Who is Laveen
Photography
Thank
you again for visiting the Laveen Photography website. Doug Smith is
Laveen Photography. The name comes from the name of the area in Phoenix
where I live. Photography is a passion, not a full time job.
Because it not what I depend upon to make a living, I am able to work with you
to create the type of photos that you want and to do it within your budget.
However, it also means that I cannot provide all of the services that others
may be able to provide. For one, I do not have a studio. That means
that I will come to you. It also means that I cannot give you those
nice static family portraits with the neutral background. What you will
get are portraits in a live and dynamic setting.
I
specialize in photographs that capture the real you. That means taking
photographs in locations that are familiar and comfortable to you. I will
not spend a lot of time trying to get everyone all line up perfectly, unless of
course that is what you would like. However, that said, I am not after
sloppy photos or photographs that look like an average snapshots. The
difference is both in quality and in the feel of the
photograph. Most importantly, like my banner says, I strive to make
photos fun. I want everyone to have a good time.
Selecting
a Photographer
Booking
a photo shoot is easy, but selecting the right photographer is
critical. I highly recommend that before a major event (e.g. a
wedding) that you meet with your prospective photographer(s) and talk with
them. Find out how the like to operate, what their style of
photography is, and what kind of personality they have. Take this time to
decide if they will be a good "fit" with you, your family, and
others attending your event. Will they capture the types of
photographs that you want? It is important that you are comfortable with
your photographer and that he or she has a style and personality that
complements you and your needs. This is particularly important for
major events such a wedding. The photographer is probably the only vendor
who will be with you all day. They will be mingling with your friends and
family throughout the day. They will be interacting with everyone. It is
important that they be someone with whom you will feel comfortable.
The
second component to finding a photographer is their work. You should make
sure that you really connect with it. When looking at their albums, try
to envision yourself in their photographs. If you can do this, and they
seem like they might “fit in,” you may have found someone special for you.
One key here is to understand that photographers do not all just take
photos of people. Photographers all have styles, approaches, and
different ways of doing things. My photographic style leans toward
what is called photojournalistic. It is more laid laid
back and casual than portrait photographer. I am also very much a people
person. Part of what I try to get out of my photos is to try and capture
the feelings and emotions of the event as well as recording what took
place. I feel it is important for everyone to be relaxed and comfortable;
to be themselves.
The
last component in selecting a photographer is price. The photographer you
choose should be within your budget, otherwise you will be disappointed in the
long run. In the end, for big events like weddings, price is a
component of the decision but it should not be the main factor. If you
find someone who really fits but is a bit more than you budgeted, think about
cutting back on other things. After all, the photographs will last
forever.
What
Is Involved in Booking a Photo Session
The
first step is realizing that you would like some photographs. Maybe it is
a just to get some new family photos, or you have a birthday party coming
up, or maybe you just got engaged and want to commemorate the occasion.
Following is a list of some of the events or occasions you may wish to have
photographed.
- Family
portraits
- Pets
- Birthday
parties
- Senior/graduation
portraits
- Engagements
- Weddings
- Pregnancy
- Family
Reunions
- Starting
a modeling portfolio
- Starting
up a new business
- Photos
for a website
- Applications
for grants
Once
you know the need, all you need to do is contact me by clicking on Contact Laveen Photography. Tell me what
your interests are and we will go from there. Depending on the event, I
might suggest that we meet face-to-face to talk about the event and your
expectations. That first meeting is at no obligation or charge.
The next step will be to discuss your budget and the type of
photographic package you would like.
After
the photo session I will post proof-size photo in your own secure directory
on SmugMug
for your review. Depending upon the final package you have selected you
can use the proofs photos to tell me which photos you would like me to edit for
your purchase. Once I have edited all of the photos you wish, I will make
these available for you to immediately download from your
secure directory. Again, depending upon the services purchased,
prints or a DVD of your photos will be mailed to you.
You
will notice that I do not have a rate sheet on my website. That is
because I want to work with you to give you the most for your budget. You
can be assured that my rates are very reasonable. I do not have a
one-size fits all photographic package. I want to design a
tailor-made package to fit your needs. The one consistent thing with
all of my clients is that when I am done you will have a DVD with high
resolution photographs for your use. You will be able to make as many
prints as you like, any size that you would like, or upload them to your
website. They will be yours.
I
look forward to hearing from you and making photographs fun.
|