Here are some textures I have been playing around with!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
New stuff....
Here are some textures I have been playing around with!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Amazing Inverness
I used to live in Nobleton, Florida and absolutely LOVED it there! A city girl turned country for sure!! Nearby was Istachatta, Floral City and Inverness. All of which have an amazing outdoor studio for my photography {thank you, God, for that}!!
Recently, I was asked to do a shoot for an old friends teenage daughter. I took the short drive to Inverness and met them at Liberty Park. I had never been to that one before but it didnt take long for me to find all of the beauty and perfect picture spots!
Here are a few from my most recent shoot!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Erin Danielle Photography: Why does custom photography cost so much?!
Why does custom photography cost so much?!
The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and ability to control various factors during the image taking and making process. Photographers, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur all benefit from this ability to manipulate pixels. However, with flexibility comes a price. Digital 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 creating a work of photographic art.
We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen’s and pay a $1.99 for a print – as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. 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 x store?”
The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
The cost of TIME
Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a 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
In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours – dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.
The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
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 from $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 many of 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 to BANANAS:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” 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. In February 2007 leased photography retail space by 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 services 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 “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.
Article courtesy of Marianne Drenthe
We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen’s and pay a $1.99 for a print – as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. 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 x store?”
The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
The cost of TIME
Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a 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
In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours – dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.
The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
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 from $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 many of 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 to BANANAS:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” 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. In February 2007 leased photography retail space by 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 services 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 “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.
Article courtesy of Marianne Drenthe
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tenacious Tom
I was re~united with a Habitat for Humanity volunteer last night that helped build my house (among many other homes). This man is AMAZING! He is the one who has inspired me to volunteer and give back to my community.
He is in his 70's & his story seems unreal: Physically, he's not in the best shape. He has had 3 hip replacements, cancerous tumor removed from his face, in and out of the doctors office, the list goes on and yet he is still going strong. He still builds homes despite his conditions. He doesn't have to, but he does. He gives his time, his knowledge, his sweat, his hard work, and to me he gave a little more. He never talked bad about the cards he had been dealt, instead he praised God for his life and looked forward to his future. He is a family man with kids & grand kids. He is a giving back man with a heart that shows others that anything is possible. His attitude towards life and his faith are one in a million! His determination and love to help others is so inspiring and honest that it made me stop and question, "What's holding ME back from Giving Back"?
Tenacious Tom, you have given me a gift that I cant thank you enough for. God is using you in such an awesome way & I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you!
He is in his 70's & his story seems unreal: Physically, he's not in the best shape. He has had 3 hip replacements, cancerous tumor removed from his face, in and out of the doctors office, the list goes on and yet he is still going strong. He still builds homes despite his conditions. He doesn't have to, but he does. He gives his time, his knowledge, his sweat, his hard work, and to me he gave a little more. He never talked bad about the cards he had been dealt, instead he praised God for his life and looked forward to his future. He is a family man with kids & grand kids. He is a giving back man with a heart that shows others that anything is possible. His attitude towards life and his faith are one in a million! His determination and love to help others is so inspiring and honest that it made me stop and question, "What's holding ME back from Giving Back"?
Tenacious Tom, you have given me a gift that I cant thank you enough for. God is using you in such an awesome way & I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
{baby josh}
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
More Baby Bumps!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Free mini Blizzard and free 2011 mini cooper, coming right up!
So myself and two kids are on our way to the library on a breezy Monday afternoon. Stopped at a red light, just next to our local Dairy Queen, we see a big promotion going on. I don't think too much of it, they do cool promos quite a bit, but this time they had guys with megaphones shouting into the streets! They had nascar kinda jumpsuits on and there was a big monster truck~type DQ vehicle out front, and a cute little DQ Mini Cooper car parked near the front of the store. I roll my window down to see what the fuss is about & I hear the word FREE! (If you know me, you know I am all about a freebie!) "Come in for a Free Mini Blizzard..." they shouted! Um, okay. You don't have to tell me twice! We LOVE our DQ and our Mini~Blizzards, so it wasn't a hard choice!
We go inside, order our free blizzards and one of the promo guys in his nifty Dairy Queen decked out jumpsuit says, "Here's your free blizzards guys! But wait. That just doesn't seem good enough.....how about a tiara for our Dairy Queen Queen?!" (I was expecting to get crowned here but he was talking to my daughter...!) "But that just doesn't seem good enough", he continued, "How about a football for you, little guy?" He hands a football to my son. "That's good, but not good enough", he goes on, "How about a teddy bear to go with your free blizzards?" (He hands me this fluffy teddy bear that I couldn't believe I just got for FREE!!!) "But wait, how would you like to drive a mini cooper remote control car???" He hands my son a RC mini cooper & a DQ hat. "That's good, right? But not good enough. How about we give you (insert very loud voice here) A BRAND NEW MINI COOPER??!!!!" He hands me the keys, balloons fall from the ceiling, confetti shoots into my face, a camera crew comes out from behind the counter & kitchen and BOMBARDS US with a huge can of craziness! "YOU JUST WON A NEW CAR!!!" he shouts!
{ As this is happening, I am looking around and recognizing all of the camera equipment, boom mic, reflectors & lighting from my brothers production company and thinking maybe he is "punk'ing me....if you knew my big bro, you'd know he could (and would) totally pull this off! }
Long story short, cameras followed us outside, I got in the car with the kids & Chad (the actor in the DQ jumpsuit) and took my new car for a spin!
Cameras (with really nice lenses!!!) were shooting us left & right like paparazzi! We helped do a promo for the next giveaway & finished up with filming and I signed some paperwork for the car & the rest is history! I never did get my free mini blizzard though.....I handed it to someone when we got in the car and I never saw that person again!!! Not too worried though! This moment was extreme and surreal and had me floating on a cloud......such an exciting day!
We go inside, order our free blizzards and one of the promo guys in his nifty Dairy Queen decked out jumpsuit says, "Here's your free blizzards guys! But wait. That just doesn't seem good enough.....how about a tiara for our Dairy Queen Queen?!" (I was expecting to get crowned here but he was talking to my daughter...!) "But that just doesn't seem good enough", he continued, "How about a football for you, little guy?" He hands a football to my son. "That's good, but not good enough", he goes on, "How about a teddy bear to go with your free blizzards?" (He hands me this fluffy teddy bear that I couldn't believe I just got for FREE!!!) "But wait, how would you like to drive a mini cooper remote control car???" He hands my son a RC mini cooper & a DQ hat. "That's good, right? But not good enough. How about we give you (insert very loud voice here) A BRAND NEW MINI COOPER??!!!!" He hands me the keys, balloons fall from the ceiling, confetti shoots into my face, a camera crew comes out from behind the counter & kitchen and BOMBARDS US with a huge can of craziness! "YOU JUST WON A NEW CAR!!!" he shouts!
{ As this is happening, I am looking around and recognizing all of the camera equipment, boom mic, reflectors & lighting from my brothers production company and thinking maybe he is "punk'ing me....if you knew my big bro, you'd know he could (and would) totally pull this off! }
Long story short, cameras followed us outside, I got in the car with the kids & Chad (the actor in the DQ jumpsuit) and took my new car for a spin!
Cameras (with really nice lenses!!!) were shooting us left & right like paparazzi! We helped do a promo for the next giveaway & finished up with filming and I signed some paperwork for the car & the rest is history! I never did get my free mini blizzard though.....I handed it to someone when we got in the car and I never saw that person again!!! Not too worried though! This moment was extreme and surreal and had me floating on a cloud......such an exciting day!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Regaining Control
I have finally found a happy balance between my homeschooling & my love of photography! I am so thankful to have some new friends in my life that I can learn from and relate to and I couldn't be more excited to get out there and start taking more pictures!
Here are a few shots from a long overdue maternity shoot with my sister~in~laws boss (& one of my new friends!), Eyda! She is going to be having a bouncing baby boy, Josh, in March! I am so looking forward to capturing her new little love along with his older brother soon!
Here are a few shots from a long overdue maternity shoot with my sister~in~laws boss (& one of my new friends!), Eyda! She is going to be having a bouncing baby boy, Josh, in March! I am so looking forward to capturing her new little love along with his older brother soon!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Confessions of a homeschooling mom!
So, this is our 3rd day "back to school"! I gave my two kids a very long Thanksgiving/Christmas break last year and boy am I paying for it now!! Monday was insane, yesterday was horrible and today was actually chaotically organized. I pray for patience and guidance each day and each day gets a little better for all of us!
I really want to get out there and play around with my new lenses! A 50mm 1.8 has been calling my name for portraits & my 70-300mm is in the bag & ready for some sports shots!! But first things first.....must be a teacher before I can become a photographer. I have a few friends (& family) who are accomplishing both right now and I so wish they could tell me their secrets!!! Is there a secret cape you don during the day? Something extra you add to your coffee in the morning?? !
Well, enough for now I suppose.....Until next time!
CP
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