I see my photography and poetry work as a ministry. In general, I am not available for hire. I do not have the facility, equipment, or inclination to properly do portrait photography. I am not interested in the full dynamics of commercial wedding photography. Yet, on occasion, I have agreed to provide photographic services when specifically requested if the event date was open on my calendar, or was flexible enough to allow me to fit it into whatever circumstances my schedule permitted, and what the person or organization desired was what I call "snapshot" photography. Below, you will find some information to hopefully answer your questions about possible services. 

In 2004 our local church participated in a Habitat for Humanity Lansing build project with other churches and organizations. The volunteer coordinator saw photography on my skills list and called asking if I would be willing to use my camera rather than a hammer. I did this completely as a contribution (no fees) showing up whenever I could. In the end they were given 3,879 digital images on four photo CDs. This was done because their work fit my mission statement and it involved my local church. I can only afford to do such totally free projects using my digital camera and CDs.

Frequently, for non-commercial photos, I will agree to come by and take pictures at an event on a free will offering basis. This allows the person or organization requesting my services to give what they can toward my expenses of operation and still get what they might not be able to afford otherwise. This (free will offering) photography is also now done with my digital camera and CDs, since eliminating the cost of film and developing allows me to say yes to more circumstances.

These "Toddler Time" photos were take at Fitzgerald Park. Outdoors on sunny days is the arena I get the best digital results. The limitations of flash photography are counterproductive to getting good candid shots when working indoors. They can be surmounted but I am less likely to say yes to totally indoor situations. I consider if something fits my mission philosophy and quite frankly whether it will be fun rather than just feel like a work assignment.

I often get asked if I am available for hire in the various traditional photographer roles. While my typical response is simply "no" I have thought much about what kind of fee schedule I would use, given the ministry philosophy I function under, should I ever care to say yes. On the rare occasions that might occur, I have established the following minimum fee schedule: 

An hourly rate between $24 and $37 per hour.  In lieu of any kind of mileage charge, this begins when I leave the a touch of william studio/gallery and ends when I arrive back.

plus

For digital photography: $10 (for the CD) and $1 for each image on the CD.

For 35mm film photography: - No Longer Available -

If you desire the set-up of a basic website or page in conjunction with my photographic services the rates would be the same but with a $500 maximum hourly charge for most initial website/page work. I no longer host pages within my site but can help you with the arrangements.

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS - THE BASICS OF GOOD PICTURE TAKING AND A LITTLE MORE

For personal (or a small group of friends) instruction on the basics of photography, hourly rates are the same as in the chart above for general photographic services.  Learn the single simplest thing you can do to make your pictures look more professional.  Understand the 35mm language (aperture openings, shutter and film speeds) that digital cameras use.  Know how to fool your digital camera into giving you the light exposure you desire without changing the manual settings . . . and more. 

Note: many of these basics are offered free if you simply wish to bring your camera to the Teaching & Sharing Center of Grand Ledge, at a mutually convenient time.  Just ask. 

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