Why is photography so expensive?

OK, so here's the thing, this is really uncomfortable to talk about but I am going to anyways because I think these days transparency is everything.  So here we go, let’s get right into it. Why is professional photography 'expensive'? 

1. First of all, because running a photography business is expensive!! By now you have probably noticed ALOT of different people who start a photography business only to close it within a year or two because they are losing so much valuable time and resources. You see, what many people don't realize is that Photographers are paying bills just like your local salon or accountant. Unfortunately being a professional photographer isn't just buying a nice camera and booking clients. There are website fees, taxes, insurance, overhead costs, thousands of dollars worth of equipment to maintain and upgrade, there is editing software, emailing software, studio management software (ugh, so much software) and accountants and contractors and lab fees, etc. Let me tell ya, some days the expenses feel endless!!

2. Photography is filled with hidden hours. When you pay your photographer $300 for an hour long session, you are not paying them $300 an hour. Many hours are spent communicating, planning, driving, culling, editing, downloading and uploading. That one hour session can easily take up 8 hours of the photographers time. In fact, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most photographers earn between $31,710 and $40,280 annually, or $15.24 to $19.37 an hour (pixsy.com).

3. Cost of education. True not all photographers go to post-secondary for photography. But I did! And on top of earning a degree, techniques and technology are always changing so it is important to keep learning and improving! Last year I invested over $3000 into education, and this year I have already spent $2000 so that I can serve my clients better and keep my business thriving!!

4. When you hire a professional photographer you are hiring an experienced artist. You are hiring someone with a unique eye and set of skills. You are hiring someone who knows how to make you feel incredible and confident and at ease. If you are brand, you are hiring someone who is able to translate your company’s story into a beautiful visual. Photography is unique in that it is equal parts technical skill, creativity and connection, and many photographers, myself included, have spent years honing their craft!

5. Photographs are invaluable and irreplaceable. Photography is one of those things that actually gets better with age. When cared for properly it will last for generations. And in my opinion, it is one of the few things we buy that doesn't have a shelf life. It doesn't become less important when trends shift. It possesses a truly unique emotional value.

So there you have it friends. I hope this adds a little context and insight into why photography costs what it does. I realize for some it’s just not worth it, and that is OK!! Phones have wonderful cameras now and we are all free to document our lives and businesses in that way if we so choose. But if you do value photography, know that by paying proper rates that you are supporting a working artist. An artist who is creating one-of-kind art just for you! Take so much pride in knowing that you are supporting a sustainable, local business!

And if you are feeling especially bold, when you see a photographer selling sessions and all the files for an incredibly low price like $150, take a minute to send her some love and encouragement. Let her know that she is incredibly talented and worth so much more. Because chances are, she is giving up valuable time with her family, she is exhausted, she isn’t making a living and her business may even be on the verge of burning out. (of course this applies to men as well, but in my experience women have a much harder time charging their worth!)

I would love to hear from you! Does this add some clarity and transparency to the price of photography? Have you also noticed the incredibly high turnover amongst local photographers?

And lastly, to my fellow photographers. How many of you struggle immensely with knowing your worth and pricing sustainably? I so get it, and want you to know that you are not alone. If you ever need help please don’t hesitate to reach out!

XO,

Karmen

photocredit: Marielle Elizabeth

25 Places to Use Brand Photos

by Brand Designer Tammy Swier and Photographer Karmen Meyer

So you just had an amazing brand photography session done (insert happy dance here!). Now it’s time to put your images to work! We often suggest that you plan to sprinkle them into your social media to really make them last. Perhaps put a few on your website, but then what? Well the good news is that this beautiful collection of photos that aligns so powerfully with your brand both visually and emotionally can be used in so many other ways! We put a lot of effort into making sure your photo sessions tell your unique brand story and are absolute workhorses for your biz. It’s super important to us that you get the most use out of you one-of-a-kind as you possibly can. Heck, even if you took the initiative to create a set of brand photos yourself (bravo!), we still want your efforts maximized. Our mantra is 100% work smarter, not harder. So let’s go…

HERE are some places YOU can USE (and reuse) your BRAND PHOTOS:

1. Instagram Ads

2. Instagram Stories

3. E-mail Profile Photo

4. Product Listings

5. Presentation Slide Deck

6. Business Card

7. Blog Posts

8. Guest Blog Posts

9. Media Kits

10. Publications or Press Submissions

11. Upcoming Sale or Promotion Graphics

12. Facebook Posts

13. Facebook Header

14. Facebook Ads

15. Price Guide or Brochure

16. Email Newsletter

17. Contracts or Service Agreements

18. Mood Board to Communicate Your Brand Aesthetic to Your Graphic or Web Designer

19. Branded Goods

20. Desktop Screensaver

21. Freebie Phone Backgrounds

22. E-Book Cover

23. Thank You Cards, Postcards, or Mailings

24. Office Art

25. Pinterest Graphics

So there ya have it, these are just some of the places brand photos can level up your game. And before you go, we have got one more little tip for ya: When planning a brand session, see what other local brands you can incorporate seamlessly. By doing so you can send them a few photos from the shoot to use for free (with your photographers permission of course!). By doing so you are helping out a fellow small business owner by giving them an amazing photo for content and you get a little extra exposure. Win/Win. We love to use blankets, florals, beverages, mugs, clothing and accessories from local shops in many of our shoots and always encourage cross promotion, ‘cause #communityovercompetition!

If you have any questions at all just let me know in the comments below or hop on over to my contact page to send an email! Can’t wait to chat!

Lifestyle Portrait Marathon // May 18 and June 22

  So excited to be hosting a Portrait Marathon at Meridian Beach and my home studio on May 18 and June 22nd.  These sessions are perfect for boudoir, couples, families, bloggers, business owners and brands!  Please shoot me an email HERE to book.UPDATE** Only two sessions available on May 18 and a handful on June 22d

Donna Abma | Women Of Excellence

 Another shoutout for an amazing woman! Donna is the director of Stepping Stones, a program that supports pregnant or parenting young women and their families, through the Central Alberta Youth Unlimited in Lacombe. She provides them with connections to social support, domestic abuse support, career advice, mental and physical health care, and even spiritual well-being. She has also organized many sessions on basic living skills such as budgeting and parenting. She provides this without judgment or hesitation and always goes above and beyond. She is very compassionate, loving and always encouraging. Donna is living and breathing definition of girl power and believes in women helping women. Donna works hard to elevate a generation of younger women who need the guidance of their elders.

Brand Sessions Just Got Even Better

 Oh I have some exciting news to share with you today!!

I have officially partnered with this talented woman to take branding sessions to the next level!  Tammy Swier of Tammy Swier Design is a graphic designer, web designer and visual director with an incredible eye for developing your brand.  We have been working together for the past year and I just adore her natural instincts when it comes to style and design.  I can't wait to show you what we have created together so far! If you have any questions or are considering if a brand session is right for you just shoot me an email!  I'd love to help you out.

Warmly,

Karmen

Debbie Coleman and Nicole Lorrain | 2018 Women of Excellence Nominees

Wow, I cannot believe another week has flown by!!  This Wednesday I would to introduce you to two wonderful women: Debbie Coleman, Deb is a registered nurse in emergency and endoscopy at the Red Deer Regional hospital. She is an incredible leader; her spirit, engagement and dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring. Deb has been a volunteer with the Red Deer festival of trees for over 20 years. She has been involved in various capacities throughout the years; most recently, as a member of the board of directors, the co-chair of the facilities committee and Chairperson of the Decorating and Trees committee. Deb is always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the event, and believes that seeing the patients and communities benefit from the donations raised is priceless. She believes wonderful things comes from volunteering, and that there is something in it for everyone. 

AND Nicole Lorrain!  A graduate of Red Deer College, Nicole started her professional career as a nurse, focusing on providing support for the elderly. Nicole has lived and worked in Red Deer for more than 20 years, while raising three boys with her husband. With over 16 years in leadership roles, with the Government of Alberta, Nicole is experienced in all areas of human resources and people management. Nicole is currently a board member for the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society and has a lengthy history of volunteering across Alberta. Nicole has also served as an elected School Board Trustee, Greater North Central School Division and as president of l'Association Canadienne Francaise de l'Alberta Regional de Red Deer.

Every Body Is Beautiful for DOTE Magazine

It all started at the beach. Young, modest and insecure; I found myself wading in the water wearing a one-piece Speedo covered with a t-shirt and board shorts. I’m not sure why I felt my thighs were embarrassing or that my body was something to be covered and unseen, I just know that by being covered up I was hiding. I was afraid.

It was at the beach that I saw mothers, women confidently in bikinis. I watched them in awe, and disbelief. How did they not feel concerned with all the people around them seeing their imperfect bodies? How did they get the confidence to so nonchalantly show themselves to the world?

Years have passed and I am now a mother myself. I think back to these moments I had when I was young, so insecure, yet, so amazed by the confidence these women exuded. Their freedom and confidence gave me permission to be OK with myself. I could dress like myself. I could be myself. I could breathe.

It’s been a process, and I’d be lying if I said that I figured everything out. The whole journey has left a lasting impression on me and it is the reason why I photograph women in a way that claims back our womanliness and celebrates the female body for all of its strength and loveliness. This shoot is a culmination of these things as well as so much more. Each woman pictured has been on her own unique journey, and I couldn’t be happier that we all ended up spending a chilly evening standing together in Mill Creek, Edmonton.

My hope is that others will see these incredible, strong, smart, beautiful women as a source of encouragement and strength. That perhaps for a few, it might just be the first step on a road to self-discovery and self-love. Let’s look out for each other, friends. Let’s take every possible opportunity to build each other up. You don’t know when a young girl, covered up in a speedo, will be watching.  

Publication: DOTE Magazine 

Models: Marielle Elizabeth, Hannah Hamilton, Osase, Kendra Allen, Sharon Litchfield, Justine Ma, Anna Stein

Floral Crowns: Lacombe Florists

Hair: Jill Keech

Make-Up: Shake-up That Make-up Tiiu Antrea

Clothing: Red Ribbon