You've landed here specifically on this webpage because you're looking for a photographer to cover a military ball. You're either part of a committee or a select few people that are organizing one.
I'm going to break down everything very quickly. You’ll be left with all the information you need from a quick read. The final part is just setting up a phone call to see if the date’s available and we can land on a price that everyone's happy with.
As a civilian, there's only so much I know about the military from the outside. I don't know the slang, I'm unfamiliar with ranks and definitely don't have any top secret clearance.
What I do know and have is almost 20 years of experience, shooting a countless numbers of events in varied styles of photography. Google me, check out my website find me on social media and you'll see the quality that I bring to the table.
Coverage
Speeches, candids and portraits in addition to general overview is covered.
Candids are typically photos where people aren't paying attention, but we also set people up for the win when we can. These photos will help showcase a fun event and put people in the best light.
With a good zoom and some great timing we end up with iconic photos of your colleagues during events like this. During speeches we also get these great candid photos as well because everyone just happens to be facing the same way.
During any speeches, it's easy to get those photos that will be used for newsletters, websites as well as announcements. The easy part is the person giving the speech standing in one spot. Our goal is to make them look good, which makes you look good because you hired us.
We'll also have an area set up for portraits so that the guests can stop by, form a line and get a quick portrait of themselves and their date with them. This serves as an additional place for them to be during the event that isn't the table, wandering, dancing or elsewhere. It's a great souvenir for them to end up with when all is set and done.
Portraits
Here's how the portrait area works. Typically once we start aligned forms. We work with each couple or individual and we help pose them so that they get the best photo they can. Afterwards they get a card with a link to the gallery so that they can order, download or share their image. Each interaction is personalized and everyone gets some good coaching on how to pose. The time for each couple was fairly quick usually under a minute. They can always come back through as well if they would like additional, but we like to keep the line moving and make sure everyone has the opportunity to get their photo taken.
Pricing
Every event gets its own custom price. There's typically three things that I get to hear when booking with someone. The first is that's way too much, the next one is a client saying that that's all? The third is that sounds great and then we work out the details. At the end of the day, my goal is to be fair to you and fair to me.
Here's how I factor in the price just so you get a peak behind the curtain and so that you know, I'm not just pulling a number out of thin air. I provide an invoice with QuickBooks as well as an additional PDF, which is a little bit more friendly to sometimes hand around for review. I'm also always available to discuss options.
Here's a list of the factors that I use to arrive at a price.
What time of year?
How many people?
What's the venue?
Do you want retouching?
Do I need to bring an additional photograph
What state will the event be held in?
How quick of a turnaround do you need?
How soon is the event?
Do you need handouts for anyone getting their photo taken?
If this sounds reasonable, then the next step is contacting me here or leaving me a voicemail or text
Here’s a little bit about me.
My name is Mike Hendrickson and I've been a professional photographer for close to 20 years now.
I operate out of Massachusetts. I travel across the United States for work regularly. I love the opportunity to get out to different states to take what I call a paid vacation.
I primarily shoot weddings, events, and portraits. My clients includes everything from major corporations, local businesses to friends and family. I believe my work speaks for itself and you can see the quality on my website.
There's no job too small or too big that I can't handle.
