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LIMOMx2
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Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I think photographers like that are all priced that high or around there. Is it worth it, depends on who you talk to.
Invest in a good camera and practice. 
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Posted 8/26/09 12:48 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Honestly I don't think her price is high at all...maybe the $800 for the CD is steep but her session fee is fine especially since that includes $100 credit.
I've dropped $$ on pics at KK and the PP and they don't hold a candle to the work the vendors do on here...the vendors here are so talented and creative. You don't get that work with Sears, KK or PP..at least not IMO.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:15 PM |
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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 babybug631
I don't know Summer. I know she is booked for a very long time. She has built a successful business. If I were her, I would probably raise my prices too.
I am in sales, and as a sales person I NEVER talk price, especially for a high end item. It is something that comes up after the value of the service has been discussed. Summer and all of these photographers are high end. They do fantastic work. They are not Sears or JcPenny.
It's like a punch in the gut when someone draws attention to pricing like that. The clients of these photographers are going to them for their quality. Not because of price. To draw attention to it, especially if you were happy with what she did for you, is a slap in the face IMO. As a happy customer, maybe you should have spoken with her about it directly instead of drawing attention to it.
A slap in the face? In no way was my OP a slap in the face. First, I can think she does amazing work but be a little pricey. I went to her because of her work but price is ALWAYS a consideration with anything your spending your hard earned money on.
Second, I wasn't drawing attention to her prices as if it's some secret that I was letting everyone know about. Her prices are in black and white on her website so there is no secret here. I was just surprised by them because I had paid so little not too long ago.
End of story. There is nothing else to say. Summer does great work! She's just more expensive than she use to be. That's all I said. That's all I meant.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:52 PM |
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Tine73
Member since 3/06 22093 total posts
Name:
*********
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by nrthshgrl
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.
I agree with all of this. While of course I wish her prices were still lower, she's right in line with a lot of other LIF photographers and less expensive than a lot outside photographers. I won't be doing as many shoots as I have with her bc it's cost prohibitive, but it will make the ones I continue to do with her more special. Her talent is totally worth the price she charges.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:58 PM |
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dawnygirl25
Growing up soo fast..
Member since 1/06 14917 total posts
Name:
Dawn
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
why does every post about Summer have to be dramatic lately???
OP is just saying she cant afford Summers work - neither can I - and Im sure there are plenty of others on here who cant. Geez..thats it.no reason to flame the OP.
Message edited 8/26/2009 2:00:29 PM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:59 PM |
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computergirl
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3118 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
This board is so wacko. Now you can't even say a vendor is expensive. (Note: I don't know Summer, I never used any of the photography vendors, I have zero interest in high end photography, I rarely even go to Sears for pics)
It's not a private matter that should have been resolved in private (like that last thread about Summer). It's the PRICE, that is clearly listed and the same for everyone booking right now.
Here are other things that are expensive and that I wouldn't spend money on: Bugaboo strollers, designer diaper bags, $5000 day camps, the Beaba Babycook, and so forth. How come it's ok to say those things are too expensive for my taste, but not a LIF vendor?
Trust me, there are plenty of people who will drop unlimited $$$ for these photos. The demand will set the price for the product.
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| Posted 8/26/09 1:59 PM |
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dawnygirl25
Growing up soo fast..
Member since 1/06 14917 total posts
Name:
Dawn
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
double post. sorry
Message edited 8/26/2009 2:00:55 PM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:00 PM |
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dawnygirl25
Growing up soo fast..
Member since 1/06 14917 total posts
Name:
Dawn
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by computergirl
.
Here are other things that are expensive and that I wouldn't spend money on: Bugaboo strollers, designer diaper bags, $5000 day camps, the Beaba Babycook, and so forth. How come it's ok to say those things are too expensive for my taste, but not a LIF vendor?
exactly!!!!!! this is no different,
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:01 PM |
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CrankyPants
I'm cranky
Member since 7/06 18178 total posts
Name:
Mama Cranky
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by babybug631
I don't know Summer. I know she is booked for a very long time. She has built a successful business. If I were her, I would probably raise my prices too.
I am in sales, and as a sales person I NEVER talk price, especially for a high end item. It is something that comes up after the value of the service has been discussed. Summer and all of these photographers are high end. They do fantastic work. They are not Sears or JcPenny.
It's like a punch in the gut when someone draws attention to pricing like that. The clients of these photographers are going to them for their quality. Not because of price. To draw attention to it, especially if you were happy with what she did for you, is a slap in the face IMO. As a happy customer, maybe you should have spoken with her about it directly instead of drawing attention to it.
A slap in the face? In no way was my OP a slap in the face. First, I can think she does amazing work but be a little pricey. I went to her because of her work but price is ALWAYS a consideration with anything your spending your hard earned money on.
Second, I wasn't drawing attention to her prices as if it's some secret that I was letting everyone know about. Her prices are in black and white on her website so there is no secret here. I was just surprised by them because I had paid so little not too long ago.
End of story. There is nothing else to say. Summer does great work! She's just more expensive than she use to be. That's all I said. That's all I meant.
I think it is silly that you have to keep repeating this.
It is clear from your OP that you think Summer is a great photographer and that you wish you could still afford her.
Summer does awesome work and should charge a rate that corresponds to her level of expertise. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford that.
The good part about this thread is that we learned that:
1-though the CD itself might be expensive, she has options available for other budgets
2-Heather from Fireflies is still building her portfolio and you can probably get a good deal and an appointment with her
3-you might be able to find another up and comer at bargain prices if you check out craigslist.
It's a good day people.
Message edited 8/26/2009 2:06:35 PM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:05 PM |
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lovemy2boys
LIF Adult
Member since 10/07 3915 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by DRMom
I am going to go out on a limb here and say what I think even though I may get flamed for it. Lets face it, Summer does BEAUTIFUL work. However-I am sure her business would not have taken off so quickly were it not for the "word of mouth" situation on here. People post her pics, talk about how excited they are about sneak peeks etc.
Now some of that is facilitated by the website allowing this type of forum to take place but in reality it is all the posters who make it work. A true symbiotic relationship. With that said-maybe Summer could offer a special LIF discount or a short session for those who were previous customers and have been "priced out." Of course it is her decision to do what she chooses with her business but just some random thoughts I had.
ITA with this.
I'm not sure that most people on here will be able to afford or be willing to pay these higher prices. The OP did not say anything wrong, people on here are trying to stir up drama.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:05 PM |
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dawnygirl25
Growing up soo fast..
Member since 1/06 14917 total posts
Name:
Dawn
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by CrankyPants
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by babybug631
I don't know Summer. I know she is booked for a very long time. She has built a successful business. If I were her, I would probably raise my prices too.
I am in sales, and as a sales person I NEVER talk price, especially for a high end item. It is something that comes up after the value of the service has been discussed. Summer and all of these photographers are high end. They do fantastic work. They are not Sears or JcPenny.
It's like a punch in the gut when someone draws attention to pricing like that. The clients of these photographers are going to them for their quality. Not because of price. To draw attention to it, especially if you were happy with what she did for you, is a slap in the face IMO. As a happy customer, maybe you should have spoken with her about it directly instead of drawing attention to it.
A slap in the face? In no way was my OP a slap in the face. First, I can think she does amazing work but be a little pricey. I went to her because of her work but price is ALWAYS a consideration with anything your spending your hard earned money on.
Second, I wasn't drawing attention to her prices as if it's some secret that I was letting everyone know about. Her prices are in black and white on her website so there is no secret here. I was just surprised by them because I had paid so little not too long ago.
End of story. There is nothing else to say. Summer does great work! She's just more expensive than she use to be. That's all I said. That's all I meant.
I think it is silly that you have to keep repeating this.
It is clear from your OP that you think summer is a great photographer and that you wish you could still afford her.
Summer does awesome work and should charge a rate that corresponds to her level of expertise. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford that.
The good part about this thread is that we learned that:
1-though the CD itself might be expensive, she has options available for other budgets
2-Heather from Fireflies is still building her portfolio and you can probably get a good deal and an appointment with her
3-you might be able to find another up and comer at bargain prices if you check out craigslist.
It's a good day people.
good summary,  
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:06 PM |
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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 CrankyPants
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by babybug631
I don't know Summer. I know she is booked for a very long time. She has built a successful business. If I were her, I would probably raise my prices too.
I am in sales, and as a sales person I NEVER talk price, especially for a high end item. It is something that comes up after the value of the service has been discussed. Summer and all of these photographers are high end. They do fantastic work. They are not Sears or JcPenny.
It's like a punch in the gut when someone draws attention to pricing like that. The clients of these photographers are going to them for their quality. Not because of price. To draw attention to it, especially if you were happy with what she did for you, is a slap in the face IMO. As a happy customer, maybe you should have spoken with her about it directly instead of drawing attention to it.
A slap in the face? In no way was my OP a slap in the face. First, I can think she does amazing work but be a little pricey. I went to her because of her work but price is ALWAYS a consideration with anything your spending your hard earned money on.
Second, I wasn't drawing attention to her prices as if it's some secret that I was letting everyone know about. Her prices are in black and white on her website so there is no secret here. I was just surprised by them because I had paid so little not too long ago.
End of story. There is nothing else to say. Summer does great work! She's just more expensive than she use to be. That's all I said. That's all I meant.
I think it is silly that you have to keep repeating this.
It is clear from your OP that you think Summer is a great photographer and that you wish you could still afford her.
Summer does awesome work and should charge a rate that corresponds to her level of expertise. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford that.
The good part about this thread is that we learned that:
1-though the CD itself might be expensive, she has options available for other budgets
2-Heather from Fireflies is still building her portfolio and you can probably get a good deal and an appointment with her
3-you might be able to find another up and comer at bargain prices if you check out craigslist.
It's a good day people.
Yeah.....what you said!! ITA!! 
And yes.........I do think she does AMAZING work. I've never seen a bad picture from her!!! 
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:12 PM |
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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!!
lesson of the day...any summer post AT ALL = drama
ETA - Crankypants, nice synopsis 
Message edited 8/26/2009 2:17:13 PM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:16 PM |
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LIMOMx2
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Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Mikismom
lesson of the day...any summer post AT ALL = drama
ETA - Crankypants, nice synopsis
I agree. If it was another company from the outside this post would def not be like this. She has a lot of friends or people that wish they were her friend so this is how it turns out all the time.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:28 PM |
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I am thankful that this thread has kept the drama to a minimum. I would be sorely disappointed by anyone who either turns it into drama or is looking to incite drama. Do we really need 4 pages (and growing) of discussion about a business decision that a vendor makes? No one is forcing anyone to hire Summer or to pay her any money. As a business owner, I am not the cheapest in town but I can proudly say that I consider myself to be the most detail oriented. I have 2 very good friends who have photography businesses. They each charged lower rates when they were building up their clientele and portfolios. People who get paid salaries on W-2s get raises. Business owners are entitled to that as well!!!!!!!!
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:30 PM |
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sumlynmad
...bonds...
Member since 4/07 2080 total posts
Name:
Summer
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
lol
i'll add that my only friend is barb.........
i am such a loser!!!
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:33 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by computergirl
This board is so wacko. Now you can't even say a vendor is expensive. (Note: I don't know Summer, I never used any of the photography vendors, I have zero interest in high end photography, I rarely even go to Sears for pics)
It's not a private matter that should have been resolved in private (like that last thread about Summer). It's the PRICE, that is clearly listed and the same for everyone booking right now.
Here are other things that are expensive and that I wouldn't spend money on: Bugaboo strollers, designer diaper bags, $5000 day camps, the Beaba Babycook, and so forth. How come it's ok to say those things are too expensive for my taste, but not a LIF vendor?
Trust me, there are plenty of people who will drop unlimited $$$ for these photos. The demand will set the price for the product.
Well said.
ETA- i didnt know what people charged for this stuff, but figured it was probably in that range, so i dont think her prices are bad or anything (aside from the CD, but still- i have no knowledge of this stuff), but i dont see why this would turn into a drama thread or why people feel the need to defend summer's talent or anything else on a personal level- it was just a comment about pricing... just like tons of other threads on this board.
Message edited 8/26/2009 2:37:27 PM.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:35 PM |
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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 sumlynmad
lol
i'll add that my only friend is barb.........
i am such a loser!!!
Right..but I'm using you for the Friends & Family discount...
That was my master plan way back then. Befriend all of these people, force them to use my DSLR camera so they can get cameras of their own, learn photography, become vendors & then I can get photos for free.
I can't believe you've just caught on to that....
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:37 PM |
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LIMOMx2
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Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
I do want to add that I think it is great that she has her prices on her site. This way you know what the deal is and the person can't change the price all over the place.
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:43 PM |
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LIMOMx2
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Member since 5/05 24989 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by sumlynmad
lol
i'll add that my only friend is barb.........
i am such a loser!!!
But I bet now that your prices are up, everyone is going to want to be your friend
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:44 PM |
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pickles16
Real Estate Professional
Member since 11/07 17227 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by computergirl
This board is so wacko. Now you can't even say a vendor is expensive. (Note: I don't know Summer, I never used any of the photography vendors, I have zero interest in high end photography, I rarely even go to Sears for pics)
It's not a private matter that should have been resolved in private (like that last thread about Summer). It's the PRICE, that is clearly listed and the same for everyone booking right now.
Here are other things that are expensive and that I wouldn't spend money on: Bugaboo strollers, designer diaper bags, $5000 day camps, the Beaba Babycook, and so forth. How come it's ok to say those things are too expensive for my taste, but not a LIF vendor?
Trust me, there are plenty of people who will drop unlimited $$$ for these photos. The demand will set the price for the product.
BRAVO!!!!! Well said!!!
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| Posted 8/26/09 2:46 PM |
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hunnybunnyxoxo
this is what it's all about
Member since 11/07 3321 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Snickers
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 $$. All of the LIF Moms. Please don't flame, but if one Mom gets Summerlyn pics, 100 others HAVE to have them. It's just like LIW. How do you think Angelica Glass got so big? She even gives a shout out to LIW on her old website/blog. Same with certain hair/makeup/wedding photographers etc.
Anyway, Summer and I are having trouble trying to find a date that works for my Christmas baby to get my Christmas/1st b-day pics on time so I might just go to my old wedding photographer. (Unless we can find something that works, Summer ;) )
Don't begrudge Summer for becoming a success and living her dream. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to meet vendors in their early days and experience their talent and then...poof...totally unaffordable. It happens with clothing designers too.
I agree with the other posters who say that if you can't afford Summer, look around for someone who is just starting out. Or someone less expensive, though it will probably be hard to find.
i couldnt agree more!! and you said it perfect about how fast a good thing spreads! it's almost annoying! totally agree about angelica glass and pedela sisters! they become overnight phenoms through liw/lif! well deserved of course but the demand makes them charge more $$$$!!
i looooooove summer!! she is worth her weight in gold! i just saw the price increase and although she deserves every penny i don't know if i can pay the $300 for photos plus 1st birthday party expenses. it is something i will ahve to weigh out as we get closer to janurary! i will without a doubt use her for every newborn session in the future!!
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| Posted 8/26/09 3:06 PM |
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KartveliT
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Member since 1/08 8363 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by mikeswife06
I know what you mean. With photographers prices going up and the price of dSLR cameras having come down, it's not a bad idea to invest in a camera. I did and even though my pictures are FAR from the caliber of the professionals here, I feel I will get my money's worth out of the camera. I'll take a class with you. 
Hey......if you find a class let me know!! Of course then I would need to find the $$ for a "real" camera!! 
me too please!!! I would LOVE to take a class.
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| Posted 8/26/09 3:35 PM |
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KartveliT
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Member since 1/08 8363 total posts
Name:
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Re: OMG!! WOW!!
what is the website ? can someone post please?!
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| Posted 8/26/09 3:36 PM |
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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 tatuka
Posted by Hofstra26
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!!
me too please!!! I would LOVE to take a class.
Hmmmm..............maybe Summer can offer photography classes to us LIF'ers. Hmmmmm..............
Oh Summer............................
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| Posted 8/26/09 3:38 PM |
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