Peter Crichton Photography

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

I have a friendly and patient nature which is a bonus as a people photographer. Many clients feel anxious or uncomfortable in front of a pro camera, this is totally understandable and expected. We start with a little getting to know you time and a few fun test shots to loosen everyone up :) Great photos come when everyone involved is relaxed and having fun. I have 20 years experience as a full time professional photographer of people and events.

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

I have a diploma in photography. I have photographed over 2000 weddings 500 corporate events and 500 family portraits. I hold photography class's in weddings, portrait and beginners.

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

I cover all aspects of photography but I am best at shooting people.

How do you normally charge for your service?

Although we cover many areas of people photography our price structure is based on the same principle. You pay the absolute market minimum for your photo session. This includes a set amount of hi res images in a package. If we have done a fantastic job and we have given you more beautiful images than you were expecting then you can purchase additional images at a small extra fee. This means you always only pay the minimum price and extras are optional.

What makes your pricing competitive?

Our pricing is set to the absolute market minimum. You only pay more for results! So you start with us at the absolute base rate. You only pay more once you have seen the images.

Are there any special offers you would like to offer to Oneflare customers?

All our Oneflare photography customers will receive a special offer. This offer will vary depending on what type of photography. Weddings receive up to $145 Off. Small family shoots receive up to $150 off. Corporate and business receive up to $140 off.

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Preparation is the key to saving money on a photography shoot. Most photographers base their price on time spent on the job. If the photographer has clear access to the shoot location and models or clients are ready for photos to be taken , it means the photographer can get more shots completed and have more time to be creative. More Available Time = Great Photo's! Check that all people being photographed are wearing the correct outfits, accessories etc. You may be charged extra if there is major photo shop work required. Give the photographer a clear brief and examples if possible so he/she doesn't waste time on shooting unwanted images.

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Date for the shoot, estimated start time, location of the shoot, how many people involved, how long you estimate you will need a photographer for, what you want to do with the finished photo's, where you live, photo examples if you have them.

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

All our work is totally guaranteed and we are insured. I believe the biggest threat to your photo shoot is the experience level of the photographer. I do guarantee our work but in 20 years of shooting we have never had to reshoot.

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

I have 20 years experience as a pro photographer. My business is built on the reputation I have created over this time. Most event venues, celebrants and industry people know me. Our catch cry is “ Its all about the experience” this means the experience you have with us on the day and our years of experience shooting people.Since digital photography started in early 2000 everyone knows a photographer! The market is flooded! But many of these newbie’s have little or no experience with the following… * How to control a crowd of 80+ people in a friendly efficient way to achieve the group photos and portraits the client needs. * How to work quickly and efficiently under pressure of a time limit and still achieve plenty of beautiful images without stressing everyone out. * How to shoot the images the Client wants and not what the photographer thinks looks pretty. * What to do when things go wrong! It’s pouring rain, the bride is late, the guests are drunk, we forgot the rings, we’ve run out of time and the light is fading, some of the relatives are arguing, the limo is under booked and wants to go, the flowers are late, some guests have not arrived to the ceremony yet. Etc etc. * How to help a couple or a client feel more relaxed when anxiety gets the upper hand. * How to make yourself invisible at a ceremony or event so you don’t disrupt the natural flow of the event. You only get one chance to photograph an event or wedding. Why not choose Experiance

What questions do customers most commonly ask you and what is your answer?

Common questions are ...How long do you think it will take? This depends on the type of shoot and budget but if the client gives me lots of info in the quote application I can give them a shoot time straight up. The next big question is how much? Of course this depends on many things but as a general rule , for every 1 hr on the shoot another 4 hrs is spent on post production so the photographer must allow for that.

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Ask how long the photographer has been is business. Is he or she a full time photographer. Do they have any qualifications. Can they send photo examples of their last 3 shoots. Can they give 3 referrals of previous clients.

What do you like most about your job?

I like the creativity and the opportunity to capture a persons personality and show them in the best possible way. I like the thank you cards and emails my clients send me after shoots, its a great feeling.

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Here is one of my favorite stories from a customer...I asked Peter to photograph our 7 (11-15 year old) Grandkids. Background: Twin girls from oldest son; boy and girl from daughter; three boys from the totally sport mad youngest son. 7 diverse personalities including a girl with absolutely no confidence whatsoever, hates herself in photos, and till Peter's photo shoot, never smiled in a pic. He chatted to her and told her how to stand and pose, I guess, I was too far away to hear. Sport loving boys and two high maintenance chicks in the making (one from the twins and the other from our daughter). And on top of that an actor (Brad Pitt maybe) in the making, and a brooding artist. And to top that he had we Oldies and our two pampered seven month old and not yet fully trained pooches to contend with. Don't know how he did it but he managed to get pics of the whole lot of us looking well behaved (pooches), we oldies looking.... well maybe not young but more than good for our age....... the brooding artist - brooding - and the others bursting with their individual personalities. But the star of the show had to be the no confidence kid, the beautiful twin that had, till then no confidence in herself......... she looked beautiful. But best of all she looked at the photo's and saw it for herself.. She now smiles when we point a camera. Thanks Peter.

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

I am a creative person so photography was a way I could enjoy the creative side and also make a living. I started in the film days when professional photographers were rare. Its been an amazing journey through to the digital world and it still gets better every day.