It always helps when you have a beautiful subject, but there is simply an artistic beauty that hand painted oils give a portrait.  We recommend formal oil portraits before your child looses his or her teeth.  This usually occurs between four and five.  There is no question that an oil portrait such as this will certainly become an heirloom that will be passed down for generations.

Twice a year I get a surge of calls from clients inquiring about my oil, watercolor and other fine art products.  They have been contacted by a “friend” who is pushing them to purchase an oil from a traveling oil artist.  I want to inform you about the “traveling oil” artists that swing through our area a couple of times per year.  They have deals too good to be true - because they are.  Make sure you compare apples to apples so you won’t get snookered.  These folks are very polished with their pitches.  They offer a very low price on the front end to get you committed.  They know that once you go through the trouble of having your child sit for the session - they have you hooked.  We offer open and honest pricing which is all inclusive of the product you select.  You will not be surprised by add-ons for “detailed” backgrounds or have to purchase expensive frames because the portrait was painted at a non-standard size.

Today, I had a new client call me and tell me about her $9.99 experience at a big box retailer that has a photography “studio” in the store.  After they took the pictures she realized that the special rate did not qualify for the background she preferred and that there were lots of hooks and catches in the pricing.  To get what she really wanted cost her $350.  Several years ago, industry statistics stated that the average client spent over $250 at one of these low end - high volume locations.  They got lots of pictures - but they lack much when it comes to quality and customer service.

I share this only to continue to help you understand how these “traveling artists” work.  You will pay more, for lesser quality, and much poorer customer service.  Before you get hooked into doing what your “friends” are doing give me a call.  By-the-way,  your “friend” is encouraging you to do it - because she is probably getting a referral credit towards her purchase.

For the over 20 years we have been in business we have built our reputation on providing tremendously creative, high quality portraits for every client - every time.

 MY Top Ten Suggestions for Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Congratulations! My wish for you is that the fairy tale you dreamed of and probably practiced as a child comes true for you with your prince charming!

There are few portrait events that rival the importance of your wedding. For many brides, your wedding is the first time you will hire a professional photographer. With no prior experience in commissioning a professional photographer, you may be tempted to shop for a photographer as you shop for every other item for the wedding…solely based on price.

You may not realize that on your wedding day almost every professional involved in your wedding is licensed or regulated by a state agency except photographers. That includes your pastor, caterer, stylist, even the person who does your nails. Because of the lack of regulation, almost daily I hear another bride or mother of the bride’s wedding photography horror story.

So what has changed? Technology: digital photography has lowered the barrier for entry and the perceived skill sets in the photography industry. Five to ten years ago, you had to have a strong knowledge of posing, lighting and technical aspects of capturing beautiful images on film. Most wedding photographers would show up at your wedding with ten to thirty thousand of dollars of equipment. Today you can get a pretty good digital camera for $600 and you are now a “professional wedding photographer”. So how do you make the best investment in a professional wedding photographer?

Here are my TOP TEN suggestions for hiring a wedding photographer:

1) Establish a budget for photography. The industry average is 10% of the total wedding budget. Martha Stewart suggests 20%. (If your total wedding budget, dress, flowers, venue, food, beverages, entertainment, etc. is $15,000 then your photography budget should be $1,500 to $3,000)

2) Research your photographer…regardless of who refers you to your photographer. Ask for names and contact information of at least three recent brides. Call them and ask to see their completed wedding album. Ask questions about the photographer’s professionalism, including responsiveness to phone calls and emails prior to and after the wedding, and length of time it took to get the completed wedding album delivered. Many photographers provide “incentives” to other vendors for referrals. Even though you think you are getting an “honest” referral based on the photographer’s quality of work and past experience, this may not be the case.

3) Discuss their formal training in photography and years in business. (not how long they have been taking pictures) Keep in mind that 50% of small businesses in America fail in the first five years.

4) Ask if they are a member of a professional trade association, such as the Professional Photographers of America. (PPA requires its members to abide by a professional code of ethics and offers indemnification, mediation and other critical legal support which protects you, the consumer)

5) If they are a member of the PPA, find out if they are Certified by the PPA. (this volunteer certification validates that they at least have a critical technical knowledge of photography and that they take their trade seriously enough to voluntarily help raise the professional standards by becoming certified as a professional photographer)

6) Does your photographer have a storefront or professional office and maintain regular business hours? Often the biggest challenge comes from hiring a photographer with no permanent address and only a cell phone and yahoo or hotmail email account. Would you use a doctor, lawyer or other professional that worked out of a bedroom of their home? Anyone can make images look great on a web site. Website templates make it very easy for everyone to have a very professional looking website. Don’t be fooled by the perception of success.

7) Make certain your wedding package includes EVERYTHING you want, from photography of the wedding day to a completed wedding album. (57% of brides surveyed by Kodak in 2007 only received a high resolution DVD of images – NO PRINTED PICTURES AND NO WEDDING ALBUM) What they thought was a great deal turned quickly into a nightmare. Often these digital files are so large that most of the brides could not open them on a normal computer. The largest amount of time and often talent, in addition to capturing the photographs on your wedding day, occurs after the wedding. It is all the post production of the event including digital processing, color correction and retouching of the images and designing and printing a beautiful wedding album that require tremendous talent and TIME. Post production is NOT an option that is available at most one-hour photo labs – so you ARE NOT saving money trying to have your images printed yourself. Could you imagine going to a lawyer and after a very expensive hour of her time – she sends you home with a do it yourself kit to finish your legal documents?

How does your photographer archive your wedding files? Get a purchase option for your files in writing. If you do get a DVD of images, immediately make a copy to your hard drive and a second copy to place in your safe deposit box at your bank.

9) Get EVERYTHING in writing. Ask to review your contract overnight before signing. Get your attorney to review it. It will be well worth the money if something goes wrong.

10) Find out your photographer’s contingency plans. In the event of an illness, accident, or other event preventing your photographer from being able to photograph your wedding, learn their contingency plan to have your event photographed with equal or greater talent. Also, what is their equipment contingency plan? Do they have a back-up camera and back-up lighting equipment in case something is dropped and damaged in the middle of your wedding?

So how did your photographer score???

Don’t panic if they didn’t score a 10 of 10. This list has been comprised based on my 20+ years of experience in the photography industry and from the “stories” I keep hearing over and over from brides. Keep in mind that often the most talented artists may not have the strongest business and customer service skills. The process of hiring your photographer will most likely require some give and take but now you can make a more informed and educated decision.

Congratulations! My wish for you is that the fairy tale you dreamed of and probably practiced as a child comes true for you with your prince charming!

Lori Grice is an internationally recognized Master photographer. She has operated her successful photography business in downtown Statesboro for over 20 years. As Statesboro Herald’s photography expert, you can ask Lori more questions about wedding photography or other types of photography at www.StatesboroHerald.com on the Ask the Expert page. Learn more about Lori at www.lorigrice.com .

Call the Averitt Center TODAY at 912-212-2787 and mention you are a Lori Grice BLOG reader and you will get 15% off your tickets.  While your ordering don’t forget the to thank the Averitt Center for this great discount - just for reading my blog!

Easter is one of the most photographed events of the year.  Often I am asked where do I get my personal images developed.  Regency Photo is owned by my uncle Gil Riggs and is the most reputable and reliable digital AND film processing center in town.  Almost weekly, we have people tell us HORROR stories about loosing their flash card or hard drive with their images without having any actual prints of the images.  Use this blog as a coupon to make sure Easter memories make it to next Easter. 

                  *** Are you a digital dummy?***

Digital tutoring: $35 per hour in your home (Statesboro)

                         $30 per hour at Regency Photo

(Both of these include setting up your computer by my mentor.  Gil has 30 years of expertise in the photography industry)

Take $3 off of tutoring OR your next print order

Regency Photo is located at 236 North Main Street, Statesboro

912-764-6424 or gilriggs@hotmail.com

Offer Expires: March 31, 2008

  Pick up a copy of the March/April Statesboro Magazine and immediately flip it over to the back cover.  This is another part of the new SMART campaign I have been commissioned to photograph for Sea Island Bank.  Sea Island has selected some of Statesboro’s “smartest” families and business owners to be featured in the photo driven  campaign.  Of all the commercial campaigns I have shot, and all the magazines my work has been featured in (except for Edie Grace in Paula Deen’s Magazine) this project has been one of the most rewarding.  This campaign is so special because it celebrates the success of my hometown.  During the 21 years I have been building a successful business in downtown - I have watched and celebrated the success of the individuals featured.  It is an incredible honor to be commissioned as the artist that now gets to create portraits that will allow them to share their success with the rest of you.  One of the first sessions was at Snooky’s with the Chairman of the Bank Board, and probably the most famous restaurateur in the area, Bruce Yawn.  This ad was featured on the back cover of the Chamber of Commerce directory.  From there we have been to Portal, Metter, Pulaski, Statesboro and all points in between and we are JUST getting started.  You will enjoy this refreshing campaign and celebrate these outstanding citizens of our community’s success.

All of you Synovus (Sea Island’s parent company) stockholders - please pay special attention to this year’s annual report.  You will see my photography featuring one of Statesboro’s oldest and most well known businesses.  That is all I can share with you now.  Soon I will be allowed to share this with you also.

Keep watching as this campaign unfolds - you are going to LOVE it!  Here are a few of the completed ads that I am allowed to share.  I will share more as they are released.

What would you say if I offered you a session shot by me - Lori Grice - for only $29?  Even better - what if I told you that I will sell you ANYTHING you want to purchase from the session at Gil’s prices??  How in the world can you beat that?  You can not take a picture yourself and beat that price and quality!!  SPREAD THE WORD!  This is a ONCE in a LIFE TIME opportunity.

Remember my Uncle Gil?  He owns Regency Photo where I started “working” when I was only eight years old.  (My real job there began when I was 15.)  I give him most of the credit (or blame-depending on the day) for introducing me to the world of photography.

Each month of our 20 year anniversary in business we have been doing some sort of fun special.  I call them, “It’s our birthday but we are giving the gifts to you!”  October’s event is a BIG THANK YOU to my Uncle Gil.  We will be offering two days of Halloween Quick-Take sessions that he will print for you into a cool little purse size book. 

The package includes a 10 minute session and the book of images for only $29 (plus tax) shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro.  You will be able to order additional images from Regency for all of your friends and relatives.  These sessions are first come/first serve and only most likely will sell out quickly!  100% of the proceeds will go to Gil and Regency Photo as a small token of the appreciation I have for all everything he and Kathy have done for me my WHOLE life.  My life would not have been the same without them!  It is also a great opportunity for me to introduce you to my “secret weapon” uncle Gil.  He is the most knowledgeable person I have ever met when it comes to all things photographic - from your camera to the processing - he has it covered.

Halloween costumes or casual clothes are preferred.  (These will be “fun shots” not portraits.)  

Session Dates:  Wednesday, October 24 - 4 to 7PM Shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro

                          Wednesday, October 31 - 2 - 6 PM shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro

$29 paid by check or cash directly to Regency Photo.  I will photograph the session on location at Regency Photo and you will receive a photo book of images.  You may purchase additional images directly from Regency Photo. Get there early to beat the crowd - at this price - it is going to be crazy!!!

Tomorrow I am going to write more about last night’s award banquet.  There are so many people to thank!  I am still in a state of shock.  It touched me to the depth of my being!!!  So while I struggle to get my thank list in order I thought I would share some of my new custom jewelry items we have available.  There are only about six weeks left to order them for Holiday delivery.  (purses need to be ordered early also!)

The unique thing about certain pieces of this line is that we can send them back in and have the image changed for a small fee plus shipping.  That way you can update the image as we create new images for you of your children and family.

We have a few sample pieces in stock that you can come by and see.  I have already chosen about six more things that I want for myself!  I am also going to order a pair of cuff links for DeWayne.  (ssshhh!  don’t blow his surprise)  H e collects cuff links.  Although they won’t be as rare and collectible as some in his collection, I think they will be much more dear to his heart!  If he is on the good list, and not the naughty list, he might even get a key chain too!

I know you will be thrilled with these new cool gift ideas!  Don’t procrastinate!  Call us today and order something that will make Grandma’s Holiday even merrier!!! p.s.  I will be happy to call your hubby and d rop a hint or two for you!  Just call or email me with his contact info. 

(The photos only show a small sampling of what is available!)

***We can create these from our portraits or your snapshots!

After years and years of being voted ‘best of” in Savannah and Statesboro - I have now moved up in the world.  I have made the transformation from “best of” to “expert”.  So what does all that mean?  Who knows!  I am honored to be included in the Statesboro Herald’s new “Ask the Expert” section of their website.  With over 2 million hits per month - their site is one of the most viewed web sites in the region and possibly the southeast.

They have asked me to serve as the expert in Photography for the region.  Well this is a large task and I promise to do my best!  Everybody now owns a digital camera and I bet you know someone that has recently began a photography business or is planning to start one.  This huge shift in technology has created lots of confusion in the marketplace for the consumers, hobbyist and novice photographers.  Hopefully through this web site, I will be able to help you understand the changes and opportunities in the photography industry for a consumer.  This site is targeting hobbyist - non professional photographers. 

There is lots to learn so be sure to check it out.  This is your opportunity to ask me any of the questions you have about your camera, storing images, printing images - when is the best time to use a professional photographer, how to select a photographer that is right for you, etc.

I will link and share some of the questions here on the blog also.

I really do not think I am old enough to be an expert!  But I will try my best to live up to the part!

One of the ways that I keep my creative eye as fresh as possible is to continue to stick my neck out for criticism or praise through juried print competitions.  The mother of all competitions is the Professional Photographers of America’s International (PPA) Print Competition.  Each year members of the PPA (which currently numbers over 18,000 internationally) are allowed to enter four total images to the competition.  Normally these images have been judged several times prior at a state and regional level through affiliate PPA organizations.  The goal of the print competition is to challenge an artist to continue to grow creatively and technically.  This process is critical in the grow or die world of photographic art.  It can be a very humbling experience, putting your images beside the best and brightest photographic artist in the world.  When you are lucky enough to win - it can also be one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world.  The judging for 2007 has just been completed and again this year the PPA judges liked my work.  Out of over 5,000 entries, Two of my images were selected to represent the PPA in their Loan Collection and one was selected for the general collection.  The Loan collection is the PPA’s “best of” collection.  The collection contains 400 images which will be published in the 2007 Loan Collection book by PPA.  The collection also becomes a traveling collection and is displayed in gallery’s around the world, inspiring and encouraging photographers and admirers of great photography.  I am honored to be included again in this prestigious collection.  Every day I work hard to create images that could easily be included in this collection for every client.

Continue reading “PPA Loan images selected…”

By: Stephanie Slaton Owens - Statesboro

Each year in the spring, we take a group picture with all of our employees.  During our 28 years in business, Dingus MaGee’s has seen many people come and go while most have touched our lives in some way.  Within these walls, many lasting friendships have formed.  Several of our employees have married each other and to think it all started here is just amazing.  It’s great to see past employees stop by and find their picture on our wall to show their children.  Football games and alumni weekends bring old friends back to our wall of pictures to share memories and laughs.  I love to reminisce about the past and our wall of pictures is a great place to start.  I hope to make many more pictures in the years to come with each year bringing new memories.  Thank you Lori for photographing our employee history.