-07-30T11:57:00.007-04:00

We went to Michigan this past weekend to celebrate my cousin's son's first birthday. It is always great to see my family up there because we have such a blast together. Here are some of the shots I took from the party.

Cleveland Indians field!

2008-07-29T21:51:00.011-04:00

Mark's son was chosen to play an allstar game down at Progressive Field where the Cleveland Indians play! It really was a cool experience to watch and probably more exciting for Erick!

I'm not a sports shooter at all, but it was fun to get some shots of him playing.

Lots of visitors!!

2008-07-28T18:48:00.004-04:00

I've received so many blog hits which is really exciting for me. It is fun each day to see which states and countries are visiting my blog and website. I have almost every state, but still need AL, OR, VT, WY, RI, ID, MS, AR, SD, DE, LA, MT and ND. If you know anyone in those states, send them over!

A year ago I had a cover on this magazine: http://www.compleatmother.com/ so I've received view from all over the world! I just "have" to list the countries because it's so cool to me. :-)

Pakistan, Poland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Italy, Austria, Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Spain, Iran, Indonesia, Latvia, Russia, Mexico, Iraq, New Zealand, Ukraine, Lithuania, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Netherlands, Thailand, Malaysia, Greece, Korea, China, Norway, Singapore, Qatar, Afghanistan, Morocco, Turkey, Belgium, Bulgaria and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

How cool is that?!! It would be awesome if all these people left me comments. :-)

Sweet baby boy

2008-07-24T18:32:00.002-04:00

Here is another sweet baby boy. Look how gorgeous mom looks! When you talk to baby M's parents they make you feel they've known you your whole life! They are just really great people to be around. I hope you love these!

Sweet family

2008-07-21T11:10:00.002-04:00

I could have sat and talked with this family all day! The little girls are just the sweetest and the parents are so personable and just great to be around. Look at daddy with his girls! You can tell he is so proud.

Baby B

2008-07-17T16:19:00.003-04:00

This little guy is so adorable! My girls wanted to keep him and I think he was loving the attention from them. He has the cutest name too, but I tend to keep those to myself lol. I hope you like these, Jen!

Comments make me happy!

2008-07-17T00:11:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer. It is really hot here right now and I do not enjoy extreme heat....or extreme cold for for that matter haha.

So, I can see that I have many visitors to my blog and website...many are repeat stalkers, I mean visitors. I would LOVE to see some comments so I can see who is actually stopping by. That would make me SO happy! :-)

Check back soon - I have tons of stuff to post. Some new, some old.

Comment me!