I'll be honest - I used to be someone who said "I don't understand professional photoshoots, they are so expensive I would never pay that much" and yet here I am offering the same services. The more I dive into the work required to produce high quality photos and the services that complete the experience, the more I understand the price points. However I had never actually paid for professional photos myself (in the traditional sense). I did have a friend help me with branding and cover art (which included a photo shoot) and paid her for her work, but that felt much more casual than the traditional concept of paid family photos, paid headshots, signing a contract, etc.
When I told my sister I was having photos taken of me, her response was "can't your boyfriend just take them with your camera?" and truthfully that though crossed my mind numerous times. The problem with that is two fold - one, I didn't have a good place to take headshot photos (especially in the winter) and two, he doesn't know how to take beautiful headshots. I very clearly wanted beautiful headshots of me with my camera, showcasing my personality as a photographer. I also wanted to experience firsthand what it felt like to be a client of a professional photographer. When I drove by The Maine Photo Studio in Biddeford and found Carrie Pellerin's portfolio, I knew it was time to make the commitment and here's how it went.
I spent several hundred dollars on a package that included a planning call, 3o minute shoot in studio, 20 edited downloadable images, and as needed communication with Carrie, the photographer. Overall, it was absolutely WORTH IT. I started out by creating a brand guide / planning document for my shoot which included headshot inspiration photos, outfit ideas, and more. I met virtually with Carrie to discuss my vision for the shoot, what her space looked like, what outfits might be best, and what else I needed to prepare. She mentioned adding personal touches to the bookshelves in her studio and I packed up every aesthetically pleasing trinket I own. On the day of the shoot, I was inspired by how beautiful the studio space was in person and we got right into it - knowing my vision Carrie told me where to stand, how to pose, where to look, etc. I was immediately relaxed and felt great about the shoot. She spent waaayyy more time than promised making sure I had all of the shots I wanted. When we wrapped up I felt confident we captured what I was looking for. When I received the proof gallery the images were even more beautiful than I imagined! Choosing 20 images out of the lot of 60 or so was a bit challenging but also very rewarding knowing every shot I chose was a strong keeper. Now that I received the final gallery I am overjoyed with how the images look on my website! Once a skeptic, now a supporter, great photographers are worth the price!
