GENERAL
1. What is your style?
My style can best be defined as a take on classic, vintage, and a hint of modern! I have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and focused on 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.
2. Do you have a studio?
No and yes. The no is that I do not have a physical building dedicated to taking pictures. Been there done that and it wasn’t really my thing. 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 obsessed kind of lady. Why you might ask? Because think of all those pictures you’ve seen (or maybe even had done) that looked SO awesome in the 70′s, 80′s or 90′s… 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. When you look back and laugh at some of the images we capture, I want it to be from the fun we had taking the pics, not because of a horrid background or set up shot! ; )
3. So then, where will we do my pictures?
Anywhere you’d like. We can do them in your home, yard, a park, you name it! You tell me where, and we’ll plan it or if you are not sure, I can surely throw out lots of suggestions! Some venues may require a permit to shoot. Venues I suggest will not, so if you had somewhere in mind, please check with them prior to the shoot date so that you may secure the arrangement if need be. For newborns, most of the time they are done inside your home (unless weather permits us to be outside) and I bring a small collection of props. Please note that if there are items you’ve seen in photo’s I have taken, sometimes they are mine and sometime they belong to the client. When setting up your session just let me know if there is something inparticular you like so I can bring it along or let you know it wasn’t mine…LOL!
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?
It takes about 2-3 weeks for all your photos to be edited and ready to view online, however, I will blog a few teasers for you either the day of the session or the next day!
6. When should I book my appointment?
7. 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 buy a camera, take pictures, and call themselves a photographer….but not everyone understands lighting, composition, and the advanced workings of an SLR camera. 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. I am constantly surveying my surroundings, monitoring how the light is playing off certain areas, and in my head thinking of the settings I would use to best capture that scene…yea, I’m kinda a dork like that but I love it!!
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.
8. Does my session come with the corny jokes I’ve seen thus far?
Unfortunately, yes.
9. I see a lot of pictures of a little red-head. Who the heck in that?
That would be my mini-me: Gabby…or otherwise known as Gabba, Gabbers, Pooh, Gab, Ginger-kid, Midget, sometimes Victoria (<-she changed her name for awhile..LOL)or when she’s in trouble…Gabriella. 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 more pictures Mommmmmy. Other side effects include, forced fake smiles, hands covering their face, them directing the shoot, and/or 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 logos 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 toy, blankie, balloons, bubbles, or anything you like that is special to your child. Please note though, I do not recommend bringing any items you would prefer not to be in the photos…because as Murphy’s Law states, that will be the ONE thing they’ll not let go..HAHA! 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, in the spring/summer/fall months, 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. (Unless you want pics in the rain..I’m totally down for that too!!)
5. How long will my shoot be?
Generally speaking, shoots last from 1-2 hours. With little ones, the sessions can take a bit longer due to the unpredictability of kids! ; )
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 we book you and 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 (or hubs) 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, ect) I will give you either a full refund or a comparable replacement photographer.
3. Are you into 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 Sallys?? 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 everyones wedding day is different. So while we can keep some of the principal ideas 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. I HATE those jumping shots, please don’t make us do those!!
Haha, Had to add this, people either LOVE or HATE the jumping pics. I am either way about them. Here’s the thing, if you like those types of shots, then awesome, we’ll do it. If you dislike them, then awesome, we won’t do them. HAH! Never take what you see at from another brides wedding as things that you HAVE to do. Like I have mentioned before, every wedding is different and no ones wedding pictures are or should be the same. =)
7. 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.
8. 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 that way, your true self will show through the photos.
9. 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).
10. 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 fees. I’ve shot weddings all over the state of Michigan as well as California, Mexico, Chicago! 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. =)
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