Do You Ever Wonder... {Matthews, NC | Newborn Photographer}

What exactly is Custom Photography and why does it cost more? Well, to be honest, before I became a Custom Photographer, I had the same questions. So, I found a couple articles to answer these two questions...

The Links:
What is Custom Photography?
Why does Custom Photography cost more?

And, in my own words:

What is Custom Photography?

Custom Photography, to me, is having a choice and a say in the end product of your photo session. Starting from choosing the style your photos will take, ending with what type of photographic products you are looking to purchase.

With Custom Photographers, you have your choice of traditional, timeless, classic photography to fun, fresh, modern photography and everything in between. Whatever your style, there is a Photographer that photographs in just the style you are looking for.

Custom Photographers also give you much more 1:1 attention throughout the entire process. Helping you find the perfect location. Making suggestions for clothing. Giving you advice on how to make the session go as smoothly as possible and helping you decide what type of products suit your needs.

And another huge plus, many custom photographers also offer many more products that chain studio photographers. From framed prints to completed albums, gallery wrapped canvas's to photographic greeting cards for all occasions.

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

After 2 months in 2009 of regular sessions, I finally realized why Custom Photography costs more. 3 words... TIME, COSTS, and EXPERTISE.

What I spend my time on for each session:

• Preparing for session.
• Travel to/from session.
• Actual time shooting.
• Uploading images.
• Backing up images.
• Sorting through images to pick only the best ones.
• Editing images (the biggie! I can spend up to 8 HOURS editing ONE session! I am what some would call a perfectionist!!)
• Uploading to gallery.
• Getting order ready for printing.
• Submitting order to printing lab.
• Sorting order once received and checking for errors.
• Packing order.
• Emails/phone conversations with clients before and after session.

For one session, I can easily spend 15-20 hours. This does not include the time I put into marketing my business, keeping up with my bookkeeping, blog, website, further educating myself and so on and so on.

The COSTS of running a photography business:

• Equipment
• Software
• Props
• Prints and products
• Marketing Materials
• External Hard Drives
• Computer
• Continuing Education
• Taxes, Licensing, Insurance
• Etc.

And of course, the final piece of the puzzle...

The EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE...
Did you know that many chain studio photographers have as little as 2 weeks of training?? As a custom photographer, I took 2 years of learning before I felt ready to offer my photography services and am always learning new ways to improve upon my skills and creativity!

Hopefully, this post will help shed some light on the questions and concerns of hiring a custom photographer to capture your precious memories! Please feel free to ask any other questions/concerns you may have!