Real Estate Photography

March 3, 2019

When I started photography, I wanted to be diverse and who doesn’t want to be the best at what they love to do? I know I do.

Like many photographers, I offer my services to a wide variety of clients. I just began to share some of my real estate photography on my platforms but they don’t necessarily meet the cut for my portfolio, as it is not my typical client.

While I specialize in events and portraits, real estate photography is still offered as a service I provide. Fill out a contact form or call me directly to hear about my real estate prices (photography or commercial).

Uploaded by Karli Santana on 2019-03-03.

Photography Styles

March 1, 2019

Photography styles vary among photographers. The ultimate goal is to produce an image that is high quality that our client will love. While this is every photographer's goal, not every photographer will be the right fit for you depending on to their style and what you're looking for.

TO EDIT OR NOT TO EDIT?

Some photographers edit in-post the amount of photographers that use editing software has increased over the last ten years. Light room, Photoshop, or other editing software is used to enhance the photos before showing the finished product. Seeing before and after edits can usually show the photographer's style.
Some are light and airy, others are sharp and edgy, it all depends on what kind of pictures you need. Viewing the photographer's portfolio and seeing their photos will help you determine which photographer to hire.

STUDIO OR OUTDOOR

Do you need studio portraits or outdoor portraits? Are you using them for business cards? Do you want to print on canvas or a large sized portrait? Or do you only need them for social media and sending to family electronically?

Some photographers only offer outdoor sessions. Others have studio gear that they can travel with or they have it set up at their home (like me). The veteran photographers might have a commercial space that they rent as their studio. I don't know any personally. Having the studio in a commercial space says a lot about credibility, the owners are well-established, and they are committed to their trade.

That's not to take away from the photographers that don't have a commercial space. It's possible they do this as a hobby and they do not charge, or they charge a very low rate. There's plenty of photographers like myself who are full-time without the commercial space. Despite not having a commercial space rented studio, they do well and are well known.

Make sure that you know what kind of pictures you're looking for. Telling the photographer at a park, beach, or studio, helps them narrow down which setting you desire most for your session.

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES VS PHOTOGRAPHER'S STYLE
There's so many different styles to photography. Portrait, Aerial, Fine-Art, Glamour, Nature, Documentary, Fashion, Landscape, etc. There's just too many for us to cover in this blog post.

Photography styles are the type of photography services you need. For example, if you said you need family portraits to a mainly aerial photographer they may not be able to help you. Or model portraits, to a nature photographer - you may not get scheduled. Different photographers choose different styles. I, myself, shoot all different styles. I love nature photography, but I also love working with people to give them the photos they need. I have done model, business, family, maternity, lifestyle, children, toddlers, products, landscape, nature, etc. I don't like to limit myself.

Photographer's style is how the portrait looks when the photographer delivers the shots. Here's an example below. I'm going to take another photographer's portrait and put it beside my own and you can see how our styles differ. Some's opinion may be that the other photographer's style is better than my own, that is okay for them to feel this way. That's why there's so many photographers out there so that people can choose who they would like to work with.

The two portraits below have different styles. One is light and airy. The other is dark and soft. Since I am comparing someone else's photo to my own I feel not one is better than the other they are just different. Different styles, different subjects, different locations, different edits, etc. Both of our clients are happy with the photos I'm sure. High quality photos are the end goal here.

Photo Credit: Yours Truly (Karli Santana)

YOU DECIDE

Only you know what style you truly want for your photos. Find a photographer that has the style that you want for your photos. Don't hire the wrong photographer that has a style that differs from the style you are looking for. The client and photographer want the same result and that is for the client to love the photos.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Let me know about the style you like the most in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Photo Editing and Originals

February 21, 2019

Many people who seek photography services do not quite understand why all of the photos are so exclusive. Yes you’re hiring a photographer to do a photo session for you but all photos they capture still belong to the photographer even when they share the photos with you by sending you the file. The photos still belong to the photographer unless you sign to have all rights to each photo which can be very expensive.

It is common for photographers to offer photos individually, charging per image. You hire your photographer for your event or photo session and the photographer takes 100 photos. If you schedule with Photos by Karli, the package you purchased includes only 10 photos. Additional images are available for $20 each (prices vary depending on the photographer you hire). To purchase the full gallery with supreme edits is $250 in addition to the session fee.

To see more information on my pricing click here.

Since these are my prices I can tell you I’m on the lower end of the scale because I like to remain affordable. Another way to get more photos from me is to purchase a photo album. The photos will be available to you displayed in a high quality hard-back photo album where you will have most photos. They will not be available as a digital file unless you purchase per photo or purchase the full gallery.

Why are you met with ‘NO’ when you ask your photographer for the RAW unedited files of your session?

I’ve had a few customers request the RAW files that are straight out of the camera. This leaves me with the impression that they want to edit the photo themselves or have someone (friend of theirs) edit on their behalf. I am uncomfortable with this. Every photographer has a style that is only completed at the end of the editing process. Before hiring someone be sure that you like their style otherwise you’ll be asking for the RAW files and you will be charged a lot for this. Most photographers don’t even offer this as an option.

Most photographers don’t want to give the RAW unedited files because it will no longer reflect the photographer’s work. If you were to edit them yourself and then mention the photographer who shot the photo, giving them credit for taking the photo, what if the editing is not their style at all?

Many photographers feel that their job is simply not done if they didn’t edit the photos and deliver them edited. Photographers want to send their best work that displays their talent. Sending unedited photos, the customer may post them unedited or attempt to edit themselves. At this point you don’t know what the end product will be and it will no longer be a professional photographer’s work.

Here is an example of before and after editing.

Here you can see that the work just simply isn’t done. I’m thankful for the chance to display my style in post editing. I’m sure other photographers take pride in this as well.

I really hope I explained this in a way that everyone can understand and respect a photographer’s decision to not share their unedited, RAW images. You most likely will hear a polite ‘no’.

What do you think about paying per photo after the session fee?

See my blog post titled “A Photographer’s Goal”

Princess Photo Session

February 21, 2019

I always had a love for photography on both sides of the camera since I was a child. When I decided to start my photography business I did a lot of the same things that other up and coming photographers do. I offered free photo sessions to my closest friends, family, coworkers, and church members.

Prior to anyone taking me up on my free portrait session offer - 2 years ago - I had plans to take my daughter to the park and I had a goal. An entire vision captive in my mind and I wanted to free it by capturing it with my camera for everyone to be in awe including myself. There’s something about having an idea and executing it the way you intended and it rewards you with a feeling of accomplishment like no other. It is so fulfilling. It’s something that only you can feel for yourself. Do it! Set a goal based on a vision and execute it. It is exhilarating.

When shooting these photos I told her imagine you are a princess and you just ran away from somewhere and someone is chasing you through the forest. I told her to have a serious expression and at first she didn’t understand and I told her to trust me. She usually just wants to do her cute little innocent smile but I wanted to introduce her to this variation. She executed perfectly after some direction and encouragement.

I use this photo as my main photo to represent my business. I also printed on a framed canvas I don’t believe I have found a photo that could top everything about it.

What do you think of the session I had with my daughter?

How To Support Your Favorite Photographer Friends

January 20, 2019

Do you know someone who is a photographer? Perhaps a friend or family member. Whether they are established and well-known, or just starting out, there are many ways you can be a true supporter. Here is how you can make a difference.

LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE

The three most overused words on Facebook and for many good reasons. If your favorite photographer has a Facebook Business Page, interacting with their page by liking, commenting, sharing, etc. gives the photographer and their content more exposure. If you're a true supporter then you already "Liked" their photographer page and see their posts on your news-feed (That's awesome!)

With Facebook's algorithms, when you interact on a Facebook post your friends can see what you like, comment on, or share. Ultimately, if your way of providing for your family relied on referrals and exposure you would need for your posts on the business page to reach as many people as possible to keep the revolving door in order to support your household financially. To a photographer, a "like", "share", or "comment" is not taken lightly. Each interaction can reach at least one more person.

I know I speak for myself when I say thank you to the individuals that interact with my posts on Facebook. A big thanks to everyone who comments my business page on recommendation request posts in the mom groups where people post that they are looking for a photographer. Exposure of my work and talent will assist me in reaching a bigger audience which will lead to more sessions. In the end, more sessions means I can support my family.

AFTER YOU WORK WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

You just finished your session with your photographer, you login on Facebook and on your news-feed you see the preview of 5-10 photos posted on your photographer’s page freshly edited and posted. When a photographer posts a session, their regular followers don't particularly know you. The photographer's regular followers can't relate to you in any way. They may like your photos but it doesn't do much for the photographer as far as reaching potential clients via Facebook.

The photos are of you. SHARE THEM!

When you share your photos from the photographer's page not only are you giving credit to the photographer for taking the photos, you're also leading people to their Facebook page for them to be able to contact the photographer for their own session. Plus, everyone that follows you wants to see your photos. They are your supporters. They will like, comment, and share your post when you do this because they will be proud that their family member or friend has amazing photos. One lady I had the privilege of working with shared the preview and it reached over 1,000 views. I received many inquiries for another session from that alone. SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!

LEAVE A REVIEW

Sharing how your session went helps other people know what to expect. It adds to the photographer and their experiences with their clients. It helps others determine if they want to work with your photographer before they reach out to the photographer to schedule. I don't know about you but reviews help me when I'm looking to try a new restaurant or establishment. With reviews on Facebook, unless your photographer was completely unprofessional or their finished product (photos) were low quality, think twice about leaving a negative review (stars 1,2 or 3 can bring down their overall rating. This is their business and one bad review (if it's not earned) can ruin everything they have built. Try discussing with the photographer what you did not like and see if they will work with you and maybe re-edit the photos to your liking or scheduling a re-shoot and trying again. Maybe even before a session send them sample pictures of your expectations that way they know exactly what you want. Most photographers want you to love your portraits so they are willing to work with your vision.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Most businesses achieve success, solely by word of mouth. You are a credible source for your family and friends and they trust you when you testify that you had a great experience. So sharing with them how your session went and showing them the photos you received, can help your friend gain more clients.

Thank you for reading and I hope this helps you understand why photographers may ask you to share or leave a review. It really boosts our business and helps us tremendously when you are a true supporter.

Year End Review

January 15, 2019

I’d like to share my favorite moments of 2018
for me and for my photography.

The photography services I provided for the sessions and events of 2018 were all contributions to my growth as a photographer. This along with some personal life changes and I was able to end 2018 as a full-time photographer. That’s right! No more working 9 - 5 investing in other people’s dreams and ideas, but now I spend my time investing in my own dreams and myself overall.

Being a full-time photographer I’ve found myself at the beach on a weekday morning. So good for the soul. I’ve been at Weston Town Center at 11:30 on a Wednesday to offer my video services to one of my clients. Or even the golf course at Weston Hills Country Club at 2:00. All of this would’ve been impossible if I still had the dead-end job that had me stuck inside of a building that was below 60 degrees, trapped in a cubicle, with tasteless music blasting disruptively to the point I could not focus and a place overall where I was not appreciated for 5 years. Year 2018 gave me the gift of not having to be tied to a desk and micromanaged beyond belief.

I believe life can be compared to a book, each year a new chapter and I finally decided to become the author of mine. I no longer allow others to write my story for me. I no longer allow others to dictate what I’m doing or how I’m doing it. If you are unhappy at your job or with anything in your life, you are the author of your life and you have a choice to follow your dreams. Own it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t just allow life to knock you around, build a plan and execute it.

With my photography, I continue to learn. I notice my own growth after each and every session I complete.

Here are some of my favorite images of 2018. They aren’t in any particular order and some of these photos will not be found in my photography portfolio.

I look forward to the growth that lies ahead of me and I hope you are all there to support me in my journey as I will do the same for you.

Professional Photography is a Luxury

January 1, 2019

How many people want a photo session but feel they can’t afford it?

Let’s face the facts. Everyone has a cell phone these days. Some cell phones take decent pictures. Everyone feels like they have the potential to be a photographer now that they can shoot photos on-the-go with their portable devices. Some people don’t need high quality photos to be happy and satisfied.

On the other hand, our children are growing older every day. In reality, having updated photos on a semi annual basis is a luxury. We don’t need it to survive. It’s not the same as a light bill or food. We will be fine without professional photos.

Many photographers are in your area, waiting to be hired for your next event or photo session. This is what they do for a living and most of them love doing it. This is the income they use to feed their families.

As a photographer with my own business, I’ve gotten invited to events where the host only wanted me to take photos. The hosts assumed I would come and take photos without a formal arrangement. What’s worse is they didn’t offer any compensation as if I should do their session/event for free.

Taking photos at events and photo sessions isn’t as easy as it appears. We take high quality photos at optimal angles with our trained eyes, using our expensive equipment. We then take the photos home and upload them to a computer for post-processing using a software that is not free. There is a lot of time and effort put into delivering high quality photos. Some photographers even after all of that time invested into a session, they still stress about their work and even convince themselves that their photos aren’t good enough for their clients.

Here are 4 reasons why you should hire a photographer to have that photo session that you’ve been dreaming of:

We love what we do.
- Photographers love to take photos. Most of them started their profession because of their love for photography. Who wouldn’t want to make a living doing what they love:?
We are the experts
- When you hire a photographer you are guaranteed to have high quality photos that will capture memories that will last forever. We will do our best to make sure you are satisfied with your pictures and that you get what it is you want out of each session. Photographers know how to pose their subjects, what the best angles are, everyone can be in the photo. Before delivering the photos to you photographers edit the photos and this enhances the portraits.
Affordable
- There are many photographers that work with you, have payment plan options, and some that charge fairly while delivering a set amount of photos. For example, $150 for the session and 10 premium edited photos are included. If you only need one or two photos there are photographers that charge a low session fee and who allow you to choose from the photos that were taken and charge by photo.
A Fun and Awesome Experience
- Everyone that I work with tells me that they hate taking pictures usually, but our session was fun for the entire family. It is something that helps a family bond or a couple become more intimate. It is something that helps a model or actor get more gigs. If you haven’t had a professional photographer take your photos, you will definitely have a great time. I have countless clients talk about how fun it was and how they loved everything about the session and the experience.

Don’t wait until your children are all grown up, you’ll miss capturing their cute little freckles and missing teeth. Create the memories of your lives over time with all of your loved ones by using a professional photographer. My clients leave their sessions super happy with their purchase because a photo session with your family and friends is more than just taking pictures it’s an experience where you make memories. With the right photographer it is money well spent and it’s all worth it.

A Photographer’s Goal

December 18, 2018

Ultimately a photographer’s goal is to deliver images that their client will love. Building a client base is important and photographers work very hard to establish a strong relationship with their clients. Whenever an established client needs photography services they will most likely go back to the photographer that did a great job the first time, someone they’ve already established a relationship with.

With every session a photographer should learn and grow where they will be able to recognize opportunities for improvement. Learning from mistakes, trying new methods or ideas can all lead to growth.

“Am I hiring a photographer and paying a high price for them to just press a button? ”

— Prospective Clients

Let me explain.

Some people think a photographer’s job ends at the session. However, the session is the least amount of time that goes into your photos. Pressing a button is not the beginning and end to a photographer’s responsibilities. With every client there is a number of items that need to be taken care of.

Transfer Photos to computer.
1. Photographer selects the images that came out best.
Upload to an online album
1. Some photographers have you choose your photos directly after a session and others send you proofs with watermark for you to choose later.
2. Whichever way your photographer chooses it is still a step that needs to be counted since it relies on the customer to provide feedback of the photos to be edited.
Once photographer receives feedback about the photos you would like to purchase, the photographer begins to edit your preview.
1. Photographers can take anywhere from 2 days up to a whole month to deliver all of your images.
2. Typically I set the expectation for all photos to be delivered to client no later than 2 weeks. Most of the time they receive their photos before that time.
3. At times, they usually provide a preview gallery of 3-10 photos.
4. It really depends on the job. For example, Weddings take longer than any other category of photos.
Editing or Re-editing
1. Some clients request special type of edits where they want acne removed, some request to be made thinner, and other various requests. These special requests will take longer.
2. Some photographers spend 3-5 hours just on one photo. This is the reason photographers charge by photo even if it is an electronic photo (not print).
3. At times, clients may see the photo after it’s edited and they will ask for something to be adjusted. This type of re-edit consideration is welcome but may delay finalized album.
4. A photographers job is not finished until they edit the photos. Very rarely will a photographer give you photos that they did not complete. This is unfinished work.
  1. On another note regarding the photographer’s finished work, having clients edit the photo by hiring a separate photographer to do it or by applying filters for social media this is highly offensive to photographers worldwide. It’s similar to taking a canvas painting from a world-renowned artist and adding your own paint to a finished masterpiece.
Delivery of photos.
1. If you order prints with your photographer it depends on when the prints will arrive at their studio for you to have them delivered to you.
2. If you purchased electronic album, depending on the third party provider of the photographer, you will be given a link to your online album and you will be able to download it after payment and order your own prints in the size you desire.
3. Other ways for photographers to deliver your photos depends on the method purchased:
  1. flash drive, photo album, canvas or large sized prints, etc.

Regardless of the photographer you choose, it is important for you to educate yourself on everything that goes into the process. Photographers serve more purposes than to just press a button. They are revered for their artistic ability to see moments in pictures and to grab them the way that their mind sees them in order to capture that rare and timeless moment with their camera. All photographers want to increase their skills by researching best equipment, best poses, best locations, and best editing styles and rising to the challenge to meet the next level in abilities.

Photographers invest their hard-earned money into the expensive equipment that will produce the best quality images from the camera, all the way to the post-processing software and the external lighting options. A photographer can put in as many as 30 hours on your family portraits session that only took 30 minutes on site. That is something that is worth the prices for their services.

Learn to appreciate and respect the process and abilities of your photographer. Trust their prices and pay them what they are worth. Full-time photographers are running a business as their primary source of income.

The goal of a family photographer is to provide a finished product that their clients will be happy with and will in turn, come back every time their family reaches a new milestone.