Why Should I Hire Professional Photographer?

Today a client told me about a conversation she had with a photographer about senior portraits. This photographer quoted the client a fee of $200 and said they could have all the images. Great deal, these days, right? Who wouldn't want to scoop that up!

My immediate, but not spoken thought was, what kind of images would one get for $200? Would they be printable to the client's satisfaction? What level of artistry would these images have? Most importantly, was this photographer a Professional photographer (i.e. someone who derives their full-time income from their work, builds upon their knowledge/skill by attending state, national, local conventions, and is a member of PPA or ASMP) or a "photographer" who has a camera and wants to make some extra income on the side of their other full-time work?

As I put the finishing touches on one of Derek's book images, I thought back to that earlier conversation. Most of my fellow, professional photographers work to build their photographic and computer skills to produce images that are beautiful, dramatic, moving, and above all else, pleasing to the the client. In that process, we build a relationship with our clients; most who return year after year for our services.

Being a visual learner, I thought I'd use a photo to illustrate the point of using a Professional Photographer. I'll let you guess which one is the original image and which is the finished product of Derek, the cross-country runner and a 2010 Senior. While the "before" image is acceptable, I know which one he and his parents will like in his custom book!

Working with Other Artists

I find myself working on Derek's Senior Book this morning and I've been anticipating the fun I would have working on it! Have you ever found yourself looking forward to something you had to get done? I usually use it as a "carrot" to get me through other work I don't enjoy as much. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my work/job, but there are tasks I enjoy more than others. A universal feeling, I'm sure.

So today I realized why I enjoy working on the custom products I produce, like books, gallery wraps, cards, bookmarks, etc. In part, it's because I get to work with another artist to produce them. I kneel at the altar of the graphic artist I work with that produces the creative designs that I incorporate in my work! Her work heightens mine. It's that simple and I know she'd say the same thing. My work helps her with her designs.

While recently hiking down Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland, I ran into a graphic artist from Ireland. I told him how I worship the graphic artist that I work with and explained why. The smile on his face seemed to grow as wide as one of their famed glens (valleys)! He appreciated the comment and said he also loves to work with other creatives because it gives him a little push to do better.

So while I work alone in my office today, I realize the bigger picture. Derek's book is really a "team effort" and I don't feel all alone today. I know he and his parents will appreciate the creative energies/talents of both of us, just as they appreciate the efforts of Derek and his coach, who helped him set a personal best in the pole vault last spring!