Thank you for your interest in Michael Mussman Photography. Hopefully this blog post will answer some of those many questions that will come up for you as you contemplate purchasing my July 2011 Living Social promotion.
I have tried to answer many of the questions you may have below. If not, please feel free to email me at Michael@mussmanphoto.com, or call me at 206-713-2009. If I am with another client I will return your emails and calls soon as possible. My clients are what make my business so much fun. Here are some comments from my clients:
First off: What is the promotion? Well, it is pretty straightforward. You pay $50 and you get:
- A professional pre session portrait consultation. This assures that I understand your needs and desires so I am able to create the most natural portrait for you while we have fun in the process.
- A one hour portrait photography session with two options.
- On location – one location of your choice within a 15 mile radius of Seattle. There are so many parks or urban locations to choose from that we will be able to find the perfect location for your portraits
- In studio – My professional home studio in lovely Ballard.
- A $250 print credit toward the purchase of your portraits.
- A fun and memorable time and a fantastic and artistic addition to your home décor.
When can you schedule your portrait session? Sessions are available Monday thru Saturday and select evenings. As you can imagine Saturday is highly sought after and does come as a premium. I have an additional session fee of $50 for any weekend appointments.
Why do you require a consultation before a session? I have come to realize that to truly create the best portrait for you, I need to get to know a bit about you. I want to find out what your goals are for your portrait. Are you interested in creating a new centerpiece for over your mantle, or is your portrait to commemorate a special milestone in your life? Sitting down with your for 30-45 minutes and getting to know you (and you getting to know me) will help your portrait session be relaxed, stress free and that much more fun.
We also go over the best outfits to wear (or what not to wear), potential locations, and any other little details to have everything go off without a hitch.
Who can be in the portrait session? You, your family, friends, pets, and even automobiles/boats if you are so inclined. I do not charge extra for more people. However, do realize that the more people are in the images the larger the final prints will need to be to see everyone in them. So having a family of 10 and planning to purchase an 8×10 is not very realistic as peoples faces with be the size of a pencil eraser.
Why should I choose Michael Mussman Photography? I have been photographing professionally for over 20 years now. I have learned from some of the best photographers in the industry and to this day am still learning. I take pride in the continuing education that I do each and every year to keep myself on the cutting edge of this great industry.
I opened my first studio right out of college in 1992 in Bellingham. I built up a nice business photographing weddings, high school seniors and families. Over the years I have narrowed my focus and primarily photograph High School Seniors, Engagement Couples and Family portraits.
My photographic style has also evolved over the years. I am a very “natural” photographer. I suggest poses that will flatter an individual, showing off the best of each person and letting their personality shine through. I love to capture the joy of your individuality. I am also very relaxed and not pushy. Having refined this as a father of 4 kids (two being teenagers).
The most important reason you should have me as your portrait photographer: I am a professional. I respect my clients. You are all the reason I get to do what I love every single day and I hope to have each new client as a client for life.
I have the respect of my peers and excellent mentors. I use only professional ecologically responsible labs to make sure I am providing the highest quality, professional and environmentally conscience product. And on top of all that…I am a really great guy. (just ask my wife and kids).
How much is this going to cost me in the end? Honestly, this answer varies depending on the client and their needs. But I can tell you that my average sale for a family portrait session is right around $1000. Some clients spend more, some less. And if you are looking at the Living Social promotion, you will get a $250 discount right from the start.
What are my payment options? I do take most forms of payment. Visa/MC/Discover, cash and check. I do NOT accept American Express however.
I can also accommodate payment plans if needed. I want to make sure that you are able to walk out the door with a great portrait capturing lasting memories at the end of the day.
