Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A Full Service Industry

2015 brought MHP  new goals, a new business plan, and a fresh face. However, I've noticed a trend with the same question coming back from clients this year: What is a "full service" photographer? With 2016 on the horizon, I want to explain what exactly it is you are investing in when you book your session.

 I am the same person I always have been when it comes to photographing you, your family, or your event. The foundation of my business is, and always will be, the same. I am laid back, I am easy going, I crawl on the ground with your babies, I jump up and down to make them laugh, and I soothe them when they are crying. I make real connections with your family so that I can get the best images possible, I want you to genuinely have a good time during your session, I sing the ABC's better than anyone I know, and I take pride in creating this stress-free atmosphere while documenting your memories. I hand your mom tissues as your dad walks you down the aisle, I fluff your dress more times than I can count, I make sure you have eaten, and I hold your dress above your head while you pee. I happily drag a van-load full of blankets and props into your home, I rearrange your furniture and then move it all back, I rock your baby to sleep, I encourage you to nap, and I gladly clean up poo explosions. I am the soul of MHP and this is the rock on which my business was created.

A string of similarities was brought to my attention last year. Three clients in a row mentioned they never printed their images from the previous session. I provided the digital images in one form or another, yet they had no pictures. Nothing hanging on walls, nothing sitting on desks, and nothing hanging over the mantle like we discussed during the session. Two wedding clients came to me for their newborn sessions. Neither one had any wedding pictures printed, nor did they create their album like we had mentioned. A client from 2012 contacted me asking if I had a backup of her files. The CD I gave her had been badly scratched in a recent move. She had not backed up the files, and hadn't printed a single one. While my career is based on a service I provide, I must take pride in the service I am offering. If you come to me wanting portraits, then I should be offering you portraits. Until 2015, I was not giving you what you were paying for, and I apologize for this.

After months of research and development, I am able to take pride in what I am offering my clients. Not only am I offering the portrait experience, but I am offering the portrait. I have gathered products from dozens of professional printing companies and have narrowed down specific items that I love and would happily display in my own home. I have weeded out companies that do not fit my standards, and I have selected only the highest quality in materials. You are not only receiving a piece of paper. You are receiving a product that will withstand a lifetime. An item that can be passed down from generation to generation. You are receiving an heirloom.

So, in answering your question, "what is a full service photographer?", I am all of the above. I create your portrait experience, I manage your portrait experience, and I place your portrait experience on the top of my list. I travel to you, I talk you through the process, I help you measure your space and decide exactly which product is best for you, I mail your Christmas cards, and I hand-wrap and deliver your product. By the time I leave you, you have art on your walls, in your hands, and you still have images you can share with your friends on Facebook.

Megan Hile: Full Service Photographer


Cheers!

Megan

Have more questions or opinions on this topic? Start a discussion below!

Book your session today!




Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Newborn Model Workshop


While I am totally in love with my career as a child, family, and wedding photographer, my heart belongs to my newborns. It is simply where I want to be at all times and, while I'm there, I can't imagine being anywhere else.

I travel to my babies houses so their families don't have to bother getting life together and coming out into the real world quite so soon. In going to client's homes, I drag a TON of stuff in, set a TON of stuff up, work with the baby by myself (I don't like to ask new mommas for help!), and then drag it all back out again. I was needing someone I would trust with my own kids to help me. Nothing made more sense than to ask my sister for help!

She agreed to let me teach her the ways of the newborn artistry, she agreed to be the best blanket holder ever, and she agreed to toss me poop rags as needed as long as she didn't have to clean it up. It seems like a WIN-WIN for everyone involved!

These shots are from our first Newborn Workshop together, where my new assistant did an amazing job. Thank you so much for joining my team, Rebecca! And thank you to these mommas who agreed to bring their babies to me for this one!




















To book your Newborn Artistry Session, contact Megan! During booking, be sure to mention this post for a discount!

Cheers!

Megan

Friday, September 11, 2015

Abby + Joe


I worked with this stunning bride for almost 10 years! When she asked me to be her wedding photographer, I can't tell you how excited I was!! After meeting with the happy couple, I was positive this day was going to be gorgeous, and I couldn't wait for it to all unfold.

To make the event even sweeter, she chose UK blue as her color :)







My favorite part of every wedding is watching everyone get the bride ready! Abby had a great group of girls!!





He told me he always feels awkward when posing for pictures. He certainly didn't look awkward!!!






I love when I can tell a couple to jump up in a window and they don't question me on my judgement!!

Lights and Shadows: A photographer's dream!

It had just finished pouring down rain! So glad it stopped!!!



A wedding selfie!!!

I was *so* in love with her flowers, and that ring set is absolutely stunning.





I love this guy!!!






One more shot to end the night! They made it a good one!!!




Congratulations, Abby and Joe! I can't wait to work with you guys on your next adventure!

Cheers!

Megan

Now booking 2016 weddings!