I've been asked numerous times recently about the about the difference between hiring a custom photographer (such as myself) or going to a chain studio (such as Sears, Target, etc.). I hope this post answers any questions you may have!
First, let's discuss what you get at a chain studio. Due to time constraints, your sessions are often very short, with all the lighting remaining the same throughout the entire session. Often, they use a fixed aperture or shoot in auto mode - leaving little room for artistic expression or experimentation (these are often my best shots).
Also, you always have to pay for additional backdrops or poses. Then, after they are done shooting your session, they upload them to a screen, with no processing, and let you pick. Some of the higher end chains will do a quick batch process edit on all of your photos or you may have the ability to convert to black and white, sepia etc. using software on their website.
I'm not knocking studio photography. Way back when, I used to frequent chain studios for special events because that's all I knew. In fact, I've been to several of the chain studios and was pretty satisfied with their results. It comes down to a matter of personal preference and the time and money you are willing to invest.
However, photography school opened up a whole new world to me, and now that I know, the differences between what I offer and what they offer are pretty big.
As a former chain studio groupie, I know the biggest attraction to a photo studio are the print prices. I understand how fantastic that deal you got in the mail is - I really do. I think I still have several mailers around my place to prove it. I know that getting all the photos they promise for under ten bucks is AWESOME.
However, after further inspection (i.e. the fine print) you will discover that it usually says “on the first pose only.” My poor Aunt lost that fight when she took me for a graduation shoot at a " glamour studio ". The first pose ended being a stoic shot where I looked constipated. There were lots of other poses we liked, and of course those were all full price. When you really dive deep, the chain studios actually cost you more. They hide behind their package specials, and make you pay extra for high resolution images on a CD. When you look at their print prices, you are paying them more for standard work than you would pay a custom photographer for professional portraits. Before you even know what has happened, you have spent $400.00 without blinking an eye. Seeing as how the amount of time they have invested in you is only the time it took to shoot your photos and upload them they are making a pretty substantial profit.
Now let’s talk about custom photographers. My sessions are personal, unique, tailored for every client. I do this because I love photography, love people, but most of all, I love giving you a priceless memory you and your family will treasure for years to come. When you look at your photo, I want you to remember I took it. I get to know each client, so I can incorporate elements of their personality into their shoot. My goal is to make my clients feel comfortable - this always produces the best photos without the stoic, often forced smiles you see in chain studio portraits.
After the consultation and booking of the session, I like to plan out your shoot, the location (whether it be in-home or outdoors) the type of props and backdrops to take and most important, what type of lighting I'm going to use. I pack all my gear, props, lighting etc. and head out. The whole session is shot by me, with my full-frame DSLR camera and professional lenses, in manual mode. This way I control the look of your photos instead of the camera. After your session is finished, your responsibilities are over. Mine however, are just beginning.
My post-processing can take anywhere from several days to several weeks depending on the type of session. After uploading all of my photos, I hand-edit each and every one for optimal color, clarity and sharpness. I re-touch skin, add borders, and throw in some special touches to give you a one-of-kind, artistic portrait. With every session you get a free online gallery so you can share with others, order prints and other custom creations. From session to completion the amount of time I spend on each client can range from four hours to well over twenty. All prints are inspected for optimal color and printed on the highest quality paper by a professional photo lab.
Just because our session has ended, doesn't mean our relationship has too. I'm always available to my clients to answer any questions or to even help out with designing a custom photo gallery for your house.
So when you book a session with me, you're not just getting photos - you truly are getting a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience.
I hope this answers your questions and I look forward to meeting you!
~ Tracy
FYI, my photo packages start at just $150 and include unlimited poses as well as all images on a high resolution CD and online gallery.
Get the scoop at tracylagruaphotography.com
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