Time is of the essense.

Time. Time. Time.

So much of it, yet so little of it. There's never enough hours in a day to get everything done, and some days are just so overwhelming that you don't know where to start, so you don't.



I'm a consumer. An impatient one at that. I like things... umm, now. You know, it's always nice when you don't have to wait, and you're free to jump into your new-found happiness without a moment to delay.  I understand.

I feel this way when it comes to delivering my images.

First, let me reiterate, I'm a perfectionist. A hardcore one. And I love what I do.  Now, when you love something, you nurture it, spend time with it, get to know it.  This is how I feel when it comes to processing my images.  I don't ever batch edit. Each image is processed individually from start to finish.

When I first started, I would hurry home, upload my images, and blaze through them as hot and fast as Ghost Rider in a cemetery.  Okay, not really, but you get the point. haha  Although my clients were happy with the quick return, I've come to realize and appreciate the phrase, "Good things come to those that wait."  Now, that isn't geared just towards my clients, but more so to me.  Concentrating on each image and each detail allows me to further indulge in the joy my clients receive once they get their hands on their much anticipated prints/albums/etc.  I know that wait was worth it, and I can say I am proud of every single image.

--

Its hard to describe and compare a 9-5 clock in/clock out job to an at home job.  There are pros and cons to each.  However at some jobs, you do your work, and you're out.  Here at home, there is no clocking in and clocking out, and for me, personally, I don't have a boss that will shoo me out the front door in fear of hitting that precious over time. My husband is very supportive, and although he doesn't exactly like to see me at the computer when he wakes up the following day working on the same project as when he went to bed, he won't force me out of my seat, and he won't say much other than, "You really need to get some rest."  I nod my head knowing that I've still got about 3 more hours to go, before I shut it down for the night/day, and I'm too darn stubborn and determined, and want to get it done today, not tomorrow.


I found this online...  Helps to better understand how a photographer's time is utilized, and why most charge a retainer fee (session deposit). 


The cost of TIME Approaching it from a time standpoint, let's imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love.  This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session.  Here is an example of a time break down:

• booking time: 30 minutes to one hour (client contact time + paperwork)
• pre-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

In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours – dependent on the photographer's level of service.  This is time dedicated only to ONE session.  When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION FEE) 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.


Courtesy of: http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/

 Also, keep in mind this time sheet does not include time posting to Facebook or blogging the session. It does not include planning further business events/promotions, and getting those materials set and ready to go. Nor does it include the time, research, and navigation of your session props and session location(s).  It also doesn't include regular house-hold chores or family-time. Think of having multiple clients on your schedule, and preparing for each client's session.


Which brings me to my own personal scheduling.  I'm sure I've said before, but God has a nice way of dealing cards.  My husband now works from 7am-7pm, leaving me with most of the family duties, which is fine. I love being able to help him. However, this has left me with a shorter amount of actual work time on my hands.  Beginning in April, I will only be scheduling sessions during the week, and on Sunday's after 12pm.  Saturday sessions will be scheduled occasionally.   However, I am thankful.  I feel this will allow me to reach back to when I first began.  To go out shooting just because.  To go out looking for a new perspective. To not make this my job, but my passion.  As it should be, and as it should always stay.


Also, beginning in April, I will launch a brand new blog, in which you will hold me accountable for blogging every day, and if not every day, at least 3x's a week. haha  I will try my best, and I will say, I am very excited to give you a closer glimpse into my world of crazy.



To add, all images from each session will be delivered in the standard time frame of 3 weeks. For a rush time delivery of anything shorter than 3 weeks, an extra fee will be added.


I feel the need to tell you all of this, in hopes of understanding me as not only a photographer, but as a mother, wife, and daughter of Christ.

I believe these roles are priority over it all.  Otherwise, sit back, and watch me crumble in a slow and painful abyss of agony.  haha, No really, Christ and family come first.  This goes for every profession.  Clocking in or not.





Stay tuned next week for further updates!