The importance of photographs
There’s no doubt in my mind at least, that photos are important. Life flies by so quickly. The only way we can keep track is having photos to look back on. Luckily for us in 2019, good cameras are now so easy to carry around. Yes, you know what I’m talking about – your phone! It’s a real blessing that we have this technology to hand in our day to day lives. Snapping a memory has never been easier. I know, I have thousands of my own phone snaps. The thing is, I love these too but I know I rarely look at them. So why go to the hassle and expense of hiring a professional, when you can do it yourself?
Priorities
Not everyone has the same priorities in life, we all have different things going on. All of us have our own lives, our own roads to travel. That is to say, photoshoots are not always for everyone and sometimes might not be in your budget. I totally get that. However what I would say is, save up, invest when you can, and cherish the experience. There are all levels of photographer out there, to suit all budgets. So all you need to do is get out there and find them. I would love to hear from you, to see if we are a good fit. You can email me or book at www.laurafiddaman.com – I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have!
The experience
When it comes to having a professional photo shoot, it’s not just about the photographs. When you invest your time and money into a photographer, it is the experience that makes it all worthwhile. From the moment a session is booked, that’s the beginning of your journey. With me, that means your welcome pack is on its way and we will be in touch shortly. It’s the careful planning of outfits, backdrops and keeping in touch as your session approaches. Getting to know you, and finding out the story of you and your horse, your dog, your family, so that your photographer can capture that. Too often we get wrapped up in the day-to-day. When was the last time you took a step back and enjoyed just being with your horse, or treated yourself?
But they’re so posed!
Your session should be a chance to wind down and live in the moment. It’s not meant to be something you dread or get worried about. These photos are for “future you”, and if you don’t want to, you don’t have to share them with anyone else! You don’t even have to pose. You see, the best thing about a photo shoot with your horse or dogs is that 90% of the time they have your attention. Yes, you might start off at a specific spot, but it’s not realistic to expect our animals to stand where we put them and stay there for ages. That’s not what this is about. If they want to move, let them. Movement in photographs can be magical, and it involves no strict posing. Of course, if you like a bit of Vogue, then you’re welcome to play along!
The investment
Photography is often a big investment of both money and time. It can be the most rewarding, yet difficult, thing to see your gallery for the first time and have to start thinking about which ones you want to keep. All photographers work slightly differently according to their cost of doing business (just like any other businesses out there!) Despite common misconceptions, the numbers aren’t just plucked out of thin air. Due to this, whilst some offer a standalone session, others will offer a handful of digital images or a framed product or print.
Sessions will start from anywhere between £40 to £540 (and more) depending on who and what you choose. You may then go on to spend £200-1200+ on products – because is it worth having the photographs taken if you’re not going to buy them? You’ve decided to invest in capturing memories, what about keeping them? This can soon add up to a considerable sum to be investing, but when we spend so much on throwaway items and takeaways, is it really that much in the grand scheme of things? Always ask if it’s possible to set up a payment plan. The worst they can say is no! Always remember that this investment is here to stay.
Family heirlooms seem to have become a bit of a thing of the past, and that genuinely makes me a bit sad. How lovely would it be for your grandchildren to have a beautiful piece of wall art to remember you by in decades to come? Better yet, a portrait of you doing what you love – spending time with your animals. At peace. Playing. Enjoying a quiet chat. Losing yourself in the calm that surrounds you, or maybe lost in the organised chaos that we all enjoy from time to time!
Just think about it
I can sum up my job as an equine portrait photographer with one photo from each client gallery I curate. Yes there are shots that I have in mind when I go to a session, and there are different people with their horses in similar places and caught in similar poses. Without fail, every session has one that’s just that little bit different. That’s the one that makes me grateful to do what I do best. Capturing the essence of you. That special little something that just shouts out “HANG ME ON THE WALL!”
What would your perfect shoot be? I’d love to know in the comments below.
Don’t leave it too late, and run out of tomorrows.