Portraits on the Shores (beaches in Destin, FL & surrounding areas)

June 1 – July 27, 2013

If you’d like to create a timeless vacation memory for your home, here’s the process:

*Check out the website:  Click here to view our “Vacation Memories” gallery. You can also visit our Facebook page for many more images. There you’ll see some of our work from years past, and get some ideas about clothing, your favorite style, etc.  You may view our portrait pricing guide here. Due to the nature of beach portrait work, we ask all of our clients to invest in at least one 24″ print.  [Feel free to ask Sheree or me "Why?"]

*With all of our sessions, we ask for a $750 retainer for family groups of less than eight to hold your session.  $150 of that is a location fee, while the remaining $600 applies to your portrait order.   We’ll ask for a larger retainer for large family groups.

*Call or email with your calendar in hand.  We only shoot at sunrise and sunset, so our sessions are limited.   I suggest scheduling your session early in your trip.  Don’t shoot on the first day!  Kids [and husbands] are tired of the car, and want to get out and play!  Don’t wait too long, though, as sunburns tend to get worse towards the end.  You’ll also need time to order your portraits while you’re still in Florida.

*Soon before your trip, we’ll email directions to the location, and some of the final details.

*We’ll meet you on location and create some fantastic images!  [ . . . and we'll have a great time while we're doing it!]

*Then, we’ll meet at your place or our’s–in Florida–for you to select/order your portraits.  Normally, this is the day after your session.  Full payment [less your portrait credit] is expected at that time.

*We’ll arrange your portrait delivery–via UPS or in person [depending on where you live].  For many of our clients, this solves the question of Christmas gifts.

Call to book your session today!

Studio Cell:  501-351-7525

This is our 9th year shooting with the Big Man in Red and 10th year in business!! [The images above are from last year at Motley's Christmas Tree Farm.]  Through the years, I’ve noticed a trend, a pattern that might surprise you.  With almost every Santa session, we sell large wall portraits.  If that doesn’t seem odd to you, it shocks many of my Photographer buddies.  Let me stun you even more with my humble opinion:  If you buy 3 wall portraits, 1 of them absolutely should be a Santa print!  Why?  So glad you asked . . . .

Childhood is fleeting, and portraits actually stop the hands of time. When I look at photos of my own kids–or even of ME!–I go back to that place in time.  Is it any wonder why EVERY time capsule includes photographs?!  The ability to freeze time:  As a specialist in Children’s photography, it’s one of the most important elements of what I do.  More than almost any other sitting, portraits with Santa capture the wonder,  magic, and dreams of childhood.  [If you don't believe me, look closely at the eyes of each child!]  So why should you have a wall portrait with Santa?  [BECAUSE THEY'RE JUST THAT GOOD! Check out our Facebook Page to see for yourself!]

Every year, we all decorate our homes to the hilt.  What could be better?  When the decorations include a beautiful print that immortalizes the dreams of Christmas past.  Each look at the photo takes us back to a moment when our babies still believed. [But wait..., many of our clients keep their Santa photos up year around!  Visit our online gallery here to see why!]

One day, Sheree and I will pass our Santa images to our kids.  Later, our grandchildren will laugh at their Mom or Dad, but the parents, my kids… they’ll go back in time, and remember the feeling and emotion of childhood!!…  a moment that can’t be recreated later!

Ramsey Gang 2009 - All images copyrighted/registered with Beyond Photography

Ramsey Gang 2012 - All images copyrighted/registered with Beyond Photography

FOR THIS YEAR’S SANTA PORTRAITS we are bringing SANTA’S WORKSHOP to life!!

We’ll be at the home of John & Timothy Olaimey in Chenal Downs (Little Rock, Arkansas) –NOVEMBER 9-11, 2012!! [We will send out directions & gate code information to booked sessions only about 4 days prior to your session!!]

As always, we’ll be offering Full Sessions, and our Quick Pics.

Let us clarify what that all means by answering a few of the most common questions…

*I love the idea, but what if my kids don’t like Santa?

Kids love the IDEA of Santa, but meeting him in person is often intimidating.  Kids also love dinosaurs, but meeting one in real life wouldn’t be so great, either.  If your child doesn’t like Santa, never fear.  By the time Santa arrives in the session for photos, we’ve already captured several great images of your kid(s) on the Christmas scene.  Santa then peeks into the scene, in the background, while I keep your child’s attention away from him.  After this, we then introduce the Man in Red.  If spotting Santa is the end of your session [which isn't totally uncommon], we’ve already captured a great session, and you’ll have ample images for your Christmas photo selection.  Santa is extremely sensitive to a child’s reaction to him, and proceeds slowly with those who aren’t sure of him.

*Do you charge extra to have more than one of my kids in the session?

No.  In fact, we encourage Mom and Dad to come prepared for a few images of the entire immediate family.

*What clothes should we wear?

Every year, our scene is markedly different from any other scene we’ve created.  We always plan our Christmas scenes with “variety” in mind.  We’ll see a great deal of formal Christmas clothing, which is spectacular.  We’ll also see more of the casual look–like jeans and sweaters–also fantastic.  Several kids will also come with their pajamas, as if they’ve just awakened to find Santa in the living room, and it’s really cute.

*Can I get Christmas cards?  Do you sell images for printing my own cards?

Not only can you get Christmas cards, you can get a card that will WOW! your friends.  We offer several styles, and we’ll have some examples to show.  We carefully oversee the quality of all of our products–which is why we do not sell images for printing elsewhere.  Please understand that your retainer applies to the purchase of photographs.  We’re glad to also offer Christmas cards, but only after your portrait purchase – Quick Pic Sessions must spend a minimum of $279 to order custom Christmas Cards.  Full Sessions must spend a minimum of $300 to order custom Christmas Cards.

*What is the difference between a “Quick Pic” and a full session?  Why would I choose one over the other?

Here’s the difference:

FULL SESSIONS

• will allow me much more time to capture much more variety–usually around 80-120 images to view.  I’ll reserve more time for you, and shoot for approximately 40 minutes, which will give me far more time than I’ll need to create a volume of work.
• you’ll have the luxury of returning the following week (November 13-14) to view your images.  We’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits/albums/cards/etc.
• if you think you’d like a wall portrait, I’d strongly encourage a full session. We ask that all full sessions invest in a 20″ print or larger. If you might like an album, you’ll certainly need a full session.
• your kids will have much more time to chat and play with Santa!
• our Santa Reservation Fee is $350 ($50 Santa Fee & $300 Portrait credit).  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee. If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.351.7525 or 501.766.5671.
• our standard price list applies to full session [click here to see our full session pricing.  You can easily download the pdf file.]
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!  Therefore Santa Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded unless we can re-book your appointment.

QUICK PICS

• obviously, are much faster.  Our session will last no longer than 15 minutes.  I’ll still shoot with and without Santa, but have much less variety–about 10-20 images to view.
• you’ll select your portraits immediately after your session.  [Images will show straight from the camera--no cropping, color correcting, retouching, etc--all of that work will apply to the prints that you order, you simply won't see it during the preview session.]
• we have very few appointment slots available for Quick Pics on Saturday and Sunday.  Most of these appointments will be booked on Friday.
• our Santa Quick Pic Reservation is $228.70 which includes tax ($50 Santa Fee & $175.52 Portrait credit).  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee. If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.351.7525 or 501.766.5671.
• due to the quick nature of shooting, and ordering in a large volume, Quick Pics are slightly discounted  [see below].  We do allow you to order more than one package!
• you may purchase different poses on the Additions pricing, however we do ask that you purchase a wall portrait 16×20 or larger or one portrait package when you order.
• we will have many beautiful custom-designed Christmas cards — we do ask for a minimum $279 portrait purchase.
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!!  Therefore Santa Quick Pic Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded unless we can re-book your appointment.

*How long will it take to get my portraits/cards/gifts back?  Where will I pick them up?  Will I have time to mail my Christmas cards?

• Portraits and Card orders will be available for pick-up from Monday, December 10th from 4-7 pm and Tuesday, December 11th from 10 am-12 noon. at the Olaimey’s Home, plenty of time for mailing cards and wrapping presents.   Albums will be shipped to your home via Fed Ex, arriving no later than December 20th.

We look forward to seeing you this Holiday season!!  As always, call or email with any questions.  Thanks again for trusting us with your precious memories!  We consider it an honor!

All images/text on this blog are protected by Federal Copyright Laws and are Registered.

I happen to know a guy who can ACTUALLY say, “Yeah–it is.  That’s MY photo.  And that one.  And that one. And that one.  And that one . . . . . “ Granted, he’s too modest to brag like that, but he could.

His name is Matt Bradley, and he’s teaching a workshop in Ponca, Arkansas October 10-12, 2012.

And if you’ve never been to Ponca, you’ll say, “Wow!  That place looks like it should be in National Geographic!”  Yeah–it is.  Guess who created the photos?

Here’s a link for the details:

http://www.buffaloriver.com/ponca-photography-workshops/

And here’s my own 2 reasons you should attend:

Since we’ve been visiting the Emerald Coast for 9 years now, we hear those questions with increasing frequency. Finally, I’m answering them.

There’s a new page to this blog–a page devoted entirely to our favorite places near Destin, Seaside, Grayton Beach, etc. If you’d like to hear some of our favorite-est, most loved, greatest-est places in Florida . . . drumroll please . . . check out

MR BILL’S BEST OF DESTIN.

The page is a link of quick [1-2 minute] videos.  You’ll see my lovely face smiling at you, giving the highlights of each place.

While you’re there, we expect you to give your input!  Leave your comments:  agree, disagree–we want to hear your opinions [we're always on the prowl for new places].

And if you have friends heading down to the coast, share this link.

Beyond Photography [also known as Sheree, mr. bill, and 3 kids] is less than one week away from Destin, Florida.  We’ll be creating beach portraits all of June and July, & part of August 2012.  If you’d like to capture your family’s vacation memories forever, we look forward to seeing you there.  See some of our beach work in our Vacation Memories gallery, or on our Beyond Photography, Inc. Facebook page.

And as always, if you’d like the specifics, click here to learn about your own Beach Session.

We’ll see you there!

-mr. bill

Portraits by the Creek – March 30-31 – Quick Pics & Full Sessions Sessions available.

Portraits in Downtown Little Rock – April 1 – Quick Pics & Full Sessions Sessions available.

Here’s the difference between Quick Pics and Full Sessions:

FULL SESSIONS

• will allow me much more time to capture much more variety–usually around 80-120 images to view.  I’ll reserve more time for you, and shoot for approximately 45 minutes.  This will give me plenty of time to create a volume of work.
• you’ll return the following week to view your images at Guillermo’s Coffee House in Little Rock..  We’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits/albums/cards/etc.
• we ask that all full sessions invest in a 20″ print or larger.  If you might like an album, you’ll certainly need a full session.
• our Spring Reservation Fee is $500 ($50 Location Fee & $450 Portrait credit).  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee.  If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.766.5671.  
• our standard price list applies to full session [click here to see our prices].
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!  Therefore Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, we cannot refund your deposit.
  

QUICK PICS

• obviously, are much faster.  Our session will last no longer than 15 minutes and you’ll have much less variety–about 10-20 images to view.
• normally, you’d select your portraits immediately after your session.  However, because we’re shooting where there’s no power available, you’ll return the following week to view your images at Guillermo’s Coffee House in Little Rock.  We’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits.  [Images will show straight from the camera--no cropping, color correcting, retouching, etc--all of that work will apply to the prints that you order, you simply won't see it during the preview session.] Prices are listed below.
• our Spring Quick Pic Reservation is $216.75 ($50 Location Fee & $162.56 Portrait credit–all taxes included).
• due to the quick nature of shooting, and ordering in a large volume, Quick Pics are slightly discounted  [see below].  We do allow you to order more than one package!
• we do ask that you purchase a wall portrait [16×20 or larger] OR at least one portrait package when you order.
• we will have many beautiful custom-designed Spring cards — we do ask for a minimum $269 portrait purchase in order to purchase cards.
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!!  Therefore Quick Pic Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded.

*How do I schedule an appointment?

Please call or email.  We’ll spend some time listening to your “wish list,” then schedule you for either a full session or a Quick Pic.  When we set your appointment time, we’ll ask for your retainer.  We can send an invoice via Paypal, or take a credit card number over the phone.  We do not reserve slots without your deposit.  Email us at beyondphotography1@gmail.com, or call 501.766.5671.

If you have any other questions, please post them in the comments section below.  I’ll then know better how to answer the questions that everyone is asking.

On a side note, this makes our 10th springtime to be photographing you and your loved ones!  How blessed we are to call you all friends!!

Looking forward to an AMAZING Spring season!  I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.  Thanks!

-mr. bill

And just like the last several years, Beyond Photography is thrilled to be catching Santa as he makes a quick visit to Arkansas. And as far as I know, this will be his last visit for last minute Christmas wishes. If your child has an emergency request, meet us at the Motley Christmas Tree Farm:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd through SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 2011.

In all of our years of shooting portraits with Santa, we’re thrilled to be shooting outdoors for the first time!  Motley’s Farm has been superbly kind to us–they’re opening the Farm to our clients before they are open for the season!  If you’re also looking for a live Christmas tree, you’ll have the first look.

If you have questions about the process, you’re in the right place.  Following are the most common questions I hear . . . .

*I love the idea, but what if my kids don’t like Santa?

1.  If you know that you don’t want photos with Mr. Kringle, we’re happy to photograph your kids and/or family without him.  Please let me know when you schedule your session.

2.  Kids love the IDEA of Santa, but meeting him in person is often intimidating.  Kids also love dinosaurs, but meeting one in real life wouldn’t be so great, either.  If your child doesn’t like Santa, never fear.  By the time Santa arrives in the session for photos, we’ve already captured several great images of your kid(s) on the Christmas scene.  Santa then peeks into the scene, in the background, while I keep your child’s attention away from him.  After this, we then introduce the Man in Red.  If spotting Santa is the end of your session [which isn't totally uncommon], we’ve already captured a great session, and you’ll have ample images for your Christmas photo selection.  Santa is extremely sensitive to a child’s reaction to him, and proceeds slowly with those who aren’t sure of him.

*Do you charge extra to have more than one of my kids in the session?

No.  In fact, we encourage Mom and Dad to come prepared for a few images of the immediate family.

*What clothes should we wear?

Every year, our scene is markedly different from any other scene we’ve created.  We always plan our Christmas scenes with “variety” in mind.  Even though we’re shooting outdoors, don’t be afraid of formal clothes.  Santa will have his elegant sleigh on site, and formalwear will look great.  More than in years past, I think that “dressy casual” will work wonderful this year:  Nice jeans with a dressy sweater, gloves, scarves, etc.

*Can I get Christmas cards?  Do you sell images for printing my own cards?

Not only can you get Christmas cards, you can get a card that will WOW! your friends.  We offer several styles, and we’ll have some examples to show.  We carefully oversee the quality of all of our products–which is why we do not sell images for printing elsewhere.  Please understand that your retainer applies to the purchase of photographs.  We’re glad to also offer Christmas cards, but only after your portrait purchase.

*What is the difference between a “Quick Pic” and a full session?  Why would I choose one over the other?

We’re shooting both types of sessions for Christmas.  Here’s the difference:

FULL SESSIONS

• will allow me much more time to capture much more variety–usually around 80-120 images to view.  I’ll reserve more time for you, and shoot for approximately 45 minutes.  This will give me plenty of time to create a volume of work.
• you’ll have the luxury of returning the following week to view your images.  You’ll see a beautiful slideshow, and we’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits/albums/cards/etc.
• we ask that all full sessions invest in a 20″ print or larger.  If you might like an album, you’ll certainly need a full session.
• your kids will have much more time to chat and play with Santa!
• our Santa Reservation Fee is $500 ($50 Santa Fee & $450 Portrait credit).  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee.  If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.766.5671.  Our Saturday date, November 5th, is reserved for full sessions only.
• our standard price list applies to full session [click here to see our prices].
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!  Therefore Santa Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, we cannot refund your deposit.
  

QUICK PICS

• obviously, are much faster.  Our session will last no longer than 15 minutes.  I’ll still shoot with and without Santa, but have much less variety–about 10-20 images to view.
• you’ll select your portraits immediately after your session.  [Sorry, we won't have time to prepare a slideshow.  Images will show straight from the camera--no cropping, color correcting, retouching, etc--all of that work will apply to the prints that you order, you simply won't see it during the preview session.] Prices are listed below.
• our Saturday date is reserved for full sessions only–no Quick Pics that day.
• our Santa Quick Pic Reservation is $216.75 ($50 Santa Fee & $162.56 Portrait credit–all taxes included).
• due to the quick nature of shooting, and ordering in a large volume, Quick Pics are slightly discounted  [see below].  We do allow you to order more than one package!
• we do ask that you purchase a wall portrait [16×20 or larger] OR at least one portrait package when you order.
• we will have many beautiful custom-designed Christmas cards — we do ask for a minimum $269 portrait purchase in order to purchase cards.
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!!  Therefore Santa Quick Pic Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded.

*How do I schedule an appointment?

Please call or email.  We’ll spend some time listening to your “Christmas list,” then schedule you for either a full session or a Quick Pic.  When we set your appointment time, we’ll ask for your retainer.  We can send an invoice via Paypal, or take a credit card number over the phone.  We do not reserve slots without your deposit.  Email us at beyondphotography1@gmail.com, or call 501.766.5671.

If you have any other questions, please post them in the comments section below.  I’ll then know better how to answer the questions that everyone is asking.

Hooray for an AMAZING holiday season!  I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.  Thanks!

-mr. bill

Really?

We always politely answer, “No, we really don’t.  It really is wonderful.  We’re really blessed.”

In my mind, though, I’m thinking:  “Are you out of your asparagus-loving mind?!  HECK NO!  How could someone get tired of this place?!”

3 months of portraits in beautiful Florida.  It’s been pretty fantastic.  Thank you, all of you who met us here!  It’s easily, hands-down, far-and-away the busiest summer we’ve ever experienced.  When I finish this blog, I’ll pack up my gear and stroll out to the final session of the summer.  Sigh.

So where is a guy to go next?

You may be asking:  “Is there anywhere in Arkansas that is as picturesque, as breathtaking as the beach?”

In my mind, I’m thinking:  “Are you out of your lentil-loving mind?!  You need to see more of Arkansas!”

In your mission to see the uber-mag-splend-ificent locales of Arkansas, you have to see Ponca.  Like I’ve said dozens of times:

“If you’ve seen a postcard from Arkansas, I’ll wager that the photo was taken within a 15 mile radius of Ponca.” If you don’t know, Ponca is near Jasper & Harrison, AR.  It sits on the spectacular Buffalo River–our nation’s first National River.

So where does Beyond Photography go next?  We’re back to Ponca.  I love that place.  As much as I really love the beach . . . if I was FORCED to choose the beach versus Ponca . . . where I’d spend the rest of my days . . . I’d be back in Ponca.  It’s that incredible.  Ponca is truly unique.

So escape with your family for an amazing weekend.  The water level on the Buffalo [near Ponca] will be too low for floating in October, but the hiking will be SPECTACULAR!  If you need an easy trek, or a jaunt to really get your blood pumping, the area has it all.  What if you have young kids?  When I mention “Ponca” to my kids [ages 5, 7, & 9], they giggle and clap and cheer.  Show the kids the splendor in their own back yard!  And while you’re there, let’s remember it forever–with a portrait of your family.

MEET ME IN PONCA, AR, OCTOBER 14-16th, 2012.

I say this every time, but it’s true:  If I’m going to create the best portraits possible, I have to shoot during the best-possible light . . . which drastically limits when I can shoot!  Call or email quickly, and we’ll get your appointment scheduled. As always, if you want to check out some of our work, or see our pricelist, visit the website:  www.beyond-photography.com.  And what about a place to stay while you’re there?  You have several options, but check out my friends at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.  If you mention my name, they might even charge you an extra 10%.  [Not true.  They won't charge you EXTRA, but you won't get a discount.  But the cabins are great; that's where I always stay.]

See you soon!

-mr. bill

501.766.5671

blanche last year

I also enjoyed the chance to photograph her this year, for her Senior photos [check out those great shoes!]:

blanche this year

You might be wondering, “Why, mr. bill, are you taking time to write a blog about beautiful Blanche?”  Great question.  As always, I’m glad to explain.

As of today, Blanche is the brand-spankin’-new Miss Teen Arkansas International!

So why am I writing about Blanche?  Because I love this gal, and I’m super-proud.  And I have a blog.  And I can write about whatever I want.

Sheree and I love you, Blanche.  You’re great!  We’re proud of the young woman you are.

If you haven’t noticed, we’re feeling the aftershocks of the Industry-Earthquake in Destin.  455 miles from Destin, Beyond Photography is feeling the summer fever.  Not only is our family longing to hit the beach, our clients are, too!  We’re fielding at least 4 phone calls per week regarding beach sessions.  Last week we scheduled sessions from Denton, TX, and Amarillo, TX!

WE’LL BE CREATING BEACH PORTRAITS ON THE BEACHES NEAR DESTIN–MAY 23-AUGUST 31st.

Call to schedule your appointment, and make your vacation memories last forever.  In the meantime, check out another blog to learn more about the process.   I look forward to seeing you in Florida!

-mr. bill

501.766.5671

P.S.  Special thanks to my pal Britney from belvederestudio.com.  She’s the Photographer from Lakeland, FL, who captured the images of my family that you’ll see in the slideshow.

You’d think I’d gladly turn the lens their way, pose them properly, and click away.  Then I’d walk away the hero.  Why wouldn’t I?!  It’s my job, it’s what I enjoy, and it’s my livelihood.  So what do I say?

“I’m so sorry, I can’t.” And I keep walking.

Not really the answer you’d expect from a Photographer?  Or even a somewhat-nice-guy?  Let me set up the story, and hang on for the surprise ending . . .

We’ve been creating beach portraits for 8 years now.  We always work to find beaches that aren’t crowded with sunbathers and other Photographers, but we’ve had several sessions where we see other folks with cameras.  We smile, nod, and go about our session.  I know that many of the people there with cameras are either shooting for themselves, or the camera holder is a faux-tographer.  Someone with experience is really, really easy to spot:  He/She walks with assurance from place to place, and confidently positions her subjects where she wants them.  And as soon as he/she leaves that spot, you’ll see the others follow suit and try to replicate the shot.    If the person of confidence is toting a tripod, folks think, “THAT GUY must be really serious!”

So it wasn’t a great surprise that the panicked woman stopped us for help.  We looked confident [we were], and therefore looked like we are in no hurry at all [we were!].   We met her last year, about 30 minutes before sunset, on the beach.  No kidding–this is a true story.

She and her family had obviously planned the night, since they were all in matching clothes.  The panic, frustration, anger . . . it was all over her face.  Her family, behind her, looked the same.  Since Mom is always the one who plans the family photo, she felt the blame.  She explained:

“We called someone to meet us here to shoot our photos, but they didn’t show up.  We’ve tried calling, but they won’t answer.  Will you PLEASE take a few pictures of our family?” she begs.

“I’m so sorry, I can’t.” And I keep walking.

Let me explain to you why I can’t, and also explain why I don’t explain it to her.  I’m feeling quite explanatory tonight.

I really, honestly, feel awful for her.  She got to town, found a business card/ad, and called someone to shoot photos of her and her family on the beach.  If she’s like most Moms, she’s been dreaming about this for many months.  She bought clothes specifically for the night, cajoled her husband into compliance, pulled the kids off the beach a few hours early so they could nap, shower, and get ready.  They arrived at the beach, and she considered tying her children to the car bumper so they wouldn’t get dirty in the sand.  Then she realized the bumper is filthy from the drive, and merely threatened them with serious whippings if they touched sand.  Nevermind they are walking barefoot in sand . . . “Don’t you touch the sand!!!” Confused, the kids obeyed for a few minutes.  Time for the photo session!  Other families posing for photos.  Her faux-tographer wasn’t there yet, but just a few minutes late . . . then more minutes, then 30 minutes.  She hears the tune “Mister Sandman” as she peers at her wrestling children.  She has called the cell number, to no avail.  Her stranger with a camera didn’t show up.  Trying to redeem something of the night, she looked around at others with cameras–and stopped us.  We looked like we knew what we were doing.

So why don’t I help?  I can’t stop to pose and shoot for her, because there’s a family–my clients–following me, waiting for my next instructions.  I really would love to help, but my time belongs to the Mom who hired me to be on the beach that night.  We’ve had a few conversations about her family, her home decor, her hopes for the session, and I have a plan in mind before we arrive on the beach.  Before I arrive [early] to the session, I actually have a pretty clear idea of how it will unfold.  [Here is one of my secrets:  If it's a large group, I've actually sketched out poses beforehand in a notepad.  I don't have the pad with me, but I see it in my mind.  So if it looks really "natural" for me to pose a large group, it's not--I'm not there yet.  But I've worked on it beforehand.] I don’t dare stop to shoot for someone else, because I’m always glancing at the sun as it gets lower in the sky . . . and watching my time slip away with it. That’s why I don’t even stop to explain.  When the sun finally drops below the horizon, I know that I have about 12 minutes to finish.  [Although I've totally revamped my camera and lenses.  Now I'll have a full 24 minutes!]

So now you’ve heard the story about the Mom on the beach who asked for my help when her faux-tographer didn’t show up.  Are you ready for the surprise ending?  [Insert dramatic music here]

THAT SAME SCENARIO HAS UNFOLDED FOR US, EVERY YEAR, FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS!

No joshing, I couldn’t even think to make that up.  At least once, for the last 5 years, we’ve been stopped on the beach by a family that was abandoned by a faux-tographer.  Amazing.

This, then, is my own Public Service Announcement.  Other people, much smarter than me, will have their own opinions, but here is mr. bill’s list explaining

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BEACH PHOTOGRAPHER

1.  Don’t talk to strangers! If it’s someone that you’ve never met/never heard of, be wary.  Try to find a referral.  If one of your friends has used the Photographer, you have an idea that they are legit.  This is where it’s helpful to find a Photographer in your area that goes to the beach for portraits.  If they are local to you, they are accountable.

2.  Expect to pay something beforehand. Imagine the frustration of the Mom who was stood up on the beach.  That frustration goes both ways!  Imagine a Photographer standing on the beach, calling a quiet cell phone, stood up on the beach for a sunset appointment.  It’s not only irritating, it’s money lost!  Not only will that Photog not shoot that session, he/she might have turned away another appointment for the night.  A professional values his/her own time, and values yours as well. Your retainer assures the Photographer that you are serious about the appointment.  The retainer also allows him/her to focus attention solely on you.  And by the way . . . if you haven’t paid a retainer, and the faux-tographer leaves you stranded, you have little/no recourse for your trouble.

3.  Expect to pay.  Really. This is where I insert the adage that old people love quoting:  “You get what you pay for.” Granted, this isn’t always true . . . but normally is.  The desperate Mom from last year summed it up:  “She said she’d be here, and for $200 she’d give us a disk with all the photos.” And this concept ties into the next . . .

4.  Beware of the “Shoot and Burn” photographer. Since the digital age, we’ve seen an explosion of “shoot and burn”–shoot the photos, burn to a disk, and walk away.  Transaction complete.  On the surface, this sounds like a great deal.  90% of the time, it’s not. Why not?  It’s a business model built on quick money for as little commitment as possible. You don’t want to be someone’s “1-night stand.”  The Beach Shoot-and-Burn-Photographer might actually turn out to be a good deal . . . but buyer beware.   If you called me, and directly asked for my opinion about a potential Shoot and Burner, here is the first question I’d ask you:

“Do they also sell prints, or just disks?  Can you buy actual photos if you want to?”

If you answer “Yes, I also get photos,” then I’d say, “Well, do some homework on them, and it might be a good find.” [Forgive me for oversimplifying the conversation here.]

But let’s suppose you answer, “No–he/she only sells the images on a disk.  No photos.” My advice?  “STAY AWAY.”

I know this is a touchy subject!  I have friends in the business who are Shoot and Burners.  I’m writing a blog explaining myself, but it’s really taking me some time.  Until that one is published, here is the preview:  Shoot and Burn only [never any actual prints] is BAD for the client, WORSE for the Photographer who does it, and GREAT for guys like me.

5.  Shop at the right store. I own 4 french cuff shirts, and a handful of cuff links.  Where did I buy these beautiful items?  I’ll give you a hint–it wasn’t Wal Mart or Old Navy or Target.  I also own plenty from those 3 stores, but none of my dressy clothes.  To my knowledge, you can’t even FIND cuff links at Wal Mart.  Likewise, you can’t find every style of Photography from every Photographer.  This sounds so obvious, but bears mentioning:  Before you hire, check out the work of the Photographer.  As you do, ask yourself:  “Does this style/look match ME?  Does it match the decor of my home?  Does it fit the area where I want it displayed?” If you’re looking for something really timeless and classic, you’ll have to find someone with experience.  Likewise, if you want something “high fashion,” that’s a specialized look.  If you want something uber-casual, fly by the seat of your pants, that’s not the style of every Photographer.  If you have a moderately large group, please hire someone with experience.  Truth be told–creating family portraits; more than just 1 or 2 children, separate the pros for the amateurs.  How?  Another great question from you.  Surprise!  That’s another blog, found here. I don’t usually link this many blogs together, but I’m really trying to stay on topic.

Now you’ve heard my unofficial/official tips for finding the right beach Photographer.  What about you?  Please feel free to comment below, and chime in with your own input.

Hopefully, the right Beach Photographer for you is BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY.  [Maybe we're not.  That's really okay.] We’re spending the summer in the Destin, FL, area again this summer, shooting all over the Destin, Seagrove, Miramar, Seaside, etc., areas.  We’ll be there MAY 23rd through AUGUST 31st.  We’d love the chance to see you there!  Log on to the main website to see our Beach Gallery.  If you have any questions, please give us a call or email . . . or check out yet another blog here that explains specifics about our Beach Sessions.  It would be my pleasure to help your vacation memories last forever.  Thanks,

-mr. bill