Why Custom Phot0graphy?
First, what is “custom photography”? Here is a great explanation, quoted and adapted from the article written by Marianne Drenthe, taken with permission from http://professionalchildphotographer.com.
The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing, creates the work that you will want to proudly display in your home forevermore.
Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are and who your family is, and then seeking a photographer that reflects your personal style. For instance, let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start by determining what style you like, browse through website portfolios and decide if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life, home decor and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach-type photographer (that is, if you live near a beach, of course) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.
Finally, after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work with the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself:
Do you prefer Photographer A’s style over Photographer B’s style?
Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and seem very caught up in the moment versus B’s more posed, looking-into-the-camera images?
If this is the case, you probably like lifestyle photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a photojournalistic style. The photographer you should probably choose would be Photographer A because their style reflects the style similar to what you desire.
What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience – as in the experience. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family and give you devoted one-to-oneattention without worrying about the ‘next-in-line’ feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery, culled to show only the images that meet the photographer’s creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited and color-corrected with blemishes and under-eye circles removed. Also known as ’boutique studios’, custom photographers offer a range of beautiful products and unparalleled service.
Think Lexus versus Hyundai, Nordstrom versus WalMart.
Custom photography should have you, the client, and your experience in mind.
