I’m often asked about how much people charge for photography, and then frequently in the context of portrait photography. I guess people really like to get their picture taken. Honestly, I tell them I don’t really know what other people charge since I’m new to the area and only really know the rates in the big cities in the US. A guesstimate I give them is $500 for a session on the high end and that is for professional quality prints and props to boot. If you want your wedding done its gonna cost more in the 3,000 - 6,000 dollar range for a days work.
This is, in fact, true – it ain’t cheap to get photographed – but have you ever thought about why that might be? Here are some of the reasons why photography isn't cheap.
It goes without saying that weddings are a costly affair. From the venue to the caterer to the wedding favors, the tab just keeps getting higher, and it often seems that wedding photographers are charging a large chunk of that tab. But have you ever thought why wedding photography prices are so high? It’s because of the associated costs of being a wedding photographer.
The same can be said about a portrait photographer. He has his studio, insurance, assistants and promotions. Rent is not cheap in this area and you have to display yourself in the most professional manner possible to attract clients.
Being a good photographer is an expensive investment. Sure, you can find cheap photographers out there, but they’re cheap because they’ve possibly cut corners on equipment, and insurance. Or they’re just plain stupid (you hired cheap and stupid?) So let’s take a look at what goes into a photographer’s overhead that adds up to the final cost of your photographer.
Equipment
The pieces of equipment a photographer carries around is not your typical point-and-shoot. High-end lenses and bodies average around $2,000 each. Photographers also carry back-up equipment in case their primary equipment fails, which adds to the cost of the wedding photography prices. Good photographers easily can bring over $15,000 worth of equipment to a shoot. Add in the prices of computers and editing programs like Photoshop (you did buy it right?) and costs begin to skyrocket.
Education
The more education a photographer has, the better he will be technically when he photographs you. College is not cheap this day in age as we all know. Intangibles such as expertise aren’t easy to measure monetarily, although we try!
Staff Salaries
If you book a photographer that comes with assistants or second photographers, your cost is going to be higher. In return for getting more images from various places on your day, your photographer is going to have the pay those assistants.
Insurance
As I said before, a photographer can bring upwards of 15,000 dollars worth of equipment to a shoot. Because cameras and equipment cost so much, photographers are smart to insure them. You never know when something or someone is going to damage your equipment and insurance is vital if you intend on staying in business.
Labor
This one is pretty standard across all industries. A photographer’s work doesn’t end when your wedding does. Photographers easily spend 5 – 10 hours plus enhancing your images (removing your wrinkles and acne so you like the pictures). This is not fun, but we do it to make you happy and it costs money and our time.
Web Site
In this day and age, a photographer has to market himself with a very high-tech, professional web site, which can cost a lot to design and maintain if the photographer doesn’t have web design skills. With Google ads and website updates, it’s not uncommon for a photographer to spend upwards of $5,000 a year for the web work and marketing.
Advertising
In that same vein, photographers also have to spend money on other types of advertising such as ads in the newspaper, business cards and brochures. A single bridal show can easily cost $1,000 and radio ads are several times that.
Photo Extras
Those books your pictures come in are not cheap. A high-end album can cost upwards of 1,000 dollars. Not to mention the time it takes to create a well designed album.
Conclusion
So it just goes to show that the seasoned professional out there is going to bring a lot to the table when you hire him over the moonlighting weekend amateur. It’s up to you if it’s worth more to go with a pro or just take a guy off the bench. But who would you rather have shooting the final shot in the NBA championships, Kobe Bryant or me? (analogy, but I just might make the shot)
- article by Lucas Cobb
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10 Ways to Make Sure Your Wedding Isn't Boring
You and your future spouse aren't boring, so why would you want a ho-hum wedding? Keep the fun factor and energy level high with these ten tips for a fantastic wedding and reception.
Attending a wedding may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a pleasure. The last thing a bride and groom want is for their wedding guests to spend the reception checking their watches. Here are 10 tips to keep any wedding guest yawns at bay.
1. Make introductions at the rehearsal. A wedding brings together two families and sets of friends — which usually means a big group of people who don't know each other awkwardly attempting small talk. The solution? Invite relatives and out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner to break the ice, and introduce those who might have common interests. (That uncle who always loved Top Gun? Definitely link him to your fiance's fighter pilot cousin). By the time the wedding rolls around, your guests will have met in a more relaxed atmosphere the evening before and (hopefully) keep the conversations going at the reception.
2. Stick to the schedule. No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force your guests to idle around while you take your formal wedding pictures. This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks, drinks, plenty of places to sit, and even a little music to set the mood and keep the party atmosphere alive.
3. Don't let guests go hungry. Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your grand entrance — lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, even fried macaroni and cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from the ceremony — and grateful for the sustenance.
4. Plan an exit strategy. If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward. Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives guests the freedom to relax (drink) without worrying about getting home safely when the party wraps up.
5. Consider your venue. Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you throw your wedding, but picking an interesting reception site can go a long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet areas with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a photo booth), so be sure to talk to your site manager about your options.
6. Work your seating chart. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school together — particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your guests spend time with people they like — or even to set them up with someone new!
7. Put a time limit on toasts. Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor, best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.
8. Bring in the...clowns? Remember that scary clown/magician from your eighth birthday party? Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for wedding entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers to singing waiters — these people are pros at making sure weddings aren't boring.
9. Think beyond wedding cake. Wedding cakes are still a staple, but consider expanding the selection for those with a sweet tooth — we're talking a full dessert bar with everything from whoopie pies, truffles, cupcakes, candies, along with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The dessert bar can double as your wedding favor by setting out plastic bags or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.
10. Relax — seriously. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when the day arrives, everyone will have more fun if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it: Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a bridesmaid, relative, or your wedding planner — and designate a friend who, if they observe you getting stressed, will ply you with a cocktail or two.
- by Sean Cunningham & the knot
View images from a Denver Wedding Photographer.
Attending a wedding may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a pleasure. The last thing a bride and groom want is for their wedding guests to spend the reception checking their watches. Here are 10 tips to keep any wedding guest yawns at bay.
1. Make introductions at the rehearsal. A wedding brings together two families and sets of friends — which usually means a big group of people who don't know each other awkwardly attempting small talk. The solution? Invite relatives and out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner to break the ice, and introduce those who might have common interests. (That uncle who always loved Top Gun? Definitely link him to your fiance's fighter pilot cousin). By the time the wedding rolls around, your guests will have met in a more relaxed atmosphere the evening before and (hopefully) keep the conversations going at the reception.
2. Stick to the schedule. No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force your guests to idle around while you take your formal wedding pictures. This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks, drinks, plenty of places to sit, and even a little music to set the mood and keep the party atmosphere alive.
3. Don't let guests go hungry. Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your grand entrance — lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, even fried macaroni and cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from the ceremony — and grateful for the sustenance.
4. Plan an exit strategy. If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward. Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives guests the freedom to relax (drink) without worrying about getting home safely when the party wraps up.
5. Consider your venue. Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you throw your wedding, but picking an interesting reception site can go a long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet areas with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a photo booth), so be sure to talk to your site manager about your options.
6. Work your seating chart. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school together — particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your guests spend time with people they like — or even to set them up with someone new!
7. Put a time limit on toasts. Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor, best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.
8. Bring in the...clowns? Remember that scary clown/magician from your eighth birthday party? Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for wedding entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers to singing waiters — these people are pros at making sure weddings aren't boring.
9. Think beyond wedding cake. Wedding cakes are still a staple, but consider expanding the selection for those with a sweet tooth — we're talking a full dessert bar with everything from whoopie pies, truffles, cupcakes, candies, along with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The dessert bar can double as your wedding favor by setting out plastic bags or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.
10. Relax — seriously. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when the day arrives, everyone will have more fun if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it: Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a bridesmaid, relative, or your wedding planner — and designate a friend who, if they observe you getting stressed, will ply you with a cocktail or two.
- by Sean Cunningham & the knot
View images from a Denver Wedding Photographer.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Top 5 Wedding Photographers on Google
Out of 39,300,000 results for Wedding Photography, we are one of the top five wedding photographers in the organic search results! Check out our Wedding Photography Site.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Packing Light Travel Tips
Here are ten packing light travel tips for foreign and domestic travel.
1. Don't forget to make a copy of your passport to keep in your luggage.
2. Eliminate hairdryers, camera chargers, and other electronics that require a bulky voltage converter.
3. Bring a few extra batteries for your camera so you don't need to bring a charger.
4. Use a silk neck pouch for your passport, credit cards, and cash, rather than having to dig in your waist band.
5. Take a camp towel in a plastic bag rather than relying on hotels and hostels to provide clean ones.
6. Bring a sleeping bag liner for the beds at questionable hotels and hostels.
7. Hooded rain gear can replace an umbrella and provide protection agains the wind.
9. A high-quality black sweater can dress up almost any outfit and provides warmth and versatility.
10. An eye mask will help you make up for jet lag and catch up on sleep.
1. Don't forget to make a copy of your passport to keep in your luggage.
2. Eliminate hairdryers, camera chargers, and other electronics that require a bulky voltage converter.
3. Bring a few extra batteries for your camera so you don't need to bring a charger.
4. Use a silk neck pouch for your passport, credit cards, and cash, rather than having to dig in your waist band.
5. Take a camp towel in a plastic bag rather than relying on hotels and hostels to provide clean ones.
6. Bring a sleeping bag liner for the beds at questionable hotels and hostels.
7. Hooded rain gear can replace an umbrella and provide protection agains the wind.
9. A high-quality black sweater can dress up almost any outfit and provides warmth and versatility.
10. An eye mask will help you make up for jet lag and catch up on sleep.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
2011 High School Senior Models Wanted
Get a Free Model Session at Dion Robert Photography for helping us promote Class of 2011 Senior Portraits!
We are searching for our Class of 2011 Senior Reps! Rep benefits include a 2-3 hour portrait session with unlimited outfit changes, rep cards, digital files to share on Facebook and MySpace, and $20 for each referral!
How it works
The Dion Robert Model Program is a way for Class of 2011 Seniors to earn a commission, while helping us update and show off the latest styles of our senior photography.
No matter who you are, you're IN.... You don't have to be a perfect model size or look like a model to get in. We base our decision on personality, activities, and eagerness to be in the program. We are looking for guy and girl models who truly appreciate the Dion Robert quality and can see the difference in our work. While we're looking for models from all social groups, only a limited number of Dion Robert Models/Reps will be accepted from each school!
Here are the details and benefits for being a Dion Robert Model:
As model, you may appear on our website, blog, facebook, displays, brochures and other marketing.
You will receive your images to display on your Facebook, Myspace and other sites.
You will receive 50 designer rep cards to hand out, giving you credit for referred friends who come to Dion Robert Photography. Let's hope you need more!
For every Rep Card redeemed by your friends, you will receive $50 off your final portrait order AND $20 Cash! Your referred friend will receive a Free session with us. Valid one card per senior. Plus, other great prizes based on the number of friends you refer.
If you meet our requirements, sign up today! To apply, please email us your,
• Name
• High School
• Headshot
• Extra Curricular Activities
• Things you and your friends do for fun.
• Why you think you would make a good representative for our studio.
View our Senior Portraits Here..
Click here to email me.
Photography Business Coaching
Building a successful photography business takes more than good technical skills. Great photographers often fail in business because they lack the marketing, workflow and business skills necessary to capitalize on their photography expertise. I’ll teach you the tactics and strategies to get started off right, keep your business profitable and have fun at the same time. Plus, I’ll share many "secrets" of marketing success practiced today. Even experienced photographers who want to "Re-Invent" themselves will find this re-orientation a valuable first step. Here are just some of the many topics we can explore...
• Cameras & Equipment
• Lightroom & Photoshop Techniques
• Business Basics and Best Practices
• Marketing Mechanics
• Post Production & Workflow
I'm a working wedding and portrait photographer with a business background and education.
Respond with your questions and I'll be glad to talk to you.
Click here to email me.
• Cameras & Equipment
• Lightroom & Photoshop Techniques
• Business Basics and Best Practices
• Marketing Mechanics
• Post Production & Workflow
I'm a working wedding and portrait photographer with a business background and education.
Respond with your questions and I'll be glad to talk to you.
Click here to email me.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Formal Event Tips for Men and Women
After a few years of photographing weddings and events, I have seen some common mistakes made by both men and women. Here are a few of them that are the most common.
SAN - Sometimes, Always Never.
For jackets, if it's a three button coat, sometimes button the top, always button the middle, and never button the bottom. On a two button coat, always the top and never the bottom. The most common mistake I see are men buttoning both buttons or just the bottom button.
Ties, Cummerbunds, & Vests
Ties should just touch the belt buckle, not longer, not shorter. The pleats on the cummerbund should point up. The bottom button on the vest should be undone.
Cufflinks & Buttons
Many tuxedos come with a small bag of "spare parts". The large two are cufflinks and mount on the sleeves facing outwards. The five or six smaller ones are used to replace the buttons on the shirt.
Wine Glasses, Reds and Whites
This is a common one for women. When drinking red wines, hold the glass by the bowl. When drinking wines that are served chilled (whites or sparkling) hold the glass by the stem.
Napkins
The napkin is folded in half across your lap and then the top half is folded back again. This allows you to wipe your fingers on the inside of the napkin, so when you rest your arms on your lap, you don't soil your shirt sleeves. This also allows you to fold the top half back so you can keep all of the stuff you wiped in the napkin out of sight if you set it on the table or chair.
Last, if you leave and plan to come back, the napkin goes on the chair. If you're done with your meal and aren't coming back, the napkin goes on the table.
If you have tips of your own, leave a comment and I'll add them to this post. :)
SAN - Sometimes, Always Never.
For jackets, if it's a three button coat, sometimes button the top, always button the middle, and never button the bottom. On a two button coat, always the top and never the bottom. The most common mistake I see are men buttoning both buttons or just the bottom button.
Ties, Cummerbunds, & Vests
Ties should just touch the belt buckle, not longer, not shorter. The pleats on the cummerbund should point up. The bottom button on the vest should be undone.
Cufflinks & Buttons
Many tuxedos come with a small bag of "spare parts". The large two are cufflinks and mount on the sleeves facing outwards. The five or six smaller ones are used to replace the buttons on the shirt.
Wine Glasses, Reds and Whites
This is a common one for women. When drinking red wines, hold the glass by the bowl. When drinking wines that are served chilled (whites or sparkling) hold the glass by the stem.
Napkins
The napkin is folded in half across your lap and then the top half is folded back again. This allows you to wipe your fingers on the inside of the napkin, so when you rest your arms on your lap, you don't soil your shirt sleeves. This also allows you to fold the top half back so you can keep all of the stuff you wiped in the napkin out of sight if you set it on the table or chair.
Last, if you leave and plan to come back, the napkin goes on the chair. If you're done with your meal and aren't coming back, the napkin goes on the table.
If you have tips of your own, leave a comment and I'll add them to this post. :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
George Clinton & P-Funk in Denver
What an awesome concert! I saw these guys years ago up in Fargo, ND with my friend Tom, who was a member of a band I was in back in the day. It was by far the best live show I've ever been to and I have been checking out their schedule since to see when they would be someplace near. When I saw they were coming to Denver, I had to go. So, we drove down and had an awesome time. Here is a link to the video of the concert I posted on Facebook. Sorry for the shakiness, I was front and center and we were all jumping around. I can't wait to see them again.
Click the link below.
George Clinton Concert Video.
Click the link below.
George Clinton Concert Video.
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