Diane Jarvis-Schuller

As Diane’s tag line goes, Photographs Never Forget! Diane is in the business of photography and with her solid business background is well aware of the power of photographs to represent and promote your business. If you’re looking for a reliable experienced photographer, contact Diane for any commercial photography needs. From oil rigs to coffee houses, Diane’s photography will make your business look its best and get your business percolating and bubbling to the surface, where it belongs!

Reminder to all executives, entrepreneurs, authors, artists, realtors, and small business owners in Grande Prairie and surrounding region. I’ve been running a special on all corporate portrait sessions since the beginning of June. We’re midway through June and there is still time to take advantage of this opportunity with a coupon worth 10% off the regular corporate photo session!

For the person needing publicity or promotional photos, and not just the ubiquitous face staring at the camera. This is a brief session, less than an hour, usually taken in your work environment (but not essential). The price includes three (3) lightly edited, full resolution digital images for you to use in promotional material, book covers, your website, etc.

Contact Diane to book your session today. Although I’m available anytime for portrait sessions, the special offer expires at the end of June so take advantage now.

One of my mother’s legacies is definitely that she taught me to have pride in everything I do, whether it was doing the laundry or managing a career. I’ve lived my life that way, in the same manner that she set the example for me to follow. One of the reasons I have a fascination with old architecture, vintage furnishings, wood boats or canoes, or anything that has been made by hand is simply that I understand and appreciate the work and effort — and often love — that went into those creations.

On a recent photo shoot, I was thrilled to see how the client’s barn, built in the early 1920′s was still standing and being kept in such fine condition, despite not having been used for decades. As with so many things built back then, it was erected by men who took pride in what they were doing and how they were doing it. It had to last because that building is what their life and income depended upon. Two buggies, one a going-to-town democrat and one a work wagon were positioned prominently beside that old red barn. I was informed that my client’s uncle had built both of them recently, fashioned after some parts he found on the old farm. When you look closely, the workmanship is flawless, the materials nothing but the best (intended for longevity), and the finishing shines just as the love he smoothed into it as he worked on those beautiful horse drawn buggies.

As some of you are aware, in recent months I’ve had to make some major changes with respect to the printing of the images that I have reproduced for my clients. I won’t rehash all the problems but they all relate to a lack of pride in workmanship — not on my part. As much as I enjoy the process of taking photographs, I glean even more pride when the final image is produced for presentation for my clients’ walls or coffee tables. Ultimately I found it necessary to send all my images out to a US-based printing partner, even though it means I’m paying more due to the added exchange on the dollar plus higher shipping costs. This is a partnership that I can see being long term and the reason is pride in workmanship. I am so pleased with the quality of product being returned to me from this printer and consistently so. They actually care about the quality of what they produce so I can, in turn, feel the pride I expect to feel when I deliver the final product to my clients. I am so glad I found a company that shares such a strong sense of professionalism.

Why don’t people teach pride of workmanship anymore? Why does it have to be a rare thing to experience or find?

As someone who has been writing for a long time I’ve learned that few people value certain talents and services. Perhaps it’s because everyone can write (albeit not very well in many instances) that the public assumes a writer’s worth does not equate in dollars and cents. Writers struggle to get paid and paid fairly. The same obviously applies to photographers. I’ve addressed the situation before in that the digital world has made everyone a photographer (of sorts). In two of the photographer discussion lists I frequent, other photographers have been discussing a photographer’s value. It’s something that concerns me as well so thought it would be worthwhile to share the behind-the-scenes of what photographers do. Whether you’re considering becoming a photographer, someone who has hired or may hire a photographer, or someone who simply  has an interest, this behind-the-scenes peek may come as a surprise.

I’m still considered a fledgling photographer because I’ve only been doing this for pay for two years, and that’s okay with me. What isn’t entirely okay is that some people think a photographer’s rates are out of line. On many of the photo shoots I have been doing I don’t make a profit or the profit doesn’t amount to enough for me to buy a nice lunch somewhere. I guess you could say I’m paying my dues (though my rates will definitely increase in 2010). Now that’s out of the way, let’s open that mysterious door to learn what a photographer does behind the scenes.

• Before beginning a photography business, a lot of training and expertise (whether formally trained or self taught) is necessary.
• Doing research regarding running a business including investigating the local market.
• Purchasing equipment that can easily cost up to $10,000 simply to start; for some photographers it’s as much as $30,000.
• At least one computer with large memory capacity plus multiple external hard drives. (Another significant investment)
• For studio photographers there is a huge cost outlay for lease space plus upkeep.
• For on-location photographers, a well maintained vehicle is a must.
• Office expenses, business licence, insurance, phone, internet fees, etc. (we still haven’t started any photo sessions …)
• Cost of designer to create logo and/or other branding materials.
• Advertising and marketing costs plus the time to plan and prepare all the materials (business cards, postcards, gift certificates, referral cards, brochures, and so on), press releases, and other related tasks.
• A professional photography-focused website to park a portfolio & information regarding the business (if using a designer it can range from $5-15,000; if purchasing a customizable template to create their own website the costs are $250-450 plus annual fees for web hosting and purchase of domain name).
• Optional: a blog (photo journal) for keeping clients, friends, and other photographers abreast of current work, photos, news, and relevant information (although blogs are free, templates such as this one cost a few hundred dollars to purchase).
• So now the photographer has their first client.
• Time is spent responding to questions, sometimes consulting, and sending off printed material either by email or post.
• Once a date is agreed upon, a deposit is required to hold the date. A file is started, calendar is updated.
• Follow up with client prior to session date, partly as a reminder but also to answer any additional questions they may have. Prepare paperwork for day of session (standard model release, contract, receipt for final payment of session, business cards, etc.
• For on-location photographers doing outdoor sessions, follow the weather forecasts (in the event an alternative indoor location is required).
• Charge camera batteries, ensure there are sufficient formatted memory cards for the session, be certain the vehicle is fueled up, and go over checklist (for everything needed to take to the photo session).
• Day of session, pack up gear and paperwork, then drive to location. (In my case, I travel no less than one hour one-way to do photo sessions; often further.)
• Take care of paperwork, get acquainted, and use those photography skills to capture as many special moments as possible for the client. This dedicated one-on-one creative session takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours on average, though some can take longer.
• Drive back to home office. (Again, in my case this is a minimum one hour drive one-way; often further.)
• Download all images to photo software on computer and back up files (this takes approximately 30-45 minutes, or more if it was an event).
• Review all images to begin sorting the wheat from the chaff (this is round one).
• Return to photos and begin to get ruthless with eliminating images that don’t meet the mark for whatever reason. This can take at least an hour, depending on how ruthless a photographer may be in this process. I spend more time with this process since I’m keeping the client in mind and what I feel/hope they are specifically wanting or expecting as I work through every individual image.
• Upload a few sneak peek images to the photo journal (blog) and email client so s/he can have a peek at a couple samples from the shoot.
• In between other sessions, marketing, bookkeeping, other paperwork, phone calls, emails, etc. begin the editing and processing of images. More images may be eliminated during this process as well but primarily time is spent on every single image, enlarging it on screen and checking on details. Some photos may require some colour correction or other minor edits, and others may be run through the digital darkroom to try out a few conversions to black & white, sepia, vintage, or other artistic techniques. This is all done for providing a variety of proofs for the client to view so they may make selections for purchasing prints or other products. This step takes hours and varies with every photo session (and much longer for sessions that include a group). Every session is unique, every client is unique, so the photographer attempts to provide products that will please the client.
• Once the hours of editing and processing are complete, it’s time to upload all the digital proofs to the website for the client to view. Uploading proofs is time consuming dependent upon how many proofs are presented (say 30 minutes or more).
• While at the website it is also necessary to create the custom client area (for each client) and settings which can take about 15 minutes or so, depending upon how a website is set up.
• Contact the client to advise that the proofs are online for their viewing plus provide instructions, ordering details, etc. and answer any questions that may arise.
• Now the waiting begins, anticipating the client will not only be delighted with the visual keepsakes you’ve created but that they will place an order.
• Once an order is placed, payment is received and processed. Then the photographer prepares the selected images for submitting to the professional photo lab (not a local drug store or one-hour service). Depending upon the items ordered and the number of different items, preparing and submitting the images to the professional lab can easily take another hour.
• When the photographer receives the fulfilled order, the photographer must take time to check the prints & other products against the client’s order to ensure all the items are correct, and as originally placed.
• The photographer then prepares and packages the order (the packaging is yet another cost to the photographer). For items that are mailed to the client, the package must be then prepared for mailing by post by being placed in the appropriate photo packaging mailers (two more expenses: postage + shipping packaging). These 2 steps take up to an hour.
• The photographer then either mails the package to the client or delivers (more cost and time) it personally.
• I took the time to calculate and I spend 15 1/4 hours on one photo session (yes, just one). That’s $4.92 per hour and no reimbursement for my gas (and I throw in a complimentary 8 x 10 on top of that so now you can deduct a couple hours pay as well).
• The photographer provides this level of quality and service because they are professional at what they do (and maybe half crazy too)
• So, how much is all that worth in terms of dollars and cents?

At the top of this photo journal in the dark grey menu bar I have a tab titled, “Check These Out” and the second item listed alphabetically is “Consumer’s Guide to Custom Photography” or “Why are Professional Photographers So Expensive?” I recommend reading either of those articles as part two of my harangue. Coming from someone other than me, may ease the news a wee bit or at least back me up

I hope you aren’t too exhausted after peeking behind this door. Feel free to drop a tip in the donation jar on the other side of the door and thanks so much for your kind attention.

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Copyright © Diane M. Schuller. All Rights Reserved. Do not copy or use without permission. Feel free to link to this post if you’d like to share the information.

Sometimes technology is the bane of my existence. I’m not the most tech-savvy person that’s for sure but some things such as ordering prints for clients should not be so difficult. Originally I tried the local labs but found the quality to be inconsistent as well as a few other issues that I won’t get into here. So then I tried an online venue based out of Ontario. The quality is pretty good and when I first used them they were quite prompt in getting my orders done and mailed. Recently I’ve been researching more options for professional printing. The companies I’ve researched recently tend to range in quality and what they offer with huge gaps between each one. There is a company based in the USA that is used extensively by photographers as well as some photographers north of 49. I’ve investigated them and would LOVE to use them despite the huge amount of extra money I would end up paying simply based on the exchange on the dollar plus their high shipping costs. They produce a quality product, they have excellent resource material, and so much more. They’re perfect — except they’re in the USA. There are a few photographers who have been raving over a new Canadian company and I’ve thought I might give them a try. Over the past week or ten days I have spent hours of time trying to get set up, try their online ordering, etc. and all to no avail. The technology just keeps slapping up barriers no matter what I try.

On one of my outstanding client orders, I have been waiting for weeks for the prints to arrive (the place I’ve been using based in Ontario). They still are not here and I’m getting very annoyed. This is not good service and it makes me look bad. So now with the technological problems I’m experiencing with that Canadian printer and the poor service with the current printer, I’m this close to ordering test prints from the US-based printer. Ensuring a quality product for clients is not easy — though it should be! I’ve done my part but now I’m dependent upon these printers. Sorry to vent folks. I’m a tad frustrated. If anyone is looking for a great business opportunity, we need many more companies in Canada who provide top quality products and services to photographers. What a great business that would be for someone ready to provide a quality product (great prints, canvases, album pages, and so on) together with great service to photographers.

I promise to be back on track when I post my next journal entry. I have hours of work to get done so I’ll do some pondering while I debate what to do about my printing dilemma. Enjoy the two images I’ve offered today as a soft landing spot compared to my moaning and groaning!

At Shutter Sisters I learned about an exciting one day event coming up for photographers of all stripes. It’s a day through the eyes of photographers around the world (whether you’re an amateur with a point & shoot, a pro, or somewhere in between). This is Scott Kelby’s second annual worldwide photowalk on July 18, 2009. What a fun way to get out in your own community (or if you’re traveling, attend the one in the area where you will be). Check their website to watch the video, learn more, and to see if there is one scheduled for your area. If one isn’t yet scheduled, no problem, you can apply to lead one. It doesn’t matter if you live in a large metropolis, a small town, or wee village. Everyone can participate — simply join up! It doesn’t cost a penny and at the end of the day there is a chance to win some prizes too. Can’t beat that.

Today on What’s Your Play over at Dolce Pics, she is using an image I submitted for the week’s ‘play’. My image is a very ordinary, nothing special, SOOC (straight out of the camera) photo of a teapot. Laura sometimes  uses her images for the ‘play’ and invites others to submit photos for consideration. I thought that particular teapot shot was perfect because it certainly is in need of post processing. That’s the whole idea behind What’s Your Play. Laura does this every Tuesday purely for fun and some interesting post processing experience. If any of you head over to today’s post and decide to take part, please leave a link here to your resulting image. I would love to see what you’ve done with it!

Looks like my newly re-launched website and this improved photo journal are working: I have had three enquiries for photo shoots this past week and have just booked the first of the three!

Coming up tomorrow is a long post I have in my drafts talking about mistakes to avoid when starting up a photography business. Check it out.

PS: As some of you have noticed I ditched the Tofurious template for my photo journal and purchased the ProPhoto2 template. I’m so pleased with the look but especially with how easy it is to use and customize.

Diane is a lifestyle photographer serving Grande Prairie & Northern Alberta. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.