From the beginning of this career I have had a lot of questions asked about “my style”, how long have I been shooting, is it true I love my clients as much as I say I do in my posts, why do I not sell prints, why do I give away the cd, what kind of camera do I use….I could go on! So, I thought I would devote a page to it.
1. most FAQ is probably “how long have you been shooting” — well, that is tough to answer because I have been “taking pictures” for as long as I can remember. but, professionally probably since August of 2009. I really never wanted to be labeled “a mom with a camera”, but the facts were I was. For a long time. So, instead of maintaining that title I took workshops with some of the most amazing photographers so I had a foundation to start from.
2. what is your degree in? I graduated with a BA in Fashion Design and Merchandising from O’More College in 2001.
3. do you shoot AUTO or Manual? — assuming you understand the difference. I shoot 100% manual. There are many pros to having a photographer who understands exposure and how to master it properly under any circumstance. I could go on and on about the pros of shooting Manual over AUTO, but it will most likely be a bore to you and I don’t want to do that!!
4. do you shoot jpeg or raw? — again, assuming you understand the difference. I shoot 100% raw.
5. what kind of equipment do you use? I am a canon girl. Mark II, 35L & 50L!
6. why do you not sell prints? I do sell prints. All you have to do is ask!
7. what is the best way to describe “your style”? REAL. my goal is to hand over your story so you may cherish it forever.
8. do you REALLY adore your clients as much as you say you do in your posts? what you are really asking is what you see really what you get? YES. The only way I am able to get images the way that I do is because I get to know each one of them. They get to know me as soon as they step foot out of their vehicle or the first time I knock on their door. It’s a commitment to have photographs taken of your family so it’s important to me to make that commitment WORTH IT. I really get to know each family as much as I can in the time they have booked me. It’s true that if you don’t gain a childs trust in the first 5 minutes you’re TOAST. I know that with my own experience with trying to get photographs taken of my own family. Photographing children can either be the toughest thing you will ever do OR the most rewarding job you will ever have. For me, it’s the latter. but, the clients also have a responsibility when meeting me…trust. Trust that I know what I am doing. And, open up!! Be yourself! The kiddos will feed off of their parents just as much as they will feed off their silly photographer.
9. do you have a business license? YES! if you are just now getting started I encourage you, before you get ahead of yourself, to get your license, register your business & hire a CPA.
10. what is your favorite thing to photograph? anything that involves babies and children!
11. can you tell me about your sessions? sure can. to learn more about my sessions click on any of these :: mini, full, baby’s first year, big ‘ole family. ! that should give you enough info to get started!
12. where do you find inspiration? from music, from articles, from shows, but mostly from my own personal experiences with my family. The way that I see my own family is the way I see yours. lots of laughter and a whole lotta love. life — the good, the awesome, the silly, the new — all of it. I want to be able to hand over snapshots of your life so you will never forget. And, when 40 years passes and you are sitting in your kitchen with your grandchildren you can look through these photographs and you won’t have to say a word. The images will speak volumes of your awesome life because it was filled with so much love & laughter. And, generations will have them to cherish forever.
13. what advice would you give someone just getting into the photography business? a LOT. first, learn your camera inside and out. Just because you have a really nice camera does not make you a photographer — speaking from experience here. Learn how to use your camera in the manual setting, completely forget AUTO, shoot RAW, learn editing software but don’t use it to FIX your images. Shoot correctly {expose properly!!} straight out of camera. I look back at work that I was doing when I “thought” I was good….I laugh. Laugh hard. I was a joke. Seriously, read your manual front to back, back to front over and over and over again. Take workshops, ask for advice {take it ALL in} and LEARN from your mentors. Don’t copy. Be yourself. Some of the best advice given to me long ago was from Peter Carlson of Dove Photography “it’s good to find inspiration, but find a way to make it your own”. I try to take that advice with me to every shoot. Practice, Practice, Practice. Build your portfolio and find what you are GOOD at and what you REALLY enjoy. There are some ridiculously amazing artists out there that can do just about anything, but let’s face it we all have our strengths and most are not a jack of all trades. And probably most important don’t ever believe you know it all. There is always room to grow and BE BETTER.
And, don’t compare yourself to others. Compare your work to who you USED to be. STOP LOOKING AT OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOGS. Find YOURSELF and work hard at being YOU. We all are on our OWN growth path. Some excel quicker than others. Doesn’t make either one of us better. I read this other day and thought it was perfect “Good things happen to those who wait. Good things happen to those who work their asses off and NEVER give up!” AMEN to THAT.
xoxo, SR