Happy Friday, you all! I am loving the feel of fall in the air these days. I spotted several trees in my neighborhood yesterday that are bright orange. So lovely. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!
WARNING: There is A LOT to read ahead.
As most of you know, I like to run specials on my sessions and packages, and often, too. One thing I want to mention quickly - my prices do not reflect my work. I actually received an email from someone that said that prices people charge reflect the quality of their work. My reply to them? No, no and no. It.Does.Not. I take pride in my work, love my work, and will keep working on getting better and better. Let's look at it this way - I am a photographer for those on a {strict} budget! Ok, that's that :) I was getting teased a few days ago by some friends that I won't ever make money running specials. It was all in good humor, of course, but this IS my only means of income, so I do HAVE to make money and I DO make money ;) Thanks to you all, my business TOOK OFF after only being "open" for about 4 months, and I've now been in business for almost 3 years. I've been blessed. God's been good. You all have been a huge part in my success, and I just want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Going back to the specials I run so often...Yes, I do have my "regular" rates, but I'm not in this profession to make a killing. I'm in it because I LOVE WHAT I DO. I LOVE to take photographs of you all. I LOVE, LOVE photography. And...I LOVE to help people out. I LOVE seeing the smiles on your faces when you see you photos, getting your messages or phone calls of, "I LOVE my pictures!! Thank you!" or even sometimes seeing tears from you all! I LOVE your messages of "Thank you for offering that special. I couldn't afford pictures without it". Those things? Make.My.Day. So, if this means that every so often I run specials, to help you all out, and in turn it helps me out, then I will continue running specials.
I kept telling myself - and others - that I wouldn't be running any specials for Christmas (or the holidays), but well, I changed my mind. And yes, I will be running some specials right now (I know I'm wordy, but just keep reading), but before I tell you what those specials are, please take the time to carefully read the next couple paragraphs. They are important and go over a lot of things you may want to know if you're purchasing a session or package with me.
1. Any session or package purchased at this point in the year (it's SUCH a BUSY time for me, folks) will have to be used next year (or thereafter). I have only a handful of availibility left for this year, and I like to keep some of those slots open for reschedules due to bad weather, sickness, etc. Do consider purchasing sessions or packages as Christmas gifts. I know for a fact that people love photo session gifts. If you're purchasing sessions or packages for yourself, that's wonderful, but just keep in mind that they need to be used next year. My sessions and packages NEVER expire, so you may use them at any time. Just try to give me about 2-3 weeks notice in scheduling, please.
2. Payment is required upfront for my sessions. I do understand the hesitation some have in giving money to me like this, but I can give you physical receipts or contracts if it helps you to feel comfortable in paying me upfront like this. I tried for awhile to just take deposits and requiring the other half later, but after being "screwed over" several times and not receiving payments, I decided to completely change my payment policy. This type of payment is not for everyone, and I understand, but if it's not what you want to do, then I'm not the photographer for you. On my packages, I do allow 50% upfront, 50% later, BUT ONLY if the package is not on special. When my packages are so greatly marked down (as you're getting ready to see), I DO require full, upfront payment. Once again, receipts and contracts can (and typically are) be given with the packages.
3. I only accept PayPal (preferred but not required), cash (I have to meet you for this) or check as payment. Please remember that your session is NOT secured until I have your payment in hand, so the sooner I receive your payment, the sooner I can tell you that your session is set in stone and no one else can have it, otherwise your session is open to anyone until I receive your payment.
4. Refunds. Ok, so I'll make this short and simple. Refunds are NOT given unless it's MY fault for not being able to do your session. I have no control over bad weather, client sickness or job loss, etc. This things are all crummy, yes, and I hate it for you, but I hope you all understand this policy. I do not charge for rescheduling, so feel free to reschedule if you can't make your first session for some reason. I have no problem at all with rescheduling.
So, those things being said...and I think I was nice ;)...let me get on to the specials I'm offering you all for the next 5 or so days. These specials will end on Thursday, 10/11 at 11:59pm. These are AMAZING specials, as I usually do, and I sincerely hope you all take advantage of these offers, because you know how sporadic I am about running specials. Your next special might not be so generous :)
*Full session - $55
*Mini session - $40
*I'm in Love wedding pkg - $500. $500. $500. Yes, $500. I know I'd posted a special last week for $700 and this included a 20 minute session. This special now has changed a little. This package special is as follows - you will get a 30 minute engagement session with a disc of your best images (usually around 20) and printing rights, 60 minute bridal session with a disc of your best images (usually around 35) and printing rights, and up to 6 hours of coverage on your wedding day with a disc of your best images (usually around 175-250, depending on length of wedding day) and printing rights. This package may be tweaked according to your needs.
*Watch Me Grow baby pkg - $300. This package includes a maternity session, newborn, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month sessions. This package may be tweaked according to your needs.
That's it for now. Aren't you glad? I know, it was a lot to read. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. Either click on the "Contact" tab above or email me at boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com. You can also contact me via phone - 336-341-0887.
Thank you - and have a marvelous, beautiful weekend!
Love,
Leah
Here you'll find session teasers, contests, things about my personal life and other random things. Turn on the music at the bottom of this page {music = mood}, take a look around and leave me a comment if you'd like. Can't wait to hear from you!
