Timeless Photography

Why does custom photography cost so much?

2011-05-26T13:17:00.004-06:00

Custom photography is not for everyone. If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it a thousand onces… “how come this photographer charges X amount for an 8×10 when Walmart sells them for $3???” I know. I once questioned the same thing before I started this business. Once I was neck deep in images to edit, cards to design, orders to place, and prints to be packaged and working 14 hours a day to keep things on schedule… I understood. I am a one-woman show people. I have spent countless hours and invested thousands of dollars into learning this craft… learning to produce images that would be literally impossible to achieve otherwise. I am passionate about it. I wanted to give 1000% of myself to it… and I did. Somewhere along the way I started spending less and less time with my family… missing my kids while plugging away at shooting, editing, ordering, packaging, book-keeping, etc. When I saw what little profit I actually got to keep and contribute to my family…I broke down… I was ready to quit altogether. I had nothing left in me. I felt I had given all of myself to this business and in doing so… I cheated my family out of what was most important…. me… and for what?? I finally came to the conclusion that my time is worth something… and if I am going to invest my time in something… there must be reasonable compensation for it. Even the Bible says “The worker deserves his wages.” (Luke 10:7 & 1 Timothy 5:18) Life is short. Children are only small once. While I would be honored to capture that mischievous little smile your 4-year-old makes… I can’t do it at the expense of my own two little ones! For those of you who think my work is a worthy investment… I so appreciate your business and I will work hard and do my best to capture images that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of!

Some FAQ regarding pricing:
So… once you get a fancy camera and some expensive glass… you’re all set and the rest is profit… right???

Ha ha… I’m hoping no one really think that …. LOL. So after the $10,000 I invested just for the equipment in my camera bag (oh… and let’s not forget the $200 bag)…. there are still so SO many expenses for running this business including but not limited to: studio mortgage, heating and electricity, internet and phone, insurance, water and garbage bill, props, backdrops, backdrop stands, lighting equipment, wireless triggers (with extra cords always sold separately), taxes and other fees, workshops/seminars, website/blog templates, web hosting, prints (of course), packaging (boxes, ribbon, stickers, wrapping paper), branding, design elements, marketing,laptop, printer, software, external data storage, mileage on my car, gas, product samples, accounting expenses… just to name a few. Most of what I make…. goes to pay for all this stuff… what’s left over after all the taxes and expenses are paid compensates me for the time I spend: driving, shooting, editing, preparing galleries, designing cards, putting together storyboards, putting in print orders, answering e-mails and phone calls, packaging print orders, cleaning/maintaining/hauling equipment, searching for/acquiring new props…. and, of course, the list goes on.

Session fees??? Why do you have them???

Session fees pay for the photographer’s time and talent only. If a client decides not to order any prints from their session (yes, unfortunately it does happen), I get at least some compensation for the time I’ve invested. Such as the time I spent on the shoot plus what comes after the shoot such uploading photos to computer, sorting through photos, color correcting, editing and retouching, uploading and paying for galleries, etc..

Why do you have a minimum order requirement?

I have minimum order requirements to ensure that I am compensated for the time I’ll be investing. Or I wont have myself a business..SO I either have to enforce a minimum order… or I have to increase the amount I charge for prints.
One of the questions I’m often asked is “Why are your print prices so high?” I’m happy to give an honest answer to anyone who asks me this question. But most people don’t just ask, they take one look at price, think “I could get a print at Wal-Mart for a fraction of what she charges!” and move on without ever asking why Professionals charge what they do. Many automatically assume it’s because we’re trying to rip people off, or we’re so full of ourselves that we have these thoughts of grandeur that our prints are worth more simply because we’re “artistes”. Not the case. At least not for myself and many other Professionals I know.

I can promise you we are not trying to rip you off. We charge what we do because we put alot of effort into your portraits and use professional labs, that use quality materials. We use these labs because we take pride in our work and we care about our clients’ memories.

Another question that is asked that I would like to address is … Why does a 4x6 cost the same as an 8x10 the best way I can explain is this is how it works for sizing .. ok you go to a clothing store and go into the kids section and there's this cute dress.. and there's small med and large and they are all $35 ... ( so for me that would be like my desk print sizes whether you get the small med or larger size desk print.. its all the same.. the same time ,work and money was all put into that piece no matter what size..) then you go into the adults section and there is a fab dress for $95 whether you get the small medium or large its all going to be the same price.. your just going to find the size you need.. (this would be like my medium wall portraits section) .. and so on up the ladder. So Hopefully that gives you all a better visual on how it works.

But, I have a CD of the digital files. I can just print them at walmart or wallgreens!

Sure you can do this! BUT there is a HUGE difference between the paper used by pro labs, the paper used by places like Walgreens and Wal-Mart, and the paper you use in your inkjet printer.
Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper (what pro labs use) is the most popular paper used by Professional Photographers. Accurate color, realistic saturation, excellent neutral flesh reproduction, and greater intensity are just a few of the benefits. Plus, standard Archival Value of 100 years in home display; 200 years in dark storage. Impressive huh? Wal-Mart can’t guarantee that. Neither can Walgreen’s. Think an inkjet home printer can do that? Nope. Why? Because the paper they use, as well as the paper used in inkjet printers, is nothing more than thick paper with a glossy film put on top. Prints from a pro lab are printed on professional paper and are created with printers that expose light sensitive paper that is then run through a chemical process. These are real photographs, not inkjet prints. HUGE difference.

I could go on and on about the differences in color spaces, monitor and printer calibration, etc. but if you try to print a Professional’s work at a consumer lab, you could end up with blue or magenta skin tones, shadows that are too dark, and highlights that are washed out (this will degrade the quality and detail of the photo). There’s a reason Professionals are so discerning when it comes to how and where their images are printed. Our reputation is on the line whenever we lose control of the printing process, and if a potential client sees an image with our name on it, and the quality is sub par, they’re going to question our knowledge and skills. If you’re investing in the cost of a Custom Photographer, take the extra step to invest in Professional-quality prints as well, I promise it will be worth it.

So If you are going to choose the portraits on a cd route I would suggest mpix or Shutterfly online. Are you going to get the same quality as you would from a pro lab? No. But both companies use good, mid-grade materials that won’t degrade like those cheap prints. They have good prices and good customer service.

So… if the expenses are so great… and the time investment so heavy… why do you continue to do this???

Well.. because I love it…. the photography part anyways (not so much the business part). I’m an artist at heart. It’s the way God created me. If I ever get to the point where I just don’t enjoy ‘the business’ anymore and want out… I’ll quit and use that extra time to photograph my own family. For now I’m going to keep at it and hope to meet many more fabulous clients!

This is so important .. really think about it!

2011-05-23T18:19:00.015-06:00

So I do not blog often at all!.. I'm not a writer.. I love sharing things in person but I am not able to write it all down like most awesome people I know.. so in the best way I can I really wanted to share how incredibly important I think it is to have some good quality portraits taken of you during your pregnancy along with the precious photos of your newborn.

I don't know how many countless times I look back at my previous clients maternity and newborn photos and ache to have some of my own.. I did not know back when I was pregnant and had my two children that such a thing even existed.. but I wish I had known .. I so long to have some photos of my pregnancies that I could look back on or display and I really really wish I had AT LEAST two large amazing portraits of my babies hanging on my wall FOREVER.. I don't believe the newborn portraits are replaceable.. In my opinion its something you do not replace each yr as they get older and truly is a Priceless Piece.. That is the one thing I continually look back on and regret not having!.. Sure I have a few cute snap shots of them but I just cant seem to get over how amazing it would have been to proudly display these once in a lifetime great quality portraits of them! I would have spent every penny I had on being able to have these portraits of my children as newborns and I have to admit I probably would have done it behind my own husbands back since he doesn't seem to think spending money on portraits is even necessary.. but this comes from a guy who probably believes snowmobiling and continually buying parts to fix it over and over again are of utmost importance and would likely deem the snowmobile parts priority over portraits..sure no doubt if I was getting what I wanted it would probably be a real good chunk of money out of our pockets and would have struggled to pay for them at that time.. but those portraits are forever precious moments and couldnt be more worth the struggle to have them..

I can even imagine myself in the future ( if I had my own done) with my large wall portraits of my babies still on my walls as they start to have thier own babies and they bring them to me for a visit and there I am holding my grandbabies up to my own childrens portraits saying look at how much he or she looked likes u did!!.. yeah im corny like that..

Or even curling up on the couch by the fire with my husband looking at the newborn photos of our children right along side thier senior portraits.. saying look how they have grown and moaning over how time went by so fast!.. yes I think about those things!..

I feel I have really missed out..and I don't want anyone else to feel this way.. so I'm really trying to stress the importance to you just as important as your wedding photos are so should these moments in your life.. so please think about it..no matter were it might be you choose to have these portraits taken..I know it is one thing you will not regret!

Seniors 2012

2011-04-14T12:35:00.002-06:00

Photography Friend!

2010-05-19T15:23:00.006-06:00

I wanted to post a few pics from a new photog friend of mine..Ali Browns family session! What can I say about this family! A wonderful super easy to get along with family!.. and Ali is such a beautiful person inside and out with a wonderful personality and talent..and... I have to say I am sad to hear her and her family will be moving after I just met them!.. I wish we would have had more time together! But I wish them all the best on thier new journey to San Antonio Texas! so if there is anyone in the San Antonio area that needs some photos.. look up Mrs Ali Brown! http://www.alibrownphotography.com/ :)

Go for it! Pursue a DREAM!

2010-05-07T21:46:00.003-06:00

Schedule your session between June-sept and ADD on this amazingly awesome oppotunity to any senior sitting fee!

Spa Model Search!

2010-05-07T21:42:00.003-06:00

You will only be able to get in on this amazing opportunity right here at Timeless Photography!

Im A Lame Blogger!

2010-05-04T14:18:00.002-06:00

So here it is! .. I really suck at blogging! I just dont understand how people find time to blog.. and maybe its that I dont really think people read blogs all to often.. Possibly because im one of those people that dont read blogs.. I browse through different people blogs occasionally.. but.. im just not all that into it for some reason! Also it maybe because I wonder if people really even care to hear about what im doing or posting! I dont know!.. But there it is! Ive outed myself.. Im not a fabulous blogger and dont have alot to talk about!

BFF MINI SPECIAL!

2010-04-14T20:20:00.002-06:00

What is a BFF mini special?.. It is a 30 min session for only $60! With you and your BEST FRIEND! Who infact could be anyone.. Your Mother,Grandmother,Sister,Brother,Son,Daughter, a cousin or maybe even your dog?..The list could go on... So if your looking for some fun and fabulous portraits with you and your BFF. Then book your BFF mini session today! This special is for May 1st and 2nd ONLY!

Contest Finalists! Vote Now!

2010-04-11T21:57:00.010-06:00

OK! here are your finalists for who has the absolute best prom dress this year! I tell you what..It was not easy narrowing this down.. REALY tough!.. We were so happy to have so many girls to enter in this contest this year and we want to thank them all for taking a chance!..and like I said.. It was not easy.. It was like American Idol style delibration going on around here! So thankyou Girls! ok so here it is!

Contestant #1

Jessica Hould
She got her dress from promgirl.com

Contestant #2
Destiny Palmer
She got her dress from The N thing in Conrad!

Contestant #4

Samantha Shinaberger
She got her dress at Marshalls Bridal

THANKYOU GIRLS!!

Remember the winner will be recieving a FREE photoshoot with me and VIP treatment with FREE hair and makeup!.. They will also be recieving a FREE gift at the end of all the excitement!

So this is how you will be voting for who you believe has the BEST prom dress this year!

Now at the end of this post you will see a little button that says comments you will want to click on that!... Now in the comment box you will want to write the number of the contestant you are voting for! Then you will also see below your comment(vote).. comment as: you will want to select a profile.. select Name URL ... Just simply write in your name and push continue! Then post the comment and DONE! your vote is in!

Remember voting ends on April 24th...Please only one vote per person! Thankyou and happy voting!

There was a bit of a missunderstanding and we have now had to pull contestant #3 from the contest!.. If you have voted for #3 please feel free to put in a new vote for the other 3 remaining contestants! Thankyou!

Angela Bouma

Prom Dress Contest= Free Photo Shoot!

2010-04-01T09:51:00.003-06:00

Contest

Hey girls! Do you think your prom dress was TOP NOTCH this year? Do you want a change to win a unique photo shoot with you in your prom dress? Are you willing to receive VIP treatment with Free hair and makeup? If you answer if YES PLEASE! then follow these steps!

1. Submit your best photo of you in your prom dress
2. Include your name and number and where you got your dress!
3. email your submissions to angelasimages@hotmail.com

Rules

1. We will be accepting submissions until april 9th!

2. On April 9th the panel of judges will be reviewing all the submissions and narrowing them down to 4 finalists!

3. On april 12th the 4 finalists and the submitted photos will be posted on facebook, myspace, and my blog! That is when the voting will begin to find the girl who has the ultimate TOP NOTCH prom dress!

4. when the finalists are posted ,I will then explain where to go and how everyone is to vote for the person they think has the ultimate top notch dress!

5. Voting will end on April 24th , when the winner will be announced. The winner must be available on May 22nd when the photo shoot will be taking place in the evening... however if there is a conflict in weather..the shoot maybe rescheduled!

p.s. the photo submitted does not have to be of prom day.. it just has to be a photo of you in your prom dress for this yr!

Senior Announcement Samples

2009-08-14T20:41:00.030-06:00

Here are the Senior Announcements that I offer.. The colors can be customizable.. and the text you see on the announcements right now is NOT the text you get.. I will put a different text on there when making your announcement . I will send you a sample when finished to get the final look approved by you.

This is the COUTURE SENIOR line of announcements

This is the EDGY SENIOR line of announcements

This is the MODERN SENIOR line of announcements.

Krystal Senior Session

2009-07-30T23:12:00.007-06:00

Krystal a Senior of 2010....

Maternity Session

2009-07-30T23:06:00.007-06:00

This is a special maternity session ... and the reason would be... because it is my sisters! :)

Belakjon Wedding

2009-07-30T22:59:00.004-06:00

A beautiful wedding out near George town lake.. And a Beautiful couple!! Rachel and Brian.. you guys are the best! thankyou for such a great time at your wedding! :)

Rachel Senior Session

2009-07-30T22:51:00.005-06:00

Rachel a Senior of 2010....

Podry Family

2009-07-30T22:44:00.005-06:00

I love this family!.. What more can I say!.. truly amazing people I hope to stay in contact with for a very long time!.. Thanks guys im so happy we met! :)

Chris & Lindsay's Wedding

2009-07-30T22:30:00.006-06:00

This wedding was a beautiful day in June!.. June 12, 2009 to be exact!.. Everything seemed to flow so smoothly this day!.. Except for one little mosquito incident! .. A mosquito was on the bride and when it got flicked off the blood from the mosquito got all over the back of the brides dress!.. they managed to get some out!.. but it didnt ruin the day! :)

This was an awesome cloud formation I spotted on my way outside from their wedding!

Marissa Senior Session

2009-07-13T19:47:00.005-06:00

I have not blogged for a while becuase things have been so busy around here since summer hit!.. but here I go again!.. Got to have the opportunity to work with Marissa on her senior session!.. Shes such a GREAT girl and awesome to work with!..she will be doing another session with me in the fall and I know already its going to be a great time!..Her hair and makeup was also done by myself!

Ashley Senior Session 2010

2009-06-10T22:59:00.005-06:00

This is the Gorgeous.. Ashley Vandolah!.. im so happy I had the chance to work with her!.. I also had the opportunity to do her hair and makeup!

Nikki & Robbies Wedding

2009-06-10T22:52:00.004-06:00

So this wedding was on June 6th and believe it or not.. It snowed the night before!..But I suppose thats something to expect when you live in Montana!...Snow or not.. This wedding was beautiful..I loved the people.. and I was happy to be a part of it!

Baby Girl session!

2009-06-08T19:45:00.005-06:00

Now this little one gave me a tough time.. no telling by looking at the pictures!.. but she was definitely stubborn.. but a super beautiful baby girl!

Baby McCann Session

2009-06-02T18:44:00.008-06:00

I dont know if I have said it enough about how luck I am to get to work with such beautiful babys all the time! This is a sweet little boy baby McCann!

Jamie & Jake Engagement session

2009-06-01T01:22:00.008-06:00

I had such a great time working with these two today..they were so patient with me and my random ideas!!.. I also had to opportunity to do jamies hair and makeup for this session.. and i cant wait to see these two again on thier wedding day!

Extreme Bridal Session

2009-05-30T16:24:00.008-06:00

Got to do an awesome Extreme Bridal session last night.. it was so much fun... this is a new thing I am offering to my wedding clients.. here are a few examples!

Morgans Portrait Session

2009-05-23T10:29:00.001-06:00

Got to work with a sweet little girl.. Morgan!.. I think mom was a little worried she might not cooperate and we wouldnt get anything good!.. but I think we did allright! :)

My Girl

2009-05-17T23:46:00.004-06:00

This would be my most cutest daughter!.. she finally... let me take some photos of her..It wasnt the most easiest photo shoot I have had! but obviously I think they are all cute! :)

Country Girls

2009-05-15T11:55:00.006-06:00

Had a great time yesterday doing this photo shoot!.. Got to work with two great looking girls... although I wish it would have been a little less windy out side.. things worked out!

Jessica Portrait Session

2009-04-26T15:21:00.008-06:00

All I can say about this portrait session is... It was a GOOD time!!.. She was such a great person to work with and open to anything! love it!.. Hair and makeup was also done by myself! :)

Aaron & Marissa Engagement Session

2009-04-25T10:32:00.006-06:00

A few pictures from Aaron and Marissa's engagement session.. we were able to do pictures both indoors and outdoors.. thank goodness the weather was better than expected!..A little chilly outside but a great time!

Baby Gabe!

2009-04-20T22:02:00.007-06:00

Today I got to spend my time taking photos of a beautiful little boy!! He was great to work with! .. but what baby isnt right?.. :)

Seniors 2010 early bird special!

2009-04-13T10:53:00.001-06:00

For the seniors of 2010 I have an early bird special going!!.. recieve 15% off your session sitting fee! This offer ends on May 31st..so call or email me before then to book your session and recieve this early bird discount!

A little tip: One of the best months to have your senior photos taken is June!.. everything is beautifully green out side and freshly bloomed I also have access to much more outdoor locations during June.. also available in June is getting your pictures taken at the nearby lake!.. after June is through things start to brown up a bit and the lake is basically no longer an option to have pictures taken at!

Another great time of the year to have your photos taken if you are more in to the fall weather is the last 2 weeks of sept and the first week of oct.. unfortunately that beautifull looking autumn weather does not last very long! anything after the first week of oct is usually just bare brown ugly trees and icky weather!

But.. if your just looking to get indoor studio style photos then none of these tips should matter!

P.S. this does not mean you have to have your session before May 31st..It only means you have to have your apt. scheduled by then to recieve the discount.. so your session can be scheduled for any month!

Timeless Photography
Angela Bouma
http://www.timelessphotographybyangela.com/

Baby Keira.. 3 weeks old!

2009-03-30T12:50:00.003-06:00

This little girl was quite a challenge!.. she was not into the picture thing too much!.. she was wide awake most of the time and boy was she a strong little bugger!.. I had also had the opportunity to do her mothers maternity pictues earlier on and it was exciting for her to bring her back and for me to be able to meet Keira and take her first professional photos!

Prom looks/Before and afters

2009-03-30T12:34:00.012-06:00

Befores and After of prom looks with hair and makeup!.. The hair and makeup was also done by myself!

3 Month old baby Boy!

2009-03-26T21:21:00.005-06:00

So this afternoon the most gorgeous little boy and his mother showed up on my front steps!.. he was soo adorable and had the most gorgeous eyes!!.. he was soo good and didnt cry at all!

Newborn girl

2009-03-21T22:03:00.008-06:00

Today I had the pleasure of taking photos of a sweet little 15 day old girl!!.. my gosh..how precious!.. have I ever mentioned how much I love the babies!!

Simone Senior 2009

2009-03-14T22:54:00.005-06:00

I had a great Senior shoot today with a very lovely woman and also a senior of 2009! The weather wasnt quite how i would have liked it today.. A bit to windy..but she was great to work with and had the most awesome smile! We got some shots in studio and outdoors!

March Special!

2009-03-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am having a special for March! the special for this month is..
If you book a maternity session before the end of the month has passed then you will recieve an infant session at %20 off! If you however are not intrested in booking a maternity session and just an infant session you will recieve only %10 off of the infant session!.. you can view my website for more details on the infant session.. Just give me a call at 406-590-1585 or email me at angelasimages@hotmail.com and we can set up your dates and talk even further about the session and i can answer any questions you have then! Thankyou!

** I do have other packages available for these types of sessions.. I have a Belly to Baby package and a Wee Ones.. along with your Basic maternity session and infant session. to learn more about those and find out package prices.. just give me a call or send me an email!

** yes! even if you arent due untill Sept you can schedule your sessions now to get the discount!

Kiddie shoot!

2009-03-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

So today i got the chance to take some pictures of my niece!!.. shes such a cutie and the session was short and sweet and we ended up with some adorable shots!

Model shoot

2009-02-27T19:36:00.001-07:00

Today was fun and different from the normal.. I did a realy fun shoot today that involved some unusual makeup and hair! I love being able to try new things!.. and i think the pictures turned out awesome! The hair and makeup for this shoot was also done by myself along with the photography of course!

Maternity shoot!

2009-02-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today i had a maternity shoot with a beautiful woman and her wonderful husband! It went soo great it was my first time doing a maternity shoot and now i just found out i love to do them!! It was a great time and the couple was gorgeous!.. I also had the honors of doing her hair and makeup for this shoot!

Brian & Rachel E- Session

2009-02-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today i got to go out in the most beautiful weather i have seen in a while and take Brian and Rachels engagement session photos..they are a great looking couple and i cant wait to do thier wedding photos next!.. we also were able to get just a few shots of them with thier son!

My daughter and the pink background!

2009-02-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

So i got a new pink background!!.. when my daughter got home from school she was soo excited to see it!.. she was ready to do a photo shoot!.. so she hopped into her bathing suit she has been dying to wear and away we went!.. she is such a little model i never had to tell her how to pose... i would just say strike a pose and away she went!.. unbelievable!.. I love her!.. In the picture of her sticking her thumb up i had asked if she was ready and she gave me a thumbs up!! hah! soo cute!

Wedding looks/Befores&Afters

2009-02-16T21:54:00.001-07:00

Here are some great ladys that i have done some wedding run through looks with hair and makeup before thier actual wedding days!.. I also have the pleasure of doing there wedding photography for thier special days! I cant wait..

4 week old girl infant session

2009-01-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

These photos are from todays infant session!.. a very sweet little girl at 4 weeks old!!.. she was very good and im soo glad i got to work with her!!

8 week infant session

2009-01-23T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here is an infant session i did today!.. such a sweet little girl.. i think i got to see all sides of her today.. she was happy and calm.. angry..sleepy...hungry...poopy... wet..spitup! hah!.. it was great though!.. i love to do these kinds of sessions!..theres nothing more precious and more awesome then getting to work with babies!

Carlson/Greyn Winter wedding

2009-01-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well this was definitely a winter wedding! I woke up the day of the wedding to start getting ready to work and looked out the window and Gasp! It was one big snow blizzard outside. This wedding unfortunately had a few things that didnt go as planned such as some people that could not make it due to the weather... but the bride and groom seemed to remain extremely calm! The ceremony was beautiful and filled with emotions.. I admit i did start to tear up a bit during the vows and then remembered i had to snap out of it!! You could tell this couple was truly in love with one another and i was happy to be there to capture the moments!