About
I am a heavily process oriented photographer who specializes in capturing candid images during photo shoots. I believe communication and homework before the photoshoot is incredibly important.
This communication beforehand allows me to understand exactly what kind of photos the client is looking for, and this also helps the client understand why they are hiring a professional photographer as well.
Let's capture a story, your story.
I started doing photography as a hobby 15 years ago when I started my high school's newspaper and turned it into a graphic magazine for the student body. This 'magazine' then went on to win a number of national art awards for private schools across the country.
I furthered my art by creating a niche magazine post graduation where I would share my 'year in review' with my family and share my artwork as a gift.
Clients typically remark that I am easy going on the job, but tough beforehand with the homework. I am very process heavy when it comes to my work and this is due to a mechanical engineering background and focus in product commercialization and development.
My instagram is: @jusmcafee
Details
Photos and videos
Reviews
Lisa L.
Dakota
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typical process for working with a new customer is the same no matter the customer.
I answer this question in detail on my website here: https://www.jusmcafeephoto.com/blog/hiring-me
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a mechanical engineer by trade, pilot during my free time with an instrument sea plane rating, and I run a niche magazine for entrepreneurs who are just starting out as a way to help others interested in starting their own business understand the details and setbacks which they could face during their transition from a regular salaried position.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing is as follows:
$150 for the first hour of work - this includes travel to and from job site.
Additional hours are $100 per hour.
This pricing includes ALL edited photos from the photoshoot and a copyright release for personal use. Commercial use will need to be negotiated.
Wedding rates are $200 per hour up to 8 hours where my standard wedding rates take place - these can be seen on a PDF which I can send to you personally.
How did you get started in this business?
I got started in photography when I purchased my first DSLR camera body to take photos for my school magazine. I found that if I wanted to be able to put photos in the magazine I would need to find someone to take the photos - it turns out that I had to be that person.
Thus my passion and my interest in photography was born.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I detail some customer stories on my blog! I think that's the best way to understand how I would deal with a potential situation on the job!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I jumped from doing full time engineering to taking on the challenge of a lifetime and starting my own business this past June.
If I were to tell you that the journey has been sunshine and roses the entire time, I would be lying. But the amount of fulfillment I have gotten from making this financial independent switch has made me so much happier.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Hiring a photographer is all about being able to work with someone personally. Remember you want these photos to be authentic and real. You don't want something which can be seen as fake half-way across a google search!
I would highly suggest someone you can hold a coversation with and who is easy going and stress free.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1) Is this person going to be able to produce the photos I need/want? (need and want in terms of photography are two very different things)
2) Does this photographer follow a process? Do I know when I am going to get my photos? (I am VERY strict about this process which is seen in a lot of my reviews online)
3) How many photos do I actually need? Remember, I charge by the hour, I don't charge by the photo. You will get around 100 - 200 photos per hour for each hour we are shooting and 85% of them are going to be usable.