A Guide to Investing
in Portraiture
An spin-off of the digital
revolution in the photography industry is an amazingly
fast transition
of amateur photographers into professionals. Since
there is no film and
processing
cost, a thousand images can be taken with a modern
self-thinking digital camera, and by golly,
some of those are pretty good! Though photographic
theory, lighting, exposure, composition, or color harmony,
are hazy concepts, they are amazed at the
quality of their images. A little motivation
and it’s
a quick jump from photographing the kids to a
listing in the yellow pages!
So if you are looking
for a professional photographer, it can be tricky
finding one that has the experience to serve your
needs. You could ask for the cost of
an 8x10, as a
low cost
will
always indicate amateur work. But quite often even
the rankest amateur will be unashamed to charge very
high
fees.
Here
are a few questions that will quickly
identify a professional: First, ask how long they have been a
professional
photographer and where they got their education.
(Trust your intuition about how they answer.)
Then ask, “Why
should I hire you over the other photographers in our
area?” Then listen carefully - hesitation reveals
as much as an answer. If
the answer has to do with “low
price”, "fast service" or having "the
latest equipment",
they have just identified
themselves as an amateur and you can politely hang
up.
You see, to an amateur
photographer, pricing is based on
the size of a piece of paper rather
than
on the experience, education,
and vision that go into the creation of the image.
A professional photographer does not sell paper
any more than a professional artist sells
canvas or a sculptor sells rock. If "fast service" is
the answer, it simply means that little effort is
invested in providing the finest work
possible. Artistic creation and finishing takes time
and a professional understands that every portrait
will likely become a priceless family treasure passed
on through generations.
Of course "new equipment" is
a great reason to say,
"How nice for you!" and hang up the phone!
Would you choose a restaurant because of the pans the
chef uses?
However,
if the answer hinges on experience, professionalism
and artistic
vision,
now there is something to chat about! Now you can
gather useful information
and
can determine if they are the right photographer
for you. The first thing
in
contacting
River
Street Photography
is a no-cost,
no-obligation
consultation at the studio. That way you get to see
exactly what we do, chat about a unique vision for
your photography, and see first hand all the ways your
portrait desires can be accomplished.
You’ll
be able to compare what we do with what your investment
might be. That’s where the true value of a River
Street portrait lies - in our dedication to thrill
you with your portraiture and deliver
value far beyond your expectations.
To "thrill" you
- that's a convicting statement! Not many studios
have the depth to make
such
a guarantee. But that's what you'll find at River Street
Photography! Click on the home
page to read the guarantee
and what other people have said about our studio.
You really do get what you pay for, so let the River
Street Photography team provide you with the finest
in professional
photographic work that will return priceless value
for a lifetime.
Michael & Mary
Thresher
River Street Photography
309 River Street
Cashmere, WA 98815
509-782-3554
or
email us at:
michael@riverstreetphoto.com
At
River Street Photography you'll find variety,
personal service, and our
total guarantee! |
