Over the past year in a half 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? proud new owner of a canon 5d mark ii, back-up camera is a canon 50d. lens i can’t live without is my 50mm 1.2, but I give props to my 24-70 too!
6. why do you not sell prints? only logical reason I can give at this time is I don’t mind selling the cd with the High Res images.
7. why do you give away the cd? well, I technically don’t “give it away” although some would say that I do. I offer it with the session because I would rather you walk away with the memories in hand of that day instead of just a few because maybe that was all you could afford at that time. I am a lifestyle photographer not a portrait studio. And, although you will walk away with “posed” images you will walk away with some wonderful “in between moments” that normally you wouldn’t think twice about. But, those are the moments I live to capture for you.
8. what is the best way to describe “your style”? well, I look for the in between, the every day little moments when children are being their true self. I want them all to feel like we are friends. that is when I feel like I have had a successful session. I don’t want you to book me because of price. I want you to book me because you know it will be an hour out of your year that none of you will forget and will go weeks OR months talking about. It’s an experience. A ridiculously FUN experience. Just ask any one of my clients.
9. 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.
10. do you shoot weddings also? yes and no. 2010 proved to me that I could do it…on a limited scale. 2011 has been just as rewarding. BUT, I think I am going to take the high road for 2012 {although I am shooting one amazing wedding in Utah} and take a break. Your Wedding Day is one of THE most amazing days a couple will have. Find someone you love and someone that LOVES shooting them. Not saying I don’t love them, but I would rather focus on my true strengths and where my heart lies….with sweet families, baby bumps, little bits and sweet kiddos!
11. how do you turn your images so fast? my motto and I am sticking to it IS “if I don’t get it right outta camera then I didn’t do my job”. I should not be spending hours and hours in the “dark room” editing images. some photographers do but that is THEIR vision and I totally respect their artistic view, but it’s just not my own.
13. what is your favorite thing to photograph? that is a tough one! I love maternity sessions and engagement photos. I think it’s the anticipation of the “next chapter” in a couples life. those sessions are the most fun! I love big family sessions. The dynamic between all of those different personalities. I totally feed off of. It’s great. of course I love all my sweet babies and kiddos. That’s really hard to answer, so I will answer with D. all of the above.
13. 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, maternity, big ‘ole family. ! that should give you enough info to get started!
14. 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.
15. 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.
xoxo, SR
probably THE BEST ‘faq’ post in the history of ‘faq’s. seriously. thank you, sara.