Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Friday Favourite ~ CK Child Magazine
December 3, 2010Today’s friday favourite goes out to CK Child Magazine! The brand spankin’ new 2010 Winter issue is now available. You can visit the website to find out where to pick up a copy around Chatham Kent. But we do have it up in the studio!
Julie Rhodes Photography is so excited to be a part of the CK Child team and we are getting ready to kick off the 2nd annual CK most adorable munchkins contest, you can see details on the facebook page or the latest updates on the blog!
Look for the 2010 Winter issue! We had a blast setting up for this cover shoot.
Clothing from The Tickle Truck.
Photography by Julie Rhodes Photography
Magazine CK Child
Halloween 2009
October 31, 2009Ahhh Halloween! I love it! We have been so busy this year, I thought maybe we would squeak through halloween with costumes from years past, unfortunately or maybe fortunately I have passed some of my creative juice onto my girls and there was no way they were wearing a costume twice. So last thursday night before I left for an overnight wedding we racked our brains, searched the stores for the perfect disguise. Our costumes usually start with one piece that triggers the idea.
I totally love dressing everyone up (even Kirk) but hate dressing up myself! I am totally content to curl up on the couch, with the t.v. to myself, and my laptop on my knee. It is my first weekend in awhile off and it is nice to have the house full of giggling girls. This may have influenced Kirk’s costume tonight. Poor guy, I am sure there are some days he wishes for just a little testosterone in the house. He had 6 girls helping him get ready! lol
On to the pictures
Carsen’s costume this year started with the beautiful white dress, I wasn’t sure but she soo loved it. Once we found the perfect wig, the “Ice Princess” came to life.
Avery was set on being a vampire this year, I am sure it has absolutely nothing to do with Edward or Bella from the Twilight series. I love her red hair. Her costume started with the vampire teeth and the black and red tutu.
Shelby was the difficult one this year. 
Not sure what to be, a pirate, a hippy ~ time was running out. I thought of a “forest fairy” and she loved it. The dollar store was the perfect place for all our “extras” and we were looking for a simple brown cloak, but when we saw this copper dress with wings, we knew it was perfect! I love how Shelby gets right into the role!
And then we have Kirk ……………
Why does custom photography cost more?
September 15, 2009cost of custom photography
This is a great article about the costs and benefits of custom photography.
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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/from your on location session. Time break down:
-session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
-one half hour travel time TO session
-15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
-90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
-one half 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.
-session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
-one half hour travel time TO session
-15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
-90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
-one half 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/monitor 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 of 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.
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.
Article written by Marianne Drenthe
I absolutely love photography, every tiny piece of it! It is so much more that pushing a button, I am building relationships, making connections, sharing moments with people that impact my life! I hit a fork in the road, it took a little while for the answer to be clear, but when the clouds opened up and the answer was there, nothing has felt more right in my life. I left the fork in the road took the road that my heart told me and have been off running ever since. I am very excited for this, I love hearing clients are booking me because of “me”, the experience I provide, along with the love for my work. I love learning and growing and I am very excited for what is to come!
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
~ Carl W. Buechner
Also what is a blog post without a pic!
The "M" family session
September 6, 2009I had an awesome time with this family! They are so easy going and love each other sooo much!
Sister session ~ Kiya & Alivia
September 6, 2009We had a fun session despite the wind and we finished just in time as the rain started not 5 minutes after! This is a quick look for mom & dad. These two have brown eyes that melt your heart!
The "I" family!
August 30, 2009I was absolutely thrilled when I received an email from this mom inquiring about family pictures. She had decided she wanted family portraits for her birthday and I was the lucky photographer! I was honored she loved my work and super excited to meet her family, especially once I learned her kids were 2, 4, 6 and 8. Totally awesome ages, lots of kids = tons of laughter, I was giddy! She wanted beach pictures so that is where our play date took place!
Charlotte, Halle, Drew and Abbey ~ you guys were awesome! Thank you so much for hanging out and having some fun with me! The ice cream was a great ending to a wonderful night!
Another great family I have the pleasure of getting to know, what a lucky person I am……
I love the message………..
August 22, 2009want to be inspired?
do you have a few minutes?
Zack Arias is a photographer from Atlanta, GA. He is a fabulous photographer and insane with lighting! One day I will attend one of his workshops!
He posted a blog post “how many of you are standing on the dock?” sending the message are you going to get in the boat and paddle or stay on the dock?
Last week, Zack was inspired by Derrick, this guy that came to his door selling soap. Derrick’s message is HUGE. Take a couple of minutes and watch the clip below….you won’t regret it.
Zack was so inspired by Derrick he didn’t stop when Derrick left, he has been selling soap for Derrick from his blog, it felt soo good to buy some virtual soap! Buy virtual soap here!
We can choose our own path’s, Derrick’s story is a great lesson about positive attitude. There is good in everything, sometimes it is harder to find, you just need to really look for it!
Owen & Sophie!! Chatham Children’s Photographer
August 20, 2009Owen and Sophie are one of my very first clients! I have had the privilege to photograph these two as they grow, what an incredible honor. We went to the park for a summer session, Sophie has changed so much since Christmas! She is no longer a toddler but a beautiful little girl! I absolutely love her new curls! Big brother Owen is starting school this year! Such an awesome big brother he is! They were pros for this session, totally comfortable and themselves! It was a wonderful morning, lots of fun and many laughs!
