ChristyLynn Photography

IT"S UP!!!!

2009-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

My new Website is up an running if you have not seen it please go to www.christylynnphotography.com and check it out! It includes a blog so I am thinking I will discontinue this one. Thank You!

Kambridge

2009-06-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here are three more, I hope they are worth the wait. Thank You again Kim!

Sweet!

2009-06-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just a preview of the shots I took today. I will get them all processed soon.

Thank You Kim she is an angel!

2009-05-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am now on Facebook

2009-05-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

I have a link to the right for my Facebook page. Go check it out and become a fan!

Raindrops on Roses & Ladybugs on Daisies

2009-05-03T23:41:00.001-07:00

When ever I can I steal away outside with my camera to see what I can see. I was lucky this late afternoon to have beautiful light and ladybugs on the daisies in the front yard.

I took these this past week, it was raining and the rain drops looked so pretty sitting on my roses. It made me want to sing. You know the song 'Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers on Kittens . . .

Today's Favorite Photo

2009-04-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

So today I was asked to take photos at our ward activity at the temple. It was so much Fun!

This is my favorite one.

Making a collage in Photoshop

2009-04-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

For my friends . . .

Step One:

Press Command-N (PC: Ctl-N) that will make a new document. Make it the size you want it.

Create a New Layer by clicking the icon at bottom of panel.

Get the Rectangular Marquee tool (M) Press and hold shift key to keep square.

Leave an equal amount of border around the square.

Press D to set your Foreground color to black the press Option - Delete ( PC: Alt-Backspace)

Step Two:

Press V to get move tool.

Press and hold Option Shift (PC: Alt-Shift) then click and drag yourself a copy.

Step Three:

Deselect by pressing Command-D (PC: Ctl-D)

Step Four:

Bring in photos as Smart Objects, go under File Menu and choose Place.

Choose photo you want to appear over square. When it appears on screen position it over square. Press and hold shift key and click and drag a corner handle to resize. Then Press the Return Key (PC: Enter) to lock your resizing.

Step Five:

Press Command-Option-G to mask your photo into the square. You can then move the photo using the move tool.

Step Six:

Repeat the last two steps to fill in your collage. (If when you are done any one of the photos that extends into a different box, just go to the layers panel and move that layer down one or two layers until that area is hidden behind on of the other masked photos.

Step Seven:

Click on the background in the layers panel, press the letter D to set your foreground color then press Option Delete (PC: Alt-Backspace)

Newborn Babys

2009-04-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

This photo session was way to much fun. I hope that Mom and Dad like the pictures.

Happiness is . . .

2009-03-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Smiling baby boys.

Travis Preview

2009-03-23T17:37:00.001-07:00

*Sigh*

Grant Preview

2009-03-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

LOVE IT!

Collage

2009-03-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

I was playing with my new camera and photoshop and came up with this great collage. So much fun!

Travis & Emma Photoshoot

2009-03-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

Taking pictures for this cute little man was a joy,

and being interrupted by his cute big sister was fun.

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

2009-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
one hour travel time TO session
15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
one hour travel time FROM session
30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
1 hour sorting through and checking order
30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, 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.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography

This article reproduced with permission from http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/

Mini Photo Session for Easter

2009-03-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

I will be doing mini photo sessions on March 21st in Placerville. Kim Jones's Mom has graciously given me permission to use her house all day. I will be doing 30 minute sessions, from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. There will be a $20 sitting fee that will be applied to the cost of prints should you order any. If you or anyone you know, are interested please call (225-3290) or email (pickerpicker@me.com) so I can get you signed up for a time slot. For the first 2 who sign up I will waive the $20 sitting fee. If you would like group pictures please sign up for 1 hour. I will have a few Easter props and you are welcome to bring any other props that you would like. This is a great chance for me to build my portfolio and for you to get a great deal on professional quality photos at a great price. I will post your photos in an online gallery so you can order prints.

Here are just a few pictures that I have taken there.

A Walk with Ladybugs

2009-03-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

We went for a walk with the Ladybugs, and I brought my camera.

Baby Photos

2009-02-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I took today. I was playing with different Photoshop finishes.

Welcome to my Photography Blog

2009-02-25T15:19:00.001-08:00

Welcome my friends to my Photography blog. I am hoping to use this site to share with you my journey to becoming a better photographer. I thank all of you who have faith in me. Stay tuned to see some of my best so far.

~Christy