Pricing
Foreword
In the early days of photography, it was a combination of artistry, physics, and chemistry. In addition to having to compose the shot, a photography had to master the physics of light with the camera, calculate exposure while fighting the human body’s attempts to hide the natural light, maintain a set of chemicals to develop their film in complete darkness, maintain a second set of chemicals to develop prints, and performs another feat of physics to expose the print correctly in dim red light. The darkroom was where the master photographers separated themselves from the hobbyists. A selection of strange and unique tools allow them to magically hide flaws, correct exposures, and create sophisticated effects. Like any photographer, the unique woody smell of developer takes me straight back to the days of lightlocks and condenser lamps.
But those days have passed. Digital photography has lowered the barrier to beautiful pictures. Now the artistry of photography has been distilled down to a few seconds of pointing and shooting. Exposure can be corrected on the spot, and with a few test shots, anyone can start getting the photographs of their dreams. As a client, you no longer need me to scurry off the to darkroom, locate a negative, and conjure a print; you can take a JPG create a bound, printed book in minutes, and have it in your hands in a week.
However, this change in the times has also hurt a lot of photographers, who now see the value they can contribute diminished. While many have resisted adapting to the modern times, I have not.
How I Bill
I charge an hourly rate for my time on-site. Travel less than 50 miles to or from is considered “included” at no charge. Travel over 50 miles will be added on at a pre-disclosed rate. Included in this are any post-shoot adjustments (tweaking exposure, color temperature, contrast, etc.) Once I have made these adjustments, I will provide the photographs as full-resolution digital images with no trademark on the photograph in the format of your choice. From this point, I consider the pictures yours to use as you like. I do ask that you identify me as the photographer.
Any additional service after the fact, I will bill for my time performing the service, and provide material “at cost.” For instance, if you would like a composed DVD slideshow, I will charge for my time editing and composing the slideshow (typically less than an hour). If you would like prints of your photographs, I will only charge for the prints.
Packages
These are provided as guidelines for what I typically charge. I am not a corporate studio where I can’t do what isn’t already in the computer. Just tell me what you want, I’ll tell you what it costs. You should always feel like you can have what you want. In every package you have the choice of getting a disc of your images right away, or waiting two days for me to edit, and then send them to you. The times listed refer ONLY to the time I am holding a camera and shooting you. All set up, review, basic editing is included.
Quick Set - $80, 30 minutes
This would be typical for someone who just wants a head shot, or perhaps just do a set in the satin sheets. You’re in the area, and wanted to get some photos taken. All told, it usually takes about forty minutes, if you include reviewing the photos and burning the disc. You will typically get around 100 shots.
The Basic Hour - $140, 1 hour
My usual sort of shoot. This allows for two sets, with pickups. Certain highly specialized shots, like the time-frozen shower pictures, may be done at an extra charge. I normally provide at least 200 photos from an hour.
Shooter’s Favorite - $240, 2 hours
When someone calls me up and says, “Let’s do a shoot,” this is what I plan for. There will be three sets, with reviews after each, and some sample edits. I will shoot 300 photos or so from this. These are fun, relaxed shoots, where we can really make sure we get what we want, and give you some real value for your money. All shot types are included.
The Epic - $450, 4 hours+
If you are traveling a distance to see me, let’s plan on this. These happen by accident when I am just having a lot of fun, and I obviously do NOT watch the clock on these. We will trying and get everything that you are looking for. If you are spending this kind of time and money, you should not go away wishing we had gotten something more out of it. The goal with this package is to be as complete as possible, delivering every kind of photo you could want. 1,000 shots are completely normal with this kind of time.
