K Van D Photography

Tampa Area Photographer

2010-10-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

I know, right? HOW CUTE IS SHE!?!

Oh the sweetness...

These 2 are so much fun.

Magic
I kind of wish we had jumped in the fountain before we wore out the baby...

Even though it was getting dark, I still wanted to take pictures of these two. They are seriously so cute and their love is contagious.

I am pretty sure she is the funnest mom ever.

I love how there arms make a heart.

Or maybe I just love LOVE.

Dancing A Night Away - The Reception

2010-09-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ladies in Waiting

2010-09-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Megan and Dan - Duluth, MN Photographer

2010-09-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

A Dog is a Dog's Best Friend

2010-08-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

Adorable Outtakes...

Bubba Fettish

2010-07-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Tru Love

2010-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is a special little girl.

She was an answer to prayer, within an hour of being prayed for.

She is an angel.

Although it must also be said that nothing THAT CUTE comes without its fair share of trouble.

I love her like she is mine. I love her owner like she is mine.
Guess what?
MINE!

HIgh Fashion

2010-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow Fluff

2010-07-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

My favorite of the shoot. How GLAM!

Baroo?

2010-06-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Look at that grill.
I kiss her on the mouf.

Cooper

2010-06-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Getting his hair did.

Labrador Love

2010-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

I just want to kiss this face right here.

Sheltie

2010-05-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Whoootha pwetty boi?

Take 2...

2009-12-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

So, like, where do I even begin talking about this family? You may recognize them from a previous post, in fact we just had their first shoot Thanksgiving weekend at the pier in Oceanside.

I thought their pictures turned out great, and she loved them too, and then I dropped my laptop and busted my hard drive.

And lost alot of pictures.

Including the ones she had just fallen in love with.

GASP!
Sigh.

And there's even MORE to the story, because the original shoot was at the worst time of day for light, my favorite lens had inside condensation, I couldn't get CJ to smile at me, and I knew immediately when I saw the download that I wanted a reshoot.

So despite the sadness that goes with the laptop and lost data and whatnot, I was absolutely delighted to be able to do it over.

Anja is an amazing lady, an incredible mother, and stinkin' adorably in love with her man.

He was all day with this silly tongue.

What I love: they are all doing their own thing.
But I really love how happy Dad looks...

He throws her in the air like a babydoll!

So Stinking Cute!

Guess who is three?
Little Man

Much more generous with the smiles.

Baby toss.
An Outtake.

My favorite.
Tickles.

Jumps

Flips.

And the cutest piece of cutie pie you've ever seen.

California Family

Also my favorite.

Give Mama kiss.
I like how they are all in this one.

Magic Hour Silhouette Shots.

Magic Hour Kiss

Did I mention she is a gymnast?
I totally want to take her on a trip around the world to get a series of pictures like this one...

I hope she likes them at least as much as the first set, if not more...

Charlotte

2009-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Oceanside

2009-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

Already 1!

2009-10-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

You have seen this lovely family before, here, here, and here.

And now somebody's turning 1!

I am so sorry Sarah, but this is narrowed down. You guys were so cute I still have a hundred more I could show you!

Turkey Legs

2009-10-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Been Busy!

2009-10-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

The girls keep me pretty busy these days...and our family has had a sort of redirect from any path we may have expected, so that has kept us busy, too.

What's up?
Well, we are taking the family on tour - mostly on the western coast, but we are starting out in Arizona, so we will get to see many places...

Check back for tour dates and have me do a session for you when we are in town!

In the mean time, I am doing my best to get all the baby and toddler cuteness I can as these two are growing up so fast!

Always drooling...

Cousin

2009-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Oh Summer...

2009-07-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

Stacey and John

2009-06-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Back in May, I had the opportunity to shoot my friend Stacey's wedding - while I was 36 weeks pregnant! I never considered doing weddings before, in fact, I thought I would stay far away from them, because :

1) they are lots and lots of work
2) there are lots of people involved in the shoot to corral and get all smiling with eyes open before they make it to the free bar.
3) there just seems to be too much pressure knowing that this is this woman's shining moment that I am documenting and there are no reshoots.

And now I am glad I went for it. I really had a lot of fun - the family and friends of these two were amazing to meet and mingle with. The wedding was simple and elegant and absolutely beautiful.

Stacey's gorgeous red hair.

Love this hairpiece.

There was actually another photographer at the event, and he kept telling me where I could and could not stand/walk/shoot while he directed groups of people and posed them awkwardly.

The bride loved my take on group photos.

Congratulations you two! I have a great feeling about this!

In Our Backyard

2009-06-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sweet E Meat

2009-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

We had a new baby...

2009-06-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do what again?

Her sister loves her.

Little Eden Charlotte

I love these two - already so cute together!

How sweet is he?

Unsuspecting toddler...

Good Lord is she pretty!

Sweet Feet.

6 months already!

2009-05-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe she has grown up so much since the last time you saw her!

What a cute little girl she is now!

She was an awesome model...so happy and willing to smile.

I think this is my fave...

Chewing on her sunglasses all cazh...

You can tell she loves the camera.

6 months is such a great age - they can't go far but they do have a few poses up the sleeve!

Standing like a big girl.

And oh those pretty eyes.

So serious...seriously cute!

Little J Sisters

2009-05-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Two adorable little girls with two distinctive modeling styles...

Little Miss J who was quite the ham...

And her more tentative little sister, Miss J.

I forget how much faster they are in multiples...

Sweet sisters

The Sno-flake

2009-04-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

I got to work with the cutest family today...and boy has it been a long time coming!

Somebody has an awesome hat...

And an awesome Mom.

I love how she is looking at me here.

Creme de Ice Kisses

I love this face.

Great job guys! Thanks for the ice cream!

32 1/2 Weeks

2009-04-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Easter Face

2009-04-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

30 weeks...

2009-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Fun With Grandparents - Tahoe Family Photographer

2009-03-18T15:31:00.001-07:00

I can't even tell you how cute my own parents are to me...

This session came after my Dad told me that no one could get a good picture of him.

I love a challenge. But it wasn't that hard, really.

I guess other people just don't see him like I do.

Of course Zeus needs to hop in...

I just love this one. It embodies the love I see them have for each other.

Dog Art

2009-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

My buddy...

I am always trying to get good pictures of the dogs, and Zeus is probably my best subject.

I would love to add dogs and their owners to my portfolio. My absolute favorite animal photographer is Erin Vey, and I check out her blog every day, she is such an amazing inspiration, and yet, whetever it is that she does to capture that special bond, well, let's just say I have a lot of learning to do.

But it is the kind of learning I enjoy, and I do have several subjects to practice on right here in the house.

Tiny Little K...Tahoe Newborn Photographer

2009-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

She has wisdom behind her eyes, at only 3 weeks.
And so much hair!

Very expressive little fingers...

I heart baby feet!

Baby gang signs...so adorable!

Little Butterfly

Big Yawn.

Oh, so much to look forward to little one...

About Your Photographer and Your Session

2009-02-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

About K Van D Photography

I love to watch families. I see something in the way they connect, hold hands, and look into each other’s eyes. There is a spark there. It is a spark I see in my children, my husband, my family. It is a spark I want to capture so I can relive it and cherish it and celebrate it whenever I want to.

This is what I want to do for you.

For the most part, I enjoy candid, natural photography. I want to capture your family being themselves, your children as they really are, you as you might not even be able to see yourself. I love to capture interaction and spirit, so although I do not use the kind of studio backgrounds found in posed portrait photography, I may want to capture your family bowling, hanging out at the library, washing the dog, or eating pancakes at IHOP. The ultimate goal is to have fun, to be yourself, to be captured naturally with each other. Relax. Enjoy each other and yourself.

Don’t stress out trying to get ready for this photo shoot. Wear what you look and feel good in. Wear your hair the way you always do. Don’t overdo the makeup. You are going to love what we get out of this, because relaxation and ease translate beautifully on camera.

I want you in your everyday mode. I want your kids in mismatched socks, you in your favorite jeans, your family as you are everyday – unique, natural and beautiful. Life isn’t perfect, and I have no interest in posing everybody for that “perfect family portrait”. I will never ask everybody to “look at the camera and smile”. When I am going through your session later, your “perfect family portrait” will not look like anyone else’s – ever. It will be amazing and beautiful and it will be quintessentially you.

Basic Information on Your Images

Many photographers won't sell you the digital files of your images or require a minimum print purchase before selling them. I have allowed for an incredibly liberal approach to image pricing for my clients. I offer digital negatives in my packages, which is a unique and very valuable thing.

This means that after our session, you have the option to choose a package that includes a disc of your images. I have packages that range from being strictly digital in nature to more traditional. If you purchase a package that includes digital negatives, you will be granted a Personal Use Copyright Release and will have the freedom to print and enlarge the photos from your session at your convenience, as well as own a digital copy for back-up purposes.

I realize that in this technological age, photos are just as likely to be displayed on screensavers, iPhones, Facebook accounts and digital frames as they are to be in a traditional frame on a desk or wall. So, the digital packages include digital images on DVD both in low-resolution versions for online sharing and high-resolution versions for making prints. The low-resolution image versions include my logo and website.

Your Session Includes…

A one to three hour shoot either at your home or at a location of our choosing. (Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)

Approximately 25-35 proofs for your personal viewing pleasure.

Session prices begin at $75.

But It Does Not Include…

Session fees do NOT include any images; on CD or otherwise. To obtain images, you have several collections to choose from.

Collections begin at $250. Prints may also be ordered ala carte, prints begin at $20 each.
For complete pricing information, please contact me.

********************************************************************************

Session Details

What to Expect

It is my ultimate goal to create a customized experience based on the unique qualities and characteristics of my subject matter. Before your session, we will discuss any ideas you may have as well as shot requests for your session. We will also discuss you may prepare and what you can expect once I arrive on location.

If the session is at your home, I will want a tour, first thing! I want to see where your family spends time, what you guys do, and I will be looking for great natural light in pockets of your home. Because I try to work exclusively with natural light, I may even want to rearrange a little bit, so that we can bring some of the things you love in your home in one central location that has the light I am looking for. We will also spend this time getting to know each other, and discussing any specific shot ideas that you may want to attempt.

At the session, I will work to put you at ease and capture the images you have requested. I collect shots I see on the internet all the time, thinking “I need that shot of my family/baby/self. I encourage you to do the same thing. I will bring my portfolio for you to get ideas from and if you have collected photos we can look through those and see what we may be able to accomplish. I believe photography is a collaboration between the photographer and the subject, so I encourage your input and ideas.

If we are doing a Maternity or Newborn shoot, I will certainly bring some backdrops and blankies and props like baskets. I want to capture you and your baby your natural and familiar surroundings, so get creative and let’s find a way to incorporate vintage outfits, family heirlooms, and special gifts that mean something to you. You have all sorts of things in your home that would be so much cuter with your baby in them – salad bowls, planters, hatboxes…so keep things like this in mind for your session.

The Location

All sessions are shot on location in an outdoor or indoor setting in the South Lake Tahoe area.

(Travel within the South Lake Tahoe area is included in the session. Residents of neighboring communities please inquire about my travel rates.)

The Images

After allowing time for processing and editing (generally 10-14 business days), you will receive PDF proofs of 20-25 images from your session. Your selection will include images in fine art color, and black and white. From these, you choose the images for your CD or may request additional retouching or special edits. (See below for rates).

Once your selection is finalized and final payment has been made, your CD will be mailed within 7-10 business days. Along with your CD, you will receive a Personal Use Copyright Release signed by the photographer and tips on making prints from your CD. The high resolution images on your CD will allow you to have prints made generally up to as big as 11” x 14.”

All images created by Karmen Van Derven or K Van D Photography may be used for her website, blog, portfolio, and promotional materials. All images are protected by copyright law.

Photo Retouching

All images receive basic retouching before the proofs are emailed/presented to you. Additional photo retouching is available at an hourly rate of $25/hour with a minimum charge of $15. Your photographer can give you a quote before you order extra retouching.

Payment

A non-refundable retainer of $50 is required to book your session. The retainer will be credited to your session/package price at your session.

Family is very important to me, and I am excited about meeting yours. It is also important for me to be with my own, so I book limited sessions per month. I am sometimes booked sevral months in advance, so call to make your appointment as soon as you know when you would like to get together.

Canceling or rescheduling 24 hours or less in advance of your session will result in the loss of the retainer. Exceptions due to sickness, emergency, or inclement weather will be at the discretion of the photographer.

The balance of the session price is due at the beginning of your session. For additional images, special edits, retouching, or other services not included in your package price, payment must be made before prints are ordered.

I accept:
Personal checks
Cash (Please do not mail cash.)
PayPal (add an additional $3 service charge per transaction.)

The long awaited Miss M....

2009-01-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

With baby tours, holidays and someone's little 1st birthday, I thought I might never finish these pictures!

Thank goodness K Van D got a new laptop! It works so fast and these were just a joy to process...

Introducing the very special and lovely blue-eyed Little Miss M.

I had a hard time choosing my favorites...

This is easily my favorite. Such a picture of new motherhood!

Precious little mohawk...

Daddy's girl!

Thanks Mr and Mrs. M. I just can't get enough of her!

T Minus Nine Days and Counting...

2008-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

It's funny, when I go to a shoot I try above all else to ignore my expectations. I always have ideas about shots I would like to try, but really when I get down to the heart of things, it is really something that can't be forced.

So sometimes when I leave a shoot I am thinking, "Danggit! I really wanted to get some of...."

And then I get home and start going through what did happen at that shoot. I begin to see the magic of the camera and my client and my eye as it tightens into a tangible little treasure for all of us.

And what I end up with is often unexpected.

But what I end up with is always quite beautiful. Beautiful in a way I never imagined as I was collecting my ideas beforehand. Beautiful in a way I could have never predicted.

I am definitely looking forward to future maternity shoots. Even my own.

Okay, especially my own.

Dad was so cute. He is really excited. At the shoot they had 9 days to go. So now they are at 6.

What a lucky little girl!

I had a great time with her mom and dad, but I can't wait to get my lens on little Miss M...

Senior Pictures! Tahoe Senior Pictures

2008-10-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

My neighbor,T.

He was such a good model!

Self Portrait Challenge

2008-10-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

This must be what my baby calls "Mama".

The theme for October is "Mirrors"...

Check everybody else's self portraits out at SPC.

Oh the Sweetness

2008-10-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Summer Vacation

2008-10-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sweet Bee

2008-10-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Feet

2008-10-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love feet...

I'm a Sucker for Tutus...Tahoe Baby Photographer

2008-10-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

A girl and her dad

2008-10-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty Butterfly

2008-10-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tutu adorable

2008-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Shine

2008-08-20T09:59:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love...

2008-07-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

that new baby smell!

This is little Buddy L. 9 days after he got here...

My Favorite

Where's my mommy?!

So peaceful...

Such sweet tiny hands and long little fingers...

Mom and Dad's Favorite

Little Bookworm

2008-07-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a redhead!

Because I can't resist them!

This makes me feel

2008-07-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

tranquility...

Adorable

2008-07-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

What a great family...

2008-07-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Maternity Shots with Miss A

2008-06-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to see this little one!

I Heart Faces - Laughter

2008-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

2008-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?
February 27th, 2008 by Shawn Richter

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?”

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. Time break down:

* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
* one hour travel time TO session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
* one hour travel time FROM session
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session.

When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ “professional” prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the true “loss leader”.

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Content is inspired by discussions with other photographers, my own personal experiences as well as a well an outline based on an article by San Diego Photographers Caught On Film Photography.