CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY YOU SAY? WHAT IS IT, REALLY? | HICKORY, NC AND BLOWING ROCK, NC PHOTOGRAPHER

What IS custom photography! This is a question I get asked a lot. There seems to be a lack of understanding by the general public about what makes a custom photographer. Specifically:

• how they develop themselves and their art form
• how they study their craft and operate in the industry
• what exactly does go on behind the scenes
• what goes on in their businesses
• what sets custom photography apart from chain studios
• why is there such a wide spread gap in pricing by photographers
• Prints vs. Digitals

These ramblings are from my experiences over the past two years. During that time I’ve immersed myself into this industry and art. This is what I’ve observed, why I operate the way I DO and to explain my drive behind it all! So, here it goes …

Photography is first and foremost about art and light. It is translating your vision to the capture inside the camera, while using light to shape the look. Not a technical description I know, just my take on how it works for me. This art is not technically void though, not at all, in fact.

Bottom line: photography is HARD. Yes, I said it!!! It took me quite some time to shoot  manual quickly on my camera with proper focus and exposure. Once that was mastered, it was time to look beyond. Time to study composure, creative composition, different metering modes and when to use them, flash, using a reflector, natural light, various editing software, style development, posing subjects, eliciting emotions and natural interaction and more. There’s always more. It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant! And that, THAT is what makes a custom photographer!

We are continuously learning, growing, exploring our craft and our options. We are also business people. Weighing decisions. Marketing, budgeting, paying taxes, deciding on business supplies and packaging and what new expensive gear is needed most. Learning software, sifting through upgrades and developing a work flow. Exploring pricing models, deciding if we should specialize, building and perfecting our websites and our brand, blogging our recent photos and social networking. Finding a style, a niche, and figuring out how to make it happen! Staying updated through seminars, literature, classes, forums, workshops, etc. The list goes on and on and on!

As custom photographers we are devoted to attracting clients who value our work so that we can fulfill their desires to preserve their memories! And also so we can fulfill our desires to create the art and photographs we envision. We take it seriously. Darn seriously. I absolutely say a prayer on my way to EVERY SINGLE SESSION that I use my talent to the best of my abilities and am able to capture the souls I am photographing in the manner in which they deserve. Shew, that’s a lot of pressure!

Despite the pressure, it’s fun. As soon as the first shutter is fired, I’m in what I know from my Recreation Management degree (hey it was good for something) as “flow.” Flow is a mental state of operation in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity. It’s when skill level meets difficulty in perfect union so that enjoyment and the activity at hand all align.

Once the client’s session is over we upload images and edit them for perfect skin tones, fix imperfections and mold them into our individual workflow and vision. The goal is always to have a happy client who is giddy to see their moments preserved in a natural manner. We help with ordering, some in person and some online. It is common for many of my clients to decide on the disc of images. While this is understandable and I know is done out of the idea of preservation, I wonder what all actually gets printed. And ultimately if  not properly backed up those discs will be like holding a floppy in your hand in not that many years. Touching and receiving a professionally printed product that will be hung on walls or displayed in an album is really the ultimate point of your custom photography experience!

All business models operate differently and at various levels. I currently mostly sell digital files but I have print options available. It is VERY likely that may change in the near future to packages with prints and digitals. As a custom photographer, I WANT to see that you have your needs met. That your walls are graced with your images or that your coffee table holds a nice album. I WANT to be truly a full service to you and help you through what you need. I WANT to set myself apart and uphold industry standards. I WANT this to be a great experience and investment into your memories!

My friends, all of the above is what I believe TRULY makes a custom photographer. That’s what makes it worth it to hire the one that fits your vision and your style. That is what is priceless about your images!

Speaking of images, let’s look at some! This is just one more thing that makes true custom photography AWESOME! Look at these mock ups of how your images could be displayed on your walls. Yes, I can help with this. That’s what it’s all about! Seeing the art that your custom photographer worked hard to create with your input on the walls to touch and experience through more than a computer screen. Tangible eye candy for your everyday life of the people you love most!