If you have taken the time to read over this site or my website, you have seen this term and are probably wondering about Custom Photography.  There are so many photographers, especially with the availability of digital cameras, searching for the right photographer for your photography session can be overwhelming. 

A custom photographer is formally trained in the art of photography and will have a ‘style’ that might be traditional to lifestyle to photojournalism.  Or even a mixture.  They also work one on one with their clients. You will not experience full lobbies, overlapping appointments with other clients, waiting in line, etc.  Each session is customized and may include varity.  The portraits a custom photographer produces are beautiful works of art to decorate your walls for decades.  And with proper care, can be passed down to the next generation for them to proudly display on their walls.

• At the preview, a custom photographer will show you culled and edited photos from your session. You will see only the best of the best of the photos taken. 
• Most custom photographers will edit photos before the preview.
• Sometimes a custom photographer will be called a boutique studio.  The work and service is like comparing Macy’s to Walmart  or a Lexus to a Yugo. 

A few other things to remember about a custom photographer~

• Education: A custom photographer will be formally trained.  They will have some sort of college or photography school education.  They will also have some sort of deploma or certification.  If they have a national board certification, a craftmans or a masters, even better.  Just like any other professional, a custom photographer should have an investment in their education and be constantly learning and keeping up with the changes in the industries.
• Experience: Web sites are great for finding photographers and looking at portfolio, learning about their experience and how it has unfolded.  For exapmle, (and if they have been in business a long time) they may be trained have experience in commercial, documenaries/photojournalism, weddings along with other types of photography.  All of which the photographer will bring to the table when they photograph your session.  You still need to look at their gallery samples.  They should have them displayed where you can see them.  And because the displays are large they may be difficult to transport so if your consultation is held at a location different from the the photographer’s  studio, it might be a good idea to make an appointment to go by and look at their gallery.  This will also give you an opportunity to see some of their product line.
• Equipment: It is not the camera, it’s the photographer!  However, a custom photographer who provides high end services products for their clients should have professional grade equipment.  And more than one camera. Always ask.  They should also have professional lenses, (quality glass is important), computers and software (photographing your session is a very small part of process) to use when they process your order.  Lights and other equipment for difficult lighting situations.  And know how to use them.  And again, these take a great deal of investment on the photographer.