There is a glut of photographers all over the world these days. With the progress of technology and affordable digital cameras, people are advertising a variety of styles and abilities. Not everyone with a camera is a professional photographer. Here are a few helps for you to consider when you get to a place that has you looking for a photographer that meets your specific needs. What is the number one thing you look for when you're searching for the perfect photographer? Is it price, style, location, personality, or the ease of a clear process? If you've been looking for a maternity or newborn photographer you've probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming at times and I'm here to help you in your search with my 5 best tips on finding the best photographer for you!
1. Take time to study the portfolio, or type of photos they have taken. If they are a little dark but you like very light, bright photos, you will not be happy after everything is done.
2. Make sure you understand the price and everything that is included. A $10 price tag may draw you in, but the packages for printed products or digital images may start out at $350 or more.
3. Find a photographer whose work you like and that fits within your budget by asking yourself a few questions. Why are you looking to hire a photographer? Is there an occasion coming up that you want to relive forever? Did you see an ad that got your interest? Do you value forever memories as much as you value other luxuries? I feel that capturing and archiving memories is necessary and have invested much money and time in capturing and preserving my memories. My perfect client is aligned with that thought process.
4. How do they deliver your images? It is very popular to ‘shoot and burn’ which is to take your pictures and deliver them digitally as a download or on a DVD or USB. Other photographers take time and expertise, style the shoot for the best memory possible, know posing and light and transform each image into beautiful works of art. If you are paying $100 for three hours of coverage and many images, there is a good chance that this particular photographer may not be running an official business. They may be making a little pocket money. Photographers starting out make under $3/hour by the time they cover expenses and their time. The time a photographer spends with you is a fraction of the time they spend getting ready for the shoot, editing and delivering a finished product to you.
5. Photographers are as different as other companies. Target, Walmart and Macy’s offer similar products but at different quality and price points. Red Lobster, McDonalds and other food sources also vary in quality and prices. It’s up to your preferences, budget and priorities what you will be satisfied with after everything is done. These are your forever memories, hopefully to create a timeline on your walls.
I hope these little tips help you with your search. If you'd like to talk more about hiring me as your personal family photographer, then shoot me a message! I have a few exciting ideas for the coming year and a flexible calendar because all of our time is valuable, and I work within your availability.
I haven't introduced myself on here for a while, so I thought I'd do that again. A big warm hello to all of you. My name is Gail Ostermeyer and I'm the artist behind Gail Lynn Photography.
When my children were younger (many years ago) I understood how important stopping time and saving memories was. I would shoot for me, but later formed a business and used my passion to photograph important moments through Family, Wedding and High School Senior Photography. Recently I fell in love with newborn photography, after I realized I am not built for wedding photography anymore. It is hard on a body, and mine is getting a little older every day. It is exciting to focus on babies and families and establishing another circle of loyal clients and friends.
I spend most of my days balancing scheduling, shooting, and editing with three needy dogs, a disabled veteran hubby, our beautiful great-granddaughter and find it challenging, but fulfilling. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it's a way to meet and serve new moms and dads, and their families. My goal is to turn new clients into friends and faithful followers while capturing their forever memories. I get to hold, comfort and photograph sweet little babies, and toddlers and give a little encouragement to mom and dad if needed.
Before I focused on photography, I was a high-risk OB nurse. There is nothing better than that new baby smell. Little humans are so different with their individual personalities, smiles, yawns and hiccups. This is a very special time to capture the moments and enjoy them. My education is ongoing as I strive to be a little better every time I set-up and shoot.
We live in the west valley, almost to the California border, but I welcome the invitation to photograph your family wherever you may be here in Arizona. I'd love to get to know you a little better if you want to share a little about yourself in comments.
19 days until Christmas. Even if you love the classic Christmas carols, we will be so ready to be done with them by the end of the month.
It has been cold here in the Phoenix area and those with asthma and arthritis have been struggling to stay healthy.
As I see the beautiful Christmas sessions being posted, I feel a little guilty for not offering them. However, I have thought that putting my energy to being prepared, efficient and ready for the New Year is more important at this time. Also, I have been concentrating on capturing the highlights of the life of one Lorelei Blanchard, who will be three months old soon.
Yesterday flew by, so I am touching base with you today. I chased a lot of squirrels today, am hanging someplace between fall and Christmas, catching up on the house, the website and plans for 2021. I went to sleep last night listening to Romans 12. Most of it is highlighted in my Bible because I need to know and remember that as a Christian, kindness is the best fruit of all, others' needs are more important than mine, not to be lazy (slothful) in business, always trusting God in hope, always quick to pray in every situation and not reach for the glass of wine or the cookie first...
This is all that is left of a Christmas swag I bought to put on top of my curtains for the season. My boys are quick, and didn't even move the diapers I stacked on top of them when they grabbed the package and ran. I have a new pair of glasses and smart watch on because they are quick, love to chew, get bored easily, and just don't care how angry I get at them...
When your joints hurt, standing in front of a sink, lifting dishes, is the last thing you want to do. But the week worth of dishes is down to one sink load. Also, when I am healthy, I would rather tar the roof, or scrub toilets than do dishes. But Kitchen is clean and ready to bake Christmas cookies!
Diapers to be re-elasticized, one of the swags left to hang, fall decor to put away. So much to do. How are you staying organized balancing home and business?
Kitchen clutter needing to be transitioned from messy to organized....
I already have my planner for next year. It combines my devotion journal with an organized plan, goal setting and evaluation. It is Christ centered, because as we put God first, do everything for Him, and honor His will as we plan and do, we will prosper and be blessed.
Most people will do anything for someone that values them and appreciates them.
Christmas Photos for a select few. Baby girl is too cute. So this is a glimpse into my messy, busy life. I can take this chaos and create order through Christ who is my health and strength. Yours, Gail O