About Me

My photo
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
I am a children's photographer in the Thunder Bay area that has a special love for newborns. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to photograph wonderful children and their families, helping to preserve the memories of childhood that pass much too quickly.
I would love to hear from you if you are interested in my work! If you are currently pregnant or have just had a baby contact me now! Newborn photography is available for babies 3 weeks and younger.
jenfab@tbaytel.net

Thursday, June 11, 2009

New Blog!!

I am so excited to go live with my new blog! My blogger blog has been a great but wouldn't let me do a whole lot with it... my new blog is bigger and better!! I've spent weeks getting it ready so any and all feedback is much appreciated! Check it out and visit it often!

http://fabianophotography.com/

Monday, May 25, 2009

Safe in Daddy's Hands

Little Baby T was a wonderful sleeper and made tons of adorable little grunts and groans the whole session! Just a few of my favourites from his shoot below!

I will be out of town for a week so if you contact me and I don't respond don't worry...I'll reply to all emails when I am back next Sunday :)


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Saturday, May 23, 2009

Little Mr. S!

I absolutely loved this little guy's full head of hair! Such a cutie! This shoot was a last minute add on to my weekend sessions but I'm so glad I squeezed them in because we got some beautiful photos! Have a look at the last photo and see if you can guess what his mommy and daddy do for a living...we tried to fit him in the bowl but he was already too big!!


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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Changes coming to Fabiano Photography!

When I started on this photography journey I had no idea what to expect. It has been so much fun but also a huge undertaking! I have learned a lot of things the hard way (and still have tons to learn) and met so many wonderful families and beautiful children along the way.

I love what I do. In the near future I will be introducing some changes to my pricing, a change that is necessary if I am going to continue to offer unique and high quality images to my clients. I am also still debating as to whether to continue offering digital files (I've run into many issues with this) or simply sell prints (feedback is much appreciated!) I also want my clients to understand exactly what goes into their photo shoot. What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and the personal experience. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next 'in line' or the feeling of a crowded store portrait studio, and truly capture the essence of your child.

Portraits are a lifelong investment. You will have your pictures forever to remember this time in your child's life. Most people don't realize how much work goes into the entire process and the time that I put into creating wonderful portrait memories for my clients. My prices will reflect this and the choice will be yours.



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Please read the following, it sums things up wonderfully :) Thank you to all of my clients of the past, you have helped me get where I am today. I look forward to an exciting future of creating timeless photographs! Jen xoxo

The Cost of Custom Photography

We all know that you can go to the local Walmart and pay a $1.99 for a print - as a client you may wonder why you may pay upwards of $50, $70, $90 for a custom photography print. Photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

“How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at "X" store?”

The truth of the matter is the answer to this question is multifaceted. Much of the cost of a photographic print produced by a professional photographer has a lot to do with the time, equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer not to mention expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

The cost of TIME

Approaching it from a time standpoint, let’s imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is spending a substantial amount of time on your session. Here is an example of a time break down:

* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks, set up etc.)
* 2-3 hours with client photographing subject
* clean up time after the session (especially if it was a newborn session!!)
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 4-6 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for order changes, shipment issues, quality issues

In this example, the time spent per client can range from just under 13 hours to 19 hours - dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to ONE session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot (aka SESSION or SITTING FEE) you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

The COSTS of Maintaining a Custom Photography Business

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run from $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.
Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussing other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip many of the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES to BANANAS

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that "X" studio in the mall/department store only charges $19.99 for an 8×10 “sheet” or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait services in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your “PORTRAITS” are considered the “loss leader”.

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, “SAY CHEESE” experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

And baby makes three...

Three adorable kids that is! Tahlia is a sweet little girl who came over for some pre-baptism pictures and she brought along her equally loveable brother and sister! These kids were such wonderful models and I got so many cute shots! I loved the flower big sister had in her hair...I think I need to get one as a photography prop! Enjoy a peek at some of the pics from our session!


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Friday, May 1, 2009

Be your own art! Gallery wrap canvases now available!

There is nothing like finding a great art piece to display in your home. Perhaps you have a wall saved waiting for that perfect something. Now that something can be your family!

Starting today, fine art gallery wraps are available from Fabiano Photography! They are the perfect addition to any wall to showcase your portraits and offer a frameless and modern display option. These things exude cool!! A wide variety of sizes are available. They come ready to hang but also sit nicely on any shelf like I've shown below. Photos wrap over the edges so no framing is needed!!
Below are some photos of my first samples, I love them! For more information don't hesitate to contact me.

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Little Miss Danica

Baby Danica came over today and she is well on her way to being a supermodel! Such a sweetie...even if she pooped on both mom and big sister he he! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek ladies - thanks for spending the day with me!


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Could big sister be more beautiful??!!


Saturday, April 25, 2009

Baby Keirce

Little Keirce is a beautiful little girl with the cutest little belly ever! She is also one of the most fashionable babies I've ever met! Her "pretty" diapers were fabulous...even if dad claimed they weren't very functional...I still loved them! Here are a few pics from our day together!

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Saturday, April 18, 2009

Little Baby Ethan

Little Ethan was so excited about his photo shoot he wanted to make sure he was awake to take it all in! He did catch a few z's and we got a few cute pics! This little guy sure does like to stretch out! Thanks to his mom and dad for being so patient! Enjoy!


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Sunday, April 12, 2009

Marley and Me!

Baby Marley was just a week and a half when she came over to visit! She fought off sleep as long as she could but finally caved in and we got some amazing photos. And I must say she makes the cutest little sounds when sleeping! I hope her mom enjoys the sneak peek pics. I love the foot picture - her toes look so tiny next to mom's fingers! They sure won't be that small for long!


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Baby Mason - 2 weeks old!

My first Thunder Bay newborn after my amazing workshop in Ottawa was tiny Mason, the new son to great friends of ours. Just a few pics from my session with him and proud big brother who got in on the action too! It was also my first shoot with a new bowl that I bought while away...after seeing Amber's I needed to have one! When the sales lady was showing them to me she was putting apples in them to help me visualize how much they held...little did she know I was planning to put babies in it! All natural light photos as I'm still shopping for studio lights. Enjoy!


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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Newborn workshop in Ottawa

I'm still in Ottawa on a little adventure but couldn't wait to post about the fun photography workshop I attended while here! Amber Shereen (check out her amazing work at http://www.ambershereen.com/ ) is a fantastic photographer, inspiring mentor, and phenomenal baby whisperer! I was lucky enough to watch and take part in two newborn sessions - one in her natural light studio and one in her regular studio. I saw and experienced so much and am excited and eager to get home and put what I've learned to use! One thing I now understand is that newborn photography needs to be done in the first few days of life! If you are pregnant, or know anyone who is, be sure to contact me and book your baby's photo session early so we can get those adorable newborn shots! I can't thank Amber enough for taking the time to answer all my questions! Below are a few photos I took at the workshop - although they are just a quick edit on my laptop in my hotel room these are quite possibly the cutest pictures I've ever taken! Enjoy!


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and a shot of Amber at work!

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Meet Fisher

A few weeks ago I spent a wonderful Saturday photographing Fisher. This little boy has amazing blue eyes! Thanks for letting me come over and play and I hope you enjoy my first attempt at a photo slideshow!





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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Melanie & Jim

Melanie is engaged!! I went to Michener (University of Toronto) with Melanie and upon graduation I stayed in Thunder Bay and she went off to the big city of Vancouver. I was so excited to hear she met someone special and got engaged AND would be back in town for a few days - perfect opportunity for a photo shoot. I think we accomplished our goal and got a good pic for the Ignace paper :p Wishing you all the best Mel and Jim!


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