So, when your photographer advertises that big special offer, which might include a CD of images from the session, you’re ready to jump on it because you love getting the CD, right? What’s not relevant here is how many images you get, or the circumstances. What’s important is that if you only got a CD, you’re not only cheating yourself, but you’re getting cheated. Read on.
Notwithstanding that a CD might cost less than a buck, and that your photographer with a certain style might spend less than a hour on your images, what are you really getting? Yes, you get the experience and professional photography. You get good customer service, a fun time with a genuinely nice person, and even some good pictures. But are you getting something that will last forever?
Do you remember the 8-track tape? Cassette tape? Most people don’t use CDs anymore (they only hold about 700MB), and most use DVDs (which hold over 4GB). But with the advent of Blu-Ray, how long will it be before that DVD is out of date? Or that file format? What will you do in ten years when DVDs are no longer supported by computers (most computers today no longer support floppy drives)?
Here’s something else to consider… where will you store your disk? What will you do with the images on it? Post them on Facebook? How long will they stay there? They may remain on your photo gallery for a long time, but they will get pushed to the bottom like all the others have over time. And forgotten. The disk may get lost or damaged (do you know how to take care of a DVD properly?)
It’s time for you to take control. If your photographer offers only a disk, ask for more. Demand prints. Tell them you want your images to be on the wall, in full view, for all to see. Be proud of your portraits, your wedding, your children and your family! Don’t hide them away on a disk anymore. Put them out for the world to see!
Here’s more to consider. Did you know that children who see pictures of themselves on the walls have a greater sense of well-being and self-confidence as they grow up? They can’t see those pictures of they’re on a disk. And couples who put their wedding pictures on the walls and in an album are more likely to stay together than those who don’t. We have clients who regularly share their pictures on the walls with us – and they have fabulous relationships, wonderful families and beautiful children!
Listen… this is not hard to understand. And yes, we DO sell the image files for most of our sessions and weddings. But we always offer you prints at the same time. And we always will, because they mean you will always see the pictures that you have tucked safely away in a dark storage place (after you made a backup, right?)
So, what are you going to do next time your photographer offers a disk-only portrait session? That’s right, demand prints!
I’m not getting older… I decided to refuse aging long ago. At least in my mind… my body has accepted aging quite readily.
That aside, I have decided this year that I will be giving you a present for my birthday.
Here’s the deal:
- I’m giving you a $100 credit toward your session fee and order. Yes, there are some caveats.
- First, you have to hold your sitting this Saturday, June 19. Why then? Because the day is open and available.
- Second, it can’t be a senior portrait. Senior sessions are handled completely different than families, babies and the like.
- Third, you have to reserve your spot with a $50 order deposit (it will be applied toward your order, along with the balance of your Birthday Present credit). And you have to call or email to get the deal!
That’s it. Sessions can take place in our studio or in our portrait park… we’ll be happy to accommodate any size family or any number of children (with an appropriate number of parental wranglers, of course).
Call or email now… you won’t regret it. Seriously. 🙂
Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Star Wars was probably the first movie (in a theater) I ever remember seeing WITH my father. I remember thinking “cool, I’m hangin’ out with dad.” He’s really been my best friend ever since. He was tremendously influential to me growing up. I admired his work ethic, intelligence and unique ability to become virtually anyone’s friend. He was truly the perfect package when it came to people you want to look up to in life.
Dad was the best man at my wedding in 1994. He gave me some of the best advice about marriage… by saying nothing at all. One of the fondest memories I have of my dad is just prior to the wedding ceremony, he steps into the room where I was waiting, stone-faced, solemn, expressionless, and says in the best monotone voice he can muster, “Tony… it’s time.” I felt like “hey, is this a wedding or a wake?”
I continued to look to my father as a guiding light. In my best of times, he would always point out things that I might overlook. In my worst of times, his advice and support was inspirational and always welcome. There was never a time that I did not want to hear from or about my dad. He just seemed like that little voice in the back of my head saying “be sure to check the details.”
I continue to remind myself that it was my father who was my inspiration in photography. Growing up he took lots of pictures of us kids (I have two brothers and a sister), and it was a G-R-E-A-T night when the slides came back from the drug store. Dad would carefully load them into the carousel or slide tray (more than once loading them upside down, backwards or both) and we would all watch the magic white screen to see what goofy stuff had happened to us over the last month or so. You are probably not surprised to learn that ALL of those slides are still in metal cases, stored under a bookshelf at mom’s house.
There are those who say I look like my father, have the same mannerisms and kindness as my father, and a respect for people… just like dad. If I could only have one of those, it would be the respect. To this day, people genuinely entertain me. I think dad got a kick out of the antics of some people, too. There were always moments growing up where dad seemed to chuckle at the silly things that people would do. So do I. In private, I laugh uncontrollably… and usually with Diana, who enjoys laughter just as much and almost as often.
To be fair, dad wasn’t the only great influence on my life. But he was a significant contributor.
He’s been gone two years today. I’ve made other blog posts about the days leading up to his death. I don’t need to recount those here. This is a celebration, after all.
I’d like to propose a toast… lift your glasses, be they adult spirits, juice boxes, or a tall drink of ice cold water… to the man who is truly a hero to me. Rest In Peace, dad. 🙂
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