Look no further! This free editable photographer contract template is perfect for any wedding or ideal for any event photography engagement.
This simple and easy-to-use template will help protect both you and your client in a video or professional photography photoshoot session.
We have highlighted the areas in yellow that you should change for your specific event, wedding, engagement, or videography session.
If you need a luxury wedding, destination, or fashion photographer in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, please give us a WhatsApp +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email.
I have been shooting Sony mirrorless cameras professionally for over 11 years now.
In that time, I have seen the company grow and change, but one thing has remained constant: Sony’s commitment to creating excellent cameras for professional and personal use.
With the release of the new Sony a7IV, they have once again set the standard for what a mirrorless camera should be.
This blog post will share my experience shooting with Sony mirrorless cameras over the past 11 years.
Here are the Sony Cameras I have Owned
Sony A55 – Available In April 2010
Sony A99 – Available In September 2012. This was my first full-frame camera.
Sony A7iii – Available In February 2018
Sony A7iv – Went On Sale In December 2021. However, I was not able to get one until May 19, 2022
Why I Love Sony Mirrorless Cameras
1. I have been shooting Sony mirrorless cameras professionally for over 11 years and have never looked back.
2. The quality of the images I can produce with a Sony mirrorless camera is excellent.
3. The portability of these cameras is also a huge plus – I can take them anywhere without worrying about lugging around a heavy DSLR.
4. Another great thing about shooting with a Sony mirrorless camera is the vast array of lenses available. One of my favorite lenses is Sony’s 35M prime lens, which stops from f1.8.
5. Overall, I would highly recommend anyone looking for a new camera system consider Sony mirrorless cameras. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I specialize in shooting mirrorless cameras for fashion, boudoir, fitness, portraits, and real estate photography.
I love how mirrorless cameras allow me to be creative with my low-light photography while getting excellent results.
Here Are The Genres of Photography I like Shooting
Initial Thoughts on the Sony A7IV Full Frame Mirrorless
As a professional photographer, I was thrilled to receive the new Sony a7iv camera. This camera comprises features that professional photographers and videographers love and appreciate.
For starters, the eye-tracking autofocus is incredibly accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images, even on moving targets.
Thanks to the sizable 33-megapixel sensor and advanced image processing, the image quality is also outstanding.
And the video capabilities are impressive, with 4K recording and smooth image video stabilization.
I can’t wait to start sharing tips and images created with this camera. I’m sure that bloggers and photography enthusiasts will be excited to see what this camera can do.
If you’re considering switching to a mirrorless camera system or are just curious about what they’re all about, I recommend giving Sony mirrorless cameras. I think you’ll be happy with the results.
Sony A7IV Specs From Sony
Fast Hybrid Autofocus With Improved Speed, And Tracking
Fast Hybrid AF accurately focuses on even small objects or people posing against a night background using a combination of phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF.
A broad and dense autofocus area covers approximately 94% of the image area for a photo and video shooting, with 759 phase-detection points 25, while the contrast-detection autofocus system uses 425 points.
The latest powerful processing engine analyzes this extensive data collection in real-time to achieve the impressive results of the autofocus system.
Real-Time Eye Autofocus and Real-Time Tracking based on AI
The superior processing power of the BIONZ XR engine has led to improvements in both Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking functions. Improved face detection translates to 30% better eye detection accuracy.
Sony A7IV Video Specifications
4K 60p with 10-bit Recording
The a7IV gives you an impressive array of video recording options. For example, full pixel readout without pixel binning enables 4K, 60p Recording nine and, when shooting 4K 30p movies, upsampling ten into 7K full-frame 11 produces highly detailed 4K high resolution.
4:2:2 10-bit video can be recorded internally, allowing for fuller, more natural gradations and greater editing freedom. The XAVC HS™ 12 file format offers approximately twice the encoding efficiency of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.
If you have any questions on the Sony A7IV or need a photographer to collaborate with in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, please give us a WhatsApp at +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email.
Learn The Typical Costs For Hiring A Professional Photographer
Photographers charge various rates for their services, and the cost can depend on several factors, such as the location, duration, and complexity of the photo shoot.
Some photographers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee for the entire shoot.
Hourly rates can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the photographer’s experience level and the job’s complexity.
Depending on the photography project, flat fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
It’s essential to remember that professional photography is a business, and photographers often have to invest in expensive equipment, software, and other resources to provide high-quality services.
As such, their fees may reflect the cost of running their business and their time and talent.
What Is The Hourly Price Range For Professional Photographers
To help answer this question, this informative article lists some actual rates photographers charge based on their experience level.
Most professional photographers charge between $50 and $500 per hour, but there are ways to get photoshoots done at a much lower cost with packages or specials.
If you like a photographer’s style, always inquire if they have any deals for new customers.
Photography Session Prices
Hourly rates are typically between $50 to $500, while day rates range from $300 to $3,000 per photographer. Photoshoot sessions and packages start at $100 and quickly go
Average photographer cost per hour (USA)
$155
Minimum Cost
$25
Maximum Cost
$1,250
Average Range
$96 to $295
How To Price Photography Services By Skill Level
Hourly Rates for Photographers by Skill Level
Per Hour
Beginners
$0 – $55
Amateur
$26 to $90
College Students
$40 to $110
Semi Professionals
$77 to $175
Price Examples Photography Services
Photography Services
Price Range (USD)
Time
Portrait Photography
$250-$550
Per Session
Wedding Photography
$800-$4,700
Hours Vary
Couple or Engagement Photography
$200-600
Per Session
Product Photography
$50-$3,000
Per Project
Corporate Events
$75-$235
Per Hour
Corporate Headshots
$350-$850
Per Session
Flying Dress Photography
$200-700
Per Session
Birthday Parties
$75-$175
Per Hour
Interior Photography
$375-$2,500
Per Project
Advertising (Lifestyle) Photography
$425-$3,500
Per Campaign
Real Estate Photography
$295-$600
Per Home
How Much Do Elite Photographers Charge
High-end photographers – Top professional photographers, or high-end wedding or fashion photographers, charge between $250 – $500 per hour or $200 -$1200 per image.
This elite group of photographers earns top dollar for their work and professionalism. Depending on their specialty area, they can make up to $10,000 daily.
They cover areas such as celebrity portraits, fashion, film, documentaries for TV, movies, billboards, or fashion magazines.
Elite photographer’s day rates – An established photographer’s day rate fluctuates between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on how many hours worked, the setup works, and how many shots the client requests.
Hiring a professional photographer is not as expensive as some think, and the benefits of doing so often outweigh the cost!
You can see examples of photography price lists online or look for photographers who offer package deals.
A professional photographer usually takes 1-2 hours to shoot a portrait, maternity, engagement, senior, or family photo session.
Editing photos usually takes about as long as the photo shoot, so ask if the editing costs are included in the quote you receive.
How Much Do Photographers Make
The annual earning of photographers is influenced by various factors, including the location, the specific niche of photography, the photographer’s reputation / skill level, and the client’s budget.
Novice Photographers: When just starting, a photographer might earn very little, often under $35,000 per year, or even just a few hundred dollars per gig, as they are typically working part-time, building a portfolio, and learning the ropes of the business.
Intermediate Photographers: As a photographer gains more experience and starts to specialize in a specific area (like wedding photography, portrait photography, etc.), they could earn anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
These photographers may have a steady stream of clients and are beginning to establish a reputation in their chosen field.
Experienced Professional Photographers: These photographers have established a strong portfolio, a steady client base, and a good reputation in their field. Depending on their niche and location, they may earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
Top-Level Professional Photographers: This group includes the highest earners in the profession, such as renowned fashion photographers who shoot for high-profile magazines like Vogue.
Elite photographers have typically spent decades perfecting their craft and building an extensive professional network.
As a result, they can earn anywhere from $100,000 to several hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
In rare cases, this amount can even reach the millions for world-renowned photographers.
Remember, these are rough estimates, and actual earnings can vary significantly. Additionally, many photographers are self-employed and must account for business expenses, taxes, and periods of variable work.
Why Hire An Experienced Professional Photographer
You might be wondering why hiring a professional photographer is a good idea. There are many reasons, and we answer them below.
1) Photographers with experience usually charge more because they have a higher skill level and can provide better results.
2) Professional photographers have the right equipment and can quickly get the best shots.
3) They often have access to better locations for photoshoots.
4) A pro will know how to pose and make people look their best in their photos.
5) You’ll get the final product faster – edited and ready to print or share online.
6) Hiring an expert, a professional photographer, will cost a bit more money, but you are increasing the odds of getting beautiful photographs that you can share with those that matter most!
7) The most common complaint from clients who hire a beginner photographer is that the photos often don’t turn out as expected.
This is because non-professionals often lack the skill and experience to take great pictures.
What to Expect from a Professional Photographer
Hiring a professional ensures you’ll get beautiful, high-quality photos that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family.
Hiring a professional photographer is an investment that costs less than renting your hotel room for one night.
So, think about the enjoyment you can share with your kids and grandkids about the cool places you visited and what you did.
But investing in a professional photographer is worth it if you want beautiful, high-quality photos that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family.
This article will discuss why hiring a professional is the best idea.
When you hire a professional photographer, you can expect beautiful, high-quality photos that capture your memories perfectly.
Professional photographers have the experience and equipment to take great photos quickly and easily. They also know how to pose and make people look their best in photos.
You’ll also get the final product faster – edited and ready to print or share online.
What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Photographer
Professional photographers make their subjects look great. They often have access to better locations for photoshoots.
A professional will show you how to pose, recommend a great location, and help you pick the best clothes for your photography session.
How to find the right professional photographer for your needs?
Before hiring your photographer, please research Google, and see how they operate. For example, is the fashion photographer’s website regularly updated?
Read their Google reviews. Do they have five stars reviews? Do they respond to all their reviews?
Do they respond quickly and honestly to your messages and questions?
Are they willing to jump on a Zoom call to answer all the questions?
FAQs – When hiring a professional photographer?
You may have some questions about the process. Here are some questions you may want to ask before hiring a photographer.
How many photographs will you provide?
Will the photographs be Instagram-ready?
How many photos will be polished / retouched?
Can I see examples of similar photoshoots you have done?
What will be the total price to receive the finished images?
What should I expect from you as my photographer?
When can I expect to see the proofs, and how will you deliver them?
How quickly will we receive the final images after we make our selection? Will the photo resolution allow printing?
We hope you learned something in this blog post about how much photographers charge.
Hiring a professional photographer is an investment; however, it is a gift to yourself and your future generations.
Think about how much enjoyment you can share with your kids and grandkids about the cool places you visited and what you did.
We would love to work with you if you want beautiful, creative, fun photos!
If you have any questions or need a photographer in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, please give us a WhatsApp at +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email. We would love the chance to earn your business!
Have you ever wondered how to make these spinning steel wool photographs?
All details on gear and camera settings are listed below.
To learn more about this style of photography, DM me or join my mailing list, as I will be making a blog post about this.
I like the colors and processing of the image in the header. I did that photograph in an abandoned concrete building, so the sparks bounced everywhere.
Here is what you need to create a similar steel wool photography.
Gear and camera settings used:
Camera or mobile phone that allows you to hold the shutter open for 10 to 20 seconds.
Tripod
Steel wool (000 size is best)
Dog chain or rope attached to an egg beater (this holds the steel wool).
9-volt battery, which is used to ignite the steel wool.
Eye protection
Gloves
Once you have your shot framed and all the settings dialed in, you can set a 10-second timer and then run to the location of the photoshoot.
I would recommend using manual focus on the exact spot where you are going to stand.
Steel wool photography photoshoots are much more fun if you have a friend tag along.
Then spin your steel wool in a circle or over your head and get creative!
***The steel wool burns at a very high temperature, and the sparks fly a long distance. So make sure there’s nothing flammable on the ground around you.
My camera settings:
Sony A7III
ISO 50
28M Tamron Lens
f16
20-second exposure
Software used:
@lightroom
@photoshop
@nikcollection_official
More Steel Wool Long Exposure Photos
Steel wool pics by Rudolf Kirchner
The below images I did overwater give a stimulating effect.
If you need a photographer in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, please give us a WhatsApp at +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email. We would love to earn your business!
Color Grading helps better communicate the mood of a scene or the artist’s vision of what a scene should look like. The communication of emotion and storytelling through the lens is one of the most powerful tools a photographer has at their disposal.
Scroll to the bottom to see the best video, I have found on color grading for photographers.
Examples of Color Grading
This image is straight out camera. No color grading.
I used color grading to add blue to give the photo more depth and help the subject pop.
As a photographer becomes more proficient at color grading, he or she can leverage the power of colors to help their subjects pop off the screen and give their photographs more depth.
When it comes to filmmaking, there’s a big difference between what the director sees in the camera while shooting compared to what we, the viewers, see in the final product.
It all comes down to postproduction editing and what’s called color grading. You’re probably more familiar with this color grading when it comes to still but it’s a technique that can be applied to any form of visual media.
How does Color Grading Work?
Color grading is the process you use to change the visual appearance of a still photo or video. This can be anything from adding colors and hues to shadows and highlights, to its saturation, contrast, detail, and hue, or the black and white balance.
Professional color grading is as much technical skill as it is an art, and there are few places where this is more evident than filmmaking and looking at what color grading is in video formats.
Color grading allows you to completely change the mood of the image, which can be used to help you further tell the story or convey something about a particular character or setting.
Color grading for both still images and film can help you to produce dramatically different outcomes. Look at some examples where the before and after shots highlight different moods and tones to suit the artist’s preference.
Color grading is mainly used to bring an artistic vision to life.
Secrets of color grading in photography by Joanna Kustra. Joanna is one of the best photography teachers on color grading. You should watch this color grading video multiple times!
If you need a photographer in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, please give us a WhatsApp +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email. We would love the chance to earn your business!
What is the best location to see the sunrise near downtown Playa del Carmen, Mexico? Scroll below for sunrise and sunset times in PDC.
Are you looking for the best location to take a sunrise photo in playa del carmen? Tips on how to photograph the sunrise and sunset are below.
I like the area near the Hilton Hotel area because it has an elevated dock platform, or you can get near the water!
Hilton Hotel Address:
Address: Av. Constituyentes 2, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
I highly recommend a tripod to hold your camera steady if you have a camera.
Photography Tips for Shooting Sunrise or Sunsets.
Use the best camera you have access to
Use a tripod
Set your ISO to 100
Set a time of 2 seconds (so you don’t shake the camera when pressing the shutter)
Buy a variable ND filter that blocks out more light (lets you do a long exposure)
Use a relatively small aperture of f5.6 and or higher. Most camera lenses’ sweet spot is around F/8. But try different f-stops until you find the one you like. Of course, the higher the f-stop, the more in focus everything will be.
Pro tip: If you underexpose the sky by a stop or two, you will get richer colors in the sky! That is the photography technique we used to caputre this sunrise photograph in Playa del Carmen.
To create this long sunrise exposure, I used a variable nd filter, iso 100, f16, and kept the shutter open for 3. 2 seconds.
Please let me know if you have any other recommendations for sunrise or sunset locations in Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Tulum!
Our photo excursions and workshops are unique itineraries designed for travelers seeking holidays that teach the business of photography and how to photograph families and bikini models.
We have curated a list of inspiring private experiences to discover extraordinary places unknown to most people.
Our private tours reconnect us with the local cultures and expand our photography skills.
We will share with you and your chosen ones our way of seeing shots, our respect, and our love for our incredible planet, and this will be an opportunity to gain conscience in the most beautiful places away from crowds.
Just choose one of our journeys, and your tour leader, a professional photographer, will pick you up at Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum in one of our comfortable vehicles.
You sit back, enjoy the ride and increase your photography skills.
Rivera Maya locations We Typically Visit
Our tours usually originate in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the surrounding areas.
To light aerialists, we typically use three strobes or speedlights. Key light, a backlight, and another light to add depth (often, one or more gels are used).
How to Photograph and Light Aerialists
Here are some of my favorite images from this shoot.
[foogallery id=”9543″]
Aerial Silks uses two lengths of fabric secured from the ceiling and involves defying gravity and using your strength to climb and maneuver. Then, under careful instruction, you’ll learn how to wrap the silks around your body to reach cool poses that will improve your flexibility.
My Top 8 Tips to Become a Great Photographer Fast!
Learning any skill in life requires following a few simple principles. The same principle exists in photography.
You can learn photography on your own, go to school or watch online photography courses and videos.
I recommend you signup for my newsletter, where I share my latest tricks and behind the scene videos.
However, you must understand how to go from point A to point B without losing your mind.
This article will teach you to increase your skills and go from an excellent photographer to a great photographer fast!
1. Pick a photography niche
There are many types of photography; you must choose the one you love the most. For example, you may have been impressed by a magazine’s landscape photographs from a trip to Jordan or how someone has captured an incredible portrait in a fashion magazine.
What Are the Different Types of Photography?
Birth Edgy Boudoir Branding Children Commercial Corporate Couples Dance Event Family Food Landscape Maternity Motherhood Nature Newborn Pet Portraits Seniors Sports Still Life Street Travel Underwater Wedding Wildlife
What are the Different Types of Photography Styles?
Artistic Classical Conceptual Day in the Life Documentary Editorial Film (Exclusive) Film (Hybrid) Fine Art Gallery Art Lifestyle Photojournalism Portraits
I personally love photographing people.
Find a mentor
When you finally understand what you want to photograph, you must find inspiration from top photographers in your area. That is to say, conduct research and find the most well-known photographers online.
When you check their work and what they do, try to look for a local photographer near you. You can search in Google by typing the term “portrait photographer in (type the name of your city).” After you get a bunch of results on the first and second page, check each one individually, look at what they do in their work, and ask if they need assistance.
You can list the ones you like, DM them on Instagram, and offer to assist them for free. Talk to them about your passion for photography and ask if they provide advice or need an assistant. This way, you will learn faster than doing everything on your own. If you need a mentor, I can help you out.
Use the best lighting.
Photography is mainly learning how to use and control light. So, no matter what photography genre you are shooting, you must understand how to best use the light in your scene at any time of the day.
It might be ambient light that comes naturally from the sun or artificial light from using camera flashes, strobes, and other lighting equipment.
As a landscape photographer, you must learn to shoot early in the morning when the light is soft, during the day, and at sunset when the most beautiful colors (golden hour) are revealed.
A street photographer plays a lot with light and shadows in the city. It needs a lot of creativity and imagination to capture a great shot using many composition techniques and leading lines.
Portrait photography is somehow the same. You can shoot close-up shots outdoors when it’s forecast or use reflectors and off-camera flash at sunset to create dramatic images.
Follow a few Instagram accounts doing the work you love
Instagram is the most popular platform for many photographers. In the search bar, you can type the photography genre you are interested in following. Also, make sure to follow the photographs on the explorer page.
That page features the best photos from top photographers. Find some great photographers to follow and network with.
When you come across images, you love to save them and then try to recreate them.
If you want to get better at what you do, you have to put in the work. First, create a list of photos you like from top photographers you follow or find online. Then, carefully study each image. Finally, question yourself how did this photographer take this photo?
What was he thinking, or what was he trying to communicate? A great way to check a photographer’s work is on Instagram. s. You can search for photos via hashtags per genre, camera, or lenses each photographer uses.
Rule of thirds. Turn grids on your phone.
The rule of thirds is one of photography’s most famous composition techniques.
, turn the grid on your mobile device or digital camera. When you turn on the grid, you will notice four lines intersecting.
Place your subject where those lines intersect to create a better-looking image.
Shoot everyday
Practice, practice, practice. You will not go further if you don’t apply what you learn. The essential part of photography is to take photos every single day.
Create a calendar and set a goal to practice daily for the next six months or a year. Each week, compare your best photos with the ones you took the previous week.
At the end of the month, select the top three or five and compare them again with the photos you took in the previous months.
Learn post-processing
There are two ways to learn how to edit your images. First, you can do it on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Learning photo editing on a computer can increase the quality of your photos.
You can use programs such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, Skylum, Affinity photo, etc. Photo editing on a mobile device is more straightforward.
You can use Snapseed, Darkroom, Lightroom, Photoshop mobile, and many other apps that provide filters for every photography genre. The difference between computer photo editing and mobile is that you have to do more detailed work, especially for clients and prints.
Summary
Turning from a good to a great photographer can take a few months of dedicated work.
The more time you put into learning and applying these simple photography principles, the faster you grow your photography skills.
Remember, photography’s most essential part is having fun and enjoying the journey!
