Often times in discussion with clients or potential clients I hear the question "what make you different" (or some variance of that). We're all familiar with the chain studios, their large bundles for not much money and quick turn-around. I'm probably going to get lashed with wet noodles by other photographers for this, but I don't always see them as a bad thing and quite often tell my newborn clients it's ok to take their baby to a chain for their three month portraits, but then they better bring them back to me for their 6 month portraits when they're all smiley, giggling and sitting "so pretty". :)
Many months ago I had the privilege of working with several other photographers from around the country in putting together a consumer guide for choosing a custom photographer. A wonderful photographer, Marianne Drenthe, has taken the project to the next level and created a wonderful website called "Professional Child Photographer, The Consumer Guide To Custom Photography". Below is an excerpt from the first of several questions and answers on the site. To read the full answer please take a look at the site by clicking here.
Why Choose Custom Photography?
The luxury of great service, better choices and a superb end product.
- Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours, 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.
What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.
Custom photography should have you, the client and your experience in mind.
I am aware that many of my clients budget to be able to afford their custom portrait sessions with Artistic Impressions Photography. I am very appreciative that they do, it's an investment that will surely be treasured for years. They will realize the return on their investment and so will their children and their children's children. Priceless!
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