Engagement sessions
Formal sessions
Family portraits
wedding
portrait
Posted on November 17, 2009
Last Friday I was blessed to be able to photograph YP and Adeline. I first met this lovely couple at the wedding expo in August this year. They have both been studying in Australia and wanted to have some photos taken together to remember their time here before heading Back to Singapore.
Such a lovely couple, an absolute pleasure to photograph.
I was over the moon when YP told me that he had organised with a friend to use her 69 Ford Mustang for some of the photos up at Mount Stromlo, and doesn’t it look fantastic? Also a big thank you to ANU security who allowed us to head up to the observatory after they had closed the boom gates.
I absolutely LOVE this next one!
YP & Adeline, it was an absolute pleasure photographing you both! I hope you enjoy the photos.
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Posted on August 20, 2009
Dale Smith Photography is having a COMPETITION!
We are giving away Two free formal sessions, and entry couldnt be easier! Simply send an email to dale@dale-smith-photography.com telling us why you deserve to win. Its that easy!
Entries close September 19 2009. Winners will be announced on the night of the 20th September.
But thats not all! Even if you dont win you still get something. Book a formal session before October 31 2009 and you will recieve one 8×12 inch gift print valued at $55, free.
Because I can only shoot a very limited number of sessions on the day of your formal, we will book your session on the same day as your hair and makeup trial. This way we can have a fun and relaxed shoot with no time constraints.
Dont delay!
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Posted on August 14, 2009
I have been a lazy blogger lately and have a handful of posts coming up in the next few weeks.
My wife, Sair, sister, Kira and myself headed up into the Brindabella’s a couple of weeks ago to have some fun in the snow. Sair has lived almost her entire life in Queensland, only having lived the last 8 months in Canberra. So as you can imagine, seeing snow for the first time was quite exciting!
Of course some snow balls had to be thrown!
Then of course you have to eat some!
Cold hands!!!
Then you have to make it look like its snowing when it isnt.
Beautiful girl!
And for the first time EVER! a photo with me in it. don’t expect it to happen very often.
Then they decided it was time to make a snow man!
Cute huh?!
Oh no!
Broken!
There will be more posts over the next few weeks of what I have been up to lately, Including some exciting changes to Dale Smith Photography.
Also, if any readers are going to the “your local wedding guide” wedding expo next weekend at EPIC, come and say hi and have a look at some sample albums. I would love to meet you!
Posted on March 30, 2009
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 Big W or K Mart store, 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 Big W 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 traveling 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.
post made possible by professionalchildphotographer.com
Posted on February 14, 2009
It is absolutely amazing to see the amount of money that has already been donated to the Red cross in support of those affected by the fires that raged through parts of Victoria last week and that still continue to rage on now. To see entire towns wiped off the map, and streets of houses turned into nothing more than piles of bricks, leaves you without words. But to see how Australians have banded together to do anything they can to help leaves a lump in my throat!
There are many photographers around Australia that are donating both session fees as well as free sessions to those directly affected. The amazing and wonderful Kris Leigh has compiled a list of photographers that are involved. so far there is 42 photographers on the list! Another amazing photographer Gemma Higgins , is putting together a blogsite called Photographers unite, which is dedicated to the victims and to the photographers donating sessions and fees (will update when the site is live).
If you are looking for a way to help or would like to donate to the fund and are not in the ACT,make sure to check out both photographers sites listed above for a list of photographers participating in your area.
If you are in the ACT area and would like to book a session with me, make your donation of $150 to the Australian red cross through their website, then email me a digital copy of your receipt and we can organize a time for your session. please note that this offer is for family portraits only and runs till the end of March.
Please support those who have lost their homes and loved ones in this tragedy!
