Superfluous Introduction
I primarily enjoy taking photos for myself. There is a growing library of images that nobody will probably ever see, that’s just my nature. I’ve also taken photos for friends and for clients whose requests I’ve accepted. Although wedding photography is a huge business and I’m guessing, lucrative, it’s not something I generally enjoy. The situations vary but often include a fair amount of stress and rushing. As a courtesy to anyone making inquiries, I’ll share some information about the services I offer.
Types of Services
Portraits – I very much enjoy taking photos of people. Faces, expressions or my favorite, a complete lack of expression… so simple yet so complicated. A face is a roadmap of someone’s life. A million other poetic (not that I claim my words are poetic) descriptions could be used, but for some photographers the human face provides the biggest and most enjoyable challenge.
You’ll often see families wearing jeans and white shirts, barefoot, sitting poolside while their cheshire grins glow. I tend to avoid these scenarios as any family friend with a DSLR can do a good enough job. I prefer environmental portraits which give context to a situation, an insight – however slight – into the subjects life. Candid photos taken in a variety of situations which provide a challenge to myself and an opportunity for the subject to be comfortable. I also enjoy very stiff studio shots consisting of rigid subjects and enough lights to cook a turkey. You get the picture, if Olan Mills can do it… go to Olan Mills.
Families, couples (engaged, married or simply happy without a label), children and babies, pets, models, etc. – feel free to inquire, but only if you’re interested in losing the cookie cutter and being creative.
Weddings – Ah, this very scenario causes discomfort. The stress, the families, the guests and the rushing. The impatience of those feeling obligated to be a part of ‘the situation’ and those genuinely happy but oblivious to their surroundings. Lavish productions requiring an hour of formal family photos are not for me. If you plan to marry in a friend’s garden, at a local park or any similar location in a low-key, mellow environment, I may consider it. Please refer to Fees below on why there generally isn’t a simple reply to “how much?”
Landscape/Environments – I’ve never been asked to photograph someone’s living room or garden but I may be willing to do so. The challenge of photographing a space or place and making the resulting photograph appealing to viewers can be a challenge. Architects, designers and others can feel free to contact me.
Fees
I don’t have a set fee. You’ll see many references to standard rates and fees provided by a variety of photographers which isn’t something I do. My fees are based on projects, client needs and other variables. Some projects take more time to shoot and/or post process and fees are adjusted accordingly. Some projects end up being more personal and I may not charge at all. The is what makes the initial communication stage so important.
My Ultimate Point
Being standard more often than not means being uninteresting. Jumping, wearing or doing something seemingly abnormal is much more memorable than just standing or sitting there, with a smile. We do that at work (smile optional), just sit there. Capturing a moment or situation, something interesting…. give it a shot.