WHY CHOOSE SHORESHOT PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC / FAQ

We are so glad you choose to come to this portion of our site!  You are undoubtedly going to be confused when searching for a Professional Photographer, so we hope by answering some of the more common questions, we can help your decision become a little easier.

While not every potential client will love our work, those who have worked with us will tell you a few common things;  we are very easy to work with, we demand very little of you (the client), our payment terms and agreements are easy to work with, and, above all, we have fun!

Take a moment to view some of the more frequent questions and answers below... you'll be glad you did!  (By the way... the below information is written rather informally... we aren't a giant corporation, rather, real people that relate well to... other real people!)       -Gary S. Latimer

 

 

 

1.  How do I know ShoreShot is a legitimate Photography Service?  Simple... we are registered in Ocean County, NJ under the business name ShoreShot Photography.  Additionally, we have an IRS Employee Identification # and a NJ Sales and Use Tax Registration on file.  Only legitimate businesses are able to file such records, and, those looking to defraud the public are VERY unlikely to do so.... after all, what scam artist really wants to tango with the IRS?  Our books are maintained and audited by Koerner, Koerner, Galati & Oriel, CPA's, PA.

2.  Are you a member of any Professional Associations?  Yes!  We are an Active Member of the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), a Professional Association for those photographers who specialize in Weddings, Portraits and in general, "People" type work.  We are also an Active Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), an association that is generally considered the "Gold Standard" for Professional Photographers. This is important to you as a potential client as it demonstrates our commitment to furthering our knowledge through peer groups, seminars, as well as abiding by a Professional Standard of Ethics as outlined by W.P.P.I. and P.P.A.!!   We are also part of other Professional Networking Associations like GiveMeService.com which networks local businesses together to share common goals.  Additionally, we remain to have a 100% client satisfaction rate and a number of repeat clients and referrals from our past clients.

3.  How experienced are you?  Great question.... I (Gary Latimer) have been around photography since I was about 8 years old (I am now 37, so do the math from there).  I started out on a regular Pentax K-1000 SLR which, if anyone out there knows, is a completely manual camera which requires the Photographer to have absolute knowledge about taking properly exposed and focused photographs.  There was no "auto-focus" or "exposure locks" back then.  I learned to develop my own film in black and white in a darkroom back in 1984-1985.  In fact, some of my favorite photos I have archived are from that camera and that time period.  My father, Stephen M. Latimer, who is also my mentor, has been in the photography world well before that.... and he still shoots amazing photographs.  We both have been published in professional magazines, journals as well as corporate and media websites. 

4.  OK, so you have experience.... what about Weddings, Portraits, and other "Pressure Situation" shoots?  I have been shooting Weddings, Celebrations and other "high-pressure" situations for the past several years.  I was asked by people who know me to do it, even though at the time, I preferred candid/photojournalism work, much like my father/mentor.  But, I agreed, and people loved the results.  A new door opened in my photography career..... and I haven't turned back since.  My specialty remains unposed portraits as well as sports and events.... there are those that have a natural talent for capturing people on film.... I have been told that my "eye" for seeing what others miss is one of the qualities in my work.  I simply see it as a love of people and photography, and I suppose that is simply part of it.  Weddings are an extension of Portrait work.  There is still a story to be told... and I do it through the lens, and ultimately, in print.

5.  What makes ShoreShot Photography unique... there are so many others out there that do the same thing?  Answer.... not really, no there aren't.  There are a lot of "Photographers," yes, but there are few that are true Professionals in every sense of the word.  We take the time to listen to you.... learn who you are, find out what it is that YOU need.... not simply shoot what we want to shoot.  In fact, there have been more than a few times where we have made recommendations to do a shoot a certain way and the client said "NO!"  Well, the client is paying us, so, we did it their way.  The photos might not have come out the way we would have wanted them, but in the end, the photos aren't for us.... they are for you.... so you will help guide us in how you want your photo shoot done (by the way, the clients that disregarded our recommendations still loved their photos... it's what they wanted).  There is a common thread you will hear time and time again from us.... and it's simple:  YOU, YOU, YOU, YOU!  It's not "Us, Us, Us..... or what WE want..... we shoot exactly what YOU ask for.  We understand that different people have different tastes.... it's OK.  We can work with that.  We will simply let you know if (and very rarely) a shot simply won't work (possibly due to location restrictions, or other issues with reception halls, regulations, etc.)  We will never break the rules of a reception center or break the law... it goes against our principles and can get us banned for life at those places. 

6.  Why even hire a Professional Photographer..... My Uncle Joe has a $2,000 camera..... I just bought a $2,000 camera.... etc?   This is a very common question, and probably one of the most important things to clear up, immediately.   Simply owning an expensive camera does not make a person a photographer.  There are many factors (and I simply can't go into each detail as it would take too long) such as proper lighting, depth-of-field, composition, that go into each photograph, all in a matter of a few seconds.  An expensive camera, believe it or not, will simply take a "SnapShot" just like any disposable camera in the hands of an inexperienced photographer.  It will not be a Photograph.... there is a world of difference.  Chances are, the shots will either have dark backgrounds, tons of "red-eye" and generally look like they were taken with a $10.00 throw-away camera.  We have seen it, and we have tested our theory... we have even given our equipment to friends as a "challenge" to take the photos we do with our own cameras.... they couldn't do it.  The pictures came out "sharp" and "in-focus" and LOOKED TERRIBLE!  In addition, Professionals such as ShoreShot carry EXTRA EQUIPMENT so that important shots are never missed and are insured in case something bad happens on a shoot (like Aunt Hilde tripping over a tripod or something bizarre like that).  On every shoot, we carry no less than about $15,000 worth of photo gear... for Weddings, more than that.  Each of our lenses costs anywhere between $600 - $2000.  And we have duplicates of each.  We carry no less than 3 cameras to any Wedding or Ceremony and at least 5 flash heads (you can never be too sure).  Does Uncle Joe carry all of that?

In addition... particularly wedding photography... there is only ONE CHANCE to capture sensitive moments.  There is also the experience that comes with doing weddings repetitively so that we know where to be, and when to be there to capture those moments.  Almost anyone can aim a camera, "point and shoot" and get a picture... which is completely different than an artistic photograph.

7.  I am still convinced I can do my own photography.... what can you do that I can't?  For starters, we have invested no less than 4 full-days per week shooting for the past several years.  Additionally, we are well versed in top-level photo-editing programs that take several hundred hours to learn.  This is not including the 20 or so years of learning how to take professional-level photographs.  We will ask you this.... if everyone can do photography by buying an expensive camera, then why do so many people still hire Professionals?  The answer is simple....Professional Photography is very difficult.  It requires a lot of patience, knowledge, experience, equipment, assistants, as well as understanding PEOPLE.    You need to be confident that your photographer can handle that type of work. 

8.  What about your "packages."  What if I want something different?   We want to provide our clients only with items and photos they want.... not what we want you to purchase!.  We charge for our time in general, not so much the end-product. The "key-word" here is FLEXIBLE.   We know not everyone has a $50,000 budget.  We have rarely turned down a shoot simply because of money.  We have minimums that we need to stick to or we lose money, however, in general, our pricing is more than fair, and really only covers our time for your shoot and all of the post-production work that most people don't know exist.  Our portrait sitting fees cover our time (plus we give you a free print to boot!).  If you want more photos, great.... we can print them for you.  You have several options for any photography session... either packages (which for some reason people seem accustomed to, or, a la carte, whereby you choose what you want, and how much you can afford for a photography session).  If this confuses you at all, just call us, we'll clarify any issues you have after you review our fee schedule.

9.  I don't want prints, I want everything on a CD so I can print them myself (read: to save money)... will you do that?  We will, however, we do charge for the high-resolution "negatives" on CD (unless this is built into a specific wedding or portrait package).  There are a few reasons for this.  First, the images are copyrighted, and essentially, you would be purchasing the copyright to own all of the images outright.  Second, a common misconception is that printing the photos is a simple process.  It simply isn't.  The printers in our office that we use for small jobs (such as a few portraits, etc) are top-line Epson products.  They cost over $1500 and are capable of prints that are identical (and in many ways superior) to professional lab processing.  We also only use professional level paper which we buy in bulk to keep print costs down. Doing your own prints also is costly in terms of ink....at around $50-$70 for every 50-100 prints, are you really saving money?  Also, if you were to print your own photos, on your own printer, it would take you roughly 1,500 minutes (or 25 hours) to make 500 4x6's, or 2500 minutes (45 hours) to print up 8x10's.  Do you really have that kind of time, and equipment to do this?  Most people don't.  We process our larger jobs through carefully selected labs across the US.  We do this so that our prices are the lowest they can be with the greatest amount of flexibility for you.  Our preferred labs are Lenzart and All American Photo... however, they only deal with professional photographers.  As do the Album makers... we are an Authorized Vendor for Leather Craftsman, one of the nations leading wedding album suppliers.  One simply can't call and order an album and stick your home-printed photos in them.  They won't sell them to you.  We certainly respect the need to save money, however, in the end, you will most likely be unhappy with the results, frustrated, and most likely calling us back to print your photos for you.

11.  OK... so I will bring them to (my local pharmacy, supermarket, retail giant store) and get them printed there.  Why not do that?  Well... really, you can.  And with non-critical events, like say, a Sweet 16, or maybe even a prom, this might suit your needs just fine.  If that is the case, we have no problem at all with that.  We will gladly work with you to give you your images on CD/DVD.  If the event is critical, such as a Wedding, that is simply not the way to go.  Our labs that we contract with have specialists that know our equipment, know how we shoot, and have professional image processors that check, and recheck all critical aspects of each photograph.  In essence, they "proofread" our work and make any subtle corrections necessary to deliver you a high quality image on Professional Grade papers you will not get at your local pharmacy, etc.  There is a big reason for the price difference of Professional Photographs..... a lot of time and effort goes into ensuring that each and every photo is technically "correct."  A person working in a local photo-center or retail chain is not the same as the processing professional at our labs (I hope no one takes offense to this).  The equipment is different, the process is different and overall, the product is completely different.

12.  Essentially, I understand the difference; can you summarize why we should hire you?  Yes... it is very simple.  You will get first-class service, great photographs, a "piece of mind," as well as a photography team that will take the time to make sure you are happy, calm and pleased with the services we provide you.  We will never "over-book" time and focus on each Wedding or Ceremony as if it was the only one we do this year.  We plan carefully so that we don't overextend ourselves, and we will turn clients away if we feel that we will not be able to provide our clients with the personalized service that we have carefully built our business around.  We pride ourselves with our 100% customer satisfaction rating, and will never let that slip.  We love what we do, and we do it because we love to do it... not because it pays well.  We charge what we believe are fair prices for our time, and don't look to make money on the "back-end" by selling unwanted products or over-inflated packages or prints.  My job is to make your event a special time for you to remember... I am not there to "boss you around", or take you away from spending time with your family and friends during your day.  We work quickly, ethically and overall, professionally.  But most of all, we want to have fun with you, and help you to enjoy your day as best you can.  This is a special "once-in-a-lifetime" event.... the last thing you need is more stress, worries and poor-quality work.  My assistants and I will guide you, not harass you, and we will assist you in enjoying every moment possible at your wedding or ceremony.  After all, we are married people too and understand what it is all about. 

We will meet with you and explain the entire process, a few times if we need to.  We will learn who is important to you, and who you need photographed.  We will follow your lead as to the style of photography you want.... or, if you want us to lead you, let us know... we can do that as well.  Also, we usually throw in "extras" as gifts to you.... like I stated earlier, we love what we do, and we enjoy nothing more than making our clients happy. Whenever we can, we "throw in" extra prints, or other bonuses to ensure you are happy.  In the rare circumstance you are not happy with certain parts of your shoot, we will work with you until you are satisfied (although, this has yet to happen).  You have nothing to lose by scheduling a meeting with me... it costs you absolutely nothing, and I have even been known to take a few shots right there on the spot to show you how you will look through "my eyes / lens."  If you don't think we are the right Studio for you, there are never hard feelings.  We will have appreciated the time meeting with you, and we will certainly wish you luck in your search for a Professional Photographer.  With that.... I think we have kept you staring at your computer screen long enough... so, we wish you luck in your "photographer-hunt" and if you have any questions, please, feel free to call us:  732-267-4969

13.  A WORD ABOUT PACKAGED DEAL PHOTOGRAPHERS / DJ's / VIDEO OUTFITS:  Many people fall into this trap... they have a budget they want to stay within... which is perfectly fine.  However, during their "shopping" around phase, undoubtedly, they will be contacted by any one of a number of outfits that have "PACKAGE DEALS";  i.e. they can get a DJ, a "Photographer" and/or a Videographer all for one neat price.  Sounds too good to be true??  Right???  There's a simple answer for this..... YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!  So buyer, beware!

There is nothing wrong with maintaining a budget...but here's the kicker.... YOU ONLY GET MARRIED ONCE (hopefully).  That said... after your special day is over (and it will be quicker than you think), and you realize that your wedding went great, what will you have to remember it by?  The music / DJ is important, obviously, but how many people will say "Wow... I remember that song the DJ played.....etc," years after the event?  The answer... NONE!

However, there are only two things you will have forever to remember your day; your Professional Photographs, and if you hired one, your Professional Wedding Video.  At this point, you may be thinking, "...well, if I get a photographer and a video guy with my DJ, what's the difference?"

The answer.... THEY GENERALLY ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS!  They are more concerned with the DJ aspect... and more concerned with booking as many dates as possible without giving any regards for finding out who you are, what you are looking for and heaven-forbid, personalized Photography Services.  Usually, the equipment they use is barely professional grade... most often, they will be using cheap cameras, lenses and rarely know much about how to take quality images.  We know this from the weddings we've attended as "guests" and subsequently, have been asked to replace the "packaged" photographer because it became very obvious that they didn't have a clue as to what they were doing.  We didn't have to say a word..... twice in 2006 this has happened.  And those brides ended up using the shots we took as their wedding album photos... not the "package" photographer shots.

So in the end, if you absolutely need to save money in one area....think about what you will be keeping forever... will it be the music that everyone will forget the moment they leave your wedding, or will it be your treasured photographs that will be kept in your family forever.  We think the choice is obvious.

 732-267-4969

If for some reason we are unavailable, we are probably shooting and we will return your call quickly (usually less than an hour or two.... we check our voice-mail frequently).  Take care..... - Gary Latimer

 

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