I’m sure it’s pretty obvious that some changes are happening around Fuller Grace Photography! A few years ago, due to some life challenges, I decided to “retire” from my photography business and took a much needed hiatus. 2019 brought a new interest in re-emerging from my hidey-hole and giving it another go. With this decision came a lot, and I mean A LOT, of training on some new ways of doing things that I had in the back of my mind to try for a while. So, here is a short, Happy New Year, Roaring Twenties, Q & A about the changes that are happening in this new decade!
Why change the branding?
When I initially started my business, flourishes, backgrounds, dark colors were all the rage in photography branding. Back in the early 2000s, if your website wasn’t dark with a Ken Burns slide show and sappy, copyright-free, (read annoying) music didn’t start playing from places unknown, you were just not in with the hip crowd. Fast-forward to the late 2010s and into 2020 and things have changed. So, I have to change with the times. New logo, new website, new sessions, and new pricing.
What’s up with the new pricing?
Let’s face it…the photography market is saturated and is probably getting ready to be even more saturated with all those people who got a “nice camera” for Christmas. Everyone and their grandma is a photographer these days. Through my hours and hours of training, one thing kept cropping up and being drilled into my brain is prints over digitals. Yes, I know everyone wants those digitals. I mean, we live in the Social Media era. Previously, I offered digitals along with my session fees. Bad news: no more digitals with session fees. Good news: session fees will be less expensive! Plus, I’m adding a new type of portrait session that I think is going to be the new direction of photography in the Twenties!
What if I want digitals?
OK, don’t panic. There is still hope. But, here’s my take on selling high-resolution digitals. How many of you have actually, and be honest, had prints made of those digitals or put them in a photo book or hung them on your walls? One of the things that initially got me into photography in the first place was a box full of old photographs that were passed down in my family. We added to those photographs with our little film and polaroid cameras. I still have them. In a box. But, I also have countless prints framed and hanging on my walls. Photos are meant to be enjoyed, therefore, I am really going to encourage my clients to purchase prints, rather than digitals. But, here’s the good news. For every print you order, regardless of size, you will receive a Social Media digital to share on Facebook until your heart is content! And any photos that you allow me to share on my business page…those are yours to share on Social Media, as well! So, you will still have access to digitals and I encourage you to share them on Social Media! High-resolution (printable) digitals, however, will not be included with sessions. If you absolutely MUST have your high-resolution digitals, we will try to work something out.
What is Lifestyle Photography?
I’m so glad you asked! This is the direction that my photography work is naturally heading, and so I want to offer this to those clients who are not into cheesy poses or trying to coordinate clothing or dealing with hot, cold or rainy weather. Lifestyle Photography tells a story…your story. These sessions will capture your family interacting either in a pre-planned activity or just as you are, at home, in your natural environment. No worrying about what to wear, how to smile, or how to get Dad to get off the sofa and have pictures made. Dad can stay on the sofa if he wants! I prefer you to pretend I’m not even there and I will capture the emotion and interaction of your family in that moment. These images usually translate best in photo books and I am excited to start assisting Lifestyle clients with creating these one-of-a-kind mementos that you can keep and enjoy for generations to come!
But wait, there’s more!
In January, I will be announcing an exciting program that I believe all you mommas with small children will be excited about! Also, I will be offering mini-session events several times throughout the year, and will be including the option of video “greeting cards” with some of these!
I have so many fun things planned for the new Roaring Twenties! I hope to hear from you and look forward to meeting you and your family as we bring back the good-ol-days of preserving our photographic memories!
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Marla
Located in Fort Worth, Texas 