Nicole Walker Photography

The Cost of Photography...and a little about me.

2011-09-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have read blog after blog about why professional photography costs so much. It all makes perfect sense to me, and because of this I have raised my prices a few times since starting my business in 2008. Heck, I started at FREE! All beginner photographers should...but that is up to them.

My goal is for my photography to be affordable. I love that several clients come back to me every year (sometimes more) for their family portraits. However, I still periodically receive questions about my pricing. My hope is this post will help to clear up any questions about my photography costs.

Here is an example of my 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)
* 15-60 minutes travel time to session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client's home/location
* 60-90 minutes with photographing subject(s)
* 30-60 minutes travel time from session
* 20-30 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 (Each person in the photo is edited to clear out any unwanted shadows and to make them look their very best. This is why photographers will charge per person.)
* 1 hour preparing images in online album
* any additional phone time or time needed for securing a location and/or misc. questions

Now, a little about my photography background...
The extent of my training came from online courses/tutorials and just getting out there and "playing around" with my camera. I started out with a Canon Rebel and now am using a Canon 7D. I absolutely love it and am still figuring out all that this camera has to offer me. I primarily edit in Adobe Lightroom because I find that this is where I can organize my photos best, and I have become very accustomed to editing in this software. I do also edit in Photoshop, but not as much.

I am so happy that I can help support my family by doing something I love, and still be able to be home with my children during the week. I've said it before, but I'll always say it...THANK YOU!! Thank you to everyone that has been with me since I started up my little business. Also, thank you to everyone that has just recently begun using me as your photographer.

~Nicole Walker

Jett is 9 months!

2011-08-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Little Jett was due for a nap, but that didn't make him any less photogenic! He is always a pleasure to work with (even when he tries to crawl into my lap when I'm taking his photos)! I am looking forward to his FIRST Birthday photos! Time flies!

Back To School Mini-Sessions

2011-08-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

Back To School Mini-Sessions

When: Saturday, Sept. 10th
Time: Starting at 7am
Where: Roadrunner Park
3502 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix

For $25 (per child), you will get 5 high resolution images and 1 collage!

Let your child's personality show! Bring whatever prop or uniform that is special to them!

This is open for younger siblings too!

Appointments are limited. Session will last 10 minutes each.

Email Nicole@NicoleWalkerPhotography.com or call (602) 677-0817 to reserve your spot(s)!

Hayden is 6 months!

2011-08-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I love best about my profession, is getting to see all of these little babies grow up! Hayden is one that I met at just under a couple weeks old! It's amazing to see how much they change and the sweet personalities they develop! What an adorable personality Hayden has (not to mention what a cutie she is)!

New Meet-up group

2011-07-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings All!
I've decided to turn over my moms' group because I didn't feel that I could keep up with it. October starts my busy season and I'm so excited for it! In the meantime, one of my photographer friends has created a site that she allows other photogs to create meetups on. It's great because I can post one when I have the time!

See the Meetup Site here

You can also find my first Meetup with the group here.

Mother's Day Photo Event

2011-05-02T23:12:00.004-07:00

I am hosting a special photo event just for moms and kids on Sunday, May 15th at Scottsdale Civic Center.

For $30 you get 12 high resolution images and 1 special Mother's Day collage for a keepsake. Each session will take 10-15 minutes. Please note that this event pricing is for moms and their children only. Payment is due at the event.

As of the time of this post, I have the following times available: 8:00a, 8:20a, 11:00a, 11:40a, 12:00p, and 12:20p.

Please email me if you have questions, or to request an appointment time. Happy Mothers Day!

Fun Idea... Candy-Topped Cupcake Cones!

2011-04-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

I had a fun time with my girls making cupcakes... baked in ice cream cones!

This is such a great idea, and pretty simple too. You'll need cup cake mix, frosting, candy toppings, and some ice cream cones.

Heat the oven to 350°F and make the cake batter as directed on box. Stand the cones in a muffin pan, or you can cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and cut slits to help hold them in place. Fill the cones about half full of batter and bake for 20 to 25 minutes (or until a toothpick carefully inserted in the center comes out clean).

Let them cool completely (about an hour), then frost the tops and decorate as you like. Store them loosely covered at room temperature and enjoy!

Mommy Meet-up Group

2011-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've been a slacker with blogging!! Sorry! I will try to keep up!

I've recently been asked to step up as an organizer for a mommy meet-up group. I will be holding monthly photo event with different themes at a discounted price. Also, I will throw in occasional fun stuff for us to do with our kids!

If this sounds like something that interests you, then please join us! Here is the link:

http://www.meetup.com/arizonamomlovesphotos/

Our last photo event was at McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Here are some of the cuties I got to meet!

Hope you decide to join us!!

~Nicole

New Event: Scottsdale Civic Center

2011-01-23T15:38:00.005-07:00

NWP Special Event

Scottsdale Civic Center
(Location of the "LOVE" sculpture)

3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Saturday, February 5th

Starting at 9am

(Please call or email for available times)

~20 minutes of photography (up to 5 people)

~15 edited images on disc

~Copyright release

Only $40!!

This is great idea for couples for Valentine's Day or families that don't want the whole hour photo shoots that I offer.

Call or email me to reserve your spot!

nicole@nicolewalkerphotography.com or (602) 677-0817

~Nicole

Introducing "New Arrivals" Packages

2011-01-21T12:32:00.002-07:00

NWP is now offering packages for expectant parents and new parents!

You may choose any variety of the below sessions:
Maternity (suggested 7 to 8 months pregnant)
Newborn (suggested within the first 2 weeks)
3 months
6 months
9 months
First Birthday

Rates are as follows:
Choose 2 for $220 (Savings $30)
Choose 3 for $315 (Savings $60)
Choose 4 for $410 (Savings $90)
Choose 5 for $500 (Savings $125)
All 6 for $570 (Savings $180) Best Value!!

All of these packages come with a DVD montage of all combined shoots after the final session

*All sessions are for the infant only, with the exception of the maternity & newborn sessions. Immediate family may participate in maternity & newborn sessions.

**Payment is due up front for 3 sessions and under, payment for 4 and up may be paid within first 2 sessions. Please call or email for more details.

You can find this info and sample photos and montage on my website.

www.NicoleWalkerPhotography.com

~Nicole

New Year....New Changes to NWP

2011-01-20T09:27:00.002-07:00

So I'm a little late updating for the new year! Better late than never! What a great year 2010 was! We are settling into our new home, my darling Brianne was born and my photography business has really taken off! I promise to update my blog regularly this year!! So keep checking in to see what we are up to.

I am making some changes to my photography business over the next month. NWP will now be offering maternity/newborn/1st year packages...so please stay tuned for that. Changes will also include a slight price increase. However, with the price increase I will be offering a longer session time to perfect the shots that you are looking for. I will have all of this information up on my website hopefully by tomorrow. My photography has come a long way from when I began in late 2008. My work does not stop at the end of the photo shoot. Over the past year, I have learned some awesome new editing techniques. This has increased my editing time, but it has also increased the quality of my photographs.

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all of my returning clients! I love hearing about your families and new adventures! I'm so honored to be able to document your children growing up and getting so big! NWP would be nowhere without you and all of your referrals. So please keep them coming!! For every 5 clients you send me, you can earn a FREE photoshoot! Just make sure that your referrals give you the credit.

I am so excited to see where 2011 will take my business! Again, thank you!!

~Nicole

FREE DVD Slideshow for all January 2011 Sessions!

2010-12-29T13:08:00.007-07:00

For all January 2011 photography appointments, I am offering a FREE DVD video slideshow (also known as photo montages) with pictures from your session set to the music of your choice. Here are some examples:

For $100, you get up to an hour of photography time at the location of your choice, 25-40+ professionally edited photos in both color and black & white on CD, and the copyright release. Locations further than 25 miles from Glendale, Arizona 85308 or for groups of more than 5 individuals there are additional charges. Payment is due in full at the session.

To see samples of my portfolio and to schedule your appointment, please visit my website: http://www.nicolewalkerphotography.com/.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

DC Ranch-Market Street

2010-11-16T12:26:00.003-07:00

Over the weekend I did a photo shoot at DC Ranch Market Street. It was the choice of my client, Jill. What a great choice it was! So many great backdrops...from desert to green grass to really neat buildings. I am definitely adding this spot to my list of favorites!

Here are some shots of the little cutie, Adrianna. One reason that I love my job is that I get to see these adorable kids grow up!

~Nicole

Sunset Shoot

2010-11-14T21:33:00.003-07:00

I am offering a 30 minute "sunset shoot" for Saturday the 27th & one for Sunday the 28th of November for $50. 15-20 images on a disc with copyright release. First come first serve, so act quick!

~Nicole

Birthday Parties

2010-11-08T14:05:00.003-07:00

Looking for a fun idea for your daughter's birthday party?? Host a photo shoot party! I can come to your house, or we can meet at a location of your choice.

I travel with my studio backgrounds if you choose to do it inside your home.

Or outdoor shoots are always fun as well!

Each shoot includes a photo shoot for each girl (extra time for the birthday girl) and group shots. Sessions last for an hour. Email or call me for pricing.

This is a great gift for those hard to shop for tweens and teens!

~Nicole

Halloween Photo Event

2010-11-08T10:43:00.002-07:00

This years' Halloween Photo Event was a great success!
I saw so many great costumes and adorable kids.

Since it went so well, I will be doing a Winter/Holiday Event. Please stay tuned for info. The dates will be Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th. Times and location still to be determined.

~Nicole