What does it mean when we say Boutique Photographer?

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You may see this word throughout our website and be wondering, what does that mean? Is it just a buzz word or does it have an actual meaning? 

There are different types of photographers. I'm not saying one way is good or bad, just different. There are many wonderful photographers in our area, so which fits YOU?

While we would love to be the photographer of your dreams we do understand if we are not.
​ We want to help you find the right fit for you.
​The one that delivers what you want is the right one for you.

In thinking of which photographer to choose you must first think about what you want out of this. We understand it is an investment, it is something you value and choose to spend your money on. You have an idea of what you are wanting from the session. ​

Here are a few questions to ask yourself 
When beginning your journey of finding a photographer were you thinking of capturing memories? Updating your family portrait? A gift for family members? A fun afternoon with friends? A close one with an illness? Celebrating new beginnings such as divorce or marriage? Capturing an significant time in ones life such as graduation or chemo free? The reason is important for you to recognize because it will set the theme and intended outcome.

A Boutique photographer is geared towards the consumer. It entails more responsibility to the client to achieve their 'why' in choosing to hire a professional photographer. They will be there every step of the way. 

A shoot & burn photographer is one who shows up, takes the images, runs them through a program to liven them up a bit then returns the digitals. They can charge less because they do not need the education or the extra time it takes to be a Boutique photographer and can therefor take on more clients. 

Portrait photographer is a term used loosely these days. Traditionally it means a photographer with a studio or one spot with a light set up and uses standard classical posing of their choice.

Let's use an examples to explain how this can effect your choice.
             Let's say you finally have everyone together for a large family vacation. You want to remember this time and have a nice reunion picture for grandma and a chance for family pictures that some would never take the time for. You would be looking for maybe an album or digital frame. In this instance you may have questions on what to wear, how to get everyone on board with a color scheme, will the photographer be able to handle the children, how to get coordinated with everyone, all while asking yourself how you became the one caught in the middle of it all haha.

             As a boutique photographer we would use our knowledge of group sessions and guide you through the process, speak directly with anyone in the group who may have questions or concerns.
At the session we would direct the posing, ensure we get your best side, all the standard shots everyone in the group wants and needs, attending to the chosen style of classical, relaxed, lifestyle. We would work to add in extra shots of laughs and emotions that make great album pictures but would not necessarily be on the living room wall. For the individual family unit we would ensure to use the correct camera functions for printing large prints, we would be sure to capture the family unit and each child headshot. 
After the session we fully *hand edit each image making what we consider to be necessary adjustments; windblown hair strands, replacing faces and combining images, removing tourists and background distractions to ensure a professional image. This is the reason it can take a little more time than usual to get your images. I would never deliver a gallery I wouldn't want for myself. I want you to love the way you look and smile every time you see it. Sometimes this is quick, if we catch good lighting, good weather, everyone is smiling and happy. Sometimes we need to spend a little more time fixing hair, using that one baby smile on every image, combining 9 images to ensure all 9 grandchildren are presented at their best.
After we deliver your gallery downloads our job isn't over. You can spend all the money in the world with the best photographer ever and it not matter one bit if you do not know the proper way to print or achieve the initial goal. We will work within your budgeted amount to help you choose the right product for you, even if that isn't ordering through us or having to wait a while. For instance, If you are wanting a simple 5x7 then ordering through us is probably not your best use of your budget. You will get the same quality in a 5x7 through Mpix as you would through our company. However if you did not know that you would run up to CVS and print out a cheap copy with a machine that has just 3 colors and does not have the ability to adapt the pixels for the size.  Please know we never push for a sale, we are not natural salespersons and we do not sell products for us, it is not where we make the money that pay the bills. We have vetted each and every company we use to ensure consistent quality.

A FEW OTHER CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

• What style do you, the client, prefer? Are you looking for light and airy or dark and moody? What would best match your home décor? 
• Is the photographers style consistent throughout their gallery and social media? You want to make sure you are not just seeing their favorite shots but that they are capable of recreating the same feel and style in any situation as we cannot control the weather on any given day.
• In their galleries, how are the people positioned? Do they look like they are knowledgeable in posing and composition? 
• What extent is the editing, do they remove distractions and tourist from the background? 
• Will they remove blemishes? 
• Do I want digital images, prints or both? 
• Do they offer professional prints?
• Considering digital images, Will I receive print rights? Will the images contain a logo? What size prints should I be able to get out of the digital images? Do I have to pay extra for print size? 
• How many digital images will I receive?
• Do I have a limited time to download the images, is there a charge to reinsert my gallery?
• Are there any hidden fees or add on charges I should be aware of?

* Hand edit, what does that mean exactly? Aren't all images hand edited? Well, yes and no. It does not mean we go into a dark room and hand print the images (Yes, I've been asked that before). It means we take the time and edit each image separately to ensure consistency in color and quality. Some photographers who do not have time, talent or education for probably editing may outsource their images or run them through actions (a process in Photoshop that applies the same editing step to each image). (Again, I'm not saying there is a right or wrong way. Saying they do not have the time, talent or education is not an insult. We each have our talents in different areas. If it is a better use of ones talent to photograph then making use of others talent in editing is the better business choice for them)