Contacting Your Batavia, N.Y. Photographer

I had an exchange with a potential client last week, and I just wanted to brag on them for a moment. I grew up in a time where if you wanted to hire a service, you had to speak with them over the phone or in person; the internet was in its baby stages and cell phones were a luxury when they were created. My oldest memory of a cell phone, and I’m certain many of you all can relate, is Saved by the Bell. Who knew that we would all be a Zack Morris one day?

With that, we have created this bubble where we hide behind our phones and computers to communicate: we text, we email, and we dm. We have created a barrier of protection that allows us to retreat should something not go as we had hoped. I am totally guilty of communicating this way with people simply because it’s convenient to do while I am busy doing something else. If I talk with someone over the phone, I can’t get anything done. I’m the type of person who, if I accept a phone call in the store, will get my 10,000 steps in walking up and down the aisles while getting nothing on my list because I’m too involved with the conversation than the original task at hand, so, in short, I get it, but I also hate it.

Why? Getting ghosted is frustrating. I really wanted to do more automation in my business this year so that I can delegate my time more wisely in my business and in my personal life. The one thing I wasn’t willing to automate was my response to clients- although I did consider it. I love having that first conversation with a family that is looking to book a session with me. I love hearing all about your wishes and hopes for your session, and I love hearing about the fun facts you share with me when inquiring. At some point it’s necessary for me to share my pricing. I recognize that everyone has a budget; I get that! I don’t expect to be everyone’s photographer. In fact, I don’t want to be everyone’s photographer- that’s a lot of pressure! But, what I do want is to not be ghosted when my pricing doesn’t fit your budget. I spend a lot of time curating responses unique to your needs. I would appreciate a simple “I’m sorry, but this is bit more than we were planning to spend. Thank you for your time.”

That’s exactly what this woman did! She didn’t leave me hanging. She showed her appreciation for me taking the time to get back to her. It’s not just one simple email, it’s multiple so I can get a good sense of what people are looking for. I know that there’s this illusion that having photos done in this digital world means “free” images simply because I don’t have to pay for the film, paper, and processing to create an image (which is not totally true either, but that’s a post for another day), but it does take a lot of time to create those images, and it’s important to respect that.

Time is one of the most valuable things we have in our lives simply because we don’t have an unlimited supply of it. Time is fleeting. Value yours and value others.

6 Tips To Prepare Your Pet For Family Photos

Meet Charlie.

Charlie is about as well behaved as they come. If I had the choice to photograph one pup for the rest of my career as a photographer, he would be my first choice. He also has a baby sister named cricket, and she’s pretty amazing, too! First off, look at how cute he is! The only “flaw” he has is that he’s incredibly awkward when asked to “smile” for the camera. He is trained well, but we have found that his best photos are during play. I guess the same could be said for the majority of people who are not used to being photographed professionally.

working with pets during your family photos is similar to working with infants and toddlers; they have the attention span of an ant and a mind of their own and it’s up to us to rein them in. there are a few things we can do to prepare them to be their best during your family photo session. Below are just a few tips on how to ready your pet.

1. Pamper them: You get your hair, nails, and make-up done for your photos. Why not do the same for your pet. Give them a little spa day so they look their best on photo day. You can do this with a professional or do it yourself.

2. Include them in the questionnaire: I send a questionnaire over to my clients to let me know who is being photographed and tell me a little bit about each person. If your pet is being photographed, please don’t exclude them from this questionnaire.

3. Feed them: Again, your pets are just like children. You don’t want them to show up to a session with an empty belly.

4. Walk them: Dogs can get pretty excited when meeting new people. This is normal, but it’s important that you expend a little energy before your session. I wouldn’t tire them out completely, but by giving them a 15 minute walk prior to your session time will allow them to be more calm at the start of your session. Plan to arrive to your session about 20 minutes early so that you can let them do this.

5. Treats & toys: Reward your pet when they’ve done a job well done, but try to not overuse these; we don’t want sick animals. Toys can be used by the photographer to catch the attention of the pet.

6. Be patient and have fun! Remember that we also want to capture playful moments and the genuine personality of your pet, so don’t be afraid to love on them just like your kiddos.

That’s it! That’s all I have. If you have any additional tips/tricks or questions for your pet in particular, please drop them in the comment section below and I will answer them as soon as I can. Happy Monday, y’all.

Why Your Batavia, N.Y. Family Photographer is so NOSEY!

Hilchey Family - Oakfield, N.Y. Family Portrait Session

Many of times I get inquiries for sessions that look like this-

“Hi there! How much for a session?”

Listen! I’m not “Portrait Innovations” or “The Picture People”. One price does not fit all. There are many elements involved to decide what price your specific session would be. When you book with me you are booking a CUSTOM portrait experience. Now, what does that mean exactly?

Well, for starters I am not selling you this pose and that setup. I am creating images that are unique to you and your family. That includes, but is not limited to, clothing, location, “props”, desired images, etc…. You will find that when booking with me I ask A LOT of questions. Not just before booking but even during the planning process. Even more-so if I’ve never met you before. Every family has different needs and expectations for their session. That said, not everyone knows what to expect from a session. It is my job to educate you on what experience I offer and vice versa- to find out what experience you are looking for. I don’t do in-person, pre-consultations and so it is very important for me, and I hope my clients value this part of my service as well, that I learn as much about your family as I can so that I can capture genuine and unique images that tell your story. Simply put, it’s like commissioning an artist or even an interior designer. It’s important that you are specific about what you are looking for so that they can see your vision and produce the product.

This photo is a great example- Had mom never mentioned that her husband wanted a photo done at his fire department, I would have never thought to incorporate it into their session. As the daughter of a service woman (veteran/EMT), I know the impact that images like this can have. God forbid anything were to happen to him during a call they now have this photo to remember his dedication to the department and to the community.

So, if you book a family photo session with your Batavia, NY Family Photographer, aka- ME, please be extra transparent with your specific needs/wants. These images are special, but let’s make them a little extra special just for you!

Why Your Color Photograph Doesn't Look as good in B&W | Batavia NY Family Photographer

Do you love Black & White photographs?

I know I do! There are times when I get special requests to convert a color photo to black and white. You see, when I edit my photos, I give every family their gallery in all color edits with the exception of a few that I will convert to Black & White, but only if I think the photo can handle the conversion. So, because of the way I edit and the requests I’ve received, I decided to do a little write up about my “why” I don’t convert all of my images to Black & White.

To start, we need to define Dynamic Range- Dynamic Range has to do with, but is not limited to, the light being captured in a photograph. Simply put, an image created with a lot of light and a lot of shadow would be considered an image with a great deal of dynamic range (high contrast). These types of images covert to Black & White beautifully!

If you look below I have shown 2 examples. One has great dynamic range while the other, even though it’s a great shot, is 1000% better in color!

With that said, I will do a Black & White conversion if requested but, if you truly love Black & Whites and want them in your gallery, please let your photographer know this before your family portrait session. This way they can be fully prepared to photograph your family for the Black & White conversion.

Black & Whites are created in camera with the light and the location.

Currier Family | Batavia Family Photographers

Batavia, N.Y. Baker has a secret to share!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kirsten from KMC Cakes a few months back. She asked if I could photograph some display cakes for her shop.  She has some real talent, this one! Not only are her cakes super yummy, but the detail and design of her cakes are so intricate it's almost hard to believe they're edible! She made my son a Ninjago, Lego cake for his birthday and his face when he saw that thing is something I'll never forget.  She is worth every. single. cent!  She is based in Batavia, N.Y. but she works with families and wedding couples all over Western, N.Y. 

Now back to our regularly scheduled program......

Kirsten had mentioned to me that she wanted to have some family photos done, so we scheduled a date, and planned their family portrait session. Being a family photographer in Batavia, N.Y. this worked out splendidly.  Low and behold, she had a surprise for me! We had to re-planned their family session, and had SO MUCH FUN!

Sure, the bugs ate us alive at the beginning, but you'd never guess by their beautiful family photos.  I should also mention that their little 3 year old daughter was a riot.  She was so ready to show off her dance moves, running skills and bug catching.   See Kirsten's "secret recipe" below (along with all their adorable family photos).