​My husband Cliff and I became homeowners in the fall of 2015, and have had a blast decorating. One of the ways we've made home feel like home is with family photos! 

I thought I'd use our own experience with purchasing prints and canvases as a perfect opportunity to educate others about print sizes and why they matter. (You can also learn about why getting your photographed printed in the first place is so important here.) When decorating with custom photography, it's important to be BOLD. You gotta go big or go home.

When you stop and think about how large a wall really is, you realize they're massive -- generally 8' or 10' tall by 12' or 15' feet wide. Unless you've got a collage, 8" x 10" just isn't going to cut it.

Take a look at our living room and you'll see what I mean. ​

This is the space we wanted to fill. It measures approximately 52 inches from the top of the TV to the ceiling and 57 inches between the book cases.

Here is the same space with an 8 x 10 canvas. This is the size of print most people are familiar with and, as you can see, 8 x 10 just isn't going to cut it.

Here is the same space with the next size up -- an 11 x 17 framed print. 

Here it is again with an 11 x 14 print matted and framed to measure 16 x 20. Even with the extra matting, the space still looks lackluster.

Here is the final canvas in all it's glory. We went with 24 x 30. 

​Want more? Check out our hallway, which we turned into an art gallery using eight 36 x 24 canvases!

A friend posted this to her Facebook page recently. It really got me thinking about my own shopping habits, and my own small business.

Americans are so conditioned to look for the best bargain instead of seeking out quality that we often give up quality for what we think is a good deal. I've seen this behavior time and time again with family and wedding photography.

Too often, professional photographers are deemed "expensive" and therefore passed up in favor of a friend who "has a nice camera" or a "cheap" studio in a department store. The problem? Your friend might not yet know how to use their gear. And department stores rely on sales gimmicks that result in customers spending more for mass-produced photos than if they'd gone with a local, professional photographer who provides custom art.

Either way, customers end up displeased with the final product and service they receive, as well as the process that got them there.  

Today I hope to shed some light on what you really get when you hire a professional photographer, why our prices seem "high" and why it may be better to invest in quality up front, rather than getting sucked in by the lure of "low" prices.

What is a professional photographer?

First, I think it's important to address who is and who is not a professional photographer. 

A professional photographer is NOT that person behind the camera at a JC Penney studio. In fact, in most cases, department store "photographers" have no experience in photography! They are hired to literally just push a button. They don't have to purchase or care for their own equipment, and they certainly aren't required to study photography.

A professional photographer is also NOT your neighbor who just got a fancy camera for Christmas. Sure, that person may grow to become a professional, but it takes time, heart and dedication. In fact, just because someone has high-grade equipment is no guarantee that they are a professional. I've run into people with top-of-the-line equipment who don't actually know how to use it -- they leave it on the auto setting and call it a day. Quite frankly, that's no different than using a disposable Kodak camera. It just costs a hell of a lot more.

A professional photographer IS an artist. They are someone who studies all aspects of the art of photography (from its history to classic photographers to the latest trends), has their own unique style, and who doesn't mass produce the same generic image over and over again.

With that, here's what you get (and what you're paying for!) when you hire a professional photographer:

• Client outreach: a photographer can spend anywhere from one to two hours learning about their client’s wants, tastes and needs prior to a session, either via email, telephone calls or an in-person meeting.
• Research: Based on information gathered during client outreach, photographers can spend anywhere from one to multiple hours doing research for the shoot. When it comes to family photos, this can include everything from scouting locations to visiting a location prior to the session to researching tips for a client's specific want or need.
• Travel time: Some photographers prefer to stay local; others will travel around the world for their clients. Either way, it all takes time -- and money.
• Session time: This is the time spent with the family, on location or in a studio, taking photos. 
• Post processing: This is what photographers do after sessions, and it includes editing photos for light, color, and consistency. Generally, for every hour spent behind the camera, a photographer will spend 2-4 hours editing. So, an hour-long family photo session translates into 4 - 8 hours of post-processing time.
• Photo delivery, lab orders, and quality control: Some photographers prefer to have one-on-one meetings with clients to present photos and help clients order prints, which can take anywhere from one to two hours. Others prefer to deliver digital images and allow clients to purchase prints on their own. Either way, this amounts to an additional 1 to 3 hours of work.

Add it all up, and a 1-hour photo session is actually 10+ hours of work! 

Professional photography equipment isn't cheap, and it's a cost photographers must pay upfront. A professional-grade DLSR camera body can run $3,000, and lenses -- which is where the real magic comes from -- are anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Those prices don't include the cost of equipment storage, other tools like tripods and reflectors, or basic maintenance and upkeep.

Day-to-day expenses

A photography business is a business like any other. We have small expenses that can really add up:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is what is used in post processing. A program called Lightroom is the primary tool, but Photoshop can come in handy sometimes. Photographers generally pay $120/year for access to these tools.
• Platform for digital images: This is what we use to deliver digital images to clients. Some photographers prefer to hand over a CD with images, while others used web-based subscription tools. On average, this comes to $99/year.
• Computer equipment: To be efficient, photographers need to be able to run complex programs like Lightroom and store and manipulate photos without any lag. That requires powerful hardware. Computer needs can run anywhere from $900 to $2,000 every few years. 
• Web hosting: Most photographers these days have websites to showcase their work and connect with clients. A basic hosting fee usually runs $120/year.
• Monthly studio rent: I don't have a studio, but many photographers do. Rent can run anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month.

​Taxes

Death and taxes, right? Like any small business owner, photographers can expect to pay 25 - 30% of their income in taxes. 

So what do you really get when you hire a professional?​

If you're reading this, hopefully its because you're thinking about booking a family photo session, or maybe you already have. Whether you work with me or another photographer, here are six tips I offer for getting the most out of custom family photography.

Trust your photographer

​As a photographer, I want what is best for you, my client. At the end of our session, my goal is to give you my very best body of work – one that will leave you smiling and full of joy. I’m able to give my very best when there is a level of trust and communication between us.

​Here’s how you know you can trust me:

• I live where I work. Sligo Creek is my home, which means each time you book a session with me, I’m inviting you to join me in a place I love.
• I have more than 10 years of professional photography experience and since starting my business in 2015, I’ve photographed dozens of families.
• I enjoy working with kiddos and do my best to meet them at their level.
• When it comes to photography, I operate by one philosophy: simple, affordable, fun. You can read more about this driving philosophy here.

 
 
See the relationship with your photographer as a partnership

Custom art, which family photography is, is a process that requires communication, collaboration, and teamwork. I’ll help you and your family members with posing, styling, and location and walk you through every step of the family photo process, but I also want to hear from you, too! If, during our session, you have an idea for a pose or activity, speak up! I’m always willing to try new things!
 

Understand that the first few minutes of the session will probably be awkward – and that's okay

Unless you’re a model or work in film or TV, professional photography is not something most people do every day, and it’s totally normal to feel a little nervous. I’ll work with you and your family every step of the way to get the gorgeous photos you’ve been dreaming of.
 

Unplug

I get it – our phones are our keys to the world. But for the hour or so that we spend together, I kindly ask that you live in the moment and just unplug. This will help us communicate better, and allow us to build the trust that is so vital to capturing the best photos possible. Plus, your experience will be better for it.
 

Have fun!

Professional family photos may not be something you do every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re something you should stress over. Take this time to simply enjoy being with your loved ones. Try to relax and just have fun!


Bonus tip: Use your family photos as home décor

I always encourage clients to ask themselves this question: What will do you with your photos once you have them? If your answer is to post them on Facebook, you may be not getting the most out of your photo session.

When you book a family photo session, you’re doing more than just documenting your family and the connection you all share. You’re also investing in custom art. By printing your photos and displaying them in your home or office, you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come. Learn more about why printing your images is so important here and how to use your photos as home décor here.

1. Bring toys! 
If your little guy or girl is under 5, I highly recommend parents bring toys to the session. They don't have to be in the photos, but it doesn't always hurt if they are. Toys -- especially a favorite one -- are a great way to help a little one who is shy feel comforted. 

2. Don't worry about matching.
Family photos are often seen as formal occasions -- and that can often lead to new clothes and matching outfits. For little tykes, sometimes it's just too much. The new clothes, the camera and the stranger (me) making weird faces and giving art direction can feel like pressure to perform. My goal is to make everyone -- no matter their age -- feel relaxed and confident. I'm going for authentic smiles and happy laughs. Clothing has a lot to do with that, which is why I always encourage parents to let their kids take a small lead when it comes to family photo wear.

For toddlers, that might mean letting them dress themselves -- yup, pink cowboy hat, tutu, striped socks and all -- for the day. For 7- and 8-year-olds, that might mean letting them choose a favorite shirt, skirt, or hair piece to wear.

3. Choose a distraction-free location. 
If you're interested in photos with me, then you probably already know that I do most of my work in Sligo Creek Parkway. It's peaceful, quiet, and a great place for kids and family to explore.

If you're reading this just looking for advice, that's okay, too. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is about location. When kids are involved, the answer is simple: a place that's quiet and without distractions. This can be a small park, an open field, a backyard, or walking trail. It should not be a fair, outdoor market, sports stadium, or party. 

As enticing as they might sound, the aforementioned locations (and other places like them) can be overstimulating for kids. They can also make it difficult for communication -- which is key when it comes to any kind of photography. Places that are quiet and distraction-free give clear signals to kids that family photos are the priority. They can also foster creativity in children, which can lend itself nicely to those beautifully unexpected candid moments. 

The number-one question I get asked as a photographer by clients and people looking for advice is about what to wear.

On the surface, the answer is simple: wear something that makes you feel fabulous. At the end of the day, a successful photoshoot will leave a client feeling comfortable, confident, and natural so that their true beauty shines through. Looking fierce is a great place to start!

I realize, though, that "fierce" means something different to everyone. When clients ask me for my opinion about what to wear, they're looking for solid answers. So, without further ado, I offer these can't-go-wrong styling tips that will help make your whole family look and feel fabulous at your next photo session. 

When choosing outfits for the whole family, don't think you have to match. Look for outfits and accessories that coordinate or go with each other instead.

Bold solids are classic and always in style. Go with jewel-toned colors that compliment your skin tone and make you feel happy.

Details can make an outfit pop--especially against bold solids. Play up your solids with statement accessories like a chunky necklace, patterned scarf, or your favorite watch. 

Layer it up. Adding simple layers to your outfit with a fitted jacket or blazer can add great visual interest, and makes for a clean, sophisticated look. Layering patterns with solids can add an extra pop of visual interest. A plaid button-up with a solid pullover sweater, or a leopard-print tank with cute cardigan are classic looks.

Wearing pants? Play up the contrast! If you're wearing a lighter colored shirt, go with darker bottoms. If you're wearing a darker shirt, go for something light on the bottom, like khakis.

Ditch the sunglasses and sports hats. These items can cast harsh shadows on your face and make it difficult to see your eyes. Unless you need them for medical reasons, I highly recommend leaving ball caps and sunglasses at home.

Make sure your feet are happy! Sligo Creek is a little slice of nature surrounded by a city. It's beautiful, but also rocky. If you're set on wearing shoes that look fantastic but aren't the most comfortable for the outdoors, bring flip flops or sneakers for those in between moments when we're walking from the car to the park. I promise you'll be glad you did!

BONUS TIP FOR MAKEUP WEARERS: If you regularly wear makeup and have the resources to do so, having professional hair and makeup done before a photo shoot can be a lot of fun!  If you just don't have the time or resources for this, don't worry. I asked professional makeup artist Sev Gedra to help out. Check out these pointers she has about camera-ready makeup!

As a photographer, my goal is simple: I want my clients to feel comfortable and relaxed enough to be themselves around me so that I can capture their true personalities. For women, a lot of feeling relaxed actually stems from feeling confident, and many times, we feel confident when we look good. 

I encourage moms, engaged women, and brides to get their hair and makeup done professionally before a photo session, but I get that sometimes that isn't always feasible. So, I asked my good friend and professional makeup artist Sev Gedra for a little help.

The simplest things can have the biggest impact. That's true with custom photography.

This kind of art allows a family to tailor their photo sessions to their needs, wants and personal style. A good photographer should be able to see your vision and take it to the next level, but there are a few things clients can do to help out. 

1. Stick to the schedule
This is the most important tip I can offer clients. Photographers create schedules based upon the availability of all people involved in the session, driving time and -- most importantly -- good lighting. While I usually incorporate wiggle room for bad traffic or a fussy baby, sticking to the schedule is a must. Ideally, all parties involved should be dressed with their hair done and (if applicable) makeup on, baby bags packed and second clothing options at the ready by or before the agreed upon start time.  

2. Relax--Get your play list on!
For some people, being in front of a camera can be really intimidating. You might feel like you’re being pressured to perform, or just feel uncomfortable being in the spotlight. I often tell my clients to pretend I’m not even there, but sometimes relaxing is easier said than done. That’s why I recommend that you spend some time before the day of your session to come up with a play list of your favorite songs. Good, groovy music allows you to let your guard down, lose that tenseness in your shoulders and be more spontaneous. Have kids? Great! Create a playlist for them, too!

3. Unplug
I know. I get it. We're all tied to our phones these days. But as much as we love them, they can be a photographer's worst nightmare. For starters, communication between a photographer and client is vital during a photoshoot. That means there should be as few distractions as possible. And second--well, just look at the image below! During photo sessions, phones should be put away. As in away, away. Seeing the rigid, square outline in someone’s pocket can make a beautiful photo is cringeworthy. While Photoshop can take care of this blunder some of the time, its best not to have to deal with it from the get go.

4. Have the lint roller handy
Even if you don't have pets, it's a good idea to use a lint roller before coming to the session, especially if your clothing tends to attract other fibers. I also usually have a lint roller handy just in case. 

5. Just be yourself
Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Whether you're silly, serious, spontaneous, funky or fun, I want to capture the best of you.

The same goes for clothing. Wear something that makes you feel fabulous. The best part? You get to decide what fabulous means.

Have kids? The same rules apply. If you prefer that your kiddos be dressed in their Sunday best, great! But don't be afraid to let your kids be themselves, either. Sometimes letting your son or daughter wear their favorite shirt, hat or pair of sunglasses allows them to relax, which means I'll have the opportunity to capture who they really are.

I always encourage clients to purchase prints. Sometimes, though, I get questions about why prints are needed when digital files are so much easier to come by and are in such high demand. I thought I'd take a few moments to explain why prints give clients the most bang for their buck and why they are so important to have.

Do a Test Run
You wouldn’t purchase your wedding cake without trying a sample. So why book a makeup artist without scheduling a trial test?  I recommend scheduling a trial to test your look on a day that you’ll be out with friends. By gauging people’s reactions, you’ll know if your look is spot on, or if you’ll need to do some refining.  

Finding an artist that fits your style and can match your vision can sometimes be challenging, so I recommend doing a trial with a few artists — if your finances allow.  Trials are around $50 per session, but it's worth the investment.

Oh, and don’t ask your guy friends’ opinions of the makeup. They won’t know any better.

One of the most important aspects of any wedding day is determining your unique style and look. Finding the perfect photographer, dress and flowers will help, but makeup is the ultimate finishing touch. To help with this important detail, I've enlisted good friend and professional makeup artist Sev Gedra. 

Sev specializes in event and special-effects makeup and has a client list that ranges from Cosplay fans to blushing brides. I've asked her to share her expertise for finding the perfect wedding-day look in this five-part series, Makeup Your Photographs.

Know what Questions to Ask
In most cases, your budget is a top priority and it’s important to know what you’re paying for. Here is a list of sample questions to ask any artist(s) you may be interested in hiring:

• What do you charge for the bride only?
• What services are included in that base price?
• How much extra will it cost to add additional members of the bridal party, including bridesmaids, moms, and flower girls?
• Are there any hidden or extra fees? 
• Are you open to price negotiations or service/craft trades?
• What type of makeup is used? (Now is a good time to let your makeup artist know of any allergies you have to skin-care or makeup products). 
• Are airbrushing services available? (This may sound silly, but I promise that as an airbrushed bride, you'll look flawless).
• How far in advance do you need a day-of wedding schedule?
• Are there any hair vendors you can recommend?

Finally, remember to factor in a tip for your makeup artist. They are providing personalized service and are most likely commuting to meet you. A tip is the best way to thank them for their time!