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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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OMG!! WOW!!
When did Summerlyn Photography get so expensive??!!  I was just on her website and my jaw dropped!
I had planned on using her again for my DD's holiday photos but I can't now. I had NO idea how expensive she's become. I guess a lot had changed since March!!  I wish I could afford it because she takes beautiful pictures but WOW!!..........waaaaay too expensive for me now. 
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Posted 8/25/09 11:51 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
That's about the going rate for on site photographers. I have someone here in CO who charges $175 with a $100 print credit but she is by far cheaper than any other photographer I have come across. Most photographers are in Summer's range and if she actually gives a high resolution CD of all the proofs consider yourself lucky. Most photographers will not do that b/c they don't want their photos printed at any old place. All print studios are not created equal.
What I do is splurge once a year on great photographs of my kids and family. To me it's worth the investment. I wish I could do it more often but once is year is all I can afford as well.
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| Posted 8/26/09 12:02 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I am just surprised. She was waaaay less expensive back in March but I guess things change. It just stinks because I would love to use her again but it's just too costly. Maybe one day down the road.
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| Posted 8/26/09 12:06 AM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Hofstra26
I am just surprised. She was waaaay less expensive back in March but I guess things change. It just stinks because I would love to use her again but it's just too costly. Maybe one day down the road.
That happened to me when I used a photographer who was portfolio building. When they get there portfolio up and running and have a good following they can charge market rates then.
Look on Craigslist. A lot of budding photographers post there for portfolio building.
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| Posted 8/26/09 12:09 AM |
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ABCiverson
<3 my family
Member since 1/06 7465 total posts
Name:
Amanda
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
A lot goes into a session. Even though your session is over in an hour or 2 I am sure she spends MANY hours post processing your photos. Most people don't realize how much time it takes. So while her price seems high you are also paying for the hours she spends at home on the computer away from her family. I personally don't know how long it takes Summer to post process but I am a photographer and it can take me 3-5 hours to post process a 1-2 hour session!
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:20 AM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I think her prices are still reasonable. To be honest when I used her in March I thought she was seriously UNDERcharging!
Remember - as a business grows they start to really account for all expenses that might not be there in the beginning, like website hosting, advertising and the need to hire outside resources. All these things that might not be part of a start up business become realities as a company establishes itself.. so the price must go up to accomodate these new costs.
Anyway - I'm not remotely surprised with the amount she charges and I think it is right in line with the market will bear for a talented photographer - if not a little better than typical.
I'm actually am very impressed that Summer does make her sitting fees public - that kind of transparency is still a bit unusual with small businesses who prefer you to call/e-mail so they can market to you before disclosing cost.
ETA: I hope you find someone to do your daughter's bday pics.. she's absolutely adorable!
Message edited 8/26/2009 1:55:32 AM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:51 AM |
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ChrisDee
My Girls
Member since 11/06 9543 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I totally understand what you are saying. I know you are not saying she does not deserve it, just that it was such a big jump in a short period of time. I feel your pain. For alot of us, it will just become out of reach, financially
ETA: I may just invest in a great camera and some Photoshop classes and see how that goes.
Message edited 8/26/2009 7:47:15 AM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 7:45 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by rojerono
I think her prices are still reasonable. To be honest when I used her in March I thought she was seriously UNDERcharging!
Remember - as a business grows they start to really account for all expenses that might not be there in the beginning, like website hosting, advertising and the need to hire outside resources. All these things that might not be part of a start up business become realities as a company establishes itself.. so the price must go up to accomodate these new costs.
Anyway - I'm not remotely surprised with the amount she charges and I think it is right in line with the market will bear for a talented photographer - if not a little better than typical.
I'm actually am very impressed that Summer does make her sitting fees public - that kind of transparency is still a bit unusual with small businesses who prefer you to call/e-mail so they can market to you before disclosing cost.
ETA: I hope you find someone to do your daughter's bday pics.. she's absolutely adorable!
Thanks! I hope so too. 
I understand why she charges more now but it still stinks!  Hopefully when $$$ isn't so tight I can use her services again.
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| Posted 8/26/09 7:47 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by ChrisDee
I totally understand what you are saying. I know you are not saying she does not deserve it, just that it was such a big jump in a short period of time. I feel your pain. For alot of us, it will just become out of reach, financially
ETA: I may just invest in a great camera and some Photoshop classes and see how that goes.
Oh she deserves it.......she's very talented. But I sure like the March prices better!! That's not a bad idea to invest in some classes and perhaps a better camera one day. Always something to keep in mind.
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| Posted 8/26/09 7:49 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
i just looked on her website... now, i have never used Summer, and i do think that her work is very, very good, but i know other photographers who are also very, very good and don't charge nearly as much. it's always a good idea to shop around when you are thinking of investing in a photo shoot like this.
i have done two photo shoots so far and while they were (IMO) not cheap, they were well worth the money!
ETA: i stand corrected! i did not read correctly, her price includes $100 towards prints.
personally i would rather pay less because i would never order $100 worth of prints  but i totally understand her pricing now
Message edited 8/26/2009 7:57:14 AM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 7:56 AM |
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mikeswife06
Drama Momma
Member since 9/06 9947 total posts
Name:
Anne
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I know what you mean. With photographers prices going up and the price of dSLR cameras having come down, it's not a bad idea to invest in a camera. I did and even though my pictures are FAR from the caliber of the professionals here, I feel I will get my money's worth out of the camera. I'll take a class with you. 
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| Posted 8/26/09 7:58 AM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I will never take anything away from a professional photographer - But honestly, with a good camera and some patience, you can come pretty close - I personally think it's worth the investment ......
Everyone who has seen my pictures of Sean has thought they WERE professional .......
and I barely know how to use all of the 'fancy' stuff in my camera 
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| Posted 8/26/09 8:04 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by mikeswife06
I know what you mean. With photographers prices going up and the price of dSLR cameras having come down, it's not a bad idea to invest in a camera. I did and even though my pictures are FAR from the caliber of the professionals here, I feel I will get my money's worth out of the camera. I'll take a class with you.
Hey......if you find a class let me know!! Of course then I would need to find the $$ for a "real" camera!!  
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| Posted 8/26/09 8:04 AM |
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JenandMikey
life is good =)
Member since 5/07 4216 total posts
Name:
We're so blessed!
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
you've got fm
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:02 AM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I know here in charlotte, when I was looking for a photog for newborn pics of my son, I got prices ranging from 100-700  for the shoot and a high resolution CD
The lady I am using is charging me $90
look around, you can find someone talented who will fit into your budget
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:05 AM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
yea, I would def. shop around. Personally, I would never pay prices like that. I find with a good camera you can come close to pics like that yourself (not discreditting anyones talents though). I also prefer traditional holiday photo sessions (ie Sears, Target, etc) where I KNOW it is MUCH MUCH cheaper.
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:10 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by rojerono
I think her prices are still reasonable. To be honest when I used her in March I thought she was seriously UNDERcharging!
Remember - as a business grows they start to really account for all expenses that might not be there in the beginning, like website hosting, advertising and the need to hire outside resources. All these things that might not be part of a start up business become realities as a company establishes itself.. so the price must go up to accomodate these new costs.
Anyway - I'm not remotely surprised with the amount she charges and I think it is right in line with the market will bear for a talented photographer - if not a little better than typical.
I'm actually am very impressed that Summer does make her sitting fees public - that kind of transparency is still a bit unusual with small businesses who prefer you to call/e-mail so they can market to you before disclosing cost.
ETA: I hope you find someone to do your daughter's bday pics.. she's absolutely adorable!
Well said. I consider the fact that her sitting fee is technically $200 & you're paying for $100 in prints upfront. Also the prints are professional labs so the color & quality is different. I've seen people spend more at Sears & still not get the quality.
I consider myself pretty good with a camera and have had a DSLR for 6 years, but I'm no where near professional. There is a huge difference between a professional photographer and a mom with a DSLR who thinks she's a photographer.
There is a great analogy that I've heard in my photography class. When people say "What kind of camera do you shoot with?" to a photographer, it's akin to asking a chef "What kind of pots do you cook with?" - you may have the same tools but unless you really know how to use it, you're not going to get the same results.
Maybe FM Summer to see if she knows other photographers that are trying to portfolio build in your area or someone she is mentoring.
Message edited 8/26/2009 9:16:14 AM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:10 AM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I just looked and I do not think her prices are unreasonable at all...I think she is charging middle of the line
like I said, I was getting estimates from 100-700 for the shoot, but that also includes the CD with all the pictures in high resolution and the ability to print / share them how you choose...this was a MUST for me
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:12 AM |
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dani731
Blessed!!!
Member since 1/08 3355 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Wow I won't be able to use her anymore either
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:22 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by dani731
Wow I won't be able to use her anymore either
Okay, at least it's just not me. Honestly, not to discredit her talent but $300 up front seems steep. When my DD was born we had a professional photography studio come to the house and do pics and there was no sitting fee and it came out to $200 for the the pics. They came out really nice but even then I thought that was SO expensive so Summer's new prices seem nuts to me.
Unless I'm reading something wrong her website says $800 for the high res CD of pics. Now really............are you kidding me??? If $$ wasn't an issue then I wouldn't hesitate but truthfully, at least IMO, to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on pictures seems crazy. I just can't afford that right now.
I am by no means a professional photographer but I've gotten some cute pics of my DD over the past year and it's good enough to capture her at that moment in time. Anyway, the OP was just my two cents. I was just shocked by how the prices have changed from March until now. She's priced me out of using her again.
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:33 AM |
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mrsgafforio
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 3929 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by dani731
Wow I won't be able to use her anymore either
Okay, at least it's just not me. Honestly, not to discredit her talent but $300 up front seems steep. When my DD was born we had a professional photography studio come to the house and do pics and there was no sitting fee and it came out to $200 for the the pics. They came out really nice but even then I thought that was SO expensive so Summer's new prices seem nuts to me.
Unless I'm reading something wrong her website says $800 for the high res CD of pics. Now really............are you kidding me??? If $$ wasn't an issue then I wouldn't hesitate but truthfully, at least IMO, to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on pictures seems crazy. I just can't afford that right now.
I am by no means a professional photographer but I've gotten some cute pics of my DD over the past year and it's good enough to capture her at that moment in time. Anyway, the OP was just my two cents. I was just shocked by how the prices have changed from March until now. She's priced me out of using her again.
It's not just you....I won't be able to use her next time for maternity/newborn pics. Not saying anything about her work. I will treasure the pics I have of DS.
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:37 AM |
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brownie
Baby #1 is here!
Member since 11/08 13903 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I think its pretty reasonable, especially to where you are located
I'm upstate and the photographer we used for our newborn shots cost us:
$145 for a 2hr shoot
and then we had to order a package of prints/or disk and they started at $500
We ended up spending a little over $700
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:49 AM |
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lulugrrl
My 3 Blessings
Member since 3/06 6551 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
My budget also only allows for up and comers, its hard because you LOVE the photgraphers work, and then it becomes out of reach, but at the same time they are growing and investing in their business and have to request more. My SIL has a base of $450, and that includes NOTHING...but its her livelihood. Def. look for someone building their portfolio, there are so many amazing photogs on here.
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| Posted 8/26/09 9:49 AM |
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Mkr09
.....
Member since 5/05 7550 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Yea I absolutely LOVE her work...I think she is amazing....but we just aren't able to spend that kind of money on a photo shoot. Maybe we'll win lotto between now and when we have DC#2 in March
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| Posted 8/26/09 10:07 AM |
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Candy Girl
Candy girl- you are so sweet!
Member since 11/07 6349 total posts
Name:
erin
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I recently spoke to Summer and I thought her prices were pretty reasonable compared to Blue Daisy Kids and some of the other photographers in my neighborhood. I kind of chuckled when I heard the CD is usually 800 bucks, but she can charge whatever she wants and if you don't like it, you don't have to use it.
Also, back in March she was working as a PO to supplement her income.
And don't forget who blew her up to these huge levels of popularity where she can charge big $$. All of the LIF Moms. Please don't flame, but if one Mom gets Summerlyn pics, 100 others HAVE to have them. It's just like LIW. How do you think Angelica Glass got so big? She even gives a shout out to LIW on her old website/blog. Same with certain hair/makeup/wedding photographers etc.
Anyway, Summer and I are having trouble trying to find a date that works for my Christmas baby to get my Christmas/1st b-day pics on time so I might just go to my old wedding photographer. (Unless we can find something that works, Summer ;) )
Don't begrudge Summer for becoming a success and living her dream. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to meet vendors in their early days and experience their talent and then...poof...totally unaffordable. It happens with clothing designers too.
I agree with the other posters who say that if you can't afford Summer, look around for someone who is just starting out. Or someone less expensive, though it will probably be hard to find.
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| Posted 8/26/09 10:07 AM |
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