Google Search: Calgary Photographer
Okay, so you're in the market for a photographer.
You start googling and find that there are a million-and-one options to choose from. This should be easy!
But... wait...
Oh man, there are so many different styles, and packages, and options. Why are they all so different?
What is a full-service photographer, and what does all-inclusive mean? Isn't that the same thing?
Decide How Much Work YOU Want To Do
There is a photographer for everyone, based on what your needs are and what you're looking for. One is not better than the other, what matters is what's best for YOU.
An all-inclusive photographer is typically a photographer who provides the session and a package all in one go. They are often (but, not always) high volume photographers, who take on several sessions to shoot, edit and deliver (usually in the form of digitals). What you pay is what was originally quoted to you in your contract; you rally the family, gets yourselves dressed on your own accord (maybe with the help of a Pinterest board), show up for your session, and wait for your download link to view and take home your images. You are then free to print your images wherever you'd like on your own schedule and print lab of choice (though keep in mind that true professional print labs are not open to the general public). But if that doesn't matter to you and you like the idea of a fun DIY project, then perfect!
A full-service photographer is usually a photographer who aims to tailor the kind of person who enjoys being pampered and values the idea of having the photographer handle the entire experience. This client likes to feel like their hand is being held through the process and won't have to worry about running to Walmart for a last-minute sweater, or standing in the Frame Aisle at Michaels wondering what size is going to look the best on their wall. The photographer enjoys a lower-volume, dedicated approach to families with a specific vision and goal (these types of clients might be considered a nuisance to the high-volume, all-inclusive photographer). This photographer usually introduces a 3-step process into the portrait experience, first with a consultation (to personally style and customize the session for you), the session itself, and some sort of gallery reveal and ordering appointment, where the photographer will help you select your favourite photos and how you'd like to have them printed. A full-service photographer typically has access to several high-end, professional printing labs and, in turn, has experience in designing and printing custom pieces for their clients.
It is important that I mention that one is not better than the other. They are simply two different kinds of photographers offering a different service and tailoring to different types of clients.
Consider Your Budget vs. Your Desired Level of Service
Photographers charge different rates; that's just the way it is. It is important that when shopping for a photographer that you pay attention to portfolios, level of service, reviews and the price point you're looking for.
Consider your level of fancy, and base your budget around that.
If you are shopping based purely on price point, your experience can go either way. Typically speaking, photographers who know they are good and have the experience and know-how under their belt are going to charge accordingly for it (and no, it won't be cheap). To add on top of that, the level of service a photographer provides can sometimes whisper those hints into your ear based on what end of the spectrum their price points seem to land.
Everyone knows somebody who's a photographer. It seems that almost anyone and their dog is a photographer. But that doesn't de-value the service that photography is; in fact, it increases the value to those photographers who actually do this as their full-time job and have made it their actual life's work to create beautiful imagery (and make it look easy).
However, back to my original point - if you are shopping based on price before even speaking with a photographer, you may be doing yourself a disservice. It's not impolite to ask, consider your options, and educate yourself on the array of different experiences, products and photography services that are available to you. If a photographer responds to you, and seems to be out of your budget or is offering / not offering a particular service you are looking for, it's completely okay to say "no thank you", and move on.
Consider How Important Your Session In Mind Is To You
It is not my place to tell a person what to value, or what not to. That's like trying to settle the age-old dispute of Coke vs. Pepsi.
However, I will gently encourage individuals who are looking for a photographer to consider 1) how important this session is to you, 2) what kind of session you are looking for, and 3) where you want those images to be in the long run.
While I generally try to refrain from ranking the importance of particular sessions, I will offer my opinion that wedding portraits and newborn portraits are probably the most precious and should be the most prioritized sessions a person will book in their lifetime. With this in mind, I urge families to consider the route in which to go for these particular sessions and think long and hard about the level of service and expertise they are willing to invest in for these lifelong memories. These are both once-shot opportunities that are very short-lived, and can not be recreated. What is it worth to you? What level of service would you like during those (often extremely busy) times in your life?
By the time you realize their worth, those photos will be worth much more to you.
Weigh Your Options
One photographer quoted you $300. The other quoted you $2500.
Woah, why the big difference?
Ask questions. Weigh your options.
What makes one different from the other? Which one is closer to the level of service, quality and experience you're looking for?
Photographers Are Passionate
The price point does not reflect the level of passion in a photographer. I can say this confidently because I have offered several different levels of service at drastically different price points in my photography career. And while my business has morphed and changed, my passion has always remained consistent and strong.
We, as photographers, all strive to create beautiful memories for our clients. We are all in different stages in experience, we are all different, we are all in different walks in our lives.
With this in mind, remember to be polite. If you've been quoted a price that is outside your budget, thank the photographer for their time (after all, they took time out of their day to chat with you and pitch their resume and service to you) and move on. There is no reason or need to negotiate prices or ask for discounts (because chances are, they likely have clients paying their current price, and they have to be fair) on top of a good reason for charging what it is they charge.
Remember, There's A Photographer For Everyone
And, there's a client for every photographer.
Consider the level of service you want, consider your budget, and consider the value and worth of your memories. Picking a photographer might just be the hardest part of your photography experience, but picking the right one will mean smooth sailing for you the rest of the way. :)
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