After graduating high school, I worked for a while in a portrait studio, where I had very little creative freedom. While there are some aspects of studio photography that I like, I just couldn't help but feel there had to be more. But this turned out to be a very important period of my life. I learned in that studio that there was nothing quite like the experiencing the emotions of someone you just photographed (or the parents of those you just photographed) when you are going through a proofing session. By far my favorite part of the job. Perhaps the only favorite part. I needed more.
I began studying photography in college (and continue to do so even 10 years later). I learned a lot about the art itself, and just how much is available in the digital age. But nothing prepared me for learning exactly the kind of photographer I wanted to be quite like freelance experience has. I shot my first wedding a few years ago. Many of you have watched me grow through my work and have always had such kind words, and I sure do appreciate that. Especially since this is a pretty cutthroat, competitive industry. I can handle, and even encourage, constructive criticism. However, I am my own biggest critic, And when I just can't make myself happy with what I'm producing, it means it's time for a change.
What does this mean for my clients? It means I will be focusing on the photography I most love to shoot. I want to show people what I see through my lens and make them feel like rock stars. Ok, maybe not rock stars, but definitely boost their self esteem a little, or give them a memory frozen in time of their kids being kids in the days where time passes so fast.
Lifestyle portraiture was initially my starting point and I kind of got caught up at all the forks in the road. My best and personal favorite photos are those that have captured someone being themselves. Caught up in an emotion. A child experiencing a first. A bride and her mom sharing a personal moment before the wedding. The bridal party just candidly having fun before the walk down the aisle. This is what I'm passionate about. Emotions. Details. Life.
Weddings
I am limiting myself to just a few weddings a year. My bride's mean the world to me and I feel I am often times too overwhelmed with other obligations to to really give brides the exclusive treatment I'd like to. My packages will also be redesigned to reflect the values I believe you will ultimately regret not having invested in. Far too many times I've had brides skip prep time or forgo the inclusion of an album to have me stay through the entire reception. As a currently engaged girl myself, I can understand why you may think that's a good idea. Fortunately for myself, I've been on the other side of the camera before becoming a bride and I understand the importance of these aspects now. I never want to see the look on a bride's face again when she says to me upon receiving her photos, "I really wish I'd had you with me and my girls when we were getting ready. The only pics I really have with just my girls together are the posed shots, which I love, but we made such great memories getting pampered together!".
The new packages will include shooting of prep time, details of bridal accessories, ceremony and reception venue, etc. as well as the ceremony itself, and formals (if wanted), all post-processing, and a customized acrylic cover album professionally bound and printed. Packages also include a 1-year web gallery with high-resoltution downloads, value priced professional print ordering option, and ability to share with friends and family and via various social media outlets such as Facebook and Pinterest. Reception time will be an additional cost at an hourly rate.
Portraits
As much as I love my families and newborns, I'll be taking a break from this type of photography. As I mentioned earlier in my post, I'm not much of a fan of obviously posed "studio-type" shoots. That is what most families are expecting when they book a shoot, but it's just not the kind of work I enjoy producing.
Children's photo shoots will be done in a space they are comfortable in, whether that's your back yard, a park, playground, etc. I want to capture them in their element where they are free to be themselves. As far as newborns/infants go, I will certainly consider a shoot, but it won't be part of my regular sessions menu published on my site. Some of my favorite photos this year have been newborns, I just don't feel I'm well equipped at this time to continue pursuing this on a regular basis. I may offer occasional family portrait specials around the holidays, so stay tuned to my facebook page if interested!
Portraits for teens through adults will still be offered and will be shot in a lifestyle format. I am happy to portray you doing something you love, or just enjoying life in general. We can take a stroll through the park, go to a place of some meaning to you, or as you work! Are you a painter? I'd love to capture YOU doing what YOU love! Or WITH the one you love. I will still do engagement sessions!
I LOVE shooting Boudoir! Women are so hard on themselves and go through some serious emotional turmoil and constant body changes. So I will still offer up occasional "Boudoir Days" where you can spend some time getting a mini-makeover and getting some gorgeous photos of yourself for yourself or for a special someone. Stay tuned for posts advertising this if interested. Payment up front will be required as securing a location is necessary.
I honestly feel this transition will help me be true to who I am personally and as an artist. I just really need some structure and sometimes that may mean passing up opportunities. In the beginning, I didn't turn down work because I felt that if I wanted to grow as an artist and get my name out there, I needed to do anything that came my way. But my work should be representative of what I'm happy producing as a photographer and representative of my style. I look forward to working with you in the future and am excited to have worked with many of you in the past!
