How to Pick a Good Photographer | Rhode Island Family Photography

Here is an article I would like to share. Amy illustrates the value of Professional Photography. How to Pick a Good Photographer | Rhode Island Family Photography

Keep your Memories technology independent.

There are lots of new ways to enjoy photography today. Digital has brought with it an amazing palette of possibilities. But keep in mind, we have been using computers and electronic devices for decades. 5 1/4 floppy, 3.25 floppy, syquest, zip drive, jazz drive, DAT, are just some of the back up systems that have faded away in less than 2 decades. Our memories should be something that we know can be enjoyed and passed down for generations to come. Keeping your memories independent of changing technology is an important concept that is lost with all of the wiz bang advertising we are bombarded with on a daily basis.

Short term, having all your photographs on an iPad seems cool and hip. But think about that, what happens when there is hardware failure and the images are no longer retrievable on that device? Hopefully there is a backup somewhere, but if not they are gone.

What's the point? Having important life cycle events and memories in an album of real photographs is the only way of ensuring your legacy continues. There is no guaranty that todays technology will be usable even a decade from now. Example, take a look at your cell phone. How old is it? Have you ever lost or dropped it? Did you end up not being able to retrieve the information on it? Life gets busy and we neglect the constant housekeeping needed to keep our digital world safe.

So the next time you are planning an event, think of your photography as a long term investment. The dividends are knowing that past is not lost in the present.

Anyone can take a Picture! Right?

As true as the above statement is, Professional photography is more than just snapping a picture. Hiring a professional is about having your special day not only documented, but having beautiful photographs made that will truly reflect the effort, significance and essence of it all. Beautiful photographs are created and made, not just snapped and taken. Lighting, composition, demeanor towards those being photographed, are just a few of the elements that make your experience exceptional. I’m talking about making photographs, not just taking pictures.

What you receive after your event is important too. Having a book of photographs to look through and enjoy without the hassle needing a computer or TV to view your photographs is not a new concept, but, it is a fleeting one. Some of the many reasons this is happening, is cost and time. Many photographers are unable to provide these services in a professional manor out of sheer ignorance or an unwillingness to invest time and the cost of professional products, so they convince people that it’s not necessary. It makes less work for them and puts a great burden on you.

Now you are responsible for color correcting, cropping, retouching and printing your photographs. Which is why you go to a professional in the first place. It’s like going to a 5 star restaurant and having them show you where the kitchen is to cook your own meal. It defeats the purpose. So when you compare, make sure it’s apples to apples and not half baked.

Corinthian Hall in Melrose MA

I had the pleasure of photographing a hidden jewel some weeks ago. Corinthian Hall in Melrose is a quaint venue that has been dormant for decades. Director Kelley Carroll has poured hart and soul into bringing this treasure back to life. Kelley can be reached at 617-750-4897 for more information.

Photographs or Discs, what's what in the long run!

There is no question that we are facing difficult economic times. For many, planning a Wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah is being met with significant financial challenges. With these constraints, many look to economize where they can. Unfortunately some of these cost cutting measures will prove to be poor choices in years to come.

I feel one of these choices is having a photographer provide images on a disc instead of having photographs in an album. The idea of having the ability send those images through the super highways of the internet seems enticing, but the reality is less than glamorous.

The problem comes 5 years, 10 years or any significant amount of time after your event, when you want to look back on those memories. CD’s and DVD’s are not indestructible, real photographs aren’t either, but they can be viewed without the need of technology. If stored properly, real photographs produced on Kodak’s Professional Endura paper should remain, as they are today, un-faded for 100+ years. There is no electronic technology that can make that claim today. Photographs and albums do not rely on technology to be viewed. If a CD or DVD is damaged, it cannot be viewed, everything on that disc is irretrievable. CDs and DVDs either work, or they don’t. There is no warning of there demise.

My point is not to create panic, but to make you aware of the “what if” scenario. Also, this does not apply to only professional photographs, it also applies to the day-to-day pictures you take at home. A disc or computer hardrive is not good enough. Real photographic prints will make your keepsakes live for many generations.

You should consider the additional cost of real photographic prints, (not inkjet prints), an investment for the future and not a cost cutting measure.

Why Professional Photography is Important

Have you ever had the opportunity to look through some of those portraits or albums from years gone by? It can be a very mystical experience to be able to look back and see a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle in their youth or a time they looked their best. For me, I am able to show my children photographs of my father who they are named after. The portraits I have are an intrinsic way to put a face to the stories and memories I share with them about my dad.

The professional photographer has a vital obligation in documenting your special day. The first is to make Portraits of individuals and groups that are well posed and also record the festivities of the day for your enjoyment as well as future generations. This is done with working knowledge of the equipment, owning backup equipment, technical skill in lighting and posing, knowledge of retouching, as well as the resources to produce photographs and albums that are made with professional materials. The corner drugstore, wholesale club, or local camera shop are not equipped for this.

Remember, the expectation is to give you that history in a tangible way for you to enjoy and pass down through the generations. Professional prints and albums are the most robust way to keep and preserve your memories. A finished album with the highlights of the day is not only a great way to reminisce, but also leaves a beautiful treasure for future generations to enjoy.

New Website is up!!!!

Here it is! Months of culling images etc, etc. A work in progress, but progress none the less.

Scott