S T O P !!

Please read this first:

I have a very different approach to photography than the commercial guys:

1. I charge a lot less than market (many services are at least 40% higher), and my rates are only enough to cover my costs, time and effort. Its not to undercut anyone, its simply because this is not my day job, and I don’t hide costs (see “prints” below).

2. There's no limit on the number of photographs I shoot and return, as long as they are good (i.e. not out of focus, exposure is acceptable, didn't catch your friend’s head when he surged ahead of me etc). Withholding them will serve me no purpose.

3. The photos are all taken, and returned in high-resolution JPEG files (3008x2000 pixels) and not reduced to 1Mb (1024x768). I know of many photographers who do it these days - and offer to sell the high-resolution copies separately. Frankly I think that's blackmail and very unfair.

4. This is not my full-time job, so I will need a couple of days to turn around the photographs. I also don't wish to simplify the process for convenience sake and just burn all images to disc. I place a lot of pride in each photograph I take and put my name to, so each one will be reviewed individually and adjusted for levels, colour, cropped etc if required.

5. I don’t appreciate clients who are out to get their money’s worth. If you must dictate the minimum number of photographs to take, insist on providing artistic input or simply love micro-managing me, then you should look for a photographer who’s only interested in your business. I care about the results, I treat each portrait, event and wedding like my own. So please don’t make me compromise on passion, because I won’t.

6. Prints:

Many photography “packages” offer a hand-crafted album, a few hundred prints and other little frills. In line with my nature, I’ve opted not to follow the crowd.

However I also understand people’s need to physically handle a photograph so at no extra/ hidden cost (honestly), I’ve decided to throw in print quantities which I feel are sufficient for the immediate term without making me behave like the rest.

Take a wedding service for example, 3 x 8Rs are good enough to frame up at home, and give one each to both sets of parents. These days it is inexpensive to print our own photos or to use printing services.

Some photographers tend to use these in “package deals” to pad the service cost. Personally I know how tight a wedding budget can be so I'm not including these frills (and don't recommend it – I can share with you my experiences on $3000 white-elephant albums). But in order to provide a holistic service, if you must insist, I will personally print your photographs in 4R or 8R priced at a simple formula of ink and paper cost divided by a pack of 100 sheets. I’ll outsource those nice hand-crafted albums to people who take pride in making them (and have the skills!).

7. Copyright (this is where I don't differ from any artist):
I retain copyright on all photographs. They may be used solely by me for portfolio, competition or advertising purposes only. If you are uncomfortable with that, let me know. I'm not a stickler for rules. However, all photographs and images on this site belong to me and may not be downloaded for the purpose of reproduction, alteration, plagiarism for commercial or whatever purpose. Yes, I will sell my photographs (full-sized copies) if you wish to buy them. If you need a photograph for a school or charity-organisation project, please at least have the courtesy to write to me for permission first, its very likely that I will say yes. : )

8. Contacting me:
I can be reached via email at simonwlchan@gmail.com
If you have my mobile number you can call me on that too. : )