Portraits in the Park: Durham Region & Toronto Photographer
SOLD OUT!
If you missed out on this amazing sale, stay tuned I will be releasing some more session openings for the Fall! They go FAST! I will announce them on the FanPage in a few weeks! If you are not a Fan already, head on over, I'd love to see you there.
I can always be reached at petra@petrakingphotography.com OR 289-892-6835
Vintage Collection: Durham Region and Toronto Photographer
A little on the personal side. It's been a while since I have shared anything that directly pertains to me so thought it was about time to do so. Having been in the industry for a little more than 9 years I have grown a love and appreciation for collectibles pertaining to photography. However most don't scratch the surface for what I'd like to share with you. You see about 2 years ago I was gifted some vintage camera's. While most think of them as being musty, scratched, worn and weathered and not operational, I on the other hand know that they have captured memories for people. To know that they were used with loving hands before being thrown away in the attic or basement. Makes me wonder how many actuation's were actually clicked on these little guys. From Kodak Brownie's to Zorki's, here are just a few that I own, that make me happy. I love them just as is..aged with character.
Saving the best for last, this little beauty holds a special sentimental value to me. This is a Petri camera. Purchased back when he was 16/17 yrs old by my Dad. This was his first camera in Barbados! It came in the original leather case, has the original strap and all working parts. It smells of salty Bajan air and all round oldness lol. Check out the lens, yep it works. But it even has little grains of sand that you can see visible around it. I would love to get some film for it one day and have shoot for fun. the funny story is Dad sold it to a friend back in 1969 and than emigrated to Canada. As the years past, and technology allowed us to reconnect with old friends, he purchased it back from his friend. So cool that it was still around for him to do that. Needless to say you can understand why it holds a special spot for me.
So whether you have old or new, iPhone or top of the line...use your equipment to the best you can. Capture those memories and make sure to document the little things in life that make you smile. I have a long list of people that I love to do this for on a regular basis. This my friends is a privilege, an honor and you mean as much to me as my own family. Thank you!
See you all soon,
Luv,
P
xo
Baby Allison: Durham Region and Toronto Newborn Photographer
A newborn photography session is something that every parent should have. With the excitement of your first ,second or third baby, the organized chaos seems to set in and before you know it baby is here. ALL my newborns take first priority with me. I'd have it no other way. That said, when mom called me with the arrival of her little princess we got her in asap. A HUGE thanks to mom and grandma for making the trip out from the east end of Toronto to the studio last week. Little Allison was pleasure to photograph and as I've said many times before every newborn session is unique. I love that! Mom was super excited and enjoyed the babysitting service and a hot cuppa while she took in the whole experience before her. I even heard gasps's and awe's behind me as I worked with her beautiful daughter. ;) All part of the custom service when you book a newborn session. I love what I do and knowing my clients are relaxed and beyond happy puts a huge smile on my face.
Introducing Allie Cat (as dad has already nicknamed her)...
Loving the film black and white look...
Toronto Newborn Photography Sale: Durham Region Newborn Photographer
Warmer weather should be here soon, and that means so will new bundles of joy! Book a session from now till April 30th and save on a Newborn session in studio!
Cheap Photography: Toronto & Durham Region Photography
So it's wildly known that the Digital Industry has sky rocketed over the last 5-10 years. We all know this because "everyone is a photographer right?" It's an issue that has been beaten with a stick more times than we like to think. In saying that what goes hand in hand with this fact that there are a ton of cheap photographers out there. Yes I am probably starting up a controversy and may even ruffle a few feathers here and you know what...so be it! Fair enough there are a ton of clients out there that simply do not have the budget for Professional Photography prices, or for whatever reason decide not to book you. However that being said, it does not mean that they are not entitled to beautiful photographs. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. In all aspects of business, not just photography. When I started my photography business 8+ years ago bright eyed and gung-ho, I dove right in. I too was that "cheap photographer" however as I grew with my business and it started to take off, I quickly realized that I needed to raise my prices. In doing so one may lose a lot of business this way, however if done right and you maintain your customer service and the "experience of custom photography" you will be one of the lucky few who will attract new clients and watch your business grow. To be able to enjoy what you do instead of being overwhelmed with the workload that your cheap prices have brought in.
While creating this blog post, I came across this awesome post by a very talented man named Zack Arias. I love this guy...his style of work and his brilliance with blogging. He posted a great read that hit home with me. I encourage you to read through his post seen here on Cheap Photographers Only Kill Themselves Not The Industry.
Time to value what you do, your services and your products. Focus on what matters, focus on the signal and less of the noise...