I have a new blog! It's still a work in progress, but from now on, all my posts will be posted there.
www.jwaglerphotographyblog.com
:-)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
You Can't Help, But Smile
Every once in a while, it's important to just sit back and realize, all the wonderful things that are a part of our lives. Too often we worry about all the things that are going wrong and complain about all the things we don't have, that we often forget to be thankful for the things we do have. When I look at these portraits of my little girl, I can't help but smile. I truly am blessed to have her in my life. :-)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
My husband decided to start a twitter and was lonely, so I decided to join in on all the fun and keep him company. That's right folks, I'm officially on twitter! :-)
Check it out and feel free to join in on what everyone's talking about.
Check it out and feel free to join in on what everyone's talking about.
twitter.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
You Are My Sunshine...
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skys are grey. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.
Words and Music byJimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell
I love that song. I just wanted to share a few recent portraits that I've taken of my little sunshine.
Words and Music byJimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell
I love that song. I just wanted to share a few recent portraits that I've taken of my little sunshine.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
I found this article off another sight.
http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/
There is so much valuable information in this article, that I really wanted to share it with everyone, who's ever considered using a professional, custom photographer. It really does help explain the cost that we put into our businesses. I hope this will help shed some light on the Portrait industry. I know it's a little wordy, but it's definately well worth it.
p.s. Please keep in mind, that every photographer is different and spends different amounts of time on different parts of the process (depending on the length of the session, type of session, and who's involved in the session.) The more photos that are taken, the longer the whole process takes. Trust me, I know! (Just call me shutter happy! lol)
Enjoy! :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Written By: Marianne Drenthe
The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and ability to control various factors during the image taking and making process. Photographers, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur all benefit from this ability to manipulate pixels. However, with flexibility comes a price. Digital 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 creating a work of photographic art.
We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen’s and pay a $1.99 for a print - as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. 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 x store?”
The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
The cost of TIME
Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a 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
In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours - dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.
The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
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 from $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 many of 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 to BANANAS:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” 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. In February 2007 leased photography retail space by 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 services 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 “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.
http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/
There is so much valuable information in this article, that I really wanted to share it with everyone, who's ever considered using a professional, custom photographer. It really does help explain the cost that we put into our businesses. I hope this will help shed some light on the Portrait industry. I know it's a little wordy, but it's definately well worth it.
p.s. Please keep in mind, that every photographer is different and spends different amounts of time on different parts of the process (depending on the length of the session, type of session, and who's involved in the session.) The more photos that are taken, the longer the whole process takes. Trust me, I know! (Just call me shutter happy! lol)
Enjoy! :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
Written By: Marianne Drenthe
The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and ability to control various factors during the image taking and making process. Photographers, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur all benefit from this ability to manipulate pixels. However, with flexibility comes a price. Digital 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 creating a work of photographic art.
We all know that you can go to the local Walgreen’s and pay a $1.99 for a print - as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. 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 x store?”
The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.
The cost of TIME
Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a 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
In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours - dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.
The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business:
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 from $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 many of 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 to BANANAS:
Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” 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. In February 2007 leased photography retail space by 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 services 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 “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.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Bonnie & Toby
I was thrilled when I learned that a fomer schoolmate had recommended me to Bonnie and Toby, when he found out that he would be unable to photograph their wedding. I was practically beaming! :-) A week and a half ago, I finally got to meet them to photograph their engagement session. They live a couple hours south from where I do, so we decided to meet up somewhere that was half-way in between. They scouted out the town, the weekend before, but I had never been there, so I wasn't sure where exactly we would be shooting. It was a small, quiet town, with a beautiful park close by. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them and scouting out locations. They were such a nice couple, and I am so much looking forward to photographing their wedding day!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Zach & Emily's Engagement Session
Yesterday I got to spend the afternoon with Zach and Emily. I had a great time with them and I can't wait to photograph their wedding in November! I promised Emily I would try and post some of their portraits today, so here's a sampling of what I've gotten edited so far. I hope you like them, Emily! :-)
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tennessee
We're back from our mini-vacation, and it was definately memorable, in many different ways. After we left home, we soon came to the realization that Abri must've had some kind of flu or bug, which made for an interesting drive. We were only down there for 1 whole day and two 1/2 days, but we crammed in as much as we could, in the time that we had. It was rainy the one day, so we had to keep most of our activities to indoor ones, but we still had a good time. We went to the aquarium and the Dixie Stampede. Abri really liked both. We were hesitant about taking a 2 year old to a dinner show, but she couldn't have behaved any better. She was absolutely *in love* with the horses. We let her make one of the old fashioned stick horses when the show was over, and she insisted on carrying it back into the hotel that night. The last day of our trip was a lot nicer and we got to go to the Great Smoky Mountains Nat. Park. We took a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, where my husband managed to drop my $1500 lens off my camera. I watched it bounce down some rocks and land in a little stream of water. NOT GOOD. We also played 2 rounds of putt-putt during our trip, which I smoked my husband's butt at. I think his ego is still a little hurt! lol
Tommorow, I'm photographing Zach and Emily's engagement session, which I'm super excited about. I'm pretty sure Emily is about as excited as I am about it, so I'm sure we're going to have a great time! I will leave you all with a few photos from our trip! Enjoy!
Tommorow, I'm photographing Zach and Emily's engagement session, which I'm super excited about. I'm pretty sure Emily is about as excited as I am about it, so I'm sure we're going to have a great time! I will leave you all with a few photos from our trip! Enjoy!
Friday, May 15, 2009
New Things Are Coming
I have all kinds of little changes that I'm going to be making to the business, so I'm super-excited. They're a work in progress, though, so I'll have to announce them as I go. Be on the look-out!
On a little side note: My hubby, daughter and myself are going on a mini-vacation this weekend, so I probablly won't be responding to many e-mails untill Tuesday. If you have me as a friend on myspace or facebook, be prepared for tons of photographs! :-) I'll leave you all with a recent portrait of a little girl who I happen to be quite fond of!
On a little side note: My hubby, daughter and myself are going on a mini-vacation this weekend, so I probablly won't be responding to many e-mails untill Tuesday. If you have me as a friend on myspace or facebook, be prepared for tons of photographs! :-) I'll leave you all with a recent portrait of a little girl who I happen to be quite fond of!
Monday, May 4, 2009
April Showers Bring May Flowers
I know, tons of people take photographs of flowers, but I'm still going to, because I like too! :-) They're so pretty, though...how can you not like them!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
With 2 Comes Attitude
Well, it's been a long weekend. My husband, daughter, and I spent the weekend with family. I took lots of photographs, but I haven't even loaded them off the camera yet. I know it's been a while since my last post, due to issues I've been having with my computer, so I figured I'ld share a recent photo of my favorite model! ;-)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
Two weeks ago, I made the decision to attend a training seminar for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) foundation. I already knew that I wanted to be part of this extraordinary group, but I really felt that I should attend a training seminar first. If you have not heard of NILMDTS, I strongly suggest you check it out https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/home/ I can't even begin to describe the amazing work that they do. I encourage all of you to spread the word about this group, especially if you know somebody who could benefit from it. You can search for videos on you-tube and countless videos will pop up. They will touch your heart in ways un-imaginable, as they did with mine. I am very proud to be part of this foundation.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Jackelyn Marie Becomes J. Wagler
...Yes I've done it again, but I promise this will be the last time. Jackelyn Marie Photography is now J. Wagler Photography. I've already changed my website address... http://www.jwaglerphotography.com/ I'm also in the process of making a new facebook page, so if you're on facebook, click to become a fan! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whitehouse-OH/J-Wagler-Photography/67161142634 I still have to fix a few things, but hopefully I'll get all the changes nessary made in the next few days. I know this will probably cause some confusion, but a recent conversation with a friend, really made me feel like I needed a name for my business that wasn't close to anyone else's. With a new name, must come a new logo...so here's what I've come up with so far. It's still fairly similar to my last in some ways, but also a little different. Let me know what you think! 
Here's an example of what the new logo will look like on a picture on my blog.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Facebook Business Page
My husband convinced me to get a Facebook Business page, so I finally broke down and did it. Here's the link:
So...please feel free to take a look and click to become a FAN! It will make my day! :-)
...And of course, no post is complete without a photograph:
Monday, March 30, 2009
Spring Is Springing
I saw this little flower popping up at my Grandma's house, about a week ago. I'm so happy to see some green, again!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My Little Cousin
Zane is my little cousin, and one of Abri's favorite playmates! My Grandma had to watch Zane for a couple hours this past weekend, so since we were all there, I decided to attempt to take a couple photos of him. When it comes to getting photographs done, he reminds me of Abri...they just never want to sit still! lol But with his big sissy's help, I was able to capture a few good photos of the little guy.
Monday, March 23, 2009
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