Diane Jarvis-Schuller

I’ve made some changes to how I conduct certain aspects of my business. I was so busy doing my 2010 planning in January that I forgot to actually announce one of those important changes, even though it’s something I have already implemented.

I now do in-person gallery viewings in my client’s home when the proof gallery is ready to rock. I used to get the proofs done, load them in my private viewing gallery on my website, send a how-to email to clients and wait. I realized this was really not in keeping with the personalized and custom service that is my focus in serving my clients. I’m growing and improving as I go along.

For two of my clients in 2009, I did an in-home gallery viewing and I enjoyed it so much and my clients were the ones who were so pleased with this additional service. Not only that, but it allows my clients to ask any questions about planning wall portraits, storyboards, canvas gallery wraps, or gift ideas. I realized then and there this was something I had to offer for every single one of my clients to provide an even higher level of service. So, beginning 2010 every single client receives the same opportunity to have me come to their home, samples in hand, to provide the first showing of their visual keepsakes. I’ll be there to answer questions, offer suggestions, and to walk each client through the ordering process.

So how does this work? Once I have all the images ready for proofing, I get in touch with my client, set up a day and time for me to come to their home. I bring my laptop, we sit somewhere comfy, or the kitchen table, and I roll out the gallery of their images. As I mentioned, I can also bring along some samples of prints and other photographic products that can be ordered to showcase your special visual keepsakes. We chat and if you want to order right then and there, we can get it done. I head back and place the order immediately. I will still upload the photos to the private viewing gallery, especially in case other family or friends wish to check them out; they can order direct from the website if they so choose.

It was those in-person viewing appointments that made me realize how important it is for my clients and how it fits in so well with my focus on customized service. So, let’s get together soon. It’s going to be a great experience for each of us!

PS: Please remember that as a custom photographer, every session is different and is customized to suit each individual client.

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Visit Diane’s website for more detailed information about the sessions or to view her portfolio. Diane has finally caught up with the current century and has added her business to Facebook — become a fan and be among the first to learn about upcoming specials, promotions, model searches, contests, and more!

Hey, was I ever over-the-moon excited yesterday when I opened the mail! I continue to add to my samples and the most recent one to arrive is the tricked-out photo box. This is no ordinary photo box and each one is custom designed for you, using a photo (or photos) from your session on the cover. The image I used is simply one I took of my lily garden.

As you can see from my photos, this is a classy looking box, sturdily built (and not made in China), custom designed, with a lovely cloth lining in black. The wide ribbon is intended to make it easy to lift the photos from the box to prevent damaging them. For the sample I created a design that would demonstrate that the image does not have to fully cover the front, it can wrap around (or not), and there are a multitude of design possibilities. What is not as discernable in the photos above is the finish I ordered this one in: metallic. It is absolutely gorgeous and gives the photo — the entire box really — a pearl like glow. Oooh, if you could see or touch one you’d swoon. They’re a bit pricey if you compare them to the mass produced, cheaply made-in-China boxes found in all the box stores but you’re comparing apples to oranges. Bear in mind these are fully personalized, made in North America, and put together with quality materials and workmanship. I’m going to do my best to provide them at a reasonable price just so you can have one of these beauties.

They come in four sizes: one that holds 4×6 images up to 100 photos; for 4×6 photos that holds up to 250 photos; one that holds 5×7 images up to 100 photos; and one for 5×7 images that hold up to 250 photos. They’re ideal for the person who wants all the photos from the session, or for parents with a newborn (and we know how much parents love photos of their newborns), graduation year, for weddings, or  anyone who wants to have a beautiful heirloom box to show off and pass down to future generations. I also think they would make a lovely gift item for any family member or friend who might want to fill it with their own photos — a going away gift, a gift for the grandparents, or a special friend.

I’m working like a dervish trying to get all kinds of jobs completed ahead of time before I head out for a combined business/pleasure trip next week. I’ll include a post to remind everyone that I’ll be away and when to expect me back. For now, I’m hoping to update my website with some of the new products I’m offering. Wish me luck in getting to that too!

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Visit Diane’s website to view more products and her portfolio. Don’t forget to become a fan on her Facebook Photography page to be the first to learn about casting calls, promotions/specials, and other special announcements.

Or at least one they won’t return?

Custom modern portraiture is the answer. Whatever your story is, Diane Schuller will reveal a chapter in your life through custom images. When you purchase a Diane Schuller photographic session as a gift, the end result will be an invaluable personal work of art for the heart and home of the recipient. Gift certificates for a custom photographic session are easy to give and are thoughtful to receive! Whether the recipient is your spouse, an elderly relative or parent, a newly engaged couple, your brother or sister and their family, your best friend, or perhaps an employee at the office, you can be assured the person you gift this to will declare this as the “perfect gift” — the best one under the tree this year!

For every gift certificate ordered during the month of December 2009, I will include a complimentary 8×10 for your gift recipient as well.  All Gift Certificate orders are available for pickup or shipped within one business day (please note: I am out of town every weekend between now and Christmas).

To up the ante even more, I have a special offer during Double Gift Certificate Week: December 15 – December 21, 2009.  Purchase a Diane Schuller Photographic Session Gift Certificate during Double Gift Certificate Week and receive a second gift certificate of equal value (up to $150). The second Gift Certificate is valid for future sessions to be completed by June 30, 2010.

Use the Contact tab above to order the perfect gift today.

“Photographs may be more memorable than moving images, because they are a neat slice of time, not a flow. Each still photograph is a privileged moment turned into a slim object that one can keep and look at again.” — Susan Sontag

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Photographic session Gift Certificates are also ideal as engagement gifts, wedding gifts, baby shower gifts, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and they’re also great as a gift from staff as a going-away gift for your favourite co-workers.

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AVAILABILITY: I am open to traveling and often do, but prefer if there are two different bookings scheduled (it could even be one of your friends & their family or one of your relatives). I will reduce my session fee if you get one more family/couple/individual to book with me to do their session either before or after yours — contact me for more details.  I often drive to Edmonton and am available at all places in between as well (between Edmonton – Grande Prairie). I live an hour north of Grande Prairie and often service Dawson Creek, BC as well.

This photo was taken last year in Grande Prairie and I didn’t have my tripod with me at the time. Purely hand held straight out of the camera. Not too bad?

Just dropping you a quick note to tell you I’m headed to the city for the weekend. I’ll be back Monday. I am so looking forward to seeing the city lights, especially Christmas lights. I miss not seeing all the Christmas lights. It’s going to be so great being around people all weekend! See you Monday. Keep warm.

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Become a fan of Diane Schuller Photography on Facebook.

Diane is a natural light custom photographer. Visit Diane Schuller Photography to view her portfolio and product samples.

I’m so far behind that I haven’t posted some of the beautiful client products for a while. Here is one more sample of the custom Christmas cards that recently arrived. The back of their card is all red but I didn’t think it was necessary to include a visual of that. I am so pleased with these and so are my happy clients, right L & M? with a wink.

I’m still anxiously awaiting the gorgeous 24×36 canvas of these two beautiful girls. I’ll make a point of taking pictures of the canvas when it arrives. I have two more sets of cards I haven’t posted yet. I’ll try and slip those in shortly.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer serving Grande Prairie and Edmonton, Alberta and uses natural light to illuminate her happy clients. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

Another photographer shared a photograph on Flickr of the first standout portrait she ordered which reminded me that I have never posted photos of the Standouts I’ve ordered for clients. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of one of them, but here is one from a fairly recent order. I’ll explain more about what a Standout actually is below these two images.

The image on the left simply shows the Standout straight on but the right side image demonstrates what it looks like from the side. Standouts are portraits mounted on a 3/4″ black substrate with a sleek edge and ready to hang or lean on a shelf or mantle. The back is solid with four holes for mounting to the wall whether it is intended to be hung either landscape or portrait orientation. They are lightweight even in the very large sizes and fit very well particularly in a modern or contemporary decor. They’re also ideal for offices. The beauty of these is their sleek appearance and that they don’t require a frame.

I’ve also made some additions to my website if anyone cares to check it out. In the “Portfolio” section, if you click on the “Samples” I now have a brief explanation about some of the photography products I offer with accompanying photos showing details of those products. There are a few more items I’ve yet to include in that Sample area such as albums, lay flat books, and so on but there is a range of items for you to check out if you have a few moments.

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.