r i c k i f o r d

2009-06-30T08:08:00.002-05:00

WWW.RICKIFORD.COM/BLOG

www.rickiford.com/blog

2009-06-23T16:51:00.004-05:00

I AM NO LONGER POSTING TO THIS BLOG. I HAVE MOVED UP IN THE WORLD OF BLOGGING.
HERE IS THE NEW ADDRESS WHERE I WILL BE POSTING FROM NOW ON.
WWW.RICKIFORD.COM/BLOG THIS IS ONE REASON I AM GLAD I HAVE A NEW BLOG IT WANT LET ME PUT LINK'S IN HERE. SO COPY AND PASTE THE ADDRESS AND PUT IT IN YOUR FAVES!!!!!! SEE YOU OVER THERE!!!

New blog a coming!

2009-06-22T09:06:00.003-05:00

I am sorry about the slow posting I am almost finished with my brand new blogggggg!!!!!!!!!So keep checking back it will be up soon!

Maddison Strickland

2009-06-10T10:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a few images of my niece Maddison she was born May16th 2009. A gift from God!
A proud grandmother.

Piggy time!

Ryan's beautiful little girl!

2009-06-08T11:18:00.001-05:00

A must read!

2009-06-08T09:09:00.003-05:00

This is a must read for any bride looking for a wedding photographer! This was written by an east coast photographer Grant Perry and he really nailed it!
So you're meeting your prospective wedding photographer for the first time. You found them on a Google search, and their site seems nice enough. But how do you really know they are the best for you?

The easiest answer is also the most ridiculous; in 30 initial minutes you can't. BUT ... there are a few things you can look for to become more comfortable with your decision.

1. Relationship - Relationship - Relationship
The absolute most important aspect to you reaping the results you desire from your final wedding photography is that you fall in LOVE with your wedding photographer(s). And by LOVE I don't mean you'd ebay your rings, cancel your date and marry them - but I do mean you feel so comfortable that you'd be able to brag about them to your closest friends or have them over for dinner at your house.

A wedding photographer worth hiring doesn't take pictures, and that sounds totally weird, I know. A great wedding photographer isn't really a photographer at all but an artist who uses a camera and lens to paint and CAPTURE MOMENTS in digital files filled with emotion and passion. Their images - each and every one - CAPTURE a narrative or story that with one glance creates an emotion from the viewer; namely you. ANYBODY can take a picture, especially with the advances in today's geeky low-priced digital cameras. But only true wedding photography ARTISTS can capture your story with passion and emotion.

Someone who is bestowed such a precious and significant task as being your ONLY wedding photographer must be someone you absolutely love and admire. In fact, a true wedding photography artist will almost always be easy to be comfortable with because they themselves are depending on building a strong relationship with you so they may better understand what is important to your final outcome.

2. Passion
Ask your prospective wedding photographer if they take their cameras with them to family birthday parties or if they shoot pictures of their niece's soccer games. Only someone passionate about their craft integrates that passion into their lives - and a great wedding photography artist always integrates their passion into their lives.

When you're sitting across the table from them, how do they make you feel? Are you getting excited about your day as they talk about their involvement? When they talk about their product, do they exhibit a kind of giddiness or are they just selling? What adjective comes to your mind to describe them if you were asked 5 minutes after you've left the appointment?

Passion HAS to at least be a likely adjective you could choose. If not? Run - do not walk - to the next photographer.

You see - any great wedding photography artist is in the "game" for more than just the coin. They are always - and I mean always - looking to become your wedding photographer because they are passionate about painting your special story with the lenses of their camera that tell the story through fine art photography. In fact, a passionate wedding photography artist will always be a remarkable artist.

3. No new stress - please!
The wedding photographer sitting across the table from you has no idea what your plans are for your upcoming fairy-tale day. In fact, just because they've taken pictures for hundreds of brides before you, there are no other weddings even close in style or substance as yours, period.

If your prospective wedding photographer isn't asking the right questions of you, questions pertaining to your day, how YOU plan it to unfold, how many bridesmaids, groomsmen, the venue, is there going to be dancing, will your dad walk you down the aisle, who your maid-of-honor is and who she is to you ...

If they are insisting on showing you their previous work, and how awesome they are, and who they've photographed before ever asking about how YOU envision your day? RUN - do not walk - to the next prospective photographer.

The most counter-productive and stressful situation is to have your wedding photographer not clearly understand your time line. And the best scenario in this situation is to have a needy, whiney, and question ridden person running around taking pictures creating more stress. The worst scenario? They don't ask and subsequently don't GET the pictures you envisioned. In either scenario? Stress and disaster.

Actually, the absolute BEST scenario is a wedding photographer who sits across the table and interviews YOU. That's right, you've invited them to the table to choose them - but what you really want is someone who wants to work with you because you both click. Someone who asks you a bunch of questions, and diligently writes down YOUR answers about YOUR day as they interview YOU. Why? Because when they truly understand YOUR day, and how it will unfold, you have found someone who doesn't need to create stress on your day (or before), you've found someone capable of discovering and understanding what you want prior to your day. Someone who can click with you (and hopefully - FOR you - wink).

4. Show me your stuff
More than likely, you've seen a lot of your prospective wedding photographer's work (and probably their best work) from their web site. And having a look at an album or prints or canvas or ... is a good thing too. But understand this, nothing they show you across the table is going to be what you get - ever. You are seeing a compilation of work from perhaps their best work, which is understandable. But even on a perfect day, no two weddings are the same, nor are any two wedding albums, or prints, or ... the same.

Obviously your wedding photographer needs to be able to nail their focus, and exposures, and all of those technical photography details in order to even be considered. But, going back to the number one "must" - other bride's relationships with your photographer have got to be great.

Ask your potential wedding photographer to give you a couple of brides you can contact. And when they provide those names, call those brides and ask one question; "What do you remember most about Photographer xx?" That's it! You'll get the whole story from that one question. And the best part? You'll also get your answer overall from that question.

5. It's gotta be fun
Ask the wedding photographer this question; "So what do you do for fun?" Not that you need to care WHAT they do for fun - but you do care if they do anything that IS FUN.

Just because your wedding photographer will be working as a "vendor" on your awesome day does NOT mean they have to portray it as work. They have to have fun at it - and you've got to have fun at it - and that does NOT mean it's up to you to make it fun. THEY have to make it fun - the whole day. It may be 98 degrees in the shade or 2 below zero - but THEY have to be able to roll with the punches or change direction at any given time and still make it fun and stress-free for your entire party.

And there is really no way to know if that person you just met is that person other than to know they know how to have fun on their own, hence "So what do you do for fun?"

Fun = happy. Stress = ugly. Which do you choose?
This was wrote by an east coast photographer Grant Perry

Meg and Jason:Wedding

2009-06-01T15:51:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of my faves from Meg and Jason: Wedding Thanks Meg and Jason you guys ROCKED!!

This was a sweet lady!!

Lyndsay and Brandon: E-Session

2009-05-27T08:02:00.002-05:00

I have been really blessed with some amazing couple's since I have been in photography and Lyndsay and Brandon you guys ROCK! Here are a few of my faves from thier E-Session. (I love comments hint! hint!)

Kissing shots are always great....

OK this is my fav!

SAAAA-----WEEEEEET!

Ricki Ford Style!

another fav! I had a lot of faves in this session..

Lyndsay is making Brandon smile:)

I love the light in this one.

One more KISS!

Megan and Neil: E-Session

2009-05-20T08:28:00.002-05:00

Thanks Megan and Neil for a great time! Check out some of the cool shots we got from thier session. I had a B---LAST!

ONE OF MY FAVES!!

Look at how pretty she is.

This is going to be a canvas here at the studio!

Dargan and Christopher: Wedding

2009-05-13T16:28:00.002-05:00

Mother getting her daughter ready.

Look at how beautiful she is!!

One of my faves...

And another one!

One slick Dude!

I love it!!!

Sweet spot...

Thier first dance as man and wife.

Joani And Andrew : Wedding

2009-05-06T09:49:00.003-05:00

You Guys were amazing I can't begin to tell you how much fun we had at your wedding! Thank you so much for letting us be apart of your wedding day!

I love this shot!

I was feeling the lighting in this one.

we done a short bridal session before the wedding.

I love it!

Ready to Rock!

How beautiful is she?

God blessed us with a beautiful day!

Kissy Kissy!

I could not leave this one out!!!

How Cute Is He?

2009-05-05T14:26:00.002-05:00

Look out Ladys! Here come the Heart Break Kid!

Julie Ann: Senior Session Ricki Ford Style!

2009-04-30T14:47:00.002-05:00

Here are some of my favorites from the beautiful Julie Ann's high senior pictures.

Callie and Justin: Wedding

2009-04-27T15:42:00.002-05:00

My faves from a really really awesome wedding this passed weekend! Thanks Callie and Justin you guys ROCK!!!!

Keli and Wolford :Wedding

2009-04-23T09:35:00.002-05:00

SOOOOOOOO MUCH FUN! I think this is my biggest post to date! What can I say I had a lot of faves.

Paryer

2009-04-17T21:23:00.002-05:00

I would like everyone to help me and my family pray for my mother. We just found out that the cancer that was in remission has come back to her. She is in the hospital now and is in desperate need of prayer. It's very hard for all of us to see someone who has raised you and took care of you go through the pain she is in right now. We are praying for a miracle and I humbly ask for everyone's prayers.

Cute!!!!

2009-04-16T17:27:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of my faves from my shoot the other day.

Lisa and Andy:Wedding Ricki Ford Style!

2009-04-06T19:38:00.002-05:00

One Cool Couple!!!!!

Meghan and Justin:Wedding

2009-03-31T16:18:00.004-05:00

I met meghan and justin last summer and from the time that i met them I knew that thier wedding was going to be a blast.
When you met cool people from the get-go you know that you are going to have fun when you get to hang out with them, so here are a few of my favorites from thier wedding.
thanks meghan and justin for an awesome time.

Chelesa Hardee Senior Session: Ricki Ford Style

2009-03-31T14:44:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of my faves from Chelesa Senior Session

Me and Sommer (a.k.a the wife!)

2009-03-30T08:48:00.003-05:00

A short video of me and Sommer getting started at our wedding this pastweekend!

How We Roll!! from Ricki Ford on Vimeo.

Another Easter Session Ricki Ford Style!

2009-03-26T11:39:00.002-05:00

Here is another beautiful family!!!!

Easter Session Ricki Ford Style!

2009-03-25T13:00:00.002-05:00

I had the opportunity to do an Easter session with Misty and her two beautiful little girls last week. And what a fun time it was! Here are a few of my faves.

Easter Time!

2009-03-19T16:11:00.002-05:00

WE ARE HAVING AN EASTER SPECIAL! if your session is booked between the dates of march 23rd through march 26th there will be no session fee. dates are filling up fast, so call soon and save your date!

Senior Session Updated!

2009-03-16T15:40:00.001-05:00

To all of you who have already booked your session this will apply to your session also.

Accepted!!!!

2009-03-15T07:56:00.005-05:00

When I opened my Email the other day I was really stoked to find out I was accepted in to the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS www.ispwp.com Be sure to check them out!

This Is Really Cool

2009-03-09T10:58:00.001-05:00

Kevin and Jamie : E-Session

2009-02-25T18:38:00.002-05:00

I was stoked to get to hangout with Kevin and Jamie today. Heres a teaser from there e-session....

The Best Way To Start Your Day!

2009-02-25T11:39:00.001-05:00

This is how I start my day, it's the best way to start your day!

ARTOGRAPHY!

2009-02-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

HI Everyone! I am sorry for the slow blog posting:) we have been out of the office quite a bit lately. Here is a few pieces of art that I have been working on.

Bridal Show Booth Charleston S.C.

2009-02-16T11:06:00.001-05:00

Here is our booth at the bridal show this passed weekend in Charleston S.C. IT WAS A BIG HIT! We decided to change things up a little bit and step out side of the box. You don't allways have to do what everyone else is doing! Express Your Self!
I would also like to think everyone who stopped by our booth we really enjoyed speaking with you all!
Thank you!

Bridal Show Booth! from Ricki Ford on Vimeo.

Callie and Justin: E-Session

2009-02-07T23:19:00.002-05:00

A few of my faves from Callie and Justins E-Session. This is an amazing couple and I am so looking forward to there wedding. Thank you Callie and Justin for a great time.

Sneak Peek

2009-01-28T18:31:00.003-05:00

We have a bridal show coming up soon so we wanted to give you all a sneak peek of some of the art we will be displaying.

Image Of The Month

2009-01-28T09:09:00.001-05:00

Little Beauty Queen!

2009-01-17T17:57:00.002-05:00

Little Beauty Queen is'nt she beautiful? All images were shot with 50mm 1.8 with natural light. Here are a few of my faves.

Her being cute and doing a really good job at it!

Rebecca and Jason: Dayafter Shoot

2009-01-07T07:24:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites!!!

New Year Resolution

2009-01-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

Get Out Of Debt from Ricki Ford on Vimeo.

Dave Ramsey Says!

2009-01-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

The Truth About Debt
Myth: Debt is a tool and should be used to help create prosperity.
Truth: Debt isn't used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe.

Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you're in debt, then you're a slave because you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree.

According to a recent USA Today article about debt, 78% of Baby Boomers have mortgage debt, 59% have credit card debt, and 56% have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn't have a stinking car payment? This is how the wealthy really build their wealth. Debt is dumb. Welcome to the real world!
Dave Ramsey's Background
When training for my first career in real estate, I was told that debt was a tool. "Debt is like a fulcrum and lever," allowing us to lift what we otherwise could not lift. We can buy a home, a car, start a business, or go out to eat and not be bothered with having to wait. I remember a finance professor telling us that debt was a two-edged sword, which would cut for you like a tool but could also cut into you and bring harm.

The myth has been sold that we should use OPM (other people's money) to prosper. The academic garbage is spread really thick on this issue. We are told with sufficient snobbery and noses in the air that sophisticated and disciplined financiers use debt to their advantage. Careful there, you'll get a sunburn on your upper lip.

Consider the Risk
My contention is that debt brings on enough risk to offset any advantage that could be gained through leverage of debt. Given time - a lifetime - risk will destroy the perceived returns purported by the myth-sayers. I once was a myth-sayer myself and could repeat the myths very convincingly. I was especially good with the "debt is a tool" myth. I even sold rental property that was losing money to investors by showing them, with very sophisticated internal rates of return, how they would actually make money!

Boy, what a reach. I could spout the myth with enthusiasm, but life and God had some lessons to teach me. Only after losing everything I owned and finding myself bankrupt did I think that risk should be factored in, even mathematically. It took my waking up in "intensive care" to realize how dumb and dangerous this myth is. Life hit me hard enough to get my attention and teach me.

According to Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave of the lender" (NRSV). I was confronted with this scripture and had to make a conscious decision of who was right - my broke finance professor, who taught that debt is a tool, or God, who showed the obvious disdain for debt. Beverly Sills had it right when she said, "There is no shortcut to any place worth going.

Little Ones

2008-12-29T12:47:00.002-05:00

I was looking thru some images that we shot this year and I ran across these images of our little girls that my wife Sommer took.
Check them out and comment because comments are good.

This is great!

2008-12-25T23:57:00.001-05:00

I took this off of beckers blog www.beckersblog.com I liked it a lot and wanted to share it with you!

The Advent Conspiracy Promo Video from theadvance on Vimeo.

We say Merry Christmas here @ Ricki Ford Photographers

2008-12-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

We say Merry Christmas here @ Ricki Ford Photographers from Ricki Ford on Vimeo.

Rebecca and Jason: Wedding

2008-12-22T12:27:00.003-05:00

This was my last wedding of the year and boy was it a fun one! Here are a few of my faves!

Ansley and Brandon: E-Session

2008-12-17T08:41:00.002-05:00

Kayla

2008-12-11T17:28:00.003-05:00

Maternity Session This is how we do it!

No Baby mama was injured during this shoot.

Sign up!!!!!!!

2008-12-10T12:45:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I have a new mailing list so sign up so you can get all the news, info and how we do it here at Ricki Ford Photographers.
If you signed up before please sign up again the last mailing list did not work for me but this new one ROCKS!
Thanks

My RockStar Girls!

2008-12-03T21:32:00.002-05:00

My wife Sommer caught this classic of our two models!

Christmas Cards

2008-12-03T09:02:00.004-05:00

Here is the new line of Christmas Cards we are offering this year. All of these are all 5x7 foled cards. So if you want your Christmas cards to stand out from everyone else Here they are!

Tommy and Lauren:Day After Shoot

2008-12-01T09:12:00.004-05:00

Here are just a few of my favs from Tommy and Laurens Day After Shoot. This is one of the most amazing couples that I know you guys Rock!

Keli and Walford

2008-11-28T09:55:00.003-05:00

This is one wedding that I am really stoked about shooting next year. I know just from the e-session that it is going to be so much fun. I am really sorry about my blog posting but I am going to catch up really soon so keep checking back for all the new updates.

Turkey Day!!!

2008-11-27T06:47:00.001-05:00

Thanks

2008-11-25T09:12:00.001-05:00

I wanted to sayThanks from Ricki Ford on Vimeo.

Jennifer and Sean:Wedding

2008-11-18T17:59:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of my faves from Jennifer and Sean wedding.

My Name Is Earl!

2008-11-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

I would like for everyone to meet our newest family member Earl.

Christina and Ashton : Wedding

2008-11-13T15:23:00.002-05:00

Here is a few of my favs from Christina and Ashtons Wedding.

Christmas pictures

2008-11-05T13:11:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody!! We just want to let you all know we're having a special on Christmas pictures and family sessions coming up. We're booking fast, so call and set up your appointment soon. Be sure to ask us about our new line of Christmas cards.

Our number is 843-617-0147

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Olivia and Drew: Wedding

2008-11-03T08:52:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of our faves from our St Simons Island GA wedding. Olivia booked with me over the phone so I didn't get to meet this awesome couple untill the wedding day and what an awesome couple they were. Thanks Olivia and Drew for letting us be apart of your wedding day.

Anna and Tyler: E-Session

2008-10-29T16:54:00.002-05:00

Meet Anna and Tyler! Their wedding is next year and we are really looking forward to it. This is an awesome couple so I know their wedding is going to rock.

Family Session

2008-10-24T08:24:00.002-05:00

Is she CUTE or what?

Sharlene and Eric: Wedding

2008-10-20T10:07:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of my favs from our wedding in Washington GA.

hey everyone

2008-10-17T14:59:00.003-05:00

We will be out of the office for the next four days we are in Florida (I love it here). We have a beautiful wedding this weekend that I will be posting next week so keep an eye out for it. I also have 2 e session and 2 more weddings to post. I know I am behind on my blogging but I will be catching up as soon as I get back in. I have been getting a lot of e-mails on how I do things here at Ricki Ford Photographers I will also be answering thoses e- mails also. If you have any question or just want to chat give me a call or send me an e-mail. I am thinking about starting a Q/A here let me know what you think.
ricki@rickiford.com
843.617.0147

Savannah and Jonhathan :Wedding

2008-10-09T10:57:00.002-05:00

We are haveing a busy and blessed month. Here is our schedule for this month.
Oct 4th St Augustine FL- Wedding
Oct 11th Atlanta GA- Wedding
Oct 18th St Simons Island GA- Wedding
Oct 25th St Mattews SC- Wedding
Here is the wedding of Savannah and Johnathan in St Augustine this past weekend. You guys rocked. We had so much fun hanging out with you all.

Another Teaser!

2008-10-01T23:02:00.001-05:00

Here is a little teaser from my e-session with Keli and Wofford. We will be out of town this weekend on a wedding in Florida I will post more soon and keep a look out for the wedding images from this coming weekend.

Charlotte and Raymond :Wedding

2008-09-24T20:35:00.003-05:00

We've been looking forward to Raymond and Charlotte's wedding for a while now. Everything was fabulous and we had a wonderful time being with them and their family. Raymond and Charlotte are a great match for one another and it showed. Here are a few of our favorite picks.

Amber Brigmans New C.D.

2008-09-22T18:32:00.001-05:00

I was really stoked when I got the call from Amber to shoot the images for her first c.d. I was really stoked when I saw it and listened to it. I keep it in my cd player in my car, so now I have to download it and put it on my iphone. The first song on the cd was wirten by a really good firend of my, Jonathan Hinson, called Brand New. The boy has got skills.
If you get a chance, give her a call or e-mail her and pick up a cd for yourself. You will really enjoy it.
She put her heart and soul into it and the Lord has truly blessed.
Phone...(843.423.9642) (843.433.4643).
e-mail: sabrigman@bellsouth.net

Maternity / Family Session

2008-09-19T10:22:00.006-05:00

Here are a few of my favs from a maternity/ family session I had the honors to do. Amazing Family You Guys Rock!

Victoria and Stevie: Wedding

2008-09-09T15:39:00.002-05:00

We want to give a great big thanks to Stevie and Victoria. Their wedding was on the Isle of Palms in Charleston and it was absolutely gorgeous. Hurricane Hannah came in Friday night, but by Saturday morning, the weather was completely clear, bright, and beautiful. Stevie and Victoria definately compliment one another. Thanks again for a great time.

Fun Shoot With Raven

2008-08-31T20:00:00.002-05:00

Me and my daugther went out this past Saturday and shot some pictures, some fun stuff check them out!

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-29T23:14:00.001-05:00

Teaser

2008-08-26T15:25:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody,
We just got done shooting with two hot couples this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. Both sessions were totally rocking. I can't wait till their wedding dates. I want to thank Andrew, Joni, and Eric and Sharlene for a wonderful time.

Happy Brithday Baby Girl!!!!

2008-08-21T13:55:00.002-05:00

I want to give my little girl a Brithday shout out. So here it gose HAPPY BRITHDAY RAVEN!!!
I love you with all my heart and I want to let you and the world know how proud I am of you.
I love you beautiful!

Shellie and Andrew: Wedding

2008-08-14T13:21:00.004-05:00

Another rocking wedding!! We have had some really cool brides and grooms this year. But just hold on because we got a lot more weddings coming and the couples rock just as much as the couples we have had so far. When I met with Shellie and Andrew the first time, I knew they were going to be a lot of fun. They knew just what they wanted in their images and with such a goodlooking couple, how can I go wrong. I mean come on look at these two. Shellie and Andrew, thank you for letting us hangout with you all on your wedding day. It was really cool.
The wedding was coordinated By Invitation Olny(www.murphyweddings.com) and they did an awesome job. It was great working with Melanie and she kept everything flowing. I am sorry about my link, it's not working on my site right now.

Nikki Ward

2008-08-12T21:37:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of working with the beautiful Nikki Ward again the other day and it was a ton of fun. Here are a few of my favs from the shoot and you can also read more about her and what she is interested in here on her website. So check it out and show her some love.
www.nikkiward.org

Full Throttle

2008-08-07T21:14:00.005-05:00

We are packing for a rocking 2 weddings(Friday and Saturday) weekend that we are really stoked about. And a bridal show in Charleston S.C. on Sunday. I am looking forward to the bridal show, getting to meet all the new brides and a lot of the awesome photographers in Charleston. I got my smell me good, my tooth brush, and the other things that I need. I hope I don't forget anything, I think I better go get Sommer to double check for me.
This weekend is going to be wide open and I love it! God has really blessed me and my family and all praise goes to Him.
So keep an eye out for all the new stuff we will be posting soon.
Take care and have a rocking weekend!

Really great read

2008-08-05T20:20:00.004-05:00

I found this on professional child photographer.com and I thought I would post it here also. It is a really good read it sums it all up about cost.
What Is Custom Photography?

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.
Finally after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.
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.

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

Custom photography is more of a luxury than your entry level cookie cutter chain experience. Custom photography truly is not for everyone, it requires a level of commitment, investment in time and money, forethought and planning on the part of the subject/client and requires a larger time commitment for the photographer as well.
Clients who enjoy taking a more active role in the creation of their families’ memories have the desire to have portrait art that is truly personalized. These more discerning clients have been known to budget and allot time for a custom photography session. Many clients opt for it to be a once a year special experience, some opt to have custom photography sessions done to record their child’s stages in life. Having said this, it is clear that custom photography is not in everyone’s budget, it is something that most families save for to splurge on from time to time to memorialize their children as they really are (not posed and primped in the cookie cutter studio setting).
There is a great deal of time involved in creating high end custom photography sessions for a client. The luxury of great service, better choices and a supberb end product. The result of all this are heirloom quality images. The time invested at the session is only a small portion of time involved in this process.
Custom photography has been likened to purchasing a fine vehicle. To get to point B from A let’s face it, even a bus ride would suffice. If you want to luxuriate in a finely appointed vehicle, customizing your own experience by listening to smooth jazz while sitting in a climate controlled setting adjusted purely for your comfort in a body hugging leather interior, perhaps that Lexus you so desire is your cup of tea. Custom photography is much the same cup of tea. It is the Lexus of the photography world. It is where the intangibles make the experience truly wonderful and the images themselves make the investment of money and time truly worthwhile.
Custom photography can be broken down into even more levels. There are on location, studio, mixed studio/on location, specialty location and destination type photographers. The beauty of custom photography is in the choices and in the luxury of thoses options. The customized service level you are sure to experience will be amazing. The knowledge that your final images are the result of someone caring about those moments so much that they take extra time ensuring that the artwork you receive is good enough to stand by with their name on it. That level of quality and commitment is all but lost in the age of "mass produced," "mass marketed," corporate "everyone is a number". Custom photography is based on being unique to you. How great an experience would be, to be able to sit back and allow a photographer to do this highly custom work for images that you will most likely cherish for a lifetime?
Keep in mind more than anything that the Lexus will never appreciate in value the way your portraits will. The portrait art you become invested in from your custom photographer will no doubt increase in value and become more priceless as the years pass.

Lauren and Tommy : Wedding

2008-08-01T13:45:00.002-05:00

Tommy and Lauren are definitely a unique couple in their own special way. Their personalities match to a tee and they know just when to compliment the other. We love the fact that nothing was the same throughout this wedding. The reception was held at the lovely City Art in downtown Columbia and Tommy and Lauren were escorted in a 1957 Belair. We wish Tommy and Lauren the best and thanks for a great wedding.

snap shot!

2008-07-30T14:56:00.002-05:00

We shot an awesome wedding this passed weekend. They had a photobooth there and it weas really cool here is a snap shot of me and Sommer and Brittani. Thanks Lauren and Tommy we had a great time at your wedding. Keep checking back to see the images from the wedding. PhotoBooth provided by Oh Snap Photobooth www.ohsnapphotobooth.com

Tracy and Waylon: Wedding

2008-07-23T23:42:00.003-05:00

Here is the rest of the images!!!

teaser

2008-07-22T10:54:00.002-05:00

Here is a teaser From my wedding this pass weekend. My blogging has been really slow(sorry) got a lot going on here. Wait I dont want to call it a lot going on I like to call it BLESSED! So check back later for the rest of the images.

Children

2008-07-10T21:06:00.003-05:00

I wanted to post some of my kid stuff that i have been doing. I love working with children I have 3 beautiful little girls and they will keep you on your toes. Here are some of my faves.

Joy and David : Wedding

2008-07-07T18:15:00.002-05:00

Onassiss Model Port

2008-06-30T10:20:00.002-05:00

I had a chance to work with a good firend and model of mine Onassiss a couple of weeks back. We had a great time doing the shoot as we all ways do but anywho checkem out here are a few of my faves.

Christy and Josh Day after shoot

2008-06-24T14:36:00.003-05:00

I met Christy and Josh at the beach to shoot there day after shoot. I thought we had a good time at there wedding but it carried right on into this shoot. This is an amazing couple fun to be around Josh will keep you laughing, this dude is funny.
But anywho we had a great time. Here are some of my faves from the shoot.

Hurry Up And Sign Up!!!!!

2008-06-17T16:49:00.004-05:00

I took this off of Jasmine Stars blog. I wanted to help get the word out about this awesome tour Jasmine Star and David Jay are doing. I am super stoked about it but I am also bummed out because Jasmine is not going to make it to a city near me:(
Do sign up as soon as you can I know thses seat will be going fast.

Meredith and Mark :Wedding

2008-06-14T09:47:00.002-05:00

2008 Brides

2008-06-12T08:33:00.002-05:00

I know my blogging has been really really slow. I have been crazy out of this world loving every minute of it busy. I wanted to post some of my beautiful brides from this year some you may have seen allready, Some I could not post untill the wedding was over( It's a southern thing).At the end of this year I will post the rest of my beautiful bride of 2008 I also have a wedding to post soon keep a look out for that.

Brittani and Kristin Senior shoot

2008-06-04T20:53:00.006-05:00

Christy an Josh: Wedding

2008-05-29T11:51:00.001-05:00

I am trying the slideshow on my blog let me know if you like it better or should I keep posting images. I just think this away you don't have to keep scrolling down to look at the images you can get some popcorn sit back and enjoy the show. This past weekend I had two awesome weddings and this was one of them. I got to hangout with the guys and Sommer was with the bride and the bridesmaid. When I got to the localtion of the wedding I had some pretty crazy images to show Sommer on my camrea. By the way Sommer is my wife I didn't know if you knew that are not.
We will be out of town from the 30th till the 2nd if you need to reach me I will be checking my e-mail often.

Chrissy and Brad: Wedding

2008-05-28T09:33:00.002-05:00

WOW! WOW AND MORE WOWS!!!! That is what I have to say about these guys and there wedding. It ROCKED! Everyone was great, I feel like part of the family now. That is how good everyone treated us. They were so much fun to be around. Christina and Brad are a good example of Barbie and Ken. At least that was one of the many comments their friends had to say about them. They met on Spring Break in the Bahammas. They lived in 2 seperate states and continued a long distance relationship but only for a short while. They both fell deeply in love with one another and now they are on the way to spending the rest of there lives together.

Allison and Brandon: Wedding

2008-05-27T07:48:00.002-05:00

Allison and Brandon are so amazingly in love with one another who both include our Lord and Savior Jesus in their life. You can see clearly through their actions that they have put the Lord first and foremost. They started out as great friends who found out they both truly loved one another. Their compassion and humble in heart showed through during their mission trip to Africa. "Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground." Psalms 147:5-6 Thankyou both for being a blessing to us.

Nikki and Paul : Wedding

2008-05-22T22:58:00.002-05:00

Alittle wirte up is coming later so check back.

Victoria and Steves e-session

2008-05-19T22:49:00.003-05:00

Everything was going great while shooting this couple until I fell down flat on my face and lost all my cool points. That was a great laugh. My shoe finally flew up in the air 30 seconds after I fell. But, even though I embarrassed myself, Steve and Victoria had a great laugh right along with me. They we're a load of fun to be with so I guess that's why I kept tripping all over my feet. I enjoyed every minute with them at the Isle of Palms in Charleston. It was a beautiful day with an amazing couple. Thanks Steve and Victoria for a great time and laugh. Steve, just a reminder, bring a walker next time you see me. Sorry about the slow posting. We have been really busy lately we shot 2 wedding this past weekend so keep a look out for them.

Rachel and Brian: Wedding

2008-05-13T08:34:00.002-05:00

Happy Mothers Day.

2008-05-11T18:11:00.003-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and I would especially like to thank my mama. Not only did she raise me and my 2 sisters, but also the other kids in our neighborhood. Thankyou mama for being kind, gentle, loving, and patient. She's recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and I don't know how much longer we'll have her here with us, but I thank the Lord for blessing me and my family with her presence. She's due to have surgery this Tuesday and I ask for everyone's prayers. Let not my will but God's will be done. Phillippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me." I pray that the Lord will give her strength and guide the doctor's hands. Mama hasn't always been perfect and neither have I, but we have Jesus on our side and we continue to give him praise and the glory when we're on top of the mountain and when we're walking through the valley. I love my mama and the love she's given me through the years. Happy Mother's Day mama and we love you.

Kid Stuff

2008-05-05T14:57:00.002-05:00

Lauren and Tommy E-Session

2008-04-29T07:37:00.002-05:00

I can't begin to tell you the fun I had on this engagement session. We had the chance to go to the top of the Quicksilver building where Lauren used to work at. From the experience I had with session, I can't wait for their wedding in July. Thankyou Lauren and Tommy for taking your time to hang out with me in Charleston. It was a blast!

Christina and Ashton : E-Session

2008-04-26T07:11:00.003-05:00

Ashton and Christina were a fun and vibrant couple. Ashton leaves Sunday and will return 1 week before their wedding in October. Our prayers go out to him and the other men and women who fight for our freedom in this country. I know that this might be a hard time for Christina while he's gone, but just stay strong in the Lord. Phillippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." Thankyou both for the amazing time I had with you in St Matthews. God bless you both.

Stephanie and Steven : Wedding

2008-04-22T14:00:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time at Stephen and Stephanie's wedding in Charleston. They booked us over the phone so this was our first time ever with them. They made us feel welcomed and relaxed which made for beautiful pictures (they're a beautiful couple). You could really see the fairswheel of emotions in the family when Stephanie stepped into her wedding dress, to the look on Stephen's face when he saw his bride walked down the aisle, and the happy tears that were shed during the dance between the father and the bride. We appreciate them for letting us be a part of their day. Thank you so much Stephen and Stephanie.

Kristy and Anthony :Wedding

2008-04-15T15:55:00.004-05:00

Well, we just got back from an awsesome wedding for Kristy and Anthony Quattrone. The church was beautiful, the reception (which was at the museum in Columbia) was wonderful, and we could not have asked for a better couple to work with. They treated us as if we were their family. Kristy, you made a beautiful bride and Anthony, consider yourself blessed (which I know you do). Thanks again to the both of you and your family for inviting me and my wife to be a part of your day.

Out of town

2008-04-11T13:13:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I am out of town this weekend on a wedding. Its going to be a two day event and I am looking forward to it this couple is awesome and I know it is going to be a lot of fun. So check back soon for some images from the wedding. I will try to load some up soon after the wedding but I am not sure how the Internet connection will be If it is good I will post some.

This is so cool

2008-04-08T17:09:00.006-05:00

I just bought Photo Mechanic and I have got to say it is the sweetest thing. It is so fast you can buzzzzzz right thur your images, it will save you a ton of time. I have tried other software programs that say they are fast but untill you try Photo mechanic you haven't seen fast. If I could tell you anything that will speed up your editing time this is it. You can try it free for 30 days.
Give it a shot you will love it. If I have miss spelled anything forgive me I am super stoked about photo mechanic
www.camerabits.com