The gorgeous Walla Walla valley is a stunning place to live. The rolling hills of farm land, the wine country, the rivers. It's truly no wonder that creatives and photographers flock to the area. It just inspired people to create.
But for a new to the area photographer, the number of other creatives is well... daunting.
So I have been asking myself why would someone choose ME to do their portraits instead of the photographer next to me? What do I offer that my competitor doesn't? What am I bringing to the table that maybe different or unique?
So, for a couple of vain, self-indulged moments allow me to share.
1.) I love what I do.
I am sure 99% of photographers do too and that is ok. But I really really do mean it when I say that I love it. I love the science (yes, science) behind capturing an amazing image. I love it so much that I study, I learn, I readjust and I learn some more. I love the whole process from the creative planning side, to the actual photography to the post processing. I love creating an image I would want on my wall. If I wouldn't use it, I won't give it to you. I love what I do so much that I want my love and passion for photography to rub off on you. Because I love photography, your images get the same personal touch my own do.
2.) I offer a lot.
No really, I do. Not only do I not charge for extra outfits/locations, I offer a lot of images that you can print. Oh and I always make a special slide show of your images. All for free.
3.) I use my Clients ideas.
I learned a long time ago that my clients ideas have a lot of merit. Ultimately, it is my clients hanging the pictures up so I want them to have a say in the creative process. I ask questions, I tell them to bring pictures and I really try to capture their vision for the session. It's important to me that they walk away feeling like they are getting THEIR pictures.
4.) I am a professional.
Ok, bear with me for a minute. It took me YEARS to call myself a professional. This is what I do, this is how I define myself. I am not some mom with a fancy camera and picmonkey charging people. I am mastering an art form. I am a professional.
5.) I love emotion.
If it is the first look of a groom seeing his bride, the tender touch of a mom and her newborn or the joy of a child playing with his parents, I adore emotion. I love to capture that emotion. Because of this, a lot of my images are not posed a certain way. I try to keep my sessions as laid back and organic as possible. I make it fun. I like it when people laugh and talk together. Being able to capture the emotion is much harder than doing a fancy pose or a special effect in photo shop, but it is what makes a picture a memory.
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| Look at the look of love. I mean wow. |
6.) I want my clients to walk away happy.
I encourage all my clients to look around at all the other photographers in the area. I don't want people to settle for me, I want them to want what I offer. There are a lot of fish in the sea and everyone has a unique way of presenting photography. However, there are also a lot of photographers who offer pictures at the same prices I do that are just starting out or haven't truly perfected their own style. Be wise in choosing your photographer. Ask questions and don't be afraid to meet and talk.
7.) I don't do it for the money.
There is a wild misconception that photographers make a lot of money. It simply isn't true. I have my prices low and with my over head, gas, and equipment cost (my new camera is costing me somewhere in the $1000 mark) I don't make much. But I don't do photography for money. I do it because I want to provide images to people. I do it because I see it as a service. I do a lot of free shoots for certain reasons, especially for seniors (On that note, I do offer free senior pictures for foster kids). Because it isn't about the money makes it a whole different ball game. I do it because I have a passion for it and the moment that is gone, so is my business.
8.) I don't have any fancy gimmicks
What you see if what you get. The price I quote you is the final price. I don't do a whole lot of fancy editing. I keep things clean, simple and timeless. I try to not fall into the fads of the era so that in 10 years images are just as gorgeous as they were they day you received them. I won't edit something so much you can't recognize yourself but I will make you look good, confident and beautiful. My gear is not entry level equipment, and I know how to get things right in camera which means I don't spend hours editing which in turn means you edits come back to you much quicker!
9.) I have some great reviews,
It does matter what past clients say. It means they are happy with their product and that is important.
"Heather is such an awesome photographer. She has an amazing eye that captures not only the beauty of her subject but has the skill and talent to capture the emotion of the moment she is worth every penny and so much more. I'd encourage anyone if you want quality pictures that have a person touch you must book now!!!! Thank you heather for all the pictures you have taken for me"
"Our family pictures turned out great! Very simple editing made them all the better! Heather was very nice, and great with my daughter."
Heather, you did a great job with the photos of my daughter and Brad. You really captured they way fell about each other and also both their personalities...the video at the end of the session you put together, was stunning...the song fit the session perfect and brought tears to my eyes. I really enjoyed it, you really did great, thank you."
"Heather took my senior pictures in 2013 . she did such an amazing job and was very affordable I sent all my friends to her. "If you don't have a lot of extra cash for your family, senior ect". She is the right photographer for you. She is fantastic!"
10.) I want to work with you!
No really, I would love to work with you for your portrait needs!
So there you have it, 10 reasons why someone should choose me. I hope that helps in your search for a photographer and I really do hope I hear from you. If you are ready to book a session, please call me at 509-956-8036 or shoot me an email heatherluann@gmail.com or message me over on facebook .
