The Importance of Printing Your Photos

I have a story for you.  Just the other day I was at the dinner table with my two remaining Grandmas, my mom, and my kids. My mom says, “We have to take family photos, Kory. This is one of the few times we’re prepared and all together.” I made a face at her. I pout as the designated photographer who just wants to be there and not work. “We have to take photos in case one of us dies.”  Wow, this has taken a dark turn.  “Oh Kathy, what do you think is going to happen to these photos after we all die?” My Grandma says while throwing her hands in the air. The truth is family photos are a lot of work.  My other Grandma looks at me and says “Exactly, like I’m sure you threw away all of those family pictures I gave you,” she says while looking at me.  I give her a look like she’s crazy.  “Of course, I didn’t throw those away.  I have my favorite ones hanging up by my desk.  I have some of my Mom and Dad, and me and my sister when we were little.  I have ones of my Pawpaw.  The one I really love is of him pushing me on the swing. I would never throw those away.  I have them hanging up all over the place.” “Oh, that’s good,” my Grandma said with relief in her voice.  The truth is that she valued these photos too.  She talked about ones that meant a lot to her, and then my other Grandma chimed in about ones that she valued too.  Mom talked about how she wasn’t really crazy about taking photos, but how much they meant to her afterwards.  We all agreed that while you may not feel that comfortable in front of the camera, and while you might be overly critical of how you look in photos, that’s not how your family and loved ones see them.   They value them.

Photos are meant to be enjoyed! And if you never print any out, they are not fully enjoyed! I am just as guilty of this as anyone else, but I am trying to do better.  Life is about savoring those little moments.  When I look at old photos, I’m not looking at how my Grandma hates her teeth, but I am remembering the way her eyes close when she laughs, and the sound of it.  I am remembering how pretty my Grandma is even in her old age.  My mom has had some health issues.  When I look at photos of her, I see how much she loves people, and how she really does take a genuine interest in others.  I notice when she smiles her whole demeanor changes, and she smiles often. Photos help preserve all those details that you look past on a daily basis. I know when my kids look at my photos, they don’t see that extra five pounds I can’t get rid of. They see their Mom who was so happy in that moment, and who truly enjoyed them when they were young, (and is still enjoying them today). 

I read that 77% of consumers say their collection of photos is among the most valuable assets they own.  Photos are not an easy investment, but they have such high value.  They take time and energy, and while I do work really hard to make that as easy as possible for my clients, I realize that you are going to be the one to get the kids and Dad onboard, and hire the perfect photographer for your needs, find the perfect outfits, make sure everyone is fed and ready, etc. What you create isn’t just meaningful for you.  It will mean something to the generations after you.  And that is something worth investing in.   

Thanks for reading!         

How to Give a Critique

Wow. Let’s just say if you go on the internet at all you will be bombarded by people improperly giving critique.  Critiquing can be so helpful and really aid you in growing as a creator.  It is absolutely necessary to put your work in front of those you trust to gain a new perspective on your work. I know this might be a sensitive topic for some so please allow me to gently offer some thoughts and rules to giving someone a critique.

1. Don’t give one unless the creator asks for one.

I feel like this is so obvious, but some people feel entitled to give their opinion without anyone actually asking for it.  If you are guilty of this it is completely understandable.  Once you’ve learned a new skill yourself, you want so desperately to pass it on to others.  So perhaps your critique comes from a good place.  However, you have the power as a critic to destroy that joy someone gets from creating.  Consider that with the weight it deserves.  Think of when you were just starting out, and how you were just trying to discover how things worked. Think of the fun you had from just the creative process!  Now think of a time when you shared your creation, and someone ripped it apart. How did you feel? Were you completely defeated? Was that critique offered taken in a constructive and helpful way or did you just want to give up.  It is so easy to dehumanize someone, especially on the internet. Remember that your words have power!

2.  The Feedback Sandwich

Look and think about what you want to say and check the tone in which you deliver this feedback.  Point out the positive things that you think were executed well.  If you can’t come up with anything positive, it’s best to just keep your mouth shut. If you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all.  Most of the time you will be able to come up with something positive to say to encourage the creator.  Remember, you want to build them up, not tear them down.  Once you’ve offered some things you think they’ve executed well, then offer specific things they could have improved upon. Making it specific will give the creator something tangible to work on.  Improvement is actually possible at this point and you as the critic aren’t just being hateful.  Next, add something positive again and encourage them to keep working to be even better at their craft.  This will help your feedback to be well received and valued.

3. Check Your Motives

This is really a summary of the other two points.  It goes back to- are you being asked for a critique and is it your goal to help the other person or not?  It’s easy to be prideful when giving a critique.  It’s easy to elevate yourself over this other person who is asking you for your opinion.  It’s easy to tear someone else down to make yourself feel better.  Giving a critique should be helpful and not harmful.  If it is not your intent to be helpful, then it is best to refrain from offering your opinion.   

A Note About Receiving A Critique:

Now when you receive a critique it is easy to be hurt.  This is especially true if your expectations are not met. We as creators put our heart and soul into our art.  Before you react to your critique give it some time.  Just sit with it for a while.  Ask yourself why you are hurt? Was it personal?  Are you so emotionally attached to what you created that you cannot stand back from it and receive a critique?  If you cannot be objective, then you need to step away from it for a while.  Breaks are OK! The first few times you receive a critique are hard, but you do get used to it over time.  And both giving and receiving critique will help you hone your craft! So, get out there and find a group you trust.  Before you know it, you will be improving by leaps and bounds.

I hope you find this helpful!  I think there are some solid principles in here that you can apply to whatever your hobby (or your friend’s hobbies) might be.  Thanks for reading!       

Why Does Photography Cost So Much?!

Oh man, I understand this sentiment.  I am a DIYer myself, and I didn’t understand why photography was so expensive for a long time.  Not only that, there is such a large variance between different photographers! Why do some cost more than others? I completely understand the confusion.  Let me break down the reasons.

1. Photography is a skill, and everyone is at a different level on this journey to become better. 

It takes time to learn photography, and I did not know that going into it.  I actually thought that because I draw and paint that taking a photograph is kind of like cheating.  (I look back now and laugh). Once I started to learn more about photography and the elements and techniques that go into making a successful photograph, I found that it is not easy at all.  Even though I had all this fine art training in composition and color I discovered it was quite difficult to make my vision come to life in a photograph.  That is because there is more to it than just elements of design.  Your gear plays a role. So does the light, location and model, post processing, and your exposure. Things like white balance play enormous parts into creating a good photograph. When you are first learning you are probably not able to charge as much as Annie Leibovitz. This could account for the wide range of prices among photographers.

2. A Legitimate Business has Expenses.

It costs money to run a business.  There are expenses like insurance, photoshop, music subscriptions, website, photography equipment and repair, marketing, gallery delivery and products, contracts, accounting, client experience expenses, continuing education, samples, business cards and other office supplies, transportation, location fees, etc.…! Even though photography has a relatively low overhead compared to other businesses, it still costs money and it adds up.  

3. Pricing Structure is personalized to the photographer.

I offer all inclusive pricing because I find it to be the easiest to communicate and there are no surprises.  I am upfront and forward about my pricing. Many photographers offer a low sitting fee and then make most of their income on selling prints and products.  Some photographers are high volume, which means they bring in many clients.

4. Photographers Pay Taxes

A legitimate business pays their taxes.  It is relatively easy to start your own business in this country, but you HAVE to pay taxes.  Here in Bartholomew County, Indiana we pay about 20% Federal tax rate, and 15% Self Employment tax, and about 5% State/local tax which is about a 40% tax rate. Usually a business owner can assume that approximately 1/3 of your income goes to taxes, and 1/3 goes to business expenses and 1/3 goes to the owner as actual income. So, if you want to make $50k after taxes then you need to sell about $150K! So be kind to us photographers, what we do has value, and our time and skills are valuable.

5. Quality Photography Takes Time.

We answer inquiries, we write blogs, we spend hours on our website and SEO. We work hard on honing our craft to deliver a quality result. We spend hours editing and shooting, not to mention bookkeeping.  These things take time. Most photographers take an average of 13 hours for just a one-hour session.  While it is a labor of love, and we as photographers enjoy what we do, our time is valuable.

I hope this sheds some light on why photography is an investment.  It really is!  We photographers LOVE gushing over your families and taking beautiful and creative photos.  I hope you will give us the opportunity to do so and support a small local business. 

Thanks for reading!