Now let's get down to business.
A lot of us were raised in families where custom photography wasn't a part of our lives. Milestone portraits were taken at Sears, Christmas card photos were taken using our Dad's point-and-shoot, and none of these were deemed quite fit to blow up and hang above the fireplace.
The problem is, our parents saw custom photography as an unnecessary luxury. But now, thanks to the digital revolution and the widespread accessibility of high-quality photography equipment, this is no longer true. You can have your portrait taken, and have the photos posted to Facebook within days.
So, if you're new here, I'm going to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Kelly Benton. I specialize in wedding photography, but love to photograph babies, pets, families, and more! And there's a lot more to me than that! Here, I'll explain the 4 foundations that my business is built on...
Emotion
The day of the static family portrait is gone (thank goodness!). What good is a photograph if it doesn't make you feel something? This is the number one most important thing you should consider when looking for a photographer. What do you want your photos to say? Mine say that my clients are fun, laid back, and like to have a good time. If that sounds like you, this just might be a perfect match!
Time
My time is valuable. Your time is valuable. Having to wait 2 months for your photos is frankly absurd. When you work with Kelly Benton Photography, you'll have your photos as quickly as I can possibly get them to you. This usually means anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. This is one of the most important facets of my business, and something I feel very strongly about. Make sure you inquire about the timeline before you hire a photographer (and then, get it in writing!).
Connection
A great relationship starts with a great connection. When my husband and I met, we bonded over our love of The Simpsons, video production, and board games. It sounds weird (and yes, we're a little nerdy), but being able to connect on these shallow levels was a sign that we had a lot in common, and in turn, would make a great couple. Your relationship with your photographer should be like this. I love dogs, spontaneous song and dance, local beer, and running triathlons. If you don't generally get along with people like that, then you probably shouldn't give me a call! It's important to connect with your photographer on a deeper level than just general politeness. This allows him or her to really delve into your personality and what makes you unique. And it allows you to feel more at ease around them, resulting in better pictures!
Experience
Having your photo taken shouldn't be a chore. It should be a fun and easy experience. In fact, if I'm doing my job right, the time will fly by and you'll be sad when the session is over. But it doesn't stop there. I make sure that you're taken care of from the moment you contact me to long after you've received your photos. Responding to emails and phone calls in a timely matter, ensuring that you understand the entire process, and being there for you every step of the way are things that I never taken for granted. Like I said earlier, your time is valuable, and I'm not here to waste it.
After reading all that, I might not sound right for you. And if not, that's fine. I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect photographer for you. But if you're feeling something... a little excited... a little invigorated... and a little bit like you want to strike your best model pose, then please contact me. I look forward to giving you the best photography experience of your life!
(PS: Wedding season will be here before you know it. I book weddings up to a year and a half out, but also have some opening for 2012 still. If this is something you're interested, let's sit down over a Mad Brew and discuss how we can make your wedding even more awesome!)