Santa Photography Services
About
Hi, it’s nice to meet you! ...
My name is Sonja West,
I’m a multi-talented photographer based in Winston-Salem, and I’ve been photographing for over 45 years. I specialize in professional high quality photography services both digital and videography. Truth is stranger than fiction, and I’ve always been compelled by that fact, especially here in North Carolina.
Have achieved the following awards:
An award, "In recognition of dedication and outstanding service to North Carolina", from former Governor Michael F. Easley - 2004,
Winner in the 2008 Town Of Boone calendar photo contest. Photo of "Orville Hicks the Storyteller and Mayor Loretta Clawson in front of the Jones House" and "Replica 4th of July 2009 Parade Float." - 2008 and have won various photography awards from scenic, modeling and other categories.
My work has been shown throughout the High Country Area and my photographs have appeared in newspapers and the local Calendar throughout the Boone and Blowing Rock as well in other areas of North Carolina.
Since COVID-19 I have been close to home in Winston-Salem North Carolina. If the right job is out of my local area and feasible I would be interested, but until that job comes around I stick to my home base. Yes, we offer discounts on weddings providing if it is an out of our area!
Right now I’m really passionate about a series of videos I’m making in the surrounding area, of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mountains of the High Country, North Carolina and Georgia. It would be great to stay in touch. Would you like to exchange business cards?
Services consist of weddings, portraits, scenic, photo coping, legal photography in criminal cases and other photography, and letter from Santa and other needs!
Specialties
Location
Event type
Budget
Guest count
Delivery format
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I try to listen and understand the client's needs and what kind of photography they want, no matter how small or how big the job is. It is up to the customer on the work that they would like to have done. It is important to know the quality of work that you present.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a photographer I have many qualities, talents and experiences that I have learned over 40+ years from photo copying, weddings, doing Santa portraits with small children and other types of photography in the field. My education and training has been from my experience of being self-taught and learning on my own by doing. My learning in the field of photography can't be learned in school or any books, it has been from trial and error and the school of hard knocks.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My prices are competitive to most photographers for different types of photography depending on the type of job and number of hours. Weddings, and Events usually are by how many hours other photography services are by the job.
How did you get started in this business?
I got into the photography services in copying old family photographs and decided to take up photography as a profession. I also taught myself web design in building my own business website. But also loved preserving the beauty of history of people and our national family heritage.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with many people of all walks of life from ancestors regarding family lineage, sisters, cousins, family reunions, out of town corporate birthday parties and corporate lawyers in big business.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I remember doing a wedding, covering approximately 200 people consisting of aunts, uncles, grandparents and outside guests. Pictures that would last a lifetime, full of fond memories. But most of all doing a wedding with lots of dancing, and friends and family congratulating the bride and groom.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
If you hire a pro he/she and the customer need to be able to work together to make every moment count on the brides special day that will be remembered of that special day for years to come. As a photographer the bride should be treated as if she is a princess of the ball with respect.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
First, Make a budget on how much you are willing to afford before talking with a pro.
Ask questions that might help you in deciding to hire this pro and a good fit for you that special day!