If it's one thing you'll learn about me as a photographer, I am honest and open about everything. I also love what I do but just as any business owner, I have struggles too. This may not be proper or politically correct, but I'm upset over this topic and it's an on-going one too. And I'm pretty sure I should not be writing this on my blog but I really need to vent.
I guess the reason I feel so passionate about this topic is because I believe stress at a constant high level is not healthy and I don't want stress to affect the final results of anyone photos. Over the years of working, in a bank, office and newspaper, I learned my work habits. I can take critiquing and advice, I can even take the stress of deadlines (to a certain point) but pressuring me too much or constant hounding never worked for me. In fact, pressure only pushes me farther in the opposite direction of getting anything done. When I feel there is an impossible task at hand, I just want to ignore it, hide, have a martini and sit back. Which does nothing! Because as I get older, I realized I'm only one person and I'm human. Boy, I would be terrible in an interview at this phase in my life... ;)
So for those wanting their wedding photo turn-around time to be different, faster, or special, it is not an option that is fair to all. I want to provide the utmost quality for everyone. If you planned to have the photos in time for a get together or event within 3 months after your wedding, please do not plan on having the photos ready and available. The same applies if you get married 3 months prior to the holidays, please keep in mind that your photos may not be ready by that holiday, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, what ever it may be. I do not work around holidays, I work week by week and it does not influence turn-around time what-so-ever. It's just the way it works and it's not magic. If a particular image is needed for a thank you card, gift or other reason, I don't mind sending a couple at high resolution over email. I am willing to work with this because I know it's hard to wait.
I understand. And I understand completely - you are excited, you want your photos and you want them now. And I'm excited that you're excited, it means I'm doing a great job. But there is a process. I like to keep this process in order so it is fair. I try very hard not to explain things that will not make sense to the general public because just like any job, you would have to do it to understand. It's a good thing that my struggles are not showing because that means I'm doing a good job, but on the other hand, it doesn't mean that I can make things happen that may not be possible.
Not every image comes off the camera print ready. And just because they are digital does not make them any different or faster. Some need touch ups such as blemishes, color correcting, sharpening, red-eye correction on some or much more that I prefer not to get into (as it varies per wedding). If you want your photos raw with nothing done at all to them, than I can do that but you will not get all the artsy versions of b/w, sepia, or b/w color enhancements. I feel that you pay me a lot of money to provide great images and I include all the images, so take advantage that I am applying extra time on your images. Also, as obvious as this is but often forgetten, I photograph other weddings. Therefore there are other weddings that could possibly be before yours or after yours. If I rush the process you could get less photos overall because deleting is the only way to return them to you faster.
Compared to many other photographers out there who sometimes take up to a year to complete photos, approx. 12 weeks is not that long.
Lastly I hear all the time, not only was it worth the wait, but also they never expected to get all the creative extra work I included. Either way, they are extremely grateful. Maybe I care way too much in what I do but I'd rather go above and beyond than short anyone of anything.
My turn-around time will be changed to a much longer time if the agreed upon process is not understood. And I refuse to be blamed or take on any guilt for not reaching someone else's personal plans or deadlines. I'd like to think I can make them but it's not always possible to tell ahead of time. This is not directed upon any one individual or couple, this is a general struggle that I deal with through out each year. My intentions are not to cause havoc but to allow just a little more patience. I only work with a couple once (or longer if I become their personal photographer throughout their life travels) and I want it to be as smooth as possible for everyone. If you ever would like to job shadow me, please give me a call and we'll set something up.
Thanks!
Out of the Ordinary
No comments:
Post a Comment