fpf

I just fell in love with this one while editing and so it's my pick for today's favorite photo Friday.

Happy weekend and have a safe and fun Halloween!!!!

let em' play!!

I say it all the time, but my own kids won't give me the time of day when all I want is one good picture of them together!!! I guess by good I mean "them looking in my direction." So this time I just let them play and had the camera along just in case.

Well to my surprise they were both in a silly mood and at times even asked me to take their picture. Gasp, I know!! Wish I had the video camera with me for that too!!! :)

Just goes to show that not all pictures have to be posed to be super cute and special. Just let them be their selves!

Happy Monday!!!

fpf

Today's pick for fpf is going way back!! This is one of the first families that I somehow tricked into letting me practice on. As you can see they aren't the best quality and were way to grainy, but live, learn and practice right?!

So thanks "F" family for letting me practice!!!

*Reserve your holiday session today, spots are filling up! Happy weekend!!

some play time

...coming up next!!

Meet Mia & Emma

...or my nieces as I like to call them!!

The girls are growing up so fast it seems so it was time for some updated pictures. They are blossoming from little girls to beautiful young ladies right before our eyes. Where is the "pause" button??

Thanks for the fun afternoon girls...enjoy your preview!!

Mia was baptized last month so we had to get a picture in her beautiful dress!

up next

...two lovely ladies!!!


* Don't forget to reserve your holiday session, spots are filling up!!

fpf

Well Friday isn't over yet so here's my pick for fpf.

Another favorite of mine from my holiday sessions last year. You just can't help but to smile at this one!! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More??

This is a question that we often hear. I could go on and on about the personal time spent, the quality labs used and the relationships built, but I found this article that I liked and says is great.

Here are a few of my favorite parts from the article:

“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”

"The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. 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

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot 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.


APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 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. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 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 studios 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 true “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"

I hope that this helped to understand just a little more that these are your forever memories and are priceless!!

make-up Monday

So I wasn't able to post my fpf last week so I'm making up for it today. It was a crazy weekend!

This is Ethan and he was one of my very first sessions. Just look at those baby blues! He will be welcoming a new baby brother to the family this week so he was in my thoughts.

Congrats "O" family on the almost new addition!!!

a little dream come true

...for me that is!!!

I'm sure we all have those whom we admire in their crafts and talents and if you're like me then you may even stalk, I mean follow, their blogs. :) Well this is the case for me anyhow!

One awesome lady that I stalk is Michelle Johnson of Michelle Johnson Photography. I have admired her work for a while now and often joke with her that I am going to get married again just so she can take my photos..OK, really I'm not...just thought about it!

So I have to admit that when she invited me to shadow her on one of her weddings my hubby had to pick my jaw up off the floor. "Are you serious? She wants me to come along? She must be crazy?"

Well she wasn't crazy and she didn't disappoint either. She is a rock star in her field and as sweet as can be. What an honor it was for me!

So thanks Michelle for letting me tag along and for being so willing with all your wonderful advice for me. You rock!!

Here are a few of the images I captured that day at Mark and Jenny's beautiful wedding.


And I couldn't decided which of these I liked best..so I decided to post both!! *All photographs taken by Michelle Peterson for Michelle Johnson Photography

2009 HOLIDAY PROMO

...IS FINALLY HERE!!!!

You've been asking for it and here it is...

2009 HOLIDAY PROMO:

- 1 hour session at location of your choice
- up to 5 people (add. fee for more than 5)
- 20 fully edited high-res images on CD with rights to print
- $175 ($150 for returning clients & Facebook friends)


Also, 25% off any prints ordered from your session through January!!

Hurry and book your spot to make sure you get the date you want!! Remember that you are getting the negatives with this promo so you will have the ability to print as many as you want and when you want.

Contact me for more info.
michelle@michellepetersonphotography or 909-214-6389

*Travel fees may apply & $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date

If you're not a frind on FB...then go be one!!!!

1 years old

...my blog that is!!

My blog turned 1 years old yesterday and I am so proud. I'm so glad that I decided to take the scary leap from just putting my images on my family blog for my loved ones to see to a public blog to share with the world.

I want to say a big thank you to ALL of you for your support. Thanks for the encouragement, comments, and trust. I am so blessed to be able to do what I love and to be able to share that. I have come a long way in the past year, but still have a long way to go and I hope you will continue to come along for the ride.

all my love,
Michelle

fpf

Today's pick for favorite photo Friday (fpf) is from the very first wedding that I ever shot. This wedding was also the very first post on my photography blog and since my blog turns 1 years old tomorrow I thought it was only fitting.

I just loved this shot!!


Happy weekend!!