Um, what is "a portrait boutique" exactly? I am in the business of custom photography, a branch of the business that focuses on the customer and the experience. I am in this to create personalized artwork, custom for each and every person that I photograph. Sure, 8x10's and 5x7's are staples among photo products, and I do offer them, but why not display your images so they can be enjoyed to their full potential? A boutique refers to the experience and the products that I offer. You know that adorable dress boutique downtown that you go to when you need something really special? They know you by name, your style, and choose only the dresses that will accent your figure perfectly? You love the treatment and expertise you get and always leave feeling taken care of. Yeah, it's like that.
What's up with those prices? It's like ice cream. Who doesn't like ice cream? You can run down to the nearest grocery store, pick yourself up a pint, and polish it off before you even pull into the driveway. You think it was rocky road, but you don't even remember tasting it. You are satisfied and it has curbed your craving until the next one hits.
Now let's consider that sweet little ice cream shop that's a little further down the road. You only go there every so often for special occasions. Sure, it's a little out of the way and a bit more expensive, but man, that ice cream rocks! It's made of 100% organic cream, churned by experts until it's just the right consistancy. It's velvety smooth, full of rich notes of cocoa with just a hint of coffee flavor to enhance the chocolaty-ness. It's like eating a dream! And, oh man, we havent' even gotten to the toppings yet! You can choose from caramelized pecans made with pure cane sugar, dark chocolate covered espresso beans, strawberry syrup made from real strawberries picked fresh the day before, and other decadent delights. You take each bite slowly, savoring every flavor tickling your taste buds. You finally finish and think to yourself, "That was so worth it. Regular ice cream doesn't even compare!"
You aren't just investing in a photograph- you are investing in my expertise and training, my time spent brainstorming, styling, editing, creating and delivering a one-of-a-kind art piece that you will fall head over heels for. I don't even like to call them photographs since they are so much more.
Who should choose custom photography? Custom photography is not for everyone- though it should be! No matter how beautiful or enticing it is, some people are just satisfied with what they are familiar with. Every one of us has done the big box studio thing, waited in the sitting room, paid our $50 with coupon for 10 sheets of one pose, bought a few decent frames, cut them to fit, stuck 'em in, and hung them up. Yes, they captured the photo, but guess what- we all have the exact same photo using the exact same pose and the exact same backdrop.
I say, if you are looking for someone who runs around with your child, who rolls around in the dirt to get a shot, who cares what you wear and gets to know you before the very first shot is taken- then custom photography may be for you. Maybe.
-Do you often find yourself saying, "If I could get just one good photo of our family, I'd be happy."
-Do you salivate over high-end magazine-worthy rooms complete with huge canvas art on the walls?
-Do you tell your friends, "I am going to get the kids' photos on the wall this weekend!" every other weekend?
-Does the thought of going to another studio where your daughter refuses to sit still and your son's immunity to the photographer's squeeky duck, makes you physically ill?
Then custom photography just might be your cup of tea!
16x20? 20x24? I always get huge 8x10's and don't think I'll have room to go bigger! Grab your tape measure and go ahead and measure the space above your mantle, or headboard, or in the entryway. Pretty huge, eh? We have been programmed to think that 8x10's are upsized prints that should be the focal point of our wall galleries. Grab an old 8x10 and put it up against one of those spaces. Pretty lame, right? Believe me, once you see a 16x20 or 20x24 in action, you'll never see an 8x10 as "huge" again!
Ok, I get it- I love the idea of a personalized wall gallery, but I have no idea how to design one! Part of what makes custom photography so custom is the fact that I do the work for you. You can see some examples here of my favorite gallery designs ranging from two to four canvas wraps. I can even come to your home during the ordering process and suggest a design that fits perfectly in your space! Ask the 18 year old at "so-and-so" photo to do that and gauge her response.
Why is anything smaller than an 8x10 called a "gift print"? Because that's exactly what I consider them- gifts to loved ones. You have invested this time and money on preparing, coordinating clothes, choosing the perfect location, and having your session, why would you only choose an 8x10 and few 5x7's to represent all your hard work? I like to think of these as "Grandparent prints". They want in on a bit of eye candy too, so gift prints and smaller boutique items make great presents for Meemaw and Paps.
