What to Expect
THANK YOU. I know there are MANY photographers to choose from. I’m extremely honored that you’ve selected me!
I’m so excited about our upcoming shoot and wanted to share some information on my style, how I work, and what to expect, so that you can get the best possible experience out of the day, and the images that follow.
My favorite images in the world are those that convey authenticity and emotion; a little peek inside the subject’s soul. I believe it’s my job, to capture authentic moments for you. Moments that represent who you are, because those are the images you, your family, and friends will cherish for a lifetime. Hopefully that's what made you select me as your photographer. :)
Numero uno on the importance list for shoot day, is that it should be FUN. I know not everyone is super comfortable in front of a camera and of course I'll be helping with that. Sometimes, the ways I’m directing you might seem straight-up ridiculous. I might have you do something super cheesy, or just ask you to pose in a way that feels weird. You just gotta trust that I have a vision, and I’m going to do my very best bring you amazing images. It’s ok, to let your guard down and get a little crazy.
Other times, I won’t ask you to pose at all. In fact, I LOVE it when I can catch people just doing their own thing! Maybe it’s when I've told you to "take a break" between sets, or while walking from one location to the next, or while doing an equipment check. Believe it or not, my favorite session images are typically the candid ones. So keep that in mind throughout our shoot. Just be yourself.
At the exact opposite of that spectrum, I also love images that are well thought-out and planned; down to wardrobe details, props, settings, lighting, expression, etc.. While I do love concept shoots, I typically manage them with a great deal flexibility.
A side note on Pinterest and other “inspiration” images. I love Pinterest. Seriously. Who doesn’t? I could literally bask all day the gloriousness that is Pinterest. I think it can be an awesome place for collaboration between me and my clients. But I gotta be honest; I don’t rely too heavily (and by that, I mean at all) on those images for my shoots and here’s why:
First, I am an artist. I love to come up with a creative vision for things and I appreciate and respect the creative visions of others. So I strongly prefer NOT to try "replicate" an image I (or you) found on Pinterest. Second, but equally important; I think if you get too caught up in a specific vision, it can take away from other opportunities during our time together. We could miss an amazing moment, because we were "locked in" on a single idea. Now, I often times camp on one of my (or your) visions during our shoot until we “nail it”. In fact, you can expect this to be a big part of our shoot. But if it’s not working, I’d rather move on to something else. I work great on-the-fly, using what’s available to us (location, lighting, props, etc.).
While super fun, shoots can be exhausting! This is totally normal. I think knowing this up-front is essential to your experience. Here are some things that will help:
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before
- Drink lots of water starting 24 hours before your shoot, and then taper off at least an hour before the shoot so you’re not “uncomfortable” ;) This will not only combat thirst during our shoot, but it also brightens the eyes and skin.
- Eat something before your shoot and bring snacks
- Most importantly, don’t be afraid to tell me if you need a break!
My job goes way beyond taking the pictures. I’m there for YOU! So if there’s anything at all that I can do to make you more comfortable during our shoot, please, PLEASE let me know! I'm usually pretty good about reading people, but honestly, I LOVE shooting images, and sometimes I get carried away, while you're withering away. Please don't let his happen. ;)
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you again for selecting me. I can’t wait! My cell is 253.209.4054 if you need to reach me.