Long time no see ;) { Utah Wedding Photographer }

I've been M.I.A. for awhile now due to technical difficulties! Sorry about that! I'm still busy with sessions and editing (and I'm also working on a revamp of the website), so please bare with me. For now, I'm posting a few pictures from a wedding I photographed this last summer. I will be posting more previous sessions this coming week, so keep checking back!


Matt & Staci Wittwer:

Please excuse the mess.... { Utah Photographer }

The website and blog are undergoing some changes here and there. So you may notice things may shift around, colors will change, etc! I hope to have it settled down by next week (fingers crossed). Until then, thanks for being patient with all of it!

- Sheryll

Casie : Wedding { Tennessee Wedding Photographer }

Here's a sneak peak at another wedding I did over the summer, mostly images of the bride (sorry, Anthony- your photos will be up here soon!)

I flew out to Nashville, Tennessee for this wedding, and it was the very first time for me to be back since I was 15 years old! I spent most of the time downtown so I didn't get to see much of old memory lane, but it was really fun to see 2nd Avenue again!

Casie and Anthony chose the Musicians Hall of Fame to hold their wedding and reception,- and it was beautiful. I'll post more up here soon, but for now- on to the sneak peaks!

About time! { Utah Photographer }

In the midst of my heavy editing session, I FINALLY logged on to the WPPI website amd became a member! So in February, my sister (also a photographer) and I will be going to the big 2009 convention in Vegas to attend some workshops and go to the huge tradeshow!

I will be there from February 15th to February 18th. If anyone will be in that area during that time- let me know if you're interested in shooting some pics! This would be a great opportunity for engagements, bridals, etc.

The Calendar Set { Utah Photographer }

I know I've posted about this already, but I just love absolutely love this calendar set so I had to throw up more samples! This calendar is for 2009, and it's almost time for us to toss out the old ones and get new ones. But why spend another year looking at some boring calendar when you can have one personalized?! It's eyecatching, and it definitely will showcase 13 of your favorite images (one month has room for two photos).

Each set is $65 and is printed on a lightly glossy card stock. It also comes with your choice of a small desk easel, or a clear frame. And for the rest of the year, if you order two sets, you can get another free (and you may choose different images for each set)!

And don't forget- they make perfect gifts! With the holidays around the corner, you can surprise your spouse, or give a set to your parents, grandparents, etc.

Below are a few more samples of a calendar set with images from a wedding I did over the summer.

A Little Help :) { Utah & California Photographer }

Over the summer, I was lucky to have my husband come with me and help with my weddings. He's normally a pretty busy guy- he's just *one* semester away from graduating in Mechanical Engineering! So I'm thankful I had him along with me because I wouldn't have survived without him!

He has been known to capture some images of me during shoots, and I've been quick enough to delete them once I find them on the card during my post processing sessions. Usually I'm making a HORRIBLE face or squatting in some unattractive position trying to nail a shot. However, he did manage to photograph a shot of me that I approved- since I was so far away from the lens ;)

Kelly & Ryan : Wedding { California Wedding Photographer }

When Kelly called to book me for her wedding, I was completely flattered but more excited about the fact that I'd be having a little reunion with an old friend! Kelly was one of my "bffs" from the 3rd grade when I lived in California and I hadn't seen her since I was 15 years old! And just a fun (and off topic) tidbit about this awesome girl: When I used to sleep over her house, her bedroom was totally decked out in NKOTB memorabilia. No joke. She had the big button and everything! Sorry, Kelly- it's no secret you were a fan! But I gotta admit, I'm a closet fan, too!

Ryan and Kelly's story began at a surprise party for a mutual friend in 2004. Kelly had noticed this stranger "in a goofy white Gilligan hat" and immediately thought he was just another stuck up guy. It turned out that Ryan was just super shy, but not shy enough to get her email address and ask her out the next week. The rest is history ;) The two tied the knot in July in Long Beach, California.

Click or Treat { Utah Photographer }

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I'm always in awe of what people come up with for their costume choices! I've always wanted to do a fun Halloween Mini Shoot for kids and was never able to do one in the past, but this year I'm happy to announce that I'll be throwing my first annual "Click or Treat" event.

The location has yet to be decided, but it will be based in Salt Lake City. I have already set the session time slots, so if you're interested, email me!

** IF YOU BOOK A HOLIDAY CARD MINI SESSION, YOU'LL RECEIVE THE CLICK OR TREAT SESSION AS A COMPLIMENTARY GIFT!

Jennifer and Domenic { Kentucky Wedding Photographer }

Most of you know that I not only have my photography that keeps me extremely busy- but that I also have my other full time job. Well, this week I started officially working part time over there, so I'm MUCH more available for my photography (both shooting and editing). So thank you to those who are patiently waiting to see their pictures! I'm working hard on getting them done! You'll see a MUCH faster turn around time!

And so, on to some of my summer sessions:

Jennifer and Domenic were probably one of the most hilarious couples I've had to ever photograph! He is a total southern gentleman, and she is the southern belle. Mix those two together, along with some jokes here and there- and it's definitely a fun time.

The couple had flown me to Arizona to do their engagement session. I hadn't been to AZ since I was a baby so it was really refreshing to see new places to take some fun shots. With the hot sun and heat hitting our faces, we were constantly having breaks here and there! Luckily, these two were troopers and love the camera!

Their wedding was in Louisville, Kentucky (yay!) and as luck may have it, the infamous August humidity never came! The weather was gorgeous with the sun playing with some overcast throughout the weekend. They were married in the Louisville LDS Temple, and had their wedding at the Hurstbourne Country Club. Here are some of my favorite shots!

New Calendar Desk Set! { Utah Photographer }

I am SUPER excited to show off the new 2009 calendar set my clients can purchase! These are 5x7 and sit well in a clear frame, OR even on a small easel. If you're looking for a unique gift that's personalized, this is perfect! They're eye-catching! Imagine how gorgeous they'll be sitting on your desk at work, or even at home, displaying 12 of your favorite images from your session.

As a "kick off" promotion, anyone who books a regular one hour session, or hosts a portrait party, will receive a complimentary calendar set (plus an easel or clear frame).

Call or email to book your session/party!

Holidays are just around the corner! { Utah Photographer }

I've chosen 2 days to do some fun Holiday Mini Shoots! I know that plenty of you are still trying to hold on to some of that summer weather, but now is the perfect time to get started on getting those Holiday cards!

I have slots already booked, so email me right away to make sure you get your session in! The location will be announced as we get closer to the dates (it will be in the Salt Lake City area).

Remember, Holiday cards aren't JUST for families. They're perfect for couples and even just for kids.

The info is below!

Newborn Session : Mya { Utah Newborn Photographer }

After my last wedding in August, I was determined to catch up with all the editing for all the sessions I had done over the summer and vowed to finish them up before taking on more sessions. Well- I made an exception for Kiersti and her new baby, Mya! It was really nice to photograph a newborn session during the crazy wedding season and all the other older kid sessions I was doing. I forgot how fun they were! Lots of patience is definitely a requirement (for any future clients, plan on blocking out 3 hours of time)!

Kiersti had her baby on August 14th, and as excited as I was for her- I was super bummed when I found out her baby had decided to enter the world a lot earlier than expected. I was supposed to do her birth story, but I was out in Kentucky shooting a wedding. I remember telling her before I left, "HOLD IT IN UNTIL I GET BACK!". Apparently my commands don't mean a thing to an eager newborn...

Why does Custom Photography cost more?

I've been wanting to post this article up for awhile and I keep forgetting to do so! But I came across it tonight as I was editing photos and thought I could finally do it now! :)

"Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"


The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
* one hour travel time TO session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
* one hour travel time FROM session
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment."

New Blog! { Utah Photographer }

Ok, so after much deliberation, I decided to save myself some time and just combine my personal blog with my photography blog. It was hard enough to post on one blog, so hopefully this will help!

I'll be posting up what I've been doing all summer soon! I had some weddings and other portrait sessions that I totally want to throw up here to prove to everyone that I wasn't just lounging around doing nothing ;)