Let’s be honest.
These days there are so many photographers. So how ever do you choose who you’d like to work with?
I know that whenever I make a decision about working with professionals, in whatever capacity, I want to be sure of a few things:
*Are they all about quality?
*Will they listen to my wants/needs?
*Do they have respect for their clients?
*What level of service do they provide — i.e. are they more comparable to “walmart” or “lord & taylor” in their field? And accordingly, does that level of service work within my budget?
*Will the experience be one that adds yet more stress in my life, or the opposite — an enjoyable experience I’ll look back on with fond memories?
I would imagine these are points every consumer has interest in. So following is my take on them as a service provider, and just as important, as an artist:
all about quality
Let’s start with the obvious stuff. I shoot with a full frame professional camera and photography equipment. and I invest plenty annually in new tools that will enhance my ability to deliver top notch images and products, not to mention education that will keep my skills growing. I always push myself to be counted among the best. I’m convinced that no matter how good you are, there’s always someone else who’s better, so I just keep pushing myself because I’m intrinsically motivated to do so. It’s a personal challenge. A fun one. That’s just who I am. I’m always wiling to try something new and different and I’m always open to the ideas my clients bring to the table…which brings me to my second point…
all about listening
When clients express great surprise about how down to earth I am, I honestly have to wonder what the heck other photographers out there are doing?! My philosophy is simple: when you deliver a service, there is no room for arrogance, stubborness, or any other not-so-nice personality flaw. I listen to my clients because I want to create a true partnership. I want to hear their ideas and work together to see if we can test that old adage about 1+1 equaling so much more when creative minds come together. While I do have my own artistic eye, there’s always room I believe for expanding one’s vision or reinterpreting something that’s been done before. Unless you’ve lived 200 years, you can’t possibly come close to knowing it all and as far as I know, no one’s ever managed to live that long.
all about respect
Respect is the very foundation for everything I do. I respect every single person I have the great honor to work with — from clients, to the talent, to the delivery guy who braves city and long island traffic to bring sustenance during a long shoot so that I won’t have to. I make every effort to establish a clear working arrangement early in the process, to communicate clearly throughout the process, and to follow-up to make sure all is well once everything’s done. Because I care. Because I want my clients to be happy and to feel respected. At the same time, I respect myself. So I appreciate clients who value my work (and say so), who understand that photography is my livelihood–my business–and certainly not a hobby or side venture I take on with half-hearted interest or effort….but I get ahead of myself…
all about service
From the very beginning I collaborate with my clients to create an unforgettable experience, not to mention unforgettable memories. It’s not all about me, my vision, my supreme talent – it’s about us – our collective vision, our ability to interpret your dreams and visions into something that will have a profound effect on your relationship with yourself and your loved ones.
all about the experience
As a consumer, I have to evaluate when and if the discount-superstore experience is sufficient and when it isn’t. As a photographer, I choose to provide a higher-end service because I strongly believe that the memories I capture are priceless. In short, I strive to create a lasting and fond memory out of the very process of capturing memories! I once assisted a photographer who screamed at his bride and her family several times throughout her big day. I can imagine that as she reviews her images, her emotions are tainted by his behavior, by her experience with her photographer on that day. It’s a tragedy and it served as a huge learning point for me — I treat every client and every opportunity to shoot images as a precious moment, something to feel honored by, an opportunity to add to their beautiful memories. And because I have a passion for creating art in the process, I choose to own the entire process from beautiful start to glorious finish.
*****
I can be reached via telephone at 631.398.4487
My 2000 square foot studio space is located in Bohemia, Long Island, New York – easy to get to from the LIE and Sunrise Highway
Location shoots are always an option
For Boudoir Photography: www.liboudoirphotography.com
For Portraiture, Fine Art Photography, Commercial Photography: www.susaneckertphotography.com
FInd me on FB: www.facebook.com/LIBoudoirPhotography
I’m “Boudoirbysusan” on Twitter: http://twitter.com/boudoirbysusan
Susan Eckert on Tumblr (check it out – it’s pretty!): http://susaneckert.tumblr.com/
Susan Eckert on LinkedIn
by admin