Friday, January 6, 2012
studio B
Need tween to high school senior reps for new division of Rhonda Mathis Photography - Studio B...Disc of session provided plus discounts!!! Message or call me if you are interested! (rhonda.mathis@comcast.net or 316-5702)
I have realized that there are no photographers that offer anything special for middle school/underclassmen (only high school seniors) and I want to offer some of the same special promotions and products that are offered for seniors to them.
I am choosing 3 boys and 3 girls to represent studio B from the sixth grade through high school seniors...These reps will receive discounted products plus be able to participate in the reward schedule below:
studioB Ambassador Reward Program
You will receive an additional reward based on the number of people you send to us for a paid Portrait Session. You will be credited for each person who turns in one of your studioB Ambassador Cards at the time of their sitting. You will receive a disc of the images from your session and a 25% discount on any product or promotion offered by studioB. Also, you and your friends will receive 8 free wallet portraits. You may start earning these credits as soon as you receive your set of 24 Ambassador Cards and will continue accumulating credits until November 15, 2012. If you need additional Ambassador Cards, please let us know and we will order an additional set of 24 cards for you. The sooner you book your session, the more time you will have to pass out your cards.
2 Referrals (from any middle/high school): 16 additional wallet portraits
5 Referrals (from any middle/high school): $50 gift card to Hamilton Place Mall*
10 Referrals (from any middle/high school): $125 gift card to Hamilton Place Mall*
15 Referrals (from any middle/high school): $200 gift card to Hamilton Place Mall*
20 Referrals (from any middle/high school): $300 gift card to Hamilton Place Mall*
25 + Referrals (from any middle/high school): $500 gift card to Hamilton Place Mall*
*The gift card earned from the paid Portrait Sessions will be rewarded by December 1, 2012. Only one gift card will be issued per Ambassador based on total referrals.
Complete and return the attached form to be considered as a studio B Ambassador Representative.
Rhonda
Thursday, January 5, 2012
It's Been a While
Wow...It's been a while since I have blogged but I have been busy!!! I am starting a new division - studio B! studio B will be geared toward tweens to seniors to give them the more edgy urban portraits that really express who they are!
I am looking for tween to senior representatives for this new division. Call or email me if you are interested in becoming a representative! Disc of session provided plus discounts!!! Message/call me if you are interested!
Rhonda
I am looking for tween to senior representatives for this new division. Call or email me if you are interested in becoming a representative! Disc of session provided plus discounts!!! Message/call me if you are interested!
Rhonda
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Parkridge Session 2
We had the second series of sessions today and the babies just keep getting cutier and cutier! Thanks to all of the families for today!
Parkridge Hospital Baby Contest
We had the first 9 sessions for the Parkridge Hospital Baby Contest today and they were fabulous! I want to thank all of the families that I photographed today - Ya'll were AWESOME!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
PARKRIDGE EAST BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST
Twenty babies will be randomly chosen to decorate the Birth Place at Parkridge East Hospital!
And we will be donating a free session to all of the lucky winners!
For mor information contact Ashley Brown at 423.499.2083.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
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.
Article written by: Marianne Drenthe
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.
Article written by: Marianne Drenthe
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Our Philosophy
For anyone who has visited with us, you may have noticed we're a little different. Our photography is different, and so is our philosophy.
We consider our lives blessed to wake up each day and go to a place we like to be, surrounded by people we enjoy, and do something we love. Each day we find time to share and laugh — not just to work, but to live.
We have the privilege of sharing in people’s happiest moments. Whether it is the miracle of a newborn child, the excitement of a new milestone, or the celebration of graduation—our goal is to take an instant out of time and create a memory to be cherished for generations.
We hope you see a pattern here. Our philosophy, so to speak…Life is short, so take time to live in the moment, laugh each day, surround yourself with the people you love and collect lots of memories along the way.
We consider our lives blessed to wake up each day and go to a place we like to be, surrounded by people we enjoy, and do something we love. Each day we find time to share and laugh — not just to work, but to live.
We have the privilege of sharing in people’s happiest moments. Whether it is the miracle of a newborn child, the excitement of a new milestone, or the celebration of graduation—our goal is to take an instant out of time and create a memory to be cherished for generations.
We hope you see a pattern here. Our philosophy, so to speak…Life is short, so take time to live in the moment, laugh each day, surround yourself with the people you love and collect lots of memories along the way.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Congratulations to Miss Katie
Miss Katie won Miss Photogentic in both pagents that she participated in - CONGRATULATIONS!!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What is a professional portrait anyway????
A professional portrait is more than snapshots in time; it is a record of love shared, relationships nurtured and hearts knit together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)