GENERAL

1. What is your style?

This is a question that I’ve always struggled to answer.  What IS my style?  Finally I came up with an answer that I am pretty satisfied with, my style is versatile!  LOL.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and took a lot of photojournalism classes in college.  So the root of my style is photojournalistic.  However, that style does not apply to all situations.  So I take the situation at hand, and apply the “needed” style to it. So any session or wedding with me results in a fine variety of captured moments and “poses.”

2.  Do you have a studio?

No and yes.  The no is that I do not have a physical building dedicated to taking pictures.  The yes is that the world is my studio!  Ok, as corny as that sounds, it kinda is true.  I am an on-location, natural light lovin’, kinda gal.  Why?  Because think of all those pictures you’ve seen (or maybe even had done) that looked SO awesome in 1991 but now look SO dated!  This is what I want to avoid at all costs possible.  My goal is to create a timeless treasure for your family to enjoy now and in years to come.

3.  So then, where will we do my pictures?

Anywhere you’d like.  We can do them in your home, yard, a park, anywhere!  You tell me where, and we’ll plan it.  For newborns, most of the time they are done inside your home (unless weather permits us to be outside) and I bring small backdrops and props.  Please note:  Some venues may require a permit to shoot.  Please check with them prior to the shoot date so that you may secure the arrangement.

4.  Whatcha packin’?

I use all high end digital Canon equipment.  My never ending assortment of lenses are always changing and being added to, but rest assured, I use nothin’ but the best!  Since I do weddings, I have two of mostly everything…if not more!  If you’ve ever met me or done a shoot with me, then you’ve seen the two massive bags I haul around…LOL.  Yea, I have a lot of “toys.”   : )

5.  How long will it take to get my photos?

I usually say about 2 weeks…but usually get them done a few days after the session!!  I will blog a few teasers the day of or next day too!

6.  Everyone seems to be a photographer these days, what makes you so special?

I’ve been taking pictures pretty much all my life.  I was that super ansy person that as soon as they finished a roll of film, was running up to the store, getting one hour prints, then stalking the clock and arriving back at the store 59 minutes later.  LOL.  Yea, I LOVE pictures.  However, it wasn’t until college, that I learned to be a photographer.  I mean, sure ANYONE can take pictures, but not everyone can take portraits.  In school, I learned how to take the ordinary, and make it extraordinary through knowing my camera like the back of my hand.  Also, I learned the true principals of photography through film.  Unlike the instant gratification and results of digital, film forced me to “know what I was doing” rather than digital which allows more room for error since you can shoot, chimp (look at your lcd) and then re shoot if it didn’t work out.

Ok, so after all that, what I am getting to is that even though I’ve been taking pictures my whole life, I can truly say that I’ve only been a photographer for 8 years.  Also, I’d like to give props to my college photography professor, he truly is an awesome guy and I learned so much from him.

7.  Does my session come with the corny jokes I’ve seen thus far?

Unfortunately, yes.

8.  I see a lot of pictures of a little red-head…Who the heck in that?

That would be my mini-me:  Gabriella.  At just barely two years old, the child has a very significant love/hate relationship with my camera and this is due to the fact that she does suffer from a medical condition called PCS – Photographer’s Child Syndrome.  What is this you ask?  Well, it is a condition that does not allow the child to look at the camera, it causes them to turn their backs to any camera pointed at them, and when that does not work, causes them to run away screaming “nooooooo pit-shures Mommmmmy.”  Other side effects include, forced fake smiles, hands covering their face, and many tantrums!  Seriously though, thats my kid, I love her lots, and take way to many pictures of that fiery little red-head.

PORTRAITS/ENGAGEMENT

1.  What should I wear?

Simplicity is the key.  Try to avoid large logo’s or outfits that are really busy.  You want the focus to be on you and not your clothes.  Also, bring multiple outfits if you like!

2.  Should I bring anything?

Definitely!  Bring anything you like!  For babies and children, you can bring that favorite stuffed animal or a blankie.  Seniors, bring your sports trophies, medals, or anything that signifies an activity you may be involved in.  Also, your family pet(s) are welcome as well!!  The key is to bring a little personalization into the photo!

3.  What time of day is the best for portraits?

I like to schedule outdoor shoots in the evening, after 5pm or in the early morning before 11am.  Why is this?  Because the noon-time sun is terrible to shoot in.  Early morning and evening sun is the most flattering light.

4.  Oh no!  It’s overcast and we have a shoot scheduled!!

That’s ok!!  We don’t need the sun for great pictures!  As long as it isn’t raining, the shoot will go as scheduled.

5.  How long will my shoot be?

Generally speaking, shoots last from 1-2 hours.

WEDDINGS

First and Foremost, I was a bride once too and look, pictures to prove it!!  

1.  Are you available for my date?

I don’t know, shoot me an email!  (Sorry, I had to, LOL).

2.  What if you cannot be at our wedding?

So every bride’s fear, you book your photographer and they do not show up to your wedding day.  I can give you this promise that unless something happens to me or my daughter on your wedding day, I’ll be there!!  If in the event I cannot be there (and this would be a MAJOR event such as a car accident, major illness) I will give you either a full refund or a comparable replacement photographer.

3.  Photojournalistic or Posed Photography

I blend the two on your wedding day.  For the getting ready shots, pre-ceremony, ceremony, and reception, I shoot in a photojournalistic style.  For the Formals, that is for the most part posed but we try to add a bit of fun stuff in there too!

4.  Uncle so-and-so has a camera and likes to take pictures, are you OK with this?

I do not mind if guests want to take pictures at your wedding.  However, I do ask that they do not interfere with the professional pics.  Since lighting is a huge factor in making a picture appealing, if Uncle Tom is behind me shooting his flash every 15 seconds, that could intefere with my lighting.  Make sense??  LOL.  So guests are welcome to take whatever pictures they like, but I just please ask that you remind them to be considerate.

5.  Can you make my wedding pictures look exactly like my friend Sally’s??  Hers were beautiful and I want my to look exactly the same!!

While I promise to give my 110% to your wedding day, I cannot promise to duplicate another wedding.  Everyone is unique and everyone’s wedding day is different.  So while we can keep some of the principal idea’s the same that you liked, I cannot guarantee duplication.  Besides, who wants to copy!! We’ll make your wedding day as unique as you!!

6.  Why did it take you so long to do weddings?

This is a long answer that I will try to make short.  I was VERY hesitant to get into weddings because my own wedding photographer was a very terrible man and LOST memories of my wedding day that will never be replaced.  I was married back in 2004.  Long story short, he destroyed all the pictures of my family “on accident”.  I had no pictures of my mother and I, nor my brother and I.  He basically shrugged it off as “sucks to be you” and harassed me every step of the way.  Also, he did not allow ANY guests at my wedding to take any photographs therefore monopolizing what he had.  I was very hurt by this and it still bothers me to this day.  So in my head, I was always afraid of upsetting someone on the most important day of their life and that is why I never did weddings.

However, one day, I woke up and realized, I am not anything like what my photographer was.  I actually care about my clients and bend over backwards to ensure their happiness.  Nothing makes me happier than seeing the look of joy on a clients face when they see their pictures.  So my pledge to you is that I will give 110% to you and the most important day of your life.

7.  Wow, that was heavy.  So, why should we use you again?

LOL.  I wasn’t trying to rain on any parades, but I like to share this little tid-bit about my own personal wedding experience.  That said, I always encourage people to meet with other photographers.  You and your photographer need to “click.”  Haha, get it, click…ok, corny joke over. Moving on, my goal on your wedding day is not to be just another one of your vendors.  I want you to be so comfortable with me that I seem just like another guest, just with a nice camera in your face the whole time.  Ha!  Seriously though, I want you to be comfortable with me and not even know I am there.  That way, your true self will show through the photos.

8.  What if on my wedding day I decide to want you there earlier/later than previously agreed upon?

No problem.  When I book a wedding, I set that whole day aside for YOU!  You tell me what you need, and I will make every effort to provide that to you (within reason of course, no bridezilla requests!! LOL).

9.  I noticed you are located in Clarkston, how far will you travel?

I’ll pretty much go anywhere.  Locations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county are considered “normal” distances.  Venues outside these counties may have additional traveling fee’s.  Basically, let me know where you’ll be and I’ll let you know what I can do for ya!  For any weddings out of state/country, airfare and accommodations for moi are paid by the client. =)