I have lots of shoots to update, its just getting around to posting them all. Right now- during the Holidays my clients seem to get all of my attention. Lately, I’ve had to shoot and edit very quickly after. Like real quick! I hate getting behind and I know how important it is to get photos back promptly this time of year.
I think I am going to take a week off when things slow down, I’m going to need it so I can reflect on a great year! I am very appreciative of all of my recent referrals. I had a moment on Friday where I just sat back in amazement and realized I’ve reached a few business goals this year. I’ve been so blessed to be so busy over the past few months. When I changed my portrait prices a few months ago, I’ll be honest- I was a little hesitant and wondered if I made the right decision. It’s been wonderful… I’m shooting a lot more and I’m able to give back more! It’s seriously hard to pick your favorites to order when I give you 100+ photos back. Most studio photographs give you 40 or so? Who knows. There have been lots of sessions lately where I haven’t even gotten home yet, edited and posted their pictures before they’ve already decided they’re ordering the photo CD. What a compliment! :)
So lately I’ve been thinking about my “style” of photography. What defines me? What makes people want to book me vs. some other local photographers? I’m always getting emails from clients after they’ve viewed their photos and love reading their reactions. It’s usually what they say that has helped me to understand what defines me and what they liked about their session.
I would say taking photos is more of an experience – both for me and my clients. I get to spend an hour+ with them for portrait sessions or 7+ hours with them if I’m shooting a wedding. There are so many different types of people that make the world go round, but when they choose me- they all have one thing in common. The love my work and booked me for being ME. This is huge in the photography industry. You hear it over and over, they will love you for being YOU. Just be yourself. One reason why its hard for me to blog about certain things because I often think about how people perceive me. However, I know that being personable makes it easy for people to relate to me, feel comfortable around me and have me take their portraits.
Okay… back to my style: I would define it also as candid, emotional, relaxed, comfortable, and memorable. There’s no such thing as perfection and that’s not what I strive for. I’m spending time with you and making sure we get some really great photos because that’s what matters. My portrait sessions don’t end when your 60 minutes are up, it’s over when we know we’ve gotten some great shots- you just know! I don’t photoshop til everyone looks like a barbie doll, instead I do some editing and work with my lenses to enhance an artistic effect. The real beauty is within the people I’m photographing, not in some airbrush tool in photoshop.
My favorite is when my clients use their digital files to make a flip book of all the photos from the session, now that’s a memory. That’s documenting your life and making something that can be passed down generations. I think that’s pretty awesome. It’s great that they get to take my creativity in the photos and their creativity in designing the album to make something unique.
And since every post is better which a picture, he’s a look at what Christmas time looks like in my office. About 10 orders came in just Thursday & Friday that need to be mailed out! My out of state professional lab had my client orders filled within like 2 days, they are awesome! Now everyone can get their photos early!
