What is custom photography?

Custom photography isn't necessarily for everyone, I'll be honest. Some people don't understand it or appreciate it.

So what makes me different from the portrait studio in the big box and department stores? I have over 10 years of experience and I take pride in my customer service. I think it is very important to meet up with my potential clients. I want to learn more about your special day and what exactly you are looking for. This is a perfect opportunity for you to ask my any questions and see if we are a good match. I believe there should be a level of comfort and chemistry with the clients and the photographer. Amy Van Epps Photography offers many different types of photography services. I am available for engagements, weddings, maternity, senior portraits, babies, events, and birth photography.

I offer many different products for my clients such as professionally printed portraits, albums, gallery wraps, signature mats, and other products. My portraits are printed from one of the best labs in the country. They are archival and will last at least 100 years. I do include high resolution disc of digital negatives with my engagement, wedding, and headshot packages. I am trying to slowly ease away from offering discs with all packages and transition into portraits. Why? I care about quality. With a disc of images you can simply go to a photo kiosk, photo center, and big box stores where you can get your images printed. I really have no idea about their quality or archival life. Or how old the ink and paper is. Is their monitor calibrated to their printer? Do they offer more than than glossy and matte finish? Frankly, the quality does not compare to a professional lab. I want the best for my clients.

Big box/department store portrait studios have tight schedules and they are trying to get as many customers as they can in and out of their doors in the shortest amount of time. I want my clients to have a great experience and not feel rushed. That is why my shortest session is an hour.

Some people only want cheap photography, photographs, or a photographer. When it comes to custom photography the last thing you want is something cheap. Look at how the dictionary defines cheap:

cheap (chp)
adj. cheap·er, cheap·est
1.
a. Relatively low in cost; inexpensive or comparatively inexpensive.
b. Charging low prices: a cheap restaurant.
2.
a. Obtainable at a low rate of interest. Used especially of money.
b. Devalued, as in buying power: cheap dollars.
3. Achieved with little effort: a cheap victory; cheap laughs.
4. Of or considered of small value: in wartime, when life was cheap.
5. Of poor quality; inferior: a cheap toy.
6. Worthy of no respect; vulgar or contemptible: a cheap gangster.
7. Stingy; miserly.

Yikes! I don't offer that to ANY of my clients. I offer quality.

I know some people's opinions about custom photography will never change. I just have to under accept that. I hope I was able to shed some light and educated some of my readers on how Amy Van Epps Photography is different and what separates us from the big box portrait studios.

Amy Van Epps Photography
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E-mail Amy

Why I believe in professional organizations and continuing education

It always seems with the how fast technology is evolving, once you purchase a computer, cell phone, camera, or software it is already obsolete. Just like technology and fashion, photography is ever evolving. I believe it is important for photographers to evolve and change with what the market is demanding.

I am involved in a few professional organizations, ASMP, PPA, PPSCF, and a casual organization that meets once a month. Other careers usually require continuing education such as professions in the health and hair industry. It is not required for photography, but it is worth the investment. Just like professions in health and hair learn about what is new in technology, what is in style, photographers need to be aware of these things too.



These organizations are phenomenal. They give photographers the opportunity to meet up and discuss what is happening in their business and ask questions. How can I better market my business? What are the latest trends you are seeing? What professional labs do you use for printing? These organizations also provide workshops. The workshops can be on any topic from new trends in lighting, exploring new features in Adobe Photoshop CS5, or a guest speaker coming in and giving their insight to the market.

I encourage any photographer, young or old, in high school, college, or a professional to consider joining an organization. The organizations usually have a yearly membership fee. However, they offer great rates for students and up and coming photographers. They give you access to a wide variety of information in regards to contracts, model releases, continuing education, & networking.

See what is available in your city!

Family, Children & Maternity Session

Today I had the pleasure to have a photo session with the Albin Family in Daytona Beach. Shannon was exact 30 weeks the day of the shoot with babt Rhiley. Connor and Elia were wonderful during the shoot. The window provided some beautiful light to capture great portraits with Shannon & Devin and the children. I cannot wait till Rhiley is born next year, I hope to photograph her newborn session!






For more portraits from this shoot, please check out my Facebook page.