Lancaster Photography

Senior Portrait One Day Sale-June 28, 2011

2011-06-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

It again is time for our annual "One Day Sale" for senior portrait session fees Tuesday June 28th . although we call this a one day sale, you can actually call between now and June 28th. This is your chance to save over $100.00 on your senior portrait session.

Now of course there are a couple of rules. You knew there had to be.

Your appointment must be scheduled before August 31, 2011. The session must paid for at the time it is made. And you must schedule your appointment between now and June 28, 2011. That is it!!

Many of our past client are aware of this sale, and have set their appointments up for the summer. Don't be left out, call today, 231-929-2619. The best times fill up fast. We are not a cookie cutter studio, so there is a limit to the sessions we can do per day.

Guest Viewpoint

2011-04-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jeff of Dachowski Photography for finding this tidbit. This article was written by stationery designer/venue owner Southall Eden and I thought, "That's worth sharing!" It's not every day you discover a piece from a potential competitor written in support of what YOU do . . . neat huh? We think these are some wise words to consider; enjoy! ~Bill

Why you should NEVER skimp on wedding photography

February 8, 2011

Let’s face it. Weddings are crazy expensive. I’m all about finding ways to save money, and there are lots of ways you can do so. But if you only splurge on one thing for your wedding, LET IT BE PHOTOGRAPHY. That’s right, I’m a venue owner and a stationery designer and I’m not telling you that your splurge item should not be one of those things, but photography. Why? Because its true! If you live in middle Tennessee, chances are you know someone who is a “photographer” and its tempting to hire them for cheap or even have them shoot your wedding as a wedding gift to you to save money, but hear me now and believe me later, DON’T DO IT!!!

Here’s why:

1. You will not get this chance again.

This is your wedding. Hopefully you will only be having one. Isn’t it worth the investment? The #1 regret I hear from Southall Eden brides about their wedding day is that they are not happy with their photos. Don’t be one of them. Besides, when else will all your family and friends be gathered in one place? Probably never, except for at your funeral, and by then you won’t care. My own sister had a very mediocre photographer at her wedding. Within a year, both my grandma and my mom passed away. Those are the last family pictures we will ever have, and they are not good. The value of that now far exceeds the $1,000 or whatever money was saved on the photographer.

2. It’s not just for you, its for everyone who loves you.

Of course your wedding day should be all about your and your fiance, but don’t forget how much time, effort, and money your family and wedding party have put into it as well. They deserve some nice photos to remember the occasion by. But even more than that, think about future generations. Won’t your kids and grandchildren want to see these? What girl doesn’t love seeing old wedding photos of the generations before her? This is the one aspect of your wedding (aside from your marriage itself) that will last forever.

3. A wedding photographer can anticipate what will happen next.

This is why you should not only get a great photographer, you should get a great wedding photographer. The word “photographer” encompasses a variety of people- family photographers, fashion photographers, commercial photographers, etc. Being good at one area doesn’t necessarily mean you are good at another. If you hire someone whose livelihood is shooting weddings, there is a pretty good chance they have done this enough times to not only know where they need to be in order to capture certain moments, but also random things like what kind of light will come through a stained glass window at 5:00 in May, etc.

4. A great photographer can turn an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary wedding.

I have seen this first hand on multiple occasions. A couple is on a tight budget and doesn’t have a lot of money for decor or fancy extras at their wedding. But they hire a great photographer, and lo and behold when you see the photos you would think the wedding cost twice what it really did. The photographer captures everything at its best, and everything that is wonderful about the day, and when you look at your photos you remember your wedding day fondly.

5. If it doesn’t turn out well, you don’t want to have hard feelings with a friend.

This is a big one. If you hire (or ask a favor from) a friend and the photos don’t turn out well, it can seriously damage your relationship. Every time you see that person for the rest of your life you will think of how s/he “ruined” your wedding photos. It may not be intentional, but you will. Its kind of like if they ran over your cat with their car tire. You know its not intentional, but you can’t help but associating them with this one unfortunate act.

So how much does a great wedding photographer cost in Middle Tennessee? This depends on what all is included. Some photographers quote their rates for shooting only, while others quote packages that include both shooting and prints, albums, digital images, etc. When you are researching photographers you should keep this in mind and make sure you are comparing apples to apples with regard to pricing. That being said, I know a couple of great photographers whose coverage starts around $2,000, but you should not be startled at a base price of $3,500 either. Sure that’s a lot of money, but what you get in return is priceless. How can you argue with that???

Business Portrait Special

2011-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

I always like to try something new. This spring I am trying to modernize the look of "head shots" used by many business people and artists. Our business climate has become so much more visual then ever before with the popularity of social media. One might consider this "personal branding" Most of us would never have a logo created that looked just like our competitor, so why then should your business image look like everyone else. And why do some people hold on to the same image longer than they do to their automobile?

It is time to freshen up.

No longer should your corporate headshots resemble a yearbook photo. In the commercial climate of extreme competition, having a unique and creative headshot is essential. The client is looking for a trustworthy, approachable and professional individual. Your photograph will give an immediate impression of you.

So for the month of April I will be offering my Expanded Business Portrait Sessions at 50% off. For more information call Lancaster Photography at 231-929-2619.

Graduation Announcements - Open House Invitations

2011-03-22T07:26:00.001-07:00

This is a good time to start planning for your graduation announcements. All of our cards are custom designed, many with multiple images, and color matching graphic elements. There are a variety of types and sizes available as well as paper surfaces.

Unlike the limitations you find at the department store photo centers, who cannot reproduce your senior portraits, we offer our clients senior portraits on the front, back and inside of announcements. Our announcements are often combined to be used as your open house invitations or add to and sent with traditional graduation cards. The best part is they don't look like and often cost less then the ones sold at your school.

Call us to find out more information. Lancaster Photography 231-929-2619.

Senior Models Still Needed!!!

2011-03-21T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Senior Model Program at Lancaster Photography is a fun way for seniors to earn discounts on their senior portraits (and some cash in their pockets!), while helping us show off the latest styles and update our senior images!

Senior Model Search-Class of 2012

2011-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Class of 2012 Senior Model Application

The Senior Model Program at Lancaster Photography is a way for high school seniors to earn discounts on their senior portraits (and some cash in their pockets!), while helping us show off the latest styles and update our senior images!

What are we looking for?
Members of the Class of 2012 that want amazing creative senior portraits and will help promote Lancaster Photography in return. You don’t have to be a perfect model size or look like a model to get in - we look at personality, activities and eagerness to be in the program. We want models that truly appreciate the our image quality, and can see the difference in our work.

Here's what you get:
• A complimentary one hour Senior Model Session photographed before April 20, 2011.
• Designer Senior Model Cards and 2 Facebook Images to help promote the studio.
• $15 gift card of your choice for each Senior Model Card turned in by fellow students booking a full senior session with Lancaster Photography .
• The Location Senior Session at 50% off the session fee price!
• Be featured as a Senior Model on the studio’s website, Facebook page and advertisement pieces.\

Application Form

Run for Shelter Traverse City

2011-03-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Being an avid runner, I have had the privilege to be co-race directer or the Goodwill Run for Shelter 5K run-3K walk on Saturday, April 16 , 2011. This will be the event third year. All proceeds go to the Goodwill Inn Homeless Shelter here in Traverse City.

The loop course begins and ends at Willow Hill Elementary School. It traces through historic "Slab Town" with a series of hills on Randolph Street, a crossing through Hickory Meadows (formerly Olson's Field), and a beautiful stretch along West Grand Traverse Bay.

The race begins at 9am. This year children under the age of 10 can participate ate no charge. Hope to see you all out there.

Your Image Counts Now More Then Ever

2011-03-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Not that long ago , business people only used portraits, or "head shots" mainly for business cards, yellow page ads and announcements in the newspaper. Today's social marketing has everyone's face plastered about. Is your face on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn along with your website and maybe your blog? If so, what does your image say about you?

If you are using Facebook as a marketing tool, a photo you tailgating at The UofM game might not be appropriate. Things like eye glasses, lapels on suits and tie widths, as well as hair styles can date a head shot. Today's business casual style can help you break the mold so you don't look like everybody else.

At Lancaster Photography, we can help update and modernize your look, get noticed by standing out from the crowd.

Winter Fun Photographs

2010-02-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Just a little break from business....

Last weekend up to I drove up to Iron Mountain, Michigan, home of the Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament . This is highest artificial is ski jump is the world. The tournament runs for two days and is something to see if you have never witnessed anything like this. There are ski jumpers from all over the world competing, some of whom will be in the Winter Olympics next week. This particular tournament has been going on for 71 years.

As if skiers jump over 460 feet wasn't exciting enough, the parking lot was a large tailgate party, complete with little camps containing cook outs , wood stoves, and make shift cocktail lounges. Tickets cost $18.00 for the entire weekend event.

Graduation Announcements-Open House Invitations

2010-02-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is a good time to start planning for your graduation announcements. All of our cards are custom designed, many with multiple images, and color matching graphic elements. There are a variety of types and sizes available as well as paper surfaces.

Unlike the limitations you find at the department store photo centers, who cannot reproduce your senior portraits, we offer our clients senior portraits on the front, back and inside of announcements. Our announcements are often combined to be used as your open house invitations. The best part is they don't look like and often cost less then the ones sold at your school.

During the month of February, we have specials on announcements and wallet portrait re-orders.
Call for more information 231-929-2619.

Wedding Photography

2010-01-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

The calls for 2010 weddings have been coming for months, but recently the inquiries have increased dramatically. This of course is typical, tied to the holiday engagements, which makes for an exciting time of year for me.

I have been listening carefully to the commonly asked questions posed to me from prospective clients, and have recently revamped our wedding coverages. That doesn't mean that the prices have increased. I have simply restructured things to accommodate what many couples are looking for today in wedding photography. I still strive to give my clients the highest quality in wedding photography, my years of experience and new techniques that I learn (Yes, I continue to study my craft at seminars and classes), as well as a fun experience.

Engagement session are included in all our wedding coverages, and a discount for off season weddings.

Be Our Fan on Facebook

2010-01-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

We would love for you to become our fan of ours on Facebook. Keep up with what is going on at the studio by becoming a fan. See web only specials, previews of new backgrounds, techniques and locations.

Bill Lancaster is a fan of

Lancaster Photography

Create your Fan Badge

Brie and Michael's Wedding

2009-08-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of traveling to Dearborn to capture the photographs of Brie and Michael's wedding. What a great couple to work with!! The wedding party was also a great deal of fun. The reception was held at Lovett Hall in historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn.

Senior Portraits are Heating Up

2009-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I just have to say, does it get any better than this? I am having such a ball doing senior portraits this year. My clients have been so much fun. New backgrounds, and finding little spots outside is always a huge kick for me. Being downtown opens the door for so many cool places to shoot. I will just share a few images from recent sessions.

By the way, there are a few summer slots left, but the phone has been busy since Cherry Festival ended......summer goes fast from here on out!

First time race, Run for Shelter , a big success!

2009-06-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

From left, Bill Lancaster, Cecil McNally, and Karl Bastian

Over 300 people showed up to participate in the first ever "Run for Shelter" 5k race. The race was originated to raise money for the Goodwill Inn in Traverse city.

The race was conceived and organized by Karl Bastian of Greenlight Marketing and Bill Lancaster of Lancaster Photography. Run for Shelter raised almost $7,000.00 for Goodwill Inn, northern Michigan's largest homeless shelter.

The event was made possible by incredible community support, great volunteers, participants, TC Track Club and sponsors: Cerca Trova, web marketing, Running Fit, Greenlight Marketing, Lancaster Photography, The Copy Shop, Fast Physical Fitness, Northern Express, Oryanan Natural Foods, American Proficiency Insititute, Benjamin Triggs, Northwestern Bank, Alfie, Cherry Hill Haven, and Everywhere U Go.

Senior Portraits Specials-Class of 2010

2009-06-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Senior portraits season is now starting for the class of 2010. Lancaster Photography is filling dates fast.

If you missed our annual One Day Sale at the beginning of June, there is still a chance to save. Call and book your summer senior portrait session at Lancaster Photography between now and July
10th, 2009, and you will receive 25% off. You session must take place before August 31 and paid in advance.

Because of Lancaster Photography's very popular Combo Session of half your poses in our downtown studio, and half in downtown Traverse City, our days fill up fast. So don't miss out.

Welcome!!

2009-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Lancaster Photography Blog.

If your aren't familiar with Lancaster Photography lets give you a little background info.......My name is Bill Lancaster and I have been creating portraits for 20 some years in Traverse City Michigan. We are located in downtown Traverse City on Front Street. Lancaster Photography is in the heart of all the downtown action, like Cherry Festival, TC Film Festival, and Downtown Friday Night Live.

I am known for using downtown Traverse City architecture and its surrounding parks, and sandy beaches as a backdrop for our senior portraits and wedding photography. My senior portrait style, although laid back in nature, has a fashion edge to it. Our wedding photography style is photojournalist without losing the romance that every wedding exhibits.

When I am not attached to a camera, you will find me mountain biking a sweet piece of Northern Michigan singletrack trail or training for marathon ( I recently completed the Bayshore Marathon, and qualified for the Boston marathon). I also am an avid downhill skier, and am a student of the blues guitar. I am married to Teri, and have two children, Dylan, who just graduated high school, and Margaux, who is attending Traverse City West High School.