I Wanna Talk About Me

Wanna talk about me, wanna talk about I, wanna talk about number 1 on my, me, my...Sorry, if you're a Toby Keith fan you'll know what I'm talking about.  ;)

I thought maybe I'd share some information about me, how I got started in the photography world, and why I love what I do.  I have always loved photography.  I remember being 17 years old and taking my younger sister, who was 11, down to the park and the river for "photo shoots" with my little kodak.  When I was 24 I bought a Canon SLR.  I spent so much money on film and batteries, but just couldn't get the hang of things, and I'm embarrassed to say I really was too young to be bothered.  After a couple months the camera went into my closet and it still sits there to this day.

In June of 2010 I left my full-time job to stay at home with my babies.  My husband suggested that I buy a digital slr.  I didn't have the confidence in myself, or the experience to feel comfortable marketing myself, but at his insistence I put some feelers out in our church and among my friends.  My first ever session was for a girl I went to high school with.  I took pictures of her kids and was SO uncomfortable giving direction.  It was fun, but I didn't get many good shots because I knew NOTHING about the basics.  I'm embarrassed to admit that for a LONG time I shot strictly in auto.  I did pictures for a senior at our church, as well as another family from our church.  Family photos for a childhood friend.  Then I got a couple calls from other people who had been referred to me.  It was at that point that I started doing a lot of studying online, following some amazing photographers, and doing a LOT of practicing with my kids and my sister.  I watched a lot of tutorials on youtube.  I learned so much, but I still have so much more to learn.  I hope I never stop learning and am always striving to be better.  For a while I struggled with comparing myself to other photographers.  Especially local photographers.  I soon learned that the only photographer I should compare myself to is the one that I was yesterday.  As long as I am continually learning and growing that's all anyone can ask.

So, why do I do what I do?  Photographs have always been an extremely important part of my life.  Whether they are just snapshots with no editing whatsoever, or fancy portraits.  I love that they freeze a moment in time and that when you look back at them days, months, or even years later you can remember that moment like it happened yesterday.  You can remember how the sun felt on your face, the sound of your child's laughter and the feel of their arms around your neck.  You remember the excitement you felt as you were pronounced husband and wife and you shared your first kiss as a married couple.  You remember the exhaustion and sheer joy you felt as you held your brand new baby for the very first time.  The smell of your infants head after a bath.  You remember how your stomach hurt from laughing so hard after a night out with your very best girlfriends.  Nothing else in the world can conjure up those feelings like a photograph can.  I take pride in capturing not only a moment, but a feeling for my clients.  I love their excitement when I post a sneak peek on Facebook.

I want to be the photographer you call for all of your memories, but I don't want you to call me because you feel obligated because I took pictures of your family that one time.  I want you to call me because you value my work, because you know that I genuinely care about you and your family.  Every time I meet up with a new family for photographs I feel very honored that I am being allowed to be a part of that family, for just a short time.  I take my job very seriously, but at the same time, I have so much fun at every session.

I recently announced a rate change effective June 1st.  I hope that my past and future clients will see the value in what I do and realize that it's more than just an hour of shooting time and then putting the photos on a cd.  There is a lot of behind the scenes work, a lot of time away from my children and husband.  When all is said and done and typical family session will take up between 5-6 hours of my time, and after I take out for taxes I am making between $10-$15/hr.  I feel that I am worth more than that, but at the same time, I believe that everyone, regardless of income, should have beautiful photos to display as they see fit.  I do offer payment plans if you cannot afford the entire amount at once.  If you like my work, don't be put off by the cost and think there is no way you can afford it.  Contact me and I will work with you.  All I ask is for a chance to make time stand still for you.

New Rates

After my thought and prayer I have decided it's time for me to raise my rates.  As of June 1st my rates will be as follows, however, if you book your session and your deposit is received before June 1st you will be locked in at the current rates.

Portrait Sessions:
Portrait sessions begin at $150 for a 1-3 hour session at a location of your choice, within 25 miles of Waverly, NY.  More than 25 miles is subject to a travelling fee.  Special pricing is available for multiple family/group portraits.  A $50 nonrefundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking your session.  Due to multiple last minute cancellations there are no exceptions.  The remainder is due the day of your session.

Senior Sessions:
Senior sessions begin at $200 for a 1-3 hour session at a location(s) of your choice, within 25 miles of Waverly, NY.  More than 25 miles is subject to a travelling fee.  Senior sessions include 3 clothing changes, any additional outfits are charged at $10 per outfit.  A $75 nonrefundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking your session.  There are no exceptions.  The remainder is due the day of your session.  I am always looking for senior representatives, and my senior reps get special perks.  Be sure to email me with any interest.

Maternity/Newborn Sessions:
Maternity and newborn sessions begin at $200 for a 1-3 hour session at a location of your choice, within 25 miles of Waverly, NY.  More than 25 miles is subject to a travelling fee.  A $75 nonrefundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking your session.  There are no exceptions.  The remainder is due the day of your session.

Engagement Sessions:
Engagement sessions start at $200 for a 1-3 hour session at a location(s) of your choice, within 25 miles of Waverly, NY.  More than 25 miles is subject to a travelling fee.  A $75 nonrefundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking your session.  There are no exceptions.  The remainder is due the day of your session.

Weddings:
Package I:   $1,000.  This package includes six hours of coverage and a dvd of all professionally enhanced images, as well as a free engagement session.

Package II:  $1,200.  This package includes eight hours of coverage and a dvd of all professionally enhanced images, as well as a free engagement session.

Package III:  $1,500.  This package includes 8 hours of coverage, a second shooter, and a dvd of all professionally enhanced images, as well as a free engagement session.

If none of the above wedding packages fit your needs, I can tailor a package specifically for you.  Just ask!

Boudoir Sessions:
Boudoir sessions begin at $250 for a 1-3 hour session and will take place either in the comfort of your own home, or in a hotel room.  A $100 nonrefundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking your session.  There are no exceptions.  The remainder is due the day of your session.

Do you have another event you would like photographed?  I would love to work with you.  Please feel free to email me at rachel.kline.photo[at]gmail.com and let's talk!

A cd with all of the enhanced images is always available for the additional cost of $25 should you choose to print your own images.  However, you may prefer the convenience of ordering high-quality prints at reasonable prices directly through my website, right from the comfort of your own home.

Family Session - *C* Family

Andrea contacted me to do some family photos for her back in...October?  So, we've been planning this for a while now.  I met Andrea, her husband, and their three beautiful daughters (along with their babysitter and my friend Bailey) at Waverly Glen on a SUNNY Saturday afternoon.  Her daughters were so sweet, and they were just awesome to work with.  I am already looking forward to our session next year!  :)

Here are some of my favorites:

Thank you again, Andrea!!  It was great to finally meet you and the rest of your amazing family!  :)

FREE SESSION - Winner Announced!

First, I'd like to say thank you to everyone that entered my "model search".  I got quite a few entries, and picking one family was very hard for me to do.  I've been reading and re-reading emails since last night at around 11pm. Before I announce the winner, I'd like to offer a special to the families that emailed me but were not chosen.  If you email me by April 10th to book a session you will receive 25% off your session fee.  (Session fee will be $75.)  Or you can choose a mini session, which is approximately a half hour of shooting time, and 8-10 high resolution images on cd with a print release, as well as a free 8x12 of your choice for only $50.  (Normally the fee for a mini-session is $65, and no prints are included, so that's an awesome deal!)

Again, I want to say how touched I was by your entries, and I wish I could give everyone a free session, but in the end I chose the Hubert Family.  Stephanie, get ahold of me so we can decide what time will work best for you!

Keep your eyes open, everyone, I plan on making this a regular thing.  I know how important photos are to me, and I have had times when I just couldn't afford them.  I think everyone deserves to have beautiful photos of their loved ones, and I want to help in any way I can.  God bless you all!