Small Wonder Photography specializes in product photography for artists, artisans, and crafters
at reasonable prices. As an artist, I understand the importance of having
high quality images of one's work. Often, it is impractical or impossible
to send samples of one's work to shops, galleries, potential customers,
etc. Images must be sent in their stead, and thus it is the images,
not the work itself, that is judged. A good image can mean the difference
between making a sale and being overlooked. Bringing in a knowledgeable
photographer to capture the beauty and character of your work is an
investment in your financial and professional future.
Small Wonder and its Vision
There is a wealth of handmade goods and talented artisans in Portland, yet a lack of specialized, affordable services to support their business needs. Commercial photography studios tend to cater to corporate clients, with corporate-sized budgets and extensive scale photography needs. This rarely, if ever, describes the situation in which creative entrepreneurs find themselves. With a focus on the quality of the product first and foremost (and rightly so) and very limited budgets, other business activities, such as advertising, fall by the wayside or aren't done at nearly as high a quality as the products they are representing. Small Wonder seeks to bridge that gap, and support independent creators in their endeavors
Small Wonder was created with these values in mind and strives to embody them:
- Local is beautiful; people should be able to get what they need locally.
- Small, sustainably-scaled operations are not only possible but necessary for a vibrant economy.
- Shipping should be minimized; shipping charges are irritating and shipping is a major source of pollution.
- Face-to-face, interpersonal interaction should be a part of every business transaction.
The Product Photography Process
The process by which your products are photographed is actually quite simple:
- We set up a face-to-face meeting so that I can get to know you, your product, and your needs. This can be in a locally-owned coffee shop, your workspace, or another location of your choosing.
- You bring your items, and a container in which to store them if a shoe box or similar container won't do. We've already talked briefly about your items and approximately how many will be photographed, so I will know what sort of transportation to use.
- I get to know you a little bit, your product, and your business. We discuss your needs, the image or style you want to express, timelines, and anything else you feel is important. Together, we fill out the appropriate agreement form (available on the Prices & Packages page) and come up with a price quote.
- 25% of the quoted price is paid upfront, either in cash at our meeting or with your credit/debit card via an email invoice.
- I take your products and the agreement home with me. A copy will be provided for your records along with the finished images.
- As I work, I will send you proofs of the photos for your feedback or approval. Any changes to the price you were quoted will be discussed with you before proceeding. Upon approval of the images, the remainder of price is to be paid. Again, this can be done online, or if you paid by cash, you can pay when we meet in person.
- Once the shots and editing are complete, we will meet again and I will give you your products back along with a CD of finished images. Or, if you needed your items back before the editing phase was finished, your CD will be mailed to you.
Affiliates
Small Wonder Photography is listed in the FreelanceDesigners.com database under Photographers.
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