Well, hello there! Aside from hopefully providing answers to some frequently asked questions, I hope that these little factoids will assist you in preparing for your photo shoot with me, help you understand what to expect during a photo shoot, and most importantly, get to know me a little better :) I will break down my responses by category of shoot so you can scroll down to what is applicable to you.
.in general.
{1} What equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III and/or a Canon EOS 7D and the following equipment:
Canon 24-70mm, f/2.8L (lens)
Canon 85 mm, f/1.2L (lens)
Canon Speedlite 580EX-II (external flash)
My husband and I are still in the beginning phases of our ever-growing business (established in October 2011), so we are constantly striving to save our earnings from these photo shoots to expand our equipment! Our next purchase(s): a wide-angle lens, and an improved 50mm lens.
{2} What is your photography philosophy? What style of photography do you do?
My photography philosophy is this: I love to capture the candid, real, and raw moments. Those flickers of true, honest expression that happen just before and just after the pose that create the most unique and beautiful photos. I use natural light whenever possible, and elicit artificial lighting only when absolutely necessary (think wedding reception). The style of photography I do has a few names, most commonly "Lifestyle Photography" and "Photo-Journalistic". I do on-site photography, which means I do not have a formal photography studio with backdrops and big, fancy lighting equipment, but rather I photograph people in their environment.
{3} Will I get a disc with high-resolution images?
For all portrait sessions (engagement, bridal, maternity, newborn, family, children, and portrait) you will receive a DVD with 40-60 fully-edited, high-resolution images and printing rights. For weddings, you will be guided on how to download an App onto your smart phone, iPad, or personal computer that will allow you 1-year access to view, download, and share (via Facebook) your images, with printing rights for the downloaded images.
{4} Tell me about yourself.
Well alright! Here are some random tid-bits that make me, me:
I am happily married to my business partner, Scott, who makes me laugh and smile everyday.
I have freckles. LOTS of them. Hence the name of our photography business.
I am a speech-language pathologist during the week at a pediatric outpatient clinic and LOVE every moment!
I live in a 1930s apartment complete with all architectural quirks of that era. It is a gem and I take pride in decorating it and re-decorating it... all the time.
I have lots of hobbies, including but NOT limited to: photography (go figure), painting, graphic design, baking, cooking, crafting, sewing, thrifting, blogging, and reading.
I am the only one in my family with pale skin, freckles, a dimple in my chin, and green eyes. My parents and siblings all have dark eyes, tan skin, and no dimpled-chin. I thought I was adopted for a very long time.
I took piano lessons from the time I was 8 years old until I turned 17.
Ice cream is my weakness. I eat a scoop every night.
My favorite book is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.
My favorite movie is Julie and Julia.
I eat my food backwards. Pizza/pie/cake slices - crust first, then down to the tip. Sandwiches/burgers/cookies/other roundish foods - around the entire circumference, then the middle.
I eat my sides first, then the main dish.
My favorite colors are green and orange.
I love the smell of bloomed jasmine.
.maternity.
{1} What should I wear?
Man, I get asked this question the most out of any other question, for all different types of photo shoots! For maternity shoots, what is most important is your comfort. I usually photograph maternity sessions when the expecting mother is between 30 and 34 weeks pregnant, meaning she is at the peak of her pregnancy and mobility might be somewhat limited. I suggest wearing shirts/dresses that show off your belly well (think clothing made of cotton or cotton/spandex blend, knit, etc.) Long maxi skirts are also nice, because they allow you to move your legs freely, and flow/drape beautifully. If you are comfortable with showing less skin, dark-colored spaghetti-strap tank tops or black athletic bras help photograph a bare belly nicely.
{2} Where will you take the photos?
That is completely up to you! Most of my clients have preferred to do the photo shoot in the comfort of their own home, and I absolutely love that! It tends to make the mother feel more comfortable about showing a bare belly, as well as allows the mother to be more relaxed during the shoot. However, if you want to take the photos elsewhere, I will make suggestions for different locations as we plan together for the photo shoot.
{3} Do you provide props?
When I first started my business I did bring a few props. However, due to the increased volume of clients I no longer take the time to carry props with me. BUT, I am more than happy to incorporate any props that you might want to include!
{4} What props should I bring?
Bring props that are meaningful to you. Whether that be your favorite pair of baby shoes you received at a shower, wooden blocks that spell your baby's name, or a stuffed animal. Some other items that clients have used that made for some adorable photos were gender-colored balloons and gift bows. If rain is in the forecast, a fun umbrella and rain boots are a must!
.newborn.
{1} How old should my baby be for the shoot?
Newborn photos are best taken in the first 14 days of the baby's life. They sleep most of the time and are more cooperative during those first few weeks. Plus, they still look...well, NEW!
{2} Where will you take the photos?
Most of my clients have preferred to do the photo shoot in the comfort of their own home, and I honestly feel that home is the best place to photograph a newborn. It's a familiar place, and free from the elements of the outside world that might cause illness to such a new baby. Also, you have all of your essential baby-care items on hand should there be a need for diaper change or feeding. However, if you want to take the photos elsewhere, I will make suggestions for different locations as we plan together for the photo shoot.
{3} What should I expect from the session?
I typically like to arrive on location 10-15 minutes early to scout out places with the best natural light. Feel free to guide me to places in your home with large windows/glass doors. I will set up my equipment while you finish getting ready and ask that you join me at your convenience. I like to allow the parent to handle the baby primarily, as the baby is used to the parent's touch and smell, thus keeping him/her more at ease. I will make adjustments to the positioning of the baby as needed. Should the baby need to be fed or changed during the session, that is absolutely fine! In fact, feeding is one of my favorite things to photograph, if the mother is comfortable with that, as it is a very intimate time between mother and baby.
{4} Do you provide props?
When I first started my business I did bring a few props. However, due to the increased volume of clients I no longer take the time to carry props with me. BUT, I am more than happy to incorporate any props that you might want to include!
{5} What props should I bring?
Bring props that are meaningful to you. Whether that be your favorite pair of baby shoes you received at a shower, wooden blocks that spell your baby's name, or a stuffed animal. Props that I feel are essential to a newborn shoot are a basket/bin and fluffy/soft blankets. Newborns photograph so well when they are snuggled up tight in a blanket!
.family & children.
{1} What should we wear?
Since there will typically be at least 3 or more people in a family shoot, I suggest wearing coordinating (but not necessarily matching) outfits. Steer away from bold prints or really bright colors, as they can distract from people's faces and the backdrop. The most important thing to remember is that these images are meant to reflect you and your children as a family, so wear items that are comfortable and that reflect your style.
{2} Where will you take the photos?
Anywhere you like! I have my arsenal of locations that I have experience photographing at and know that the pictures turn out well at those spots. However, if there is a location that is particularly meaningful to you, such as your own home or a park that you frequent, let me know at least 2 weeks in advance so I have time to scout out the location for good natural lighting and photo-spots.
{3} Can we bring toys and/or props?
Absolutely! Bring anything that you feel will make your children happy and make the photo shoot run more smoothly. My philosophy for photography is to capture raw, authentic moments, and taking a little play break to make those kiddos happy provides the perfect photo opportunities!
.engagement.
{1} What should I wear?
Man, I get asked this question the most out of any other question, for all different types of photo shoots! Honestly, you really can't go wrong. If anything, I would advise you to avoid bold patterns and really bright colors, as they can distract from your faces and the backdrops. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, beautiful, and yourself. The most authentic moments are captures when you are comfortable being you - so reflect that in what you are wearing, too! If you are a jeans-wearin' gal, don't come in a dress! You get my drift... As for your man, make him coordinate with you! ;)
{2} Do I need to pick out the locations?
You certainly do not have to pick out any locations. I have my arsenal of locations that I have experience photographing at and know that the pictures turn out well at those spots. However, if there is a location that is particularly meaningful to you, such as the place you were proposed to, let me know at least 2 weeks in advance so I have time to scout out the location for good natural lighting and photo-spots.
{3} Do you provide props?
When I first started my business I did bring a few props. However, due to the increased volume of clients I no longer take the time to carry props with me. BUT, I am more than happy to incorporate any props that you might want to include!
{4} What props should I bring?
Engagement sessions are meant to reflect you and your significant other. If you choose to bring props, bring items that are meaning to you as a couple, or that reflect your interests and personalities. Also, if you are trying to achieve a stylized look (e.g. vintage, picnic, etc.), bring items that reflect that theme. Items that I feel are a must for engagement shoots are a quilt that you don't mind putting on the ground and a save-the-date sign (if you are planning on sending out save-the-dates). Some props that I have incorporated in that past that photographed nicely were vintage suitcases, picnic basket, guitar, record player, umbrella, and bunting (flag banner).
.bridal.
{1} How should I do my hair and makeup?
How you choose to wear your hair and do your makeup is obviously your choice, but I can provide some suggestions to ensure that your hair and makeup photographs well! For your hair: make sure it is secured tightly. Now, I don't necessarily mean to wear your hair slicked to your head, but if it is up, make sure those bobby pins doing their job! You just never know when a gust of wind will blow through! Also, wear your hair in a style that either resembles what you will fashion for you wedding day, or that reflects how you wear your hair normally. The same goes for bridals as does for engagements - you want the images to reflect you. For your makeup: slightly over-exaggerate all around. I'm not talkin' Mimi from the Drew Carrey Show style, now, just slightly more done than your day-to-day routine. Consider a few false lashes to make your eyes really pop, or a bold red lip.
{2} Do I need to bring anything other than my dress and shoes?
I think it is always important to bring your lipstick, some hairspray, and a few extra bobby pins, just in case they are needed for on-sight touchups. If you are wearing heals with your dress, consider bringing some sandals for walking between photo spots. Also, I believe that having a bouquet of flowers, whether you have it made or make one yourself using drugstore-purchased flowers, is a must. The bouquet will not necessarily be used in all of the photos, but it is necessary to complete the overall look and feel of the bridal portraits. Also, if you are wanting a certain stylized look for your bridal portraits (e.g. vintage, retro, Pride and Prejudice, etc.), bring props that fit that theme accordingly.
{3} Do you provide props?
When I first started my business I did bring a few props. However, due to the increased volume of clients I no longer take the time to carry props with me. BUT, I am more than happy to incorporate any props that you might want to include!
{4} Do I need to pick out the locations?
You certainly do not have to pick out any locations. I have my arsenal of locations that I have experience photographing at and know that the pictures turn out well at those spots. However, if there is a location that is particularly meaningful to you, such as your home or your church, let me know at least 2 weeks in advance so I have time to scout out the location for good natural lighting and photo-spots.
.wedding.
{1} How soon will our photos be done?
I take great pride and care in editing your images. Because of the high-volume of images taken at the wedding, as well as the hours for editing the photos, please allow 3-6 weeks for your photos to be ready.
{2} Can photos be purchased online?
Unfortunately, not yet. However, when we meet up prior to the wedding, I will have you download an App that will allow you 1-year access to view, download, and share (via Facebook) your images. By downloading the images onto your personal computer, you are able to upload them to any number of printing services, or I would be more than happy to have prints made for you when you provide me with the image numbers you would like to order.
{3} Will I get a wedding album?
Please see my pricing information in the "contact & pricing" tab above to see what wedding photography packages offer an album.
{4} Do you take formal family portraits at the wedding? How long do they take?
The answer to both questions: That is completely up to you. My photography philosophy, though, is to capture raw, authentic moments, so formal standing portraits are not something I spend much time on. But, if you would like to have a few done immediately following the ceremony, I would be more than happy to snap a few. I tend to spend around 20-30 minutes with formal portraits, if they are desired.
{5} How do you conduct yourself at weddings? What is your approach?
During the wedding ceremony and reception, I will be as unobtrusive as possible to capture the precious memories that are being created. I like to have fun, and I like my photos to reflect others having fun! I will always be cheerful and ready to capture every possible moment, whether it be the cake-cutting or Uncle Bob doing his belly-deep laugh! I will not provide direction unless I feel it absolutely necessary for the image (e.g. formal portraits).
