What you’re paying for when you hire a professional photographer

Technology is usually the force that drives change.  In this situation, technology has definitely changed the photography industry.  Everyone has an IPhone, Pixel or Android phone these days and they usually have it on them all the time.  So, its optimal for capturing those special moments cause let’s face it a photographer is not going to carry their camera everywhere they go it’s just not feasible to lug a big camera around.  With the click of a button, pictures are made readily available for everyone to see and with all the filters they have available it’s not hard to make a picture from your phone look good.   Anyone with a phone can take a good shot without knowing photography basics or how to work a camera and its functions.  Many people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to photography or running a small business.  What people don’t know is what, they are getting for that price, you may think is too high for what it includes.  If you’re one of those people that think hiring a professional photographer is too expensive consider reading further to give yourself a better clarification and insight on what goes on behind the scenes and the equipment that makes it possible to capture those moments. 

You’re not just hiring someone who takes pretty pictures because lets face it this generation has mastered taking pretty pictures when it comes to media such as Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat.  Your hiring someone who is stopping time and capturing those beautiful moments in life such as a milestone birthday, event or moment using professional equipment.  So, let’s break it down so you can understand what you’re paying for when you book your photoshoot with our company Harms Creations, Ltd.

Training and Education

We are fully knowledgeable of the latest trends and are constantly staying up to date on posing, new ideas, new tools, editing styles, editing trends and new locations.  We have a broad understanding of the key features of our DSLR cameras and its potential through countless hours of photo shoots, research, tutorials, education, classes and instructional material. 

Camera Equipment

Camera’s

Canon T6i, crop sensor, Black Rapid camera strap, Lowepro slingshot camera pack

6D Mark 2 Canon, full frame, Black Rapid Pro strap, ProMaster Professional camera pack

Lens’s

24-70mm L-lens

70-200 L-lens

24mm prime lens

50mm prime lens

Tripods

GorillaPod

Manfrotto Pro3

Lighting Equipment

Canon Speedlight 470Ex with Flash Diffuser Softbox

Fovitec StudioPRO 400

Lum Cube X2 with RBGY Color Gels

Studio Lighting Muslin and Umbrella Reflector, Softbox X4

Floating Reflecting White Walls X2

Travel time and transportation

We spend countless hours driving around Northern Colorado finding new locations, talking to building owners, driving to and from location to location for each photoshoot.

Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop Version 15-used for graphics and technical picture edits

Lightroom Version 6

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC

Adobe Photoshop Version 20

 

Studio Space and Location

We have a 1000sq ft studio above our barn with a full bathroom.  We have an abundant amount of props which includes: blankets, backdrops, toys, necklaces, garlands, headbands, hats, baby wraps and carpets.   

Data Storage & Computers

Asus laptop Intel Core-used to edit and deliver pictures

CyberPower PC-used to edit and deliver pictures

External Hard drive-My Book-used to store photos

External Hard drive-WD-used to store photos

 

Promotions/Advertising Media/ Monthly Subscriptions

Facebook promotions

Smugmug Pro Plan-Photo Online Gallery

SquareSpace-Website

OneDrive-Photo Delivery

Square Payment Processing

 

We invest in our clients needs by providing professionalism.  As a small business, we too need to make a profit.  Thus, we price our photoshoots accordingly to stay competitive with other local photographers and to meet the demands of our clients. When your hiring us to take your photographs, you’re paying for our time and expertise along with all the professional gear, equipment and technology as listed above.  This ensures that we provide the best we can for our clients.  As a consumer you want to make sure you are getting high quality photographs which is what we provide. And rest assure, we are always researching, reading, learning new things to stay current and competitive with the other local photographers.  This article was meant to provide a perception of what goes into providing this service to our clients in the most professional way we can.  It was also meant to educate the consumer on pricing and what your getting when you hire us.  Remember that the price comes with the quality and you pay for what you get.  Cheap work isn’t good and good work isn’t cheap.