Communication is Key
If you’ve been sleuthing our website much at all, you probably have determined we aren’t the best at updating our blog, haha. We have experienced lots of ups and downs, just like most have within this uncertain world. In some situations, we have had the somber news that some clients passed not long after we captured their images, making our images the last images they have of these individuals. In some of these situations, these were unexpected and sudden situations, making our images even more special and sobering at the same time.
We’ve also had many memorable and special photoshoots for other reasons. We’ve had many family reunions in which these families haven’t had photos done within decades. We also had the privilege of doing family photos of a family whom we did over a decade ago in which they weren’t sure if they were going to have family photos again before anyone move or pass away. It was a blessing to see them get new updated photos, and to be chosen to be the ones to do them.
We also have done many weddings over the last few years as well which have been a great blessing to us and hopefully our clients as well.
Some things we have noticed with trends and the market are many new photographers and clients to our area, but as with that, lots of confusion as to what photographers in our area offer, how to compare them, and expectations of services when they weren’t discussed before hand. As we discussed in a prior blog post, questions to ask your photographer, do not be afraid to ask your photographer what they offer, how long to expect to wait on turn around times, and what the editing process is like. Let me give some expamples…. A photographer who offers same day turnaround times or a 1 day turnaround probably has a minimalist editing process. There are some software nowadays with AI where you can have the computer edit your pictures for you, but we all have seen the good and bad of AI.
There are other “filters” and presets that will add a certain look or effect to an image, or a batch of images, where they can affect an entire photoshoot quickly, but it is unlikely any one image is getting in depth attention on lets say blemishes or bruises, acne, or even hair. Speed is good, and even better if you have a team of editors who can do it for you, but most photographers don’t have the budget to do that. On the opposite end, you have photographers who can take months to edit photoshoots. One time, our family was featured in a publication, and so the magazine commissioned another photographer to capture our families photos. We were supposed to get the photos of the photoshoot as well. It took over 6 months to get our photos. By that time, the magazine went with another story, and the photographer moved out of the area. Asking these questions beforehand would have been vital to ensure everyone was on the same page. As the saying goes, assumptions is the head of all mess-ups.
Even if we have to spell out everything in writing, that’s better than assuming something and being let down when you don’t get what you thought you were getting. As artists, we desire for glowing reviews and happy clients, and will make every accommodation to make you happy, all you have to do is ask. One photoshoot, a client hoped for a certain photo with certain people within that particular shot, but did not communicate that with us before or at the time of the photoshoot. As you can guess, our telepathy wasn’t jiving on that day, and that shot was never taken. Afterwards we heard about the displeasure in that specific shot not being taken, and it was too late. Once we knew of the situation, we were able to do some photoshop magic and recreate the scene and add those individuals taken from other photographs to simulate the photo they wanted. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close, and they were satisfied. In this case, communication is vital, and even after the fact, there still may be a remedy, all you have to do is ask.
All that being said, when was the last time you had your photos taken? Even if you’re not at your ideal weight, or you don’t have the money, communicate with us. We have specials often and can take installments…. Trust us, very rarely are we ever satisfied with our body image, and in the case of one former client, they asked us to make him look like Brad Pitt. We made that happen just for him. Communication is key, don’t be afraid to ask.