I’ve tried to think of some questions I’ve been asked often, and come up with some answers. As I think of more, I’ll add them.
Can I make prints on my own?
In addition to the coverage that you are paying for, you will receive a DVD of JPG images. These DVDs can be brought in to stores where you may order prints. I highly recommend getting the best quality prints by ordering through the SmugMug galleries that I set up – you can order prints (and other merchandise) from the comfort of your home, and they come rather quickly too! Plus, I love looking through the orders to see which pictures you loved enough to print. These galleries have a download option for your friends and family.
What if I want to modify a package so it fits my budget?
It all depends on what you are looking for, and sometimes the price can be modified to fit your needs. One of the things that keeps me going in this competitive photography industry is knowing that you will cherish the memories I capture for you, for years to come. I want to make that as available to everyone as possible, but I also want to be able to afford to live. So, never be afraid to ask if something can be changed to fit your budget.
Are there locations or times of day you recommend?
Of course! Talk with me about what you are looking for, and I'd be happy to suggest one of my favorite locations (including Summit Park, MacAuley Point Park, or architectural settings). I've also just discovered that beaches can be great fun if ventured to in the early morning or evening. On that note, any session will be best done either early in the morning or in the evening.
What should I prepare?
If you (and whoever you are having your session with) have anything special, such as a place that means a lot to you, or a hobby that you enjoy together… maybe you want to make fun save-the-date pictures at your engagement session, or bring some googly glasses for a comical moment, if you have an idea beyond that, that you think would be awesome to include, PLEASE consider bringing them. Sometimes I might bring props, but it’s so much more fun and intimate if the props are actually yours and reflect a piece of you. Also, if you’re interested in coordinating your outfits, one of my friends pointed me toward this wonderful resource.
Why do you do offer photography services?
I started earning money from my photography in high school, through iStockphoto. It was a really thrilling adventure to see that people liked my work enough to purchase it. I started to photograph my friends as models for stock, and just loved the diversity that people brought to the camera. At 19, I photographed some portraits for friends and my first wedding. I just really enjoyed my hobby showing such clear purpose. I’ve progressed, improved my gear and had more practice and more time to reflect. Why I keep at it, is because I love giving people photographic memories that they can cherish for years. And it doesn’t hurt to “work” doing something that most people would consider a hobby.
Are you professionally trained?
I have received no formal training, but trained myself from over 7 years of stock photography. It's an intensive field in which images need to be well composed, both visually and technically, and go through an inspection process where they are evaluated. From the rejections (and acceptances) I grew in my understanding of how to compose and take a good photo.
What kinds of edits do you do?
All of my photos are shot in high quality RAW format and basic lighting adjustments are made. Removal of minor acne is done, and if major acne is present and you wish you have it removed from all photos, an extra charge will apply. I try to keep the images as real looking as possible. If an image stands out to me, I will drastically edit it. If that is the case, I usually try to include a closer-to-the-original file, but sometimes an image just looks perfect with the major edit.
Can I make prints on my own?
In addition to the coverage that you are paying for, you will receive a DVD of JPG images. These DVDs can be brought in to stores where you may order prints. I highly recommend getting the best quality prints by ordering through the SmugMug galleries that I set up – you can order prints (and other merchandise) from the comfort of your home, and they come rather quickly too! Plus, I love looking through the orders to see which pictures you loved enough to print. These galleries have a download option for your friends and family.
What if I want to modify a package so it fits my budget?
It all depends on what you are looking for, and sometimes the price can be modified to fit your needs. One of the things that keeps me going in this competitive photography industry is knowing that you will cherish the memories I capture for you, for years to come. I want to make that as available to everyone as possible, but I also want to be able to afford to live. So, never be afraid to ask if something can be changed to fit your budget.
Are there locations or times of day you recommend?
Of course! Talk with me about what you are looking for, and I'd be happy to suggest one of my favorite locations (including Summit Park, MacAuley Point Park, or architectural settings). I've also just discovered that beaches can be great fun if ventured to in the early morning or evening. On that note, any session will be best done either early in the morning or in the evening.
What should I prepare?
If you (and whoever you are having your session with) have anything special, such as a place that means a lot to you, or a hobby that you enjoy together… maybe you want to make fun save-the-date pictures at your engagement session, or bring some googly glasses for a comical moment, if you have an idea beyond that, that you think would be awesome to include, PLEASE consider bringing them. Sometimes I might bring props, but it’s so much more fun and intimate if the props are actually yours and reflect a piece of you. Also, if you’re interested in coordinating your outfits, one of my friends pointed me toward this wonderful resource.
Why do you do offer photography services?
I started earning money from my photography in high school, through iStockphoto. It was a really thrilling adventure to see that people liked my work enough to purchase it. I started to photograph my friends as models for stock, and just loved the diversity that people brought to the camera. At 19, I photographed some portraits for friends and my first wedding. I just really enjoyed my hobby showing such clear purpose. I’ve progressed, improved my gear and had more practice and more time to reflect. Why I keep at it, is because I love giving people photographic memories that they can cherish for years. And it doesn’t hurt to “work” doing something that most people would consider a hobby.
Are you professionally trained?
I have received no formal training, but trained myself from over 7 years of stock photography. It's an intensive field in which images need to be well composed, both visually and technically, and go through an inspection process where they are evaluated. From the rejections (and acceptances) I grew in my understanding of how to compose and take a good photo.
What kinds of edits do you do?
All of my photos are shot in high quality RAW format and basic lighting adjustments are made. Removal of minor acne is done, and if major acne is present and you wish you have it removed from all photos, an extra charge will apply. I try to keep the images as real looking as possible. If an image stands out to me, I will drastically edit it. If that is the case, I usually try to include a closer-to-the-original file, but sometimes an image just looks perfect with the major edit.
