A few years ago a friend sent me a blog post where I had been indirectly mis-quoted by another photographer. I had recently taught at a workshop and, as I have in many teaching or speaking engagements, I made the statement "What my client's think about our work doesn't matter." I shrugged it off, because I was never actually quoted (though you could make a reasonable guess that it was me who said it) and that the photographer had totally missed the point. Yes, I said it.. and say it often! In fact, it's my personal and professional motto. Now, let me explain.
Anyone who knows us personally will vouch that we care deeply about each and every client. The imagery we present to them, how we treat them, and even what is done behind the scenes, is all directed toward exceeding the expectations of the client. In fact, just a few months ago our studio decided to "absorb" an costly album... reordering it because I had missed a few details in its design. The client would have likely never noticed, and still doesn't know... but we could not let a product leave that didn't meet our standards. We care deeply about giving our clients a lasting heirloom to continue the legacy of their lives!
So, what do I mean when I make the quote above? Here's an example... most moms will Love any image of their child. It's true. Some of our most treasured snapshots of our kids would be considered "low skill photography." But we aren't in the snapshot business...we are in the heirloom business.
I was once told "whatever you do, do it well." To me the best way to do that is through the advice and critique of other skilled professionals in your line of work. A chef doesn't refine their skills by the critique of those eating, but by the critique of their peers. Our wonderful client's benefit greatly when I place more value on the critique of skilled and season photographers than I do the client. Our client's benefit greatly because we strive to not simply do it, but do it well!
One of the best way's of doing that is through print competition. Spending hours refining each image (things most clients wouldn't notice) and having them judged by panels at state, regional, and national levels.
We are excited to announce that we earned a Bronze Medal in the 2019 International Photographic Competition (The Olympics of professional photography!). An image of Sam was even selected to be featured in the coveted Loan Book, a prestigious honor of being chosen of the best of the best of over 5,000 entries!
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