Mark Butler Photos
About
Professional photography in the Lubbock, Texas area - creating memories from weddings, to portraits, to school and special photo sessions - we'll work together to capture your important memories and find fun, creative ways to share them with family and friends for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Email typically initiates the communication, however phone and personal interaction is preferred throughout the work process. That said, I will establish a preferred method of communication with my clients, because everybody's needs and availability are different.
COVID-19 Operations: Currently providing In-Person visits and Virtual Consultations. For personal visits...- Social distancing practices are enforced. - Masks are required - Staff wears masks - Contactless payments available - Sanitizing between customers
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in Marketing in which I have been able to use to provide artistic style, quality and sound business practices to help me grow my business. Customer Service training and experience have helped me to better understand and relate to my clients, ensuring the best possible client experience.
I am also a member of Professional Photographers of America, which provides continuous education to strengthen business skills, customer relations and photography skills.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I do have standard pricing that I would prefer to share personally with my clients, however I do also provide custom pricing based upon client needs and budgets.
My pricing model is in place for:
- Individual and Family Portraits - Package pricing available
- Business/Professional Headshots (Fixed rates)
- Weddings and Social Events **
- Business Events **
- Stock Photography
* It is important to keep in mind how quickly you want your photos/products? Pricing could be higher for expedited services and products.
** Please keep in mind that for most photo sessions, I charge an hourly rate for the session itself. Photo packages, prints, products, etc. are generally an additional cost, which we will negotiate as part of the free consultation.
Copyright Information: It is important to note that Mark Butler Photos does maintain the copyright on all photos we take. We can negotiate the release of copyright on a case-by-case basis.
How did you get started in this business?
I got started in Photography as more of a hobby about 15 years ago with a small Kodak point and shoot camera. Shortly after a couple of years, I found myself building more of a passion for capturing moments and realized I really needed to develop higher quality photos and build more creativity into my photos. A couple of later, I made the decision that I wanted to make my hobby more of a professional venture, and so I purchased my first professional camera and set of lenses and quickly began to have family members and friends recommend their friends and acquaintances to me to take photos... and I have been going pretty strong since then.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with a variety of clients...
- Family members and friends for portaits and special events.
- Individuals and families for family portraits and special events
- Pets - dogs and cats primarily, but I really enjoy photographing birds of all types.
- Bride and Groom for Engagement, Wedding and Anniversary Photography.
- Business professionals for headshots, social media, badges, personal marketing collateral, etc.
- Local businesses for special events and corporate photos for marketing collateral, annual reports, etc.
- Small businesses in developing marketing collateral, including web presence and social media.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was able to provide professional photos for a corporate Associate Appreciation event recently in which I was able to take some difficult low light photos on the dance floor as well as individual and group shots - I shot the entire event without a flash and the photos turned out very nice - the company and associates were very pleased with the pictures and provided me with some nice referrals.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Do your research, and understand that price is only a small piece of what you should be aware of. Most photographers, such as myself, have standard pricing but some will work to help establish a budget and provide sound feedback and examples of what you would receive for your investment.
Customer service is a lost art anymore... make sure you spend some time upfront getting to know the professionals you are researching. How do they treat you? How do they treat the phot party? Do they listen to your needs and understand what you want for final products? Are they personable - can hold on a conversation with a smile? Do they show that they truly want your business and value you as a customer?
Don't pay for a consultation unless what you are asking is aout of the norm. If you are asking a photographer to travel a great distance, or spend hours of time with you, a good photographer will have a discussion and negotiate a fee to cover costs that might be incurred. But generally speaking, a professional photographer will want to meet with you as much as you want to meet with them, to develop rapport, learn about you and your needs, etc.
All of this is important when looking for someone who you are going to trust to capture moments in your life that will address your needs and last a lifetime.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
- What is your budget? How much do you want to spend? How much are you WILLING to spend?
- What type of photos do you want as an end product? (files, print, black and white, color, photo books, photo gifts, etc.)
- What setting are you wanting to have your photos taken? (Nature, studio, special location, etc.)
- What is your timeframe for completion? In other words, how quickly are you needing your final photos/products?
- Do you employ safe practices during COVID-19?