Why is it important to hire a professional photographer for your commercial photography needs?

1. Quality and Expertise: Professional photographers have the knowledge, skills, and experience to produce high-quality images. They understand composition, lighting, and other technical aspects that are crucial for creating visually appealing and impactful commercial photographs.
2. Equipment and Technology: Professionals typically use high-end cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. They are familiar with the latest technology and can leverage it to capture images with excellent resolution and clarity. The use of professional-grade equipment contributes to the overall quality of the final product.
3. Consistency: Professional photographers can maintain a consistent style and quality across a series of images. This is particularly important for commercial projects, where a cohesive visual identity can strengthen branding and marketing efforts.
4. Understanding of Commercial Needs: A professional photographer understands the specific requirements of commercial photography. Whether it’s for advertising, product catalog, corporate events, or other commercial purposes, they can tailor their approach to meet the objectives of the project.
5. Creativity and Innovation: Professional photographers often bring a creative and innovative perspective to their work. They can suggest unique ideas, angles, and compositions that can make commercial images stand out and capture the attention of the target audience.
6. Post-Processing Skills: Professional photographers are proficient in post-processing techniques using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This ensures that the final images are polished and meet the desired standards.
7. Time Efficiency: Professionals are generally more efficient in their workflow, saving time for both the photographer and the client. This can be crucial for meeting tight deadlines common in the commercial industry.
8. Professionalism and Reliability: Hiring a professional photographer ensures a level of professionalism and reliability. They are more likely to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and handle the entire photography process in a manner that reflects positively on your business.
9. Legal and Copyright Considerations: Professionals are well-versed in legal and copyright issues related to photography. They can help navigate licensing agreements, model releases, and other legal aspects, ensuring that your commercial project is in compliance with relevant laws.
10. Investment in Brand Image: High-quality, professionally taken photographs can significantly contribute to a positive brand image. The visual representation of your products or services is often the first impression potential customers have, making it a worthwhile investment in your brand’s reputation.

In summary, hiring a professional photographer for commercial photography ensures that you get high-quality, visually compelling images that align with your brand, effectively communicate your message, and contribute to the overall success of your commercial endeavors.

10 Tips for An Amazing Holiday Photoshoot for Families

It’s that time of the year again to update that family photograph for your Christmas card list!   When you and your family are being photographed for Christmas, it’s essential to ensure that everyone is comfortable and at ease. Here are some little tips and tricks to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved:

1. Coordinate Outfits: Choose outfits that coordinate or complement each other. Consider the overall color scheme and the style of clothing to create a cohesive look for the family.
2. Be Well-Rested: Make sure everyone gets enough rest before the photoshoot to appear fresh and vibrant in the pictures. A well-rested family is more likely to look cheerful and relaxed in front of the camera.
3. Stay Relaxed and Natural: Encourage everyone to be themselves and enjoy the moment. Genuine smiles and natural interactions make for heartwarming photographs.
4. Engage in Fun Activities: Incorporate fun activities or holiday traditions into the photoshoot. This could be decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or engaging in a snowball fight. Activities can bring out genuine emotions and create memorable moments to be captured.
5. Follow the Photographer’s Direction: Listen to the photographer’s instructions and be open to trying different poses or arrangements. Trust their expertise to capture the best moments.
6. Bring Props or Mementos: Incorporate meaningful props or mementos that represent your family’s traditions or shared experiences. These can add a personal touch to the photographs and make the session more meaningful.
7. Focus on Each Other: Instead of focusing solely on the camera, encourage family members to interact with each other. This can lead to more authentic and heartwarming moments captured in the photos.
8. Plan for Breaks: If the photoshoot is expected to be lengthy, plan for short breaks to keep everyone refreshed and energized. This will help maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the session.
9. Include Generations: For full hour family sessions, it’s great to involve multiple generations in the photoshoot. Including grandparents, parents, and children can create a sense of family unity and tradition.
10. Embrace Imperfections: Remember that imperfections can add character and charm to the photos. Embrace the natural and candid moments, as these often make the most cherished memories.

By following these tips, you can ensure a relaxed and enjoyable Christmas photoshoot that captures the love and joy of your family during the holiday season.  I hope everyone has a great day!

Hooray!   It’s that time of the year!   My best selling mini’s are back featuring Scott’s Santa & Co for ONE DAY ONLY!

• Dedicated time slots with no long line this year!
• $249+ tax
• 5-10 Min Session with Santa! (please show up at least 10 min early! if you are late you forfeit your time)
• 5 high resolution images on digital download
• Max 10 people in studio @ one time
• Due to the popularity and nature of booking, ABSOLUTELY No Refunds will be given.
• If given 12 hours notice can transfer credit to a future session.
• Payment is agreement to the studio terms.

If you are a previous/established client, please hop on over to the Facebook VIP Group to nab your spot!   I do carefully monitor requests to keep the integrity of the perk’s I offer to loyal clients.  If you are a VIP and do not have a facebook, please email me quickly so I can send you the link because this event will sell out.  If there are any spots left after the 29th I will post the registration link publicly at 9am on the 30th.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kimcowanvip

If there are not spots open on the registration link, that means the event is sold out.  During a sold out event, you’re welcome to email me and I will place you on the waiting list in case of cancellations.  kimberly@kimcowanphoto.com

Photographers can be expensive for several reasons, and the cost can vary significantly depending on their level of expertise, location, the type of photography you require, and other factors. Here are some reasons why photographers can be costly:

1. Skill and Expertise: Experienced photographers invest years in honing their craft, learning about lighting, composition, equipment, and post-processing techniques. Their expertise often comes with a price tag that reflects their skill.
2. Equipment Costs: Professional-grade photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories, can be very expensive. Photographers need to cover the cost of purchasing, maintaining, and occasionally upgrading their gear.
3. Time Investment: Photography sessions often require significant time not only during the shoot but also in pre-production (planning and coordination), post-production (editing and retouching), and client communication. All this time is factored into the pricing.
4. Professionalism: A professional photographer is likely to provide a higher level of service and quality compared to an amateur. They will have insurance, backup equipment, and a well-established workflow to ensure that your images turn out as expected.
5. Specialization: Photographers who specialize in specific niches, such as weddings, fashion, commercial, or wildlife photography, often charge more for their expertise in that particular field.
6. Business Expenses: Running a photography business involves costs like studio rent, marketing, website maintenance, and other overhead expenses. These costs are typically passed on to clients.
7. Editing and Post-Production: The editing process is a significant part of a photographer’s job, and it can be time-consuming. Skilled post-processing enhances the final images and is part of what you’re paying for.
8. Quality and Consistency: A professional photographer can consistently deliver high-quality images that meet or exceed your expectations. This level of consistency is often worth the higher cost.
9. Customization: Professional photographers often customize their services to meet your specific needs and preferences. This level of personalization can drive up the cost.
10. Demand and Supply: In areas with a high demand for photography services and relatively few professional photographers, prices can be higher due to market forces.
11. Licensing and Usage: If you’re hiring a photographer for commercial work, the cost may include licensing fees based on how the images will be used. Commercial usage generally costs more than personal or editorial usage.
12. Travel and Expenses: If the photography session requires travel, the photographer may charge additional fees for transportation, accommodation, and meals.

It’s essential to remember that not all photographers are expensive, and there’s a wide range of pricing options available. It’s essential to communicate your budget and expectations with potential photographers to find one who aligns with your needs and financial constraints.  You may also consider working with emerging photographers or students who might offer lower rates while still providing quality work. (Please avoid using phrases like, “Doesn’t charge an arm and a leg”, “Isn’t over priced / Doesn’t overcharge”,  I promise we don’t want your limbs, but do want to be compensated fairly for experienced work! 🙂 )

Take care friends!

Christmas Mini’s are BACK!

Please READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY before booking a session cause completing the checkout process is agreement to our studio rules and terms. Due to the nature and popularity of my holiday sessions, NO refunds can be given but credited towards a future session or products.

For Christmas Family Mini’s 2023

This is my regular Christmas Family Mini’s, (no Santa)

The feature large set is the traditional living room holiday set.  I will also have a fun small kid set up for additional options.

Max of 10 people in the studio at one time.

Everyone is seen by appointment only.

Please sanitize and or wash hands when entering the studio. I will have sanitizer available.

If anyone is showing symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell or been around anyone who has tested positive within 5 days please call the studio I will do my best to reschedule you. (Limit to 2 reschedules)

For the safety of my clients and staff, I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

CLICK BELOW TO SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS FAMILY MINI’S.