Q&A: Who, What, Where, When and Why?

I AM...

OLD SCHOOL WITH A FRESH FUNKY STYLE

Frequently I'm asked, "When did you start taking pictures?" In a nutshell, the answer would be "back in the old film days which means, yes, I know about reciprocity failure and push processing." But most people just stare when I answer that way, so here's the whole sordid tale:

I AM...

OBSESSED

When I was 10 (in 1980, but don't tell anyone), I started begging my parents for a camera of my own. I loved to take pics of my friends and places we visited (I lived outside of Washington, D.C.). Finally, after two years of relentless nagging, my mom bought me a Kodak Disc camera. It was the suckiest camera on the face of the planet. But it was cute and it was MINE!

I AM...

ADVENTUROUS

When I left for the Air Force at age 19 (in 1989), I talked my mom into buying me a 35mm SLR camera. I loved that camera! It was fully manual and I had to learn to adjust the aperture and shutter speed to get good exposures. I loved that camera until it got knocked over by a friend while sitting on its tripod and cracked! Obviously, not a top-of-the-line camera.

While stationed in Japan in the Air Force, I bought a SWEET Canon EOS something-or-another that I think was never released in the States. It was wicked cool and produced great images. (This was 1990; still long before the digital revolution).

After the Air Force, I decided to take some formal classes on photography and darkroom work. I also upgraded to better cameras...two Contax bodies and a collection of incredible Zeiss lenses (nothing in the realm of lenses for SLR's even comes close to their quality), an old Mamiyaflex medium format camera, and a pair of Hensel portys (heavenly studio lights). I started a web design business, hated it, and added photography for money into the mix. There is nothing else I would ever want to do for work (or play, really, for that matter) than make pictures.

And so, years later, the digital revolution swept across the land. And suddenly it felt almost wrong to shoot film. So, I sat and watched and waited, seeing whether these digital images would stand up against tried and true film.

And boy, did they!

I BELIEVE IN...

HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY
So, after much pondering and sweating, I finally went digital and invested in professional grade Nikon bodies and lenses, and added a few new lights and other modern gadgets to my bag. And it has been a fun, fun ride. I can't wait to see what's next!

Taken by my husband and business partner, Todd

And this was taken by my daughter:

Miller&Miller Photography

A Word on Copyright and Files on Disc

This post is for both the aspiring professional and the consumer, since I get the question occasionally from both.

Clients sometimes inquire whether they get a copy of their print-ready photographs on CD. I'm not sure when this became expected or customary. It truly baffles me. Some photographers give them away at no charge (they probably have no overhead and don't *need* to make money to feed their kids; they may be more of an amateur or hobbyist). Others allow you to purchase a CD of your photos after you have made a print order of a particular amount, say $500. Others still will absolutely not sell their digital files at all. You would certainly not expect a disc of your digital files if you went to Wal-Mart or Sears or Olan Mills or any other studio, right?

Understand that when a consumer pays a sitting fee of $100, $150, $250, $500 or whatever the case may be, that pays for: the photographer's hourly pay; a fraction of the cost of the equipment used to capture, edit and store the images (camera, lenses, lights, reflectors, computer, hard drives, software programs, association and license fees) and whatever additional expenses the photographer may have to keep their business running (and there are many such expenses). You normally wouldn't pay a sitting fee (or would pay a smaller one) at chain store studios; their stores can absorb the cost of equipment and running the studio.

If a photographer charged $150 for a sitting fee, spent an hour of his/her time taking the photographs and several more hours carefully editing them, only to give the files away for free so the client can go print off as many as he/she wants, leaving the photographer with no further profit from print orders, you would find a photographer who is quickly out of business. Or, one who doesn't *have* to work or have kids to feed, or uses only non-professional equipment. You get what you pay for, right?

Consumers, remember: You will enjoy your portraits for the rest of your life, while the photographer typically only earns money from it just once.

Aspiring photographers, remember: that camera (and other equipment) won't last forever; you WILL be replacing them at some point. Put some money in the bank for that day!

So, if you're in the market for photography, decide what you want. If you don't want or need high-quality custom work that will last a lifetime, then you might be happy with a standard photo from a department store studio. If you want something that's high-quality, custom, and unique, then you may be more happy investing in an independent photographer.

For those of you starting or interested in starting a business: Your time and work are valuable! Outside of charity work, don't give it away! If you do, you will surely go under before you have a chance to get started. Everyone wants something for free, and you will be tempted to give it, but that could well be the death of your business. If you have invested thousands of dollars in professional-grade equipment and provide high-quality work, don't be afraid to make enough money to survive and grow on!

As a member of several professional photograhers' organizations, I read articles and discussions continually about how "shoot and burn" "photographers" are damaging the photography industry. And of course, I see it all around me. It is heartbreaking. The industry may have to make some changes to compensate for such practices; I can't begin to guess where that will go.

Tip: The industry standard (from the Professional Photographers of America) recommends an average of $150 for a sitting fee with one 8x10.

For more tips on starting a photography business, click here.

So, that said, where do I stand on the issue of copyright and selling digital files? I do sell them, after the sitting fee, for the following amounts:

one image: $350
2-5: $500
6-10: $750
10-20: $1,000
over 20: $1,500

Once you purchase your files, you own the copyright which means you can print as many as you want at whatever size you want. Once you purchase them, I MAY NO LONGER STORE THEM ON MY HARDDRIVE so be sure to protect them and back them up! The only right I keep after you purchase them is the right of photo credit. For example, if you entered one of the photos in a contest and it won, it should say, "photo by sandi miller."
Do I turn in people who unlawfully duplicate my photographs? Yes, I do. Please don't duplicate copyrighted photographs (and ALL photographs are automatically copyrighted; it does not have to state that), either mine or any other photographer's! It causes more damage than you think. Thanks!

http://mypicturesofyou.com/

Q and A: "I want to start a business. Which camera should I buy?"

I decided to post this since I get questions all the time from people who want to start a photography business (so if I sent you here instead of directly answering your question, it's because I've answered it twice already this week and my fingers are tired from typing [grin]).


The first question is usually, "What camera should I get?" Which is also the first question I asked when considering starting my business in the late '90's, and also when upgrading almost a decade later to digital from my film system (which was the Contax N1 with Zeiss lenses).


In professional photography, size matters. To produce professional looking photographs, you should start with a nice, big, high-quality sensor. Think of the sensor as the "film." Back in the pre-digital days, we photographers had a VAST array of film from which to choose. You could go to WalMart and buy some low quality Kodak film and take some low quality photos, or you could go to a camera shop and buy some high-grade film and take some high quality photos (depending on your camera). We could choose from high-or low-contrast film, film that would produce more saturated colors, or just more saturated reds or greens, a soft tone/soft color film if you wanted that look in portraits, infrared film if you were feeling a little adventurous, or even medium or large format film if you had a medium format (higher quality than a 35mm) or large format (even higher) camera (I still have my medium format film camera and will even still pull it out and shoot with it once in a while for fun).


It's similar with the sensor in your camera. Smaller or lower (not LOW, just lower) quality sensors (like in the Canon Rebel series or the Nikon D-series less than 300), although greatly improved and capable of capturing beautiful images, are not quite professional quality and don't produce the color, tonal range and detail of a higher quality sensor. They are fantastic cameras for anyone who wants great snapshots of their family, vacations, or day-to-day photography and are great to learn on, but once you have learned, it's time to move on to something bigger and better (if you do want to start a legitimate business). I'm sure there are some who own these cameras who would argue that point with me, but I haven't met a single professional photographer who shoots with one of those cameras, and I have met a LOT of pro photographers (including Bill Allard, former staff photographer at National Geographic Magazine. He was wearing a Leica camera on his shoulder when I met him at a gallery opening in Charlottesville, VA. Just a little thing that makes me smile when I think of it).


Lori Grunin over at CNET has put together a list of the best professional quality cameras. If you want to start a photography business, start with one of these cameras. The sensors in these have the quality necessary to produce professional results. Here is the link, with reviews of each body:

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-professional-dslr-cameras/


I personally shoot with the Nikon D700 (with the D300 as a back-up. SIDENOTE: if you want to shoot weddings or other special events, please have at least 2 cameras in case your main one fails; you do not want to be sued!). Another sidenote: the D700 review says it's great if you don't need enormous images, but I can testify that you can enlarge 'til your heart's content with no loss of image quality (she is referring to the fact that files coming from the camera are 240 instead of 300 ppi; [sidenote: most professional print houses print at 250 dpi]).

I prefer pro-quality Nikon to pro-quality Canon because of the ease of use. The controls are exactly where I want them to be and I can change many settings on my camera with an easily accessible button or dial rather than having to scroll through menus. That said, both Canon and Nikon produce fantastic photos. I have many friends and colleagues who are pro photographers who adore their Canons. I know just as many who love their Nikons. If Contax had've evolved into digital, that's what I would be shooting now (I have a fetish for German cameras) but they did not. And I do love my Nikons!


One last note: in this digital age, it seems that there's a mom on every corner who wants to be a professional photographer. If you checked out that list of pro cameras on CNET, then you know they are EXPENSIVE. Having a nice, professional system is going to cost you thousands of dollars (and does not instantly make you a professional photographer), especially once you add a nice selection of pro quality lenses (which can range from $500 all the way up to thousands PER LENS).

BE SURE IT'S WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO.

It is a HUGE investment, not only of money, but in time. Don't ask me how long it takes me to edit photos after a small shoot of say 60-80 photos (or 500-1500 or more at a wedding/reception)...let's just say that I spend a LOT of very late nights editing (then again, I'm pretty picky) and it definitely takes away from family time. Consider carefully before diving in! And if you already own a consumer level DSLR like the Rebel or the D90 (or new D5000), and just want to be able to take good photos for your family, then don't obsess over getting a pro quality camera. The camera you already have produces beautiful photos and is perfect for what you need. Seriously, does every snapshot you take have to look like it could grace the cover of National Geographic? No! Of course not! When I'm just taking pictures of my family or a non-work-related event, I pull out my tiny Lumix point-and-shoot and am perfectly happy with the results.

Other things to consider beyond the camera:

• the ability to take a good picture, technical and artist eye
• fast, powerful computer
• professional editing software (and learning to use it)
• external hard drives (you'd be amazed how quickly these fill up!)
• website
• marketing costs
• lighting (at the very least, a good reflector and off-camera flash)
• time time time time time time
• $10,000 is an average beginning cost

Policies and FAQ

.

Policies, how things work and other random FAQ's

Please read this section carefully!

***Shipping: If your prints or products are being shipped directly to you from my print house, I will send shipping confirmation/delivery date to you via email. Miller&Miller cannot be held liable for lost or stolen deliveries! Upon receipt of your prints/products, please promptly inspect them and make certain they look correct, tones are on, mounting is perfect (if applicable). I use only the best professional print houses, but humans sometimes make mistakes. If there is a problem with your order, please contact me IMMEDIATELY so I can okay it with my printer and get a return shipping label for you. I cannot refund an item; I can only replace it with the same, corrected item. Most items ship out the same or next day after it is reported to me.***

Files on Disc
Are available for purchase at this time (this may be discontinued without notice in the future).  Once you receive your disc, there is no refund for any reason. 

Online Gallery
Your private online gallery, once posted, will remain online for seven days (unless otherwise arranged in advance).  There is a reposting fee of $45 once the gallery is offline after the initial one-week period.

Environmental (Location) Portrait Policies

Sitting fees from $75-$225 (email for details).  Prints from $35.  Sitting fee is due at the time of booking and is not refundable.

Includes: the photographer's time and talent behind the camera, her magical editing talent; a proofing meeting where you will see your proofs and frame and product examples; an on-line private gallery of your images; a handful of low-res digital images for your blog, facebook, etc. Per professional photography standards (and because we like to eat and be able to pay our bills and run our business), we do not give a disc of hi-res images (read more about that here), but do sell them at this time (this practice may be discontinued without notice; see the aforementioned page regarding images on disc for pricing).

Print and product orders made within three days of your online gallery going live will be given a 10% discount. Print orders are subject to shipping charges (generally between $5 and $10, depending on the size of the order), Pinal County tax (if shipped to me) or your local tax if shipped directly to you. Out-of-Arizona orders are tax-free. Print pricing can be seen in your shopping cart (options are chosen during check-out).  Images of framing options will be emailed to you on request.

Boudoir Policies

Boudoir Packages from $350
A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to book your date. The remainder of the sitting fee is due 10 days prior to your session.

Includes: the photographer's time and talent behind the camera (session lasts from 1 1/2 to 2 hours and includes time for outfit changes) and with special lighting, her magical editing skills, and an on-line private (password protected) gallery.

Because of the private nature of boudoir portraits, only sandi will be present at the shoot and only sandi will view the images during editing and posting to the private gallery. Your images will NOT be used for marketing or advertising or displayed on our website, blog, or boudoir blog without your written consent. Most women choose to not have their images displayed and we completely understand and honor that.

Full body-sculp editing comes standard with all boudoir packages. Photobooks are included in each package.  Book pages are available in lustre, pearl (similar to metallic; ask to see a physical sample of a photobook printed on hinged [lay-flat] pearl paper). Online private samples also available to women only; email for link to see samples. Book covers available in leather with or without a custom dust jacket, or with a photo cover.

Wedding Policies

A non-refundable $500 deposit and signed contract is required to hold your date. The remainder of the balance is due four weeks before the wedding. Other policies are written on your wedding contract; please review our policies carefully and direct any questions to sandi. Our wedding contract is based on the standard approved by the PPA (Professional Photographers of America).

Labor and Deliver Policies

Labor and delivery sessions are $500 for up to 6 hours (add $25 for each hour over 6 spent at the hospital);
email for full details!  All our L&D customers are so glad they had this done!  I've gotten compliments from nurses who think this is the greatest idea ever...it leaves the parents free to experience their special event without being distracted by trying to take photos themselves. 


FAQ

Q:  What is a standout?  And can I see your available frames? 
A:  A standout is a print mounted onto the face of a solid frame.  There is an example here:  http://millermillerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/frame-examples.html along with a couple of our other frames.  Email me for pics of all our frames.  It's much better to see them in person; I will happily arrange a time for you to see examples in person; call or email to arrange!

Q: What should I wear for my portrait session?
A: Whatever makes you happy! If we're shooting in a country setting, wear more casual clothing. If we're shooting in an urban setting, get funky and trendy! If it's a family or couple session, be sure NOT to match exactly (you will regret this later) but to wear the same style (all casual or all trendy, all chic, etc.). Here are some other basic rules to follow:

• Wear solids or simple patterns (nothing tooooo outrageous)
• Outfits in the same color family work well (light green/dark green, etc.)
• Deep, muted colors found in nature are more timeless (i.e.: greens, blues, earthtones)
• Clothes that fit properly and are comfortable and allow movement will make the shoot better
• Jeans and a nice top always work
• Layers are FUN if weather permits...a cool jacket, funky scarf, hat, sunglasses, jewelry)
• A change of clothes if desired
• Bring props, if you want (not necessary): a musical instrument, a book that speaks YOU, anything else that means a lot to you or helps define who you are

And let's avoid these things:

• Bright white clothing
• Shirts with writing, logos, or bold patterns
• Horizontal stripes
• Sleeveless shirts
• Overly bright or neon colors (fuschia, orange, lime green, etc.).

Q:  Should I get my hair cut before having pictures done? 
A:  Only if it really needs it!  And if you do get a cut, be sure to do it at least 10 days prior to your session, to give your hair time to "relax" and look more natural. 

To read more about why files on disc do not come with your session fee, click here.

Miller&Miller Photography