Photographic imaging is not a commodity. Simply comparing prices isn't really the way to go, unless you truly don't care about how good your images are. Cost is a consideration, and so is image quality, but there's more to it. Images of people -- especially those you love and care about -- are timeless; they are memories of points in lives that we can never come back to. Other images may be created to represent your brand and its products -- how do you want your customers and potential customers to see what you offer? Consider also:
My rates are estimated on a per-session (or sessions) basis, so I custom quote for each project. The estimate will be based on my estimates of the requirements for presession preparation, the session, post processing and any special associated costs (e.g. effects, travel, etc.). No, I don't offer discounts or have specials.
I'm aware, however, that every company or individual has limits on what's affordable. You may be surprised at what I can deliver within your budget while earning what I need to. So, please don't assume I'm out of your price range: tell me what you're trying to do and what's affordable, and I'll do my best to make them meet.
My Policies
Assuming the session is as we agree and plan, the rate I quote is the rate you pay. If I underestimate and quote too low, that's on me. I won't charge you more. If you add requested images or change the conditions I'm working in, or things aren't the way you represented so that we take longer or I have additional post processing not considered in the original quote, the fee goes up accordingly. On the other hand, if I discover that things were easier and go faster than expected when I quoted, I'll adjust my rate downward.
As stated, I'm not selling a picture, but a service. That service includes providing the minimum number of images you need if there is a minimum, but you may get more within the quoted rate, which will be on an estimated range and the time to post process them. Consulting on which images to process and, if your purpose, what to print as wall art, albums or other display type is part of the job at no added cost.
When you book a project, I require 30% down, non refundable under most circumstances if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice (multiday travel projects have different policies on this that vary due to related deposits and nonrefundability that I'm subject to). For small projects, the balance is due when I'm ready to deliver final images.
Typically, after the session and very basic adjustment, I post preview (not finished) images to a secure folder (password protected) on this website. From those, you choose and prioritize the images to finish. As stated, however, you're not stuck doing this alone (unless you want to) -- I provide guidance as to what images work best for your intended purpose.
Unless previously agreed ahead of time for commercial operations with their own art teams, I don't release unretouched/unadjusted images. It is not usually a problem if you want more of the images than the range upon which the original quote was based; I can quote for the added retouching time.
The time from order to the delivery of final images depends upon the quantity, of course, as well as required post processing. I will give you my best estimate up front (after the session, or after we meet to help with selection) and a revised timeline after the session. I can usually provide the images you select as I finish them, so you don't have to wait for all of them to get the first ones. Super-rush jobs are possible, but usually have an associated fee.
Unless agreed otherwise, you have full right to do anything you want with the finished images I deliver. There are no further charges for subsequent uses, and you can print, post or redistribute them to your heart's content. We can formally transfer copyright to you, or I can retain copyright and give you an unlimited license to use them (the latter may allow some cost reduction if I can also use the images). Note: The industry norm is for, "all rights" to increase the price; I don't do that. When you tell me your planned use, I accept that on good faith that is what you plan and my rate does not include a significant "all rights" expense. I do this because it makes my offer more competitive and most imagery is "perishable."
Weddings
As stated, I am not a wedding photographer, but I will do bridal/groom portraits and avante garde post wedding portraits at normal rates. If you really really really want me for a wedding, my rate is $1 million (I am not worth it <g>).
Let's get started: Email me at [email protected], tell me how to reach you and we can talk about what your needs are and how I can deliver them. I look forward to hearing from you.